Peanut Butter Pudding for National Peanut Butter Day

It's National Peanut Butter Day, which is different than National Peanut Butter Lovers' Day and National Peanut Butter Cookie Day.   Don't worry - there's enough love for peanut butter to cover every one of these celebrations!

Today I'm offering a luscious, creamy pudding to show case the fabulous flavor of the star ingredient.  And who could go wrong by adding a bit of chocolate as a garnish?  Especially when the chocolate comes in the form of Reese's peanut butter cups!

Whether you enjoy this rich dessert, an Elvis peanut butter and banana sandwich, some Asian noodles in peanut sauce, or some other dish, just be sure not to miss the party today!

Here are some other recipes for your festivities:

Peanut Butter Milkshakes

Fluffernutter Cupcakes

Peanut Butter Pancakes

Peanut Butter No-Bake Treats

Elvis Muffins

Peanut Butter Pie


Peanut Butter Pudding

2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/4 cup brown sugar
pinch of kosher salt
1/2 cup water
3/4 cup half-and-half
1 egg
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
1/3 cup peanut butter
2 Reese's peanut butter cups, halved
whipped cream

In a 1-quart saucepan, combine cornstarch, brown sugar, salt and water; cook over high heat, stirring constantly, until it becomes translucent and gelatinous.  Lower heat to medium.  Slowly whisk in the half-and-half.  Stir in egg and vanilla and cook until thickened, stirring constantly.  Remove from heat and stir in peanut butter.

Divide the pudding among 4 small dessert cups, then cover with plastic wrap.  Let cool completely in the refrigerator.

To serve, top with whipped cream and garnish each with half of a peanut butter cup.

Serves 4.