You can make pudding or buy it. Making it is better and lots more fun. We’ve been spending more and more time with Puddin’: Luscious and Unforgettable Puddings, Parfaits, Pudding Cakes, Pies, and Pops.

The book, by the owner of a pudding store in New York City, has foolproof pudding recipes, from standards to modern twists. Get your copy here.

PICK A PUDDING

• Banana pudding
• Butterscotch pudding
• Chocolate pudding
• Coffee pudding
• Lemon pudding
• Pistachio pudding
• Tapioca pudding
• Rice pudding
• Vanilla pudding
• Modern puddings: Dulce de Leche, Key Lime, Malted Milk, Nutella, Peanut Butter and many others
• Seasonal favorites like Eggnog, Maple and Pumpkin Pie puddings

Cookie & Cake Toppings

• Brownie crumbs
• Cake cubes (from any type of cake)
• Graham cracker crumbs
• Vanilla wafer crumbs
• Other cookie crumbs

 
Sauce Toppings

• Caramel sauce
• Dulce de leche
• Fudge sauce
• Fruit sauce: berry, cherry, peach melba
• Marshmallow creme
• Whipped cream

Candies & Nuts

• Baking chips: chocolate, butterscotch, mint, peanut butter, vanilla
• Candied nuts (any type, including honey roasted nuts)
• Candied orange peel
• Chopped brittle or toffee
• Gummies
• Mini candies (malt balls, M&Ms, marshmallows)
• Mini pretzels, chopped chocolate covered pretzels
• Reese’s Pieces
• Sprinkles

 
Wild Card

• Candied bacon
• Coconut
• Dried berries: cherries, cranberries

FOR A PARTY PUDDING BAR

1. MAKE the pudding in large bowls. Consider adding dairy free (vegan) and sugar free options.

2. KEEP each bowl on a bed of crushed ice.

3. PLACE the toppings in smaller bowls, each with its own serving spoon. Refilling topping bowls as needed.