1-First Steps: Mixing and Heating Begin with the basics: whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, salt, milk, and egg yolks in a medium saucepan. This initial mix sets the foundation for a thick, creamy pudding. Cook the mixture over medium-low heat, whisking occasionally every minute or two, until it starts bubbling throughout, which takes about 7-8 minutes.

2-First Steps: Once bubbling, continue cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes, whisking gently once or twice to keep the texture smooth. At this point, the pudding should thicken but remain pourable; remember, it will set more as it cools.

3-Finishing Touches and Cooling: Remove the saucepan from the heat and whisk in the butter and vanilla extract to add richness and flavor. If you want a super-smooth result, strain the pudding through a fine mesh strainer into a heatproof bowl it’s an optional step that makes a difference. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl or individual serving bowls and let it cool until it’s lukewarm.

4-Finishing Touches and Cooling: Finally, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for several hours or until cold before serving. This recipe yields about 4 generous 1/2 cup servings, with a total prep time of 25 minutes, cook time of 10 minutes, and overall time of 35 minutes. The preparation is straightforward, making it perfect for baking enthusiasts looking to impress without complications.