Custard vs. Pudding: What’s the Big Difference?

When it comes to dessert, nothing’s yummier than a cup of pudding or custard. Lucious and creamy, a good old-fashioned custard or tasty pudding can feel like the ultimate indulgence, but we often get tripped up on what the difference is between these two desserts. So we’re here to settle the confusion and tell you definitively what is custard and what is pudding.

What’s pudding?

First, when we talk about pudding, we’re not talking about the instant, packaged kind that is whisked with cold milk—although these convenient mixes yield desserts that are dreamy and delicious in their own ways (like this peanut butter-meets-chocolate favorite). Here, we’re sticking to true puddings—the comforting, old-fashioned-style dessert that Grandma cooked on the stovetop and was proud to include in her repertoire.

An authentic pudding is a sweetened milk- or cream-based mixture that is thickened with a gelatinized starch, usually cornstarch or flour, then cooked in a saucepan on the stove. This classic treat boasts great versatility as a dessert, as it can be incorporated into a trifle (these 10 are worth trying!), parfait or simply eaten on its own. The toughest choice? Deciding on vanilla or chocolate. Or branch out with a fun new flavor like pumpkin or mochaccino.

How is custard different?

Custard is pudding’s close cousin and is typically made of eggs, sugar and milk, and is either baked or stirred using gentle heat. While most custard and pudding recipes both typically call for eggs, the main difference is that pudding uses a starch for thickening, whereas custard’s thickening agent is the egg itself (or egg yolk, in most instances). Custard’s texture also tends to be firmer than pudding.

Like pudding, custard can be layered into trifles, topped with berries or enjoyed on its own. But its big claim to fame is restaurant-style desserts like pots de creme and creme brulee. It can also be baked into pies, bread puddings and more.

The takeaway

Unfortunately, neither pudding nor custard rank high in the make-ahead category. They are best eaten the same day they’re made, although their lifespan can be stretched a day or two (that is, if there’s any left).

But don’t let that stop you from enjoying these silky, spoonable sensations. Whether you’re hosting an elegant dinner party or simply seeking the perfect grand finale to a weeknight meal, pudding and custard always hit the sweet spot!

Next up: Here’s how to make the perfect burnt-sugar top on creme brulee. (Tap, tap, tap!)

Try Our Best Custard Desserts

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Rum Raisin Creme Brulee

Inspired by a favorite ice cream flavor, I created this make-ahead recipe to free up some time in the kitchen. You can also serve this as a custard if you choose to not caramelize the top. —Eleanor Froehlich, Rochester, Michigan

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Meringue Snowballs In Custard

My family has passed down this elegant dessert generation by generation. It started with my Russian great-grandmother, who traveled to America more than 100 years ago. I love continuing the tradition with her recipe. —Tonya Burkhard, Palm Coast, Florida

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Banana Pudding

I didn’t see my son, Lance Corporal Eric Harris, for more than two years after he enlisted in the Marines after high school. And when I first saw him at the airport last fall, I just grabbed hold of him and busted out crying. Back home, the first thing he ate was two bowls of my easy banana pudding recipe. He’s a true Southern boy! It’s a dessert, but you can have it for breakfast, lunch or dinner. —Stephanie Harris, Montpelier, Virginia

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Raspberry Custard Kuchen

Back where I grew up in Wisconsin, people have been baking this German treat for generations. We love it for breakfast or as a special dessert. It's no fuss to fix and impressive to serve. —Virginia Arndt, Sequim, Washington

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Taste of Home

Creamy Caramel Flan

A small slice of this impressively rich, creamy treat goes a long way. What a delightful finish for a special meal or holiday celebration. —Pat Forete, Miami, Florida

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Caramelized Baked Custards

Creme brulee is our favorite dessert and we love Irish cream liqueur, so I decided to put them together for a dinner finale we truly love. With a last name like Moynihan and a husband named Patrick, you can tell St. Patrick's Day is a very big holiday in our house! —Joyce Moynihan, Lakeville, Minnesota

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Old-Time Custard Ice Cream

I think my most memorable summertime dessert for get-togethers has always been homemade ice cream. This recipe is so rich and creamy and the perfect indulgence on a hot summer afternoon. —Martha Self, Montgomery, Texas

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Cranberry Bread Pudding

This down-home dessert takes on a touch of elegance when I serve it warm and drizzled with a thin orange custard sauce. It's so pretty that I often make it for dinner guests using either fresh or frozen cranberries. —Margery Richmond, Fort Collins, Colorado

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Hazelnut Pots de Creme

White chocolate and toasted ground hazelnuts make a heavenly combination in this rich, silky custard. Guests are sure to rave over the elegant individual treats served in ramekins. —Elise Lalor, Issaquah, Washington

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Rhubarb Custard Bars

Once I tried these rich, gooey bars, I just had to have the recipe so I could make them for my family and friends. The shortbread-like crust and rhubarb and custard layers inspire people to find rhubarb they can use to fix a batch for themselves. —Shari Roach, South Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Pumpkin Pie Custard

Instead of pumpkin pie, try this flavorful light holiday dessert. My husband’s aunt shared the recipe after she brought this treat to a family party. —Nancy Zimmerman, Cape May Court House, New Jersey

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Favorite Banana Cream Pie

Homemade banana cream pie is my mom’s specialty, and this dreamy dessert has a wonderful banana flavor. It looks so pretty, and it cuts easily, too. —Jodi Grable, Springfield, Missouri

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Burnt Custard

The recipe for this smooth-as-silk custard came from a local restaurant years ago. With its broiled topping it looks pretty in individual cups. —Heidi Main, Anchorage, Alaska

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Lemon Custard Cake

This custard cake recipe comes from my grandma and is nice to whip up when unexpected company stops in. It's a cool, creamy dessert that tastes like you fussed. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin

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Lemon-Ginger Creme Brulee

Everyone raves about the combination of lemon and ginger in this version of the classic custard treat. It never lasts long! —Scott Hunter, Sherman Oaks, California

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Spiced Pumpkin Custard Pie

If you get nervous about making pie crusts, this recipe is for you. All you have to do is pat the nutty, gingery crumb crust into the pie plate.—Charlene Chambers, Ormond Beach, Florida

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Chocolate Lover's Custards

Just one spoonful of this custard, and you’ll be hooked and request it for every special occasion. Smooth and rich in taste, it’s a dessert staple for anyone fond of chocolate.—Lorraine Caland, Thunder Bay, Ontario

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Berries with Vanilla Custard

What a simple, delectable way to enjoy fresh raspberries. For a change, also try the custard with strawberries or peaches. —Sarah C. Vasques, Milford, New Hampshire

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Lemon Chess Pie with Berry Sauce

This is one of those old-fashioned Southern desserts that makes everyone feel good. The easy-as-pie berry sauce gives it color and a tantalizing tang. —April Heaton, Branson, Missouri

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Squash Custard Pie

Acorn squash has been a favorite of mine since I was little and my mother baked it with sugar and cinnamon. This particular pie was something I improvised. We love pumpkin pie, but had fresh squash in excess. So I came up with this new variation! It's good to take to potlucks, to pie or cake walks at school, or to serve as a different dessert for Thanksgiving or Christmas. —Mary Kelly, Hopland, California

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Cinnamon-Spiced Pumpkin Flan

I love pumpkin and decided to add it to a traditional recipe for flan. It's an interesting change of pace from the usual holiday pie. —Alisha Rodrigues, Tetonia, Idaho

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Orange Natilla Custard Pie

After tasting natilla for the first time at a Cuban restaurant in Key West, I knew I had to turn that traditional custard into a pie. For a festive garnish, add curls of orange peel. —Amy Freeze, Avon Park, Florida

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Baked Custard with Cinnamon

Mother used to make this comforting baked custard when I was growing up on the farm. It was wonderful after a chilly evening of doing chores. Now I fix it for my husband and four sons. —Mary Kay Morris, Cokato, MN

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Cranberry Creme Brulee

Dress up classic creme brulee with an easy-to-make cranberry sauce. The sweet-tart sauce compliments the rich, creamy custard. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Banana Bread Pudding

When I visited my grandmother in summer, I always looked forward to the comforting pudding she'd make. With its crusty golden top, custard-like inside and smooth vanilla sauce, this bread pudding is a real homespun dessert. Now I make it for my grandchildren. —Mary Detweiler, Middlefield, Ohio

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Mom's Lemon Custard Pie

My mother often made this lemon pie back when we were growing up. You might say it's stood the test of time, because today it's still my 75-year-old brother's favorite! The beaten egg whites give it a delicate texture and make this custard pie quite unique! It's a great way to top off any meal. —Jeannie Fritson, Kearney, Nebraska

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