The magic of this four-ingredient dessert lies in its simplicity and versatility. With just milk, sugar, vanilla, and cornstarch, you can create a velvety, chilled treat that’s perfect for any occasion. The vanilla extract gives it a rich aroma and depth of flavor, while the cornstarch creates a luscious, silky texture that melts in your mouth. Whether enjoyed on its own or dressed up with toppings, this dessert is a go-to for a quick, satisfying indulgence.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of milk (or a milk alternative like almond or oat milk)
- 3 tablespoons of sugar (adjust to your taste preference)
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract (for a rich, fragrant vanilla flavor)
- 4 tablespoons of cornstarch (for thickening)
Instructions:
- Prepare the cornstarch mixture:
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with ¼ cup of cold milk (taken from the 2 cups of milk) to form a smooth paste. Stir until there are no lumps and the mixture is fully dissolved. This step ensures that your dessert will thicken evenly without any clumps of cornstarch. - Heat the milk:
In a medium-sized saucepan, pour the remaining milk and add the sugar. Stir the mixture to combine the sugar with the milk. Heat the milk over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan or forming a skin. You want the milk to heat up until it’s just about to boil but not actually boiling. - Thicken the mixture:
Once the milk is steaming and just below boiling, slowly add the cornstarch mixture to the saucepan while continuously whisking. This ensures the cornstarch is evenly incorporated into the milk without forming lumps. Keep whisking the mixture for about 3-5 minutes as it thickens. You’ll know it’s ready when the texture becomes smooth and creamy, similar to a pudding consistency. - Add the vanilla extract:
Once the mixture has thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract, mixing well to distribute the vanilla flavor evenly throughout the dessert. The fragrant vanilla will complement the creamy base beautifully. - Chill the dessert:
Pour the thickened mixture into individual serving bowls or one larger bowl. Cover the surface with plastic wrap, making sure the wrap touches the surface of the dessert to prevent a skin from forming. Let it cool at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours. The dessert will firm up further as it cools. - Serve and enjoy:
Once chilled, your dessert is ready to serve! You can enjoy it as is, or garnish it with fresh fruit, grated chocolate, or a dollop of whipped cream. It also pairs well with a side of shortbread cookies for an extra treat.
