Red velvet is a popular and beloved cake flavor that has made its way into everything from cupcakes to cheesecakes over the years. More recently, red velvet pudding has become a trendy new dessert. But is there actually a pre-made red velvet pudding mix you can buy to whip up this treat at home? Let’s take a closer look.
What is Red Velvet Dessert?
Red velvet cake originated in the early 1900s. It gets its signature red-brown color from cocoa powder and red food coloring, and its texture from buttermilk. The cake is flavored with vanilla extract and tends to be lighter and fluffier than chocolate cake.
While chocolate is the dominant flavor in most red velvet desserts, the cocoa taste is more subtle. The cream cheese frosting pairs perfectly with the cake. The tangy, sweet frosting helps balance out the mild cocoa flavors.
Over the years, red velvet cakes and cupcakes have become increasingly popular. The flavor profile lends itself well to desserts of all kinds. There are red velvet cookies, doughnuts, waffles, pancakes, ice cream, cheesecakes, and more.
Red velvet pudding is a newer addition to the red velvet family. It combines the iconic red velvet flavor with the creamy, comforting texture of pudding.
How to Make Red Velvet Pudding
Authentic red velvet pudding requires making it completely from scratch. There are a few key ingredients that give red velvet pudding its signature look, taste, and texture:
Cocoa Powder
Unsweetened cocoa powder provides both color and chocolate flavoring. Approximately 1/4 cup per batch helps achieve the distinctive red-brown hue.
Red Food Coloring
It takes a decent amount of red food dye to turn the pudding red. You’ll need around 1-2 tablespoons per batch. Gel food coloring works best.
Cake Flour
Using cake flour instead of all-purpose flour helps make the pudding light and fluffy. About 1/4 cup per batch is needed.
Buttermilk
The buttermilk reacts with the baking soda to give the pudding a smooth, creamy texture. Around 1 cup per batch is ideal.
Vanilla Extract
1-2 teaspoons of vanilla extract per batch enhances the flavor.
You’ll also need basics like milk, white sugar, eggs, butter, and cornstarch to thicken the pudding.
The full homemade red velvet pudding recipe looks something like this:
| 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder |
| 2 tablespoons red food coloring |
| 1/4 cup cake flour |
| 1 cup buttermilk |
| 1 teaspoon vanilla extract |
| 2 cups milk |
| 1/2 cup white sugar |
| 3 egg yolks |
| 3 tablespoons butter |
| 3 tablespoons cornstarch |
You’ll also need to add a pinch of salt and baking soda.
The process involves cooking the mixture over medium heat until it thickens to the consistency of pudding. Then you chill it for at least 2 hours before serving.
Is There Pre-Made Red Velvet Pudding Mix?
Making red velvet pudding completely from scratch can be time consuming. Some manufacturers have created instant pudding and pie filling mixes to simplify the process.
Here are some pre-made red velvet pudding mixes you can buy:
Jell-O Cheesecake Pudding & Pie Filling
Jell-O makes a red velvet flavor cheesecake pudding. It’s part of their gourmet line of instant pudding mixes. The mix comes in a 3.4 ounce package.
To make it, you whisk the powder with 2 cups of cold milk. Then refrigerate it for 5 minutes to thicken. Top with whipped cream when serving for an extra-decadent treat.
Jell-O Chocolate Fudge Red Velvet Pudding
This ready-to-make pudding from Jell-O offers a twist on classic red velvet. It has richer notes of chocolate fudge.
The prep is the same as the cheesecake version. Whisk the powder with milk, chill for 5 minutes, then top with whipped topping before eating.
Pillsbury Moist Supreme Red Velvet Premium Pudding
Pillsbury’s red velvet pudding contains small pieces of red velvet cake in creamy, mousse-like pudding.
It’s a 4-serving package. You prepare it by whisking the mix with 2 cups of cold milk until blended. Let it chill for 5 minutes before serving.
Snack Pack Red Velvet Pudding
Snack Pack makes an indulgent red velvet pudding you can find on store shelves. It comes in a convenient 4-pack of 3.25 ounce cups.
The ingredients include nonfat milk, sugar, modified food starch, and less than 2% of cocoa processed with alkali and red #40.
You can eat these pudding cups straight from the fridge or let them come closer to room temperature first. They make an easy pre-portioned dessert, snack, or treat for kids’ lunchboxes.
Kozy Shack Red Velvet Pudding
Kozy Shack is a brand known for its ready-to-eat pudding cups and mousse. They offer a red velvet variety made with nonfat milk and cream.
These come in a pack of 4 4-ounce red velvet pudding cups. You can find them in the refrigerator section with other Kozy Shack products. They make a quick and convenient dessert or snack.
How to Turn Box Pudding Mix into Red Velvet
While there are pre-made red velvet pudding mixes, they can still be hard to find. If you can’t locate one, you can DIY it by transforming a regular box of instant pudding mix.
To make a doctored box pudding taste like red velvet:
Use Chocolate or Vanilla Pudding
Start with a box of instant chocolate or vanilla pudding mix. Chocolate will result in a more authentic red velvet flavor. But vanilla works too.
Add Cocoa Powder and Red Food Coloring
Mix in a tablespoon or two of unsweetened cocoa powder when you add the cold milk and powder. This boosts the chocolate taste.
Then stir in about 1/2 teaspoon of red food coloring. Increase the amount if you want a deeper red tone.
Fold in Crushed Red Velvet Cake or Cookies
For texture and more red velvet flavor, gently fold in some crushed red velvet cake or cookie crumbs. Use about 1/2 cup or so per batch.
Top with Cream Cheese Frosting
No red velvet dessert is complete without the cream cheese frosting. After chilling the doctored pudding, serve it topped with ready-made cream cheese frosting.
With these simple tweaks, you can transform a basic box of instant pudding into something that tastes like red velvet.
How to Use Red Velvet Pudding Mix
Ready-to-make red velvet pudding opens up all kinds of easy dessert ideas. Here are some of the best ways to serve and use red velvet pudding mix:
Classic Red Velvet Pudding
Simply prepare the pudding mix according to package directions. Chill in the fridge until set, then serve. You can top it with light whipped cream or whipped topping for added flavor and texture.
Red Velvet Pudding Pie
For an impressive dessert, make a red velvet pudding pie. Prepare the pudding first, then pour it into a graham cracker pie crust. Refrigerate until firm, 3-4 hours. Top with cream cheese frosting just before serving.
Layered Red Velvet Pudding Dessert
Layer the chilled pudding in glasses or dishes with crushed cookies, cake pieces, or graham cracker crumbs. Top each layer with whipped cream for more decadence.
Red Velvet Pudding Pops
Thrill kids by turning red velvet pudding into fun popsicles. Mix in crushed cookies or sprinkles for texture. Then freeze the pudding in popsicle molds on sticks until solid.
Red Velvet Pudding Snack Mix
Jazz up snack mix by folding prepared red velvet pudding into a mixture of cereal, pretzels, chocolate chips, nuts, etc. Spread on a baking sheet to dry and harden, then break into clusters.
Red Velvet Pudding Dip
Swirl whipped cream into prepared red velvet pudding to make a sweet dip. Serve with snacks like graham crackers, ginger snaps, apple slices or shortbread cookies.
Tips for Making Red Velvet Pudding
Follow these tips to whip up smooth, creamy red velvet pudding from a mix:
– Always prepare the pudding mix with cold milk according to package instructions. Hot milk won’t set properly.
– If the mix contains cornstarch like homemade pudding, be sure to cook it over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened.
– Chill the finished pudding in the refrigerator for the time specified on the package, usually around 5 minutes, to allow it to fully set.
– For the deepest red color, use gel food coloring rather than liquid food coloring.
– Beat in a sprinkle of salt to balance the sweetness and flavor.
– For richer pudding, use half-and-half instead of regular milk.
– Flavor it with extras like vanilla, cocoa powder or crushed cookies.
– Top the pudding with whipped cream, cream cheese frosting or crushed Oreo cookies.
Pudding Mix Storage Tips
To maintain the freshness and shelf life of red velvet pudding mixes:
– Store unopened packages in a cool, dry place. Avoid humidity.
– Check expiration or best-by dates and use mixes before they expire for best flavor.
– Opened packages should be resealed tightly and stored in the pantry or freezer.
– Prepared pudding with perishable toppings should be stored in the refrigerator and consumed within 3-4 days.
– Frozen pudding will last 1-2 months in airtight containers. Thaw in the fridge before using.
– For freshest flavor, use opened mixes within a few months. Discard if the powder smells stale or develops clumps.
Conclusion
While you can’t find red velvet pudding mix on every grocery shelf yet, it is becoming more widely available. Brands like Jell-O, Pillsbury and Kozy Shack have answered consumer demand with instant pudding and ready-to-eat cups. You can also DIY red velvet pudding by doctoring regular cook-and-serve mixes. There are so many tasty ways to serve red velvet pudding for desserts, snacks and fun recipes the whole family will love. Be sure to store both unprepared mixes and cooked pudding properly to preserve freshness. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can easily whip up this trendy new treat at home.