Easy Homemade Pudding Mixes

One of my goals for the new year (I don't believe in resolutions, but I think we should all have something to work towards), is to get back on it and cook as much as possible from scratch again.

This being said, from scratch doesn't have to take any more time than cooking from a convenient boxed mix. That is after the initial set up.

What I do:

On a slow day, usually a Sunday, I will make the mixes that I am short on. Taco seasoning, pudding mixes, my own pancake mix, a "Bisquick" type mix, etc. I just keep them in plastic containers, or canning jars, depending on the amount the mix makes.

This frees up my time when I need to get a meal fast, but don't have a lot of time. It's as quick and easy as a boxed mix, but homemade and missing all of those preservatives and additives.

In my book, it's worth my time. It may not be worth it to you. And that's ok, but I really encourage you to try it and see how simple it can be!

For the next couple weeks I thought I would take some of my posts and share some of my favorite mixes with you.

Today, pudding mixes.

Vanilla Pudding Mix

3 cups nonfat dry milk

4 cups sugar

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

1 teaspoon salt

3 cups cornstarch

Mix everything together and store in an airtight container. To make, mix 1/2 cup mix to 2 cups milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly. Bring to a boil (stirring all the time) until the mixture is thick and take off the heat. Mix in 1/2 teaspoon vanilla (optional) and refrigerate until ready to eat.

Chocolate Pudding Mix

3 cups nonfat dry milk

5 cups sugar

3 cups cornstarch

1 teaspoon salt

2 1/2 cups unsweetened cocoa

Mix and store in an airtight container. To make, mix 2/3 cup mix with 2 cups milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it comes to a boil and mixture is thick. Refrigerate until ready to eat.

Coconut Cream Pudding Mix

3 cups nonfat dried milk

4 cups sugar

1 teaspoon salt

3 cups cornstarch

1 1/2 cups unsweetened shredded coconut

1 teaspoon coconut extract

Mix the coconut with the extract and let sit until all of the extract is absorbed. Let it air dry on the counter, spread out on a cookie sheet or wax paper until it is completely dry. Mix everything together and store in an airtight container. To make, mix 2/3 cup mix with 2 cups milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring until the mixture has boiled and is thick. Refrigerate until ready to eat.

Butterscotch Pudding Mix

2 cups nonfat dry milk

5 cups brown sugar, packed

1 teaspoon salt

3 cups cornstarch

Mix everything together and store in an airtight container. To make, mix 1/2 cup pudding mix with 2 cups milk. Cook over a medium heat until mixture has boiled and is thick. Refrigerate until ready to eat.

I got these out of a Miserly Mom cookbook that I was given when my oldest was just a baby and we have been eating and enjoying them every since.