Looking for a quick, delicious dessert that highlights the rich flavor of maple syrup? This 4-ingredient maple pudding is incredibly easy to make and perfect for entertaining. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or craving a simple after-dinner treat, this pudding comes together in just minutes with minimal effort. Plus, with maple season in full swing, there’s no better time to enjoy this naturally sweet, silky-smooth dessert.
Table of Contents
- Why I Love This Recipe
- Ingredients & What to Look For
- Substitutions & Variations
- How to Make Maple Pudding
- How to Store & Make Ahead
- Other Recipes Featuring Maple Syrup
- Final Thoughts
- Connect With Me
Why I Love This Recipe
As someone who loves creating simple yet impressive desserts, this maple pudding recipe is a go-to. It’s creamy, naturally sweetened, and captures the cozy flavors of pure maple syrup. The best part? It requires only four ingredients and can be made ahead of time, making it ideal for effortless entertaining. Serve it plain, or top it with whipped cream, toasted nuts, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for an elevated touch. This also pairs perfectly with my easy caramelized apples which is my favourite way of serving this dessert.
Ingredients & What to Look For
- Maple Syrup (½ cup) – Use 100% pure maple syrup for the best flavor. Avoid pancake syrups with artificial sweeteners or additives.
- Milk (2 cups) – Whole milk yields the creamiest results, but you can use almond, oat, or coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
- Cornstarch (3 tbsp) – Helps thicken the pudding without eggs. Be sure to whisk it well to avoid lumps.
- Pinch of Salt – Enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness of the maple syrup.
Substitutions & Variations
- Dairy-Free – Use oat, almond, or coconut milk for a dairy-free pudding.
- Extra Creamy – Replace ½ cup of milk with heavy cream for a richer texture.
- Cinnamon-Maple Twist – Add ½ tsp ground cinnamon for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Vanilla Maple Pudding – Stir in ½ tsp vanilla extract once the pudding is off the heat.
How to Make Maple Pudding
- Make a slurry: In a small bowl, whisk 3 tbsp cornstarch with a splash of milk until smooth. This prevents lumps in your pudding.
- Heat the mixture: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the remaining milk, maple syrup, and salt. Slowly whisk in the cornstarch mixture.
- Cook until thickened: Stir continuously for 3-5 minutes, until the mixture thickens to a smooth, pudding-like consistency.
- Chill & set: Pour the pudding into serving dishes, cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Expert Tips for Perfect Maple Pudding
Use high-quality maple syrup – The flavor of this dessert depends entirely on the syrup, so choose a good-quality, grade A or B pure maple syrup.
Whisk constantly – Stirring continuously prevents lumps and ensures a silky texture.
Cover with plastic wrap – Placing plastic wrap directly on the pudding while chilling prevents a skin from forming.
Make ahead for easy entertaining – This pudding can be made up to 2 days in advance, making it a perfect stress-free dessert for dinner parties.
How to Store & Make Ahead
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: While the texture may change slightly, you can freeze maple pudding for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and stir well before serving.
Other Recipes Featuring Maple Syrup
- Creamy Maple and Mustard Pork Chops
- Maple and Orange Buttercream Icing
- Easy Maple Vinaigrette
- Maple and Rosemary Whiskey Cocktail
- Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie
- Pecan and Maple Granola
FAQ’s
Final Thoughts
This 4-ingredient maple pudding is proof that simple ingredients can create a truly indulgent dessert. Whether you enjoy it plain, topped with whipped cream, or served alongside shortbread cookies, this creamy, maple-infused treat is guaranteed to impress.
Have you tried this recipe? Let me know in the comments below how it turned out!
Connect With Me
Want to connect? Follow me on Instagram for more delicious recipes and food tips. And, join me over on Facebook where I share recipes daily!
4-Ingredient Maple Pudding
This 4-ingredient maple pudding is rich, creamy, and easy to make. A perfect make-ahead dessert for entertaining or a simple treat to satisfy your sweet tooth!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 2 cups milk or dairy free alternative
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk 3 tbsp cornstarch with a splash of milk until smooth. This prevents lumps in your pudding.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the remaining milk, maple syrup, and salt. Slowly whisk in the cornstarch mixture.
- Stir continuously for 3-5 minutes, until the mixture thickens to a smooth, pudding-like consistency.
- Pour the pudding into serving dishes, cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 189Total Fat: 2gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 96mgCarbohydrates: 38gFiber: 0gSugar: 31gProtein: 4g
Christopher is a food and lifestyle expert, recipe developer and the content creator behind May Eighty Five. With over 6 years of creating recipes for your favourite food brands, he also shares tips, tricks and how to’s that he has learnt over the years. Every week, he shares quick, simple and mostly healthy recipes along with some home and entertaining tips. You will find flavorful cocktails, delicious appetizers, tasty mains and some indulgent desserts.