How to Make Jell-O Pudding Mix (Plus, Non-Dairy Substitution Ideas)

Almost everybody loves pudding. If you don’t know how to prepare it, it’s easy to learn—especially if you’re making Jell-O instant pudding from a box. This article walks you through the steps to prepare Jell-O pudding according to the box instructions, as well as substituting with soy or almond milk. Plus, learn how to make Jell-O-style pudding from scratch.

Ingredients

1 package Jell-O pudding mix (Instant or Cook & Serve)
2 cups (500 ml) cold milk (3 cups, or 750 ml, for Cook & Serve)
Sliced fruit toppings (optional)
Whipped cream (optional)

Section 1 of 4:

How to Make Jell-O Instant Pudding

Download Article

1
Buy Jell-O instant pudding mix and pour it into a bowl. Some good Jell-O instant pudding flavors are vanilla, chocolate, pistachio, and banana cream. There are sugar-free options as well.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- Instant pudding mix is different from cook-and-serve pudding mix. It doesn’t need to be heated, and it takes less time to prepare.^{[2]
  X
  Research source} This is because it contains modified cornstarch.^{[3]
  X
  Research source}
2
Add 2 cups (500 ml) of cold milk to the bowl and whisk for 2 minutes. Measure out 2 cups (500 ml) of milk (any kind of dairy milk works). Pour them into the bowl with the Jell-O pudding mix. Immediately stir with a whisk for two minutes—set a timer to help you keep track of time.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- You can also make this pudding with non-dairy milk.
Advertisement
3
Let it sit for 5 minutes on the counter or in the fridge. The pudding may seem thin, but it thickens as it cools. Set a timer for 5 minutes and leave the pudding to set on your counter. Or, put it in the fridge to chill it, especially if you won’t be serving it right away.
- If you want the pudding to be chilled before you serve it, refrigerate it for at least an hour.^{[5]
  X
  Research source}
Once the 5 minutes are up, take a spoon and stick it into the pudding. See if it stands up, a sign that it has finished setting. If it hasn't set, leave the pudding to set a while longer.
Once your pudding is set, mix in any additional ingredients you’d like. Popular options include banana slices, strawberries, and chocolate chips.^{[6]
X
Research source}
One box of pudding usually contains 3-4 servings. Spoon the pudding straight from the bowl into your serving dishes.^{[7]
X
Research source} Top with whipped cream, sprinkles, fresh fruit, or coconut shavings if you’d like. Enjoy your treat!

Section 2 of 4:

How to Make Jell-O Cook & Serve Pudding

Download Article

1
Pour 3 cups (750 ml) of milk and 1 pack of Jell-O mix into a medium saucepan. Measure and pour 3 cups (750 ml) of cold dairy milk into the saucepan, then stir in the Jell-O powder. Make sure you’re using Cook & Serve Jell-O pudding mix—instant pudding mix doesn’t need to be heated.^{[8]
X
Research source}
- Check your package to learn the exact amount of milk you need to add for the amount of pudding mix you purchased. Usually, it’s 3 cups (750 ml) for a 5-oz box of pudding mix.
- If you’re using multiple Jell-O pudding mix pouches, multiply the amount of milk you need by the amount of packages you’re using. For example, if you use two 5-oz boxes, use 6 cups of milk.
Use a metal whisk to stir as you bring the pudding to a boil. A plastic whisk or spoon could melt. Wait until it reaches a full boil.^{[9]
X
Research source}
Spoon the warm pudding into separate dishes to cool or let it set in the saucepan.^{[10]
X
Research source} Leave the cooked Jell-O mixture in the fridge for at least an hour to allow it time to thicken and cool. Let it sit overnight to enjoy it chilled the next day.^{[11]
X
Research source}

Section 3 of 4:

Substituting with Non-Dairy Milk

Download Article

This applies when preparing Jell-O instant pudding mix, not Jell-O cook-and-serve pudding mix. The typical Jell-O instant pudding requires 2 cups (500 ml) of dairy milk, so substitute with just 1 cup (250 ml) of almond milk. Follow the rest of the directions as normal.^{[12]
X
Research source}
2
Use 2 cups (500 ml) of unsweetened almond milk for Cook & Serve pudding. If you’re preparing Jell-O pudding that requires heating, use less almond milk than you would dairy milk. Swap the 3 cups (750 ml) of dairy milk for 2 cups (500 ml) of chilled, unsweetened almond milk. Use the refrigerated almond milk, not the shelf-stable kind, since the additives in the latter interfere with the pudding’s texture. Prepare as usual.^{[13]
X
Research source}
- There’s sugar in the pudding mix, so sweetened almond milk isn’t needed.
- Another alternative to almond milk is using 1 ½ cups (375 ml) of vanilla rice milk to prepare Jell-O Cook & Serve pudding.
Note that this results in a thinner pudding consistency than other non-dairy options. Prepare according to the box’s instructions, just as you would if you were using dairy milk. If you’re making a 5.1oz package of pudding, use 1 3/4 cups (437.5 ml) of oat milk.^{[14]
X
Research source}
4
Avoid using water or soy milk to make Jell-O pudding. While you can try to make Jell-O pudding with soy milk or substitute water for milk, it may not set properly. The pudding won’t be as creamy as if it were prepared with milk. If you’re going to try, however, use half the amount of liquid the box calls for to achieve a somewhat thicker consistency.^{[15]
X
Research source}
- Boxes of Jell-O pudding warn that they can’t be made with soy milk.^{[16]
  X
  Research source}

Section 4 of 4:

Making JELL-O Style Vanilla Pudding from Scratch

Download Article

Add 1/2 cup (100 g) of white sugar, 3 tbsp (45 g) of cornstarch, and 1/4 tsp (5 g) of salt into the bowl. Stir with a spoon to mix these dry ingredients. Set them aside for now.^{[17]
X
Research source}
Pour 2 cups (500 ml) of chilled dairy milk into a medium-sized saucepan. Turn the heat on to medium and heat until bubbles begin to form at the edges.^{[18]
X
Research source} Watch carefully—milk heats fast and can easily boil over.
Take your bowl with the sugar-cornstarch-salt mixture and add it to the heated milk. Sprinkle a little in at a time and stir as you add it in. Continue to stir until the mixture is thick.^{[19]
X
Research source}
Once the mixture is thickened, turn off the heat and remove the pan. Remember to wear an oven mitt or use a pot holder when touching the handle so you don’t burn yourself.
Slice and drop in 1 tablespoon (15 g) of butter. Drop in 1 tsp (5 ml) of vanilla extract. This adds the vanilla flavoring to your homemade pudding. Stir them into the milk until they’ve melted and incorporated.^{[20]
X
Research source}
Put the pudding in the fridge to chill for at least one hour. Before spooning into dishes, consider adding mix-ins like sliced fruit, chocolate chips, coconut flakes, or nuts. This recipe makes five servings, so portion into five glasses or bowls.^{[21]
X
Research source} Enjoy!

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

Can I use almond milk?

Teenagepunch

Community Answer

Yes, you can use almond milk as a substitute.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 9 Helpful 27
Question

Can I make two boxes at once?

Community Answer

Assuming they are the same type and flavor, yes. But you would need to double the measurements to compensate.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 9 Helpful 17
Question

Can I replace the milk with orange juice if I am lactose intolerant?

Community Answer

You could, but it would be gross and would not have the consistency of pudding.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 9 Helpful 34