There’s something luxurious and comforting about a creamy, indulgent dessert that can be prepared effortlessly. If you’re a fan of both cheesecake and pudding, you’re in for a treat with this delightful recipe for Cheesecake Pudding. This dessert combines the rich, velvety texture of cheesecake with the smoothness of pudding, resulting in a truly decadent and satisfying sweet treat. Perfect for special occasions or simply as a delightful ending to a cozy meal, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.
**Cheesecake Pudding**
**Ingredients:**
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 2 cups whole milk
– 1/4 cup cornstarch
– 1/4 cup water
– 1/4 tsp salt
– Graham crackers, crushed (for garnish)
– Fresh berries (optional, for garnish)
**Instructions:**
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract. Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer, beat the mixture until smooth and well combined. Set aside.
2. In a saucepan, heat the whole milk over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Be careful not to let it boil.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth, creating a slurry.
4. Slowly whisk the cornstarch slurry into the heated milk, stirring constantly until the mixture begins to thicken, about 3-5 minutes.
5. Once the milk mixture has thickened, remove it from heat and gradually pour it into the cream cheese mixture, whisking constantly to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
6. Add the salt to the mixture and continue whisking until smooth and creamy.
7. Divide the pudding mixture into individual serving cups or ramekins. Cover with plastic wrap, making sure the wrap touches the surface of the pudding to prevent a skin from forming.
8. Chill the pudding cups in the refrigerator for at least 3-4 hours, or overnight, to allow the pudding to set and firm up.
9. Before serving, garnish each pudding cup with crushed graham crackers and fresh berries, if desired, to add a delightful texture and a pop of color.
Enjoy the creamy, decadent goodness of this Cheesecake Pudding with your loved ones or savor it as a solo indulgence. Its luscious texture and delicate balance of flavors make it a versatile dessert that can be served for various occasions. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself to a sweet moment of relaxation, this dessert is the perfect way to add a touch of luxury to your day.
