Instant pudding mix

Pre-sweetened cornstarch-thickened mix that sets with cold milk in 5 minutes. Used as a cake moistener (stir dry into batter), pie filling (beat with milk), and no-bake dessert base. Instant ≠ cook-and-serve — they don't behave the same.

Instant pudding mix

Used for

  • no-bake pies
  • parfaits
  • cake batter moistener
  • dirt cups

In the kitchen

  • whisk with cold milk
  • fold into whipped cream
  • stir dry into cake mix

Picking it at the store

  • Jell-O brand is the standard; sugar-free version works the same way
  • Mixing with milk it needs 2 minutes of brisk whisking, not stirring, to set properly

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