Forget about boxed mixes and prepackaged pudding cups! This sugar-free vanilla pudding will satisfy your cravings for a cool, creamy treat, all with real ingredients and super simple prep. I based this recipe on my keto chocolate pudding recipe, with a few swaps. And, keto vanilla pudding tastes as sweet and creamy as the conventional kind, with just a few minutes of hands-on time.
Is Sugar-Free Pudding Keto?
Some boxed sugar-free puddings would technically be considered dirty keto before you prepare them, as they have about 5 grams carbs per serving. But they use artificial sweeteners and preservatives, so are not recommended for a clean keto way of eating. Plus, once you add the milk, the carbs will go up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This section explains how to choose the best ingredients for sugar-free vanilla pudding, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card below. Not only does it measure and taste just like conventional liquid sweeteners, this syrup dissolves effortlessly into the pudding mix (for a smooth texture) and contains 0g net carbs. It’s perfect for everything from drinks to keto desserts!
Heavy Cream – Creates the creamy texture in this dessert. Full-fat coconut milk should also work for a dairy-free alternative. Avoid using any keto milk substitutes with a lower fat content (such as almond milk), as they won’t get as creamy and won’t set properly without additional gelatin.Wholesome Yum Keto Vanilla Syrup – Adds sweet and natural vanilla flavor to this recipe with absolutely no sugar and zero net carbs. If you have Wholesome Yum Keto Simple Syrup on hand, you can use that instead and add vanilla extract to taste (after removing from heat). I haven’t tried this recipe with a homemade sugar-free simple syrup, which may be too thin. Unfortunately, I don’t recommend powdered or granulated keto sweeteners here, because the wet/dry ingredient ratio will be thrown off and would require additional testing, but you can make my sugar-free chocolate pudding that doesn’t use a liquid sweetener.Egg Yolks – A keto cornstarch substitute that helps thicken the pudding.Unflavored Gelatin Powder – Helps stabilize and thicken this keto vanilla pudding. Some pudding recipes thicken with xanthan gum, but gelatin is much more authentic and I haven’t tested any substitutions for this.Sea Salt – Balances the sweet flavor.
How To Make Keto Vanilla Pudding
This section shows how to make low carb vanilla pudding, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions, including amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card below.
Storage Instructions
Store: Keep pudding in an airtight container with plastic wrap on top (to prevent a skin forming) for up to 5-7 days.Freeze: Unlike many desserts made with heavy cream, low carb vanilla pudding freezes well for up to 1-2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and whip with a mixer to get back to the right consistency.
More Keto Vanilla Dessert Recipes
If you love vanilla, don’t stop at pudding! Try these sugar-free keto vanilla desserts next: Sprinkling helps the gelatin dissolve completely, which is important for a uniform pudding. Share your recipe picture by tagging @wholesomeyum and hashtag it #wholesomeyum on Instagram, or in our Facebook support group, too – I’d love to see it!
