Description

Winter Spice Vanilla Pudding is a luscious, creamy dessert infused with aromatic winter spices like cinnamon, cloves, anise, and allspice. This comforting pudding is enhanced with orange peel and a hint of brandy, topped with a smooth brandied whipped cream, making it perfect for cozy cold-weather indulgence.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Spiced Pudding:

1 cup heavy whipping cream
Peel of 1 orange
6 whole cloves
1 whole cinnamon stick
2 anise pods
4 allspice berries
1/2 cup granulated sugar
3 Tbsp cornstarch
1/8 tsp salt
3 egg yolks
1 cup whole milk
2 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened
2 tsp vanilla bean paste (or extract)
2 tsp brandy, or bourbon

For the Brandied Whipped Cream:

2/3 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tsp powdered sugar
Pinch salt
1 tsp brandy

Instructions

Infuse the Cream: In a small saucepan, combine the heavy whipping cream, orange peel, cloves, cinnamon stick, anise pods, and allspice berries. Bring to a simmer and immediately remove from the heat. Let the mixture cool to room temperature for about 20-30 minutes to extract the flavors.
Prepare the Pudding Mixture: In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Add the egg yolks and whisk until smooth. Gradually add the whole milk, whisking continuously to combine thoroughly.
Combine Infused Cream and Milk Mixture: Once the infused cream has cooled, strain it directly into the saucepan with the milk and egg yolk mixture, whisking everything together to incorporate the spiced cream evenly.
Cook the Pudding: Place the mixture over medium-low heat and cook while stirring constantly. Use a whisk and silicone spatula to scrape the pan’s bottom to prevent lumps or burning. When the pudding begins to bubble and thicken, immediately remove it from the heat.
Strain and Flavor the Pudding: Strain the pudding through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl to catch any lumps. Whisk in the softened butter, vanilla bean paste, and brandy until smooth. Pour the pudding into serving dishes. It can be served warm, at room temperature, or chilled as preferred.
Make the Brandied Whipped Cream: Using electric beaters or a whisk, whip the heavy cream, pinch of salt, and powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Gently fold in the brandy to taste for a boozy finish.
Serve: Add a generous dollop of the brandied whipped cream atop the cooled pudding before serving to complement the spiced vanilla flavor beautifully.

Notes

Infusing the cream with spices and orange peel adds a deep, warming flavor that defines this pudding.
Constant stirring while cooking is crucial to avoid lumps and burning in the pudding.
Straining the pudding after cooking ensures an ultra-smooth texture.
The brandy in both the pudding and whipped cream adds complexity and slight warmth—substitute with bourbon if preferred.
This pudding can be served warm, at room temperature, or chilled depending on your preference.
Whip the cream just until soft peaks form to maintain a light and fluffy texture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: winter spice pudding, vanilla pudding, spiced dessert, brandied whipped cream, holiday dessert, winter dessert