Indian Pudding Recipe: A Simple And Creamy Dessert

There’s something magical about the warmth of a bowl of pudding, especially when it’s infused with the rich, comforting flavors of Indian pudding recipe. Growing up, I remember my grandmother making this dish on cold winter nights, filling the house with the tantalizing scent of molasses, cinnamon, and allspice. It became our family’s favorite dessert, served warm with a dollop of fresh whipped cream.

Indian pudding is a dish that has deep roots in American colonial history but with flavors that stem from a blend of Indigenous and European influences. It’s not your typical pudding, this recipe is made with cornmeal, which gives it a unique texture, and it’s sweetened with molasses, giving it a deep, rich flavor. Perfect for cozy nights, festive gatherings, or even as a unique holiday treat, this dessert is sure to become a classic in your own kitchen.

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s not only easy to make but also full of history and tradition, then this Indian pudding recipe is for you. With just a few ingredients, you can create a comforting, hearty dish that captures the essence of an old-fashioned American dessert.

Why this Indian pudding recipe Works

The beauty of this Indian pudding recipe lies in its simplicity and how it balances both texture and flavor. The combination of cornmeal and milk creates a creamy, custard-like base, while the molasses provides a rich sweetness that’s unlike anything else. Cinnamon and other warm spices give it a fragrant depth that is perfect for those chilly evenings or holiday gatherings. What makes this pudding truly unique is that it’s a dessert that evolves over time—the longer it sits, the more the flavors develop.

The Indian pudding recipe is also incredibly customizable. If you’re looking to make it dairy-free, simply substitute the milk with a plant-based alternative like almond or oat milk. You can also adjust the sweetness based on your preferences, add more molasses for a deeper flavor or a touch of maple syrup for a lighter sweetness. This recipe allows room for creativity while staying true to its traditional roots.

Whether you serve it as a comforting weeknight dessert or a showstopper at a family dinner, this Indian pudding is sure to become a beloved treat. It’s not overly sweet, which makes it perfect for those who love desserts with a rich, complex flavor.

Recipe Card

Pro Tips for Success

• Control Sweetness: Adjust molasses and brown sugar to taste.
• Add Texture: Try adding chopped nuts or coconut flakes for a twist.
• Use Dark Molasses: Molasses is the star of this dish. For the most authentic flavor, always use dark molasses, which has a robust and slightly bitter sweetness that is characteristic of Indian pudding. Light molasses lacks the depth you need to balance the rich spices in the recipe. If you can’t find molasses, you can use dark brown sugar as a substitute, but the flavor will be slightly different.
• Let It Rest: After baking, it’s essential to let the Indian pudding rest for about 10 to 15 minutes. This allows the pudding to firm up and set, so it’s easier to serve and gets the right texture.
• Serve Fresh: You can enjoy Indian pudding best when it is warm, straight from the oven.

Variants of the Indian Pudding Recipe

1. Vegan Indian Pudding

If you’re following a plant-based diet, you can still enjoy Indian pudding by making a few simple swaps. Instead of whole milk and eggs, use coconut milk or almond milk as your base. These dairy-free alternatives will still provide a creamy texture, with coconut milk adding a hint of sweetness that complements the spices well. Use a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseeds mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) or a store-bought egg replacement to bind the pudding together.

2. Chocolate Indian Pudding

For a chocolatey twist, you can easily incorporate cocoa powder into your Indian pudding recipe. Add about 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the milk and sugar mixture. This addition will give the pudding a rich, chocolatey depth that pairs beautifully with the warm spices. You can also drizzle some melted chocolate over the top once it’s baked for an extra indulgent touch.

3. Cinnamon-Raisin Indian Pudding

If you love the combination of cinnamon and raisins, this variation will hit the spot. Add 1/2 cup of raisins to the pudding mixture before baking. They’ll plump up and absorb the spices, creating little pockets of sweetness throughout the pudding. For an even richer flavor, toast the raisins in a pan with a little butter before adding them to the mix.

4. Maple Syrup Indian Pudding

For a slightly sweeter take on Indian pudding, substitute some or all of the molasses with maple syrup. Maple syrup will give your pudding a smooth, natural sweetness while still complementing the spice blend. Try replacing half of the molasses with maple syrup to create a balanced version that’s not overly rich but still full of flavor.

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Final Thoughts

Indian pudding is a comforting and flavorful dessert that’s perfect for cozy gatherings or just a special treat to enjoy any time. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the many delicious variants, this dish is sure to impress with its warm, spicy flavors and satisfying texture. It’s the kind of dessert that brings people together and keeps them coming back for seconds.

If you want to try other puddings, I suggest a delicious list of puddings below:

• Rice Pudding Recipe
• Peanut Butter Chia Pudding
• Baked Rice Pudding Recipe
• Banana Pudding Recipe