FREE 5-Ingredient Recipe EBook

• My Sugar-Free Pudding Is Smooth, Creamy, And Totally Customizable
• Ingredients & Substitutions
• How To Make Sugar Free Pudding
• My Recipe Tips
• Sugar Free Pudding (4 Ingredients) Recipe card
• Flavor Variations
• More Vanilla Dessert Recipes
• Recipe Reviews

My Sugar-Free Pudding Is Smooth, Creamy, And Totally Customizable

I originally made this vanilla sugar free pudding as a twist on my sugar free chocolate pudding , but this time I wanted it to be a base to make any flavor. I used my zero sugar vanilla syrup to sweeten it (the same one I use in my coffee every morning!) which meant I had to adjust the gelatin to get the right texture, but now it sets up perfectly. And the best part? You can turn it into chocolate, fruit, maple, or whatever flavor you’re craving. Here’s why this one is even better than the boxed sugar free pudding mix:

• Tastes like the real deal – The sweetener is what makes this pudding taste authentic — and feel like it, too. It’s often called a coffee syrup, but it’s for so much more than that. Since liquid sweetener needs more gelatin than powdered, I adjusted the ratio until it came out silky, smooth, and just like classic pudding.
• Made with clean ingredients – Unlike boxed mixes that rely on artificial sweeteners and preservatives (and end up with around 5g carbs before you even add milk), this snack keeps it simple. Just a handful of real ingredients and less than 3 grams net carbs per serving.
• Totally Customizable – You can make it your own. I’ve swapped the vanilla syrup for plain with different extracts, turned it into berry pudding with fruit purée, and even made a chocolate version. See my variations below for ideas.

Once you try it, you’ll never go back to the boxed kind. Pick your flavor and make it with me!

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the best ingredients for my sugar free pudding recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card .

• Heavy Cream – This is what makes the pudding rich and creamy. You can use full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free option, but skip almond milk or other low carb milks because they don’t have enough fat to set without extra gelatin.
• Wholesome Yum Keto Vanilla Syrup – My go-to sweetener here! It makes the pudding silky smooth with real vanilla flavor and no sugar. Want a neutral base or other flavors? See my ideas below. You can also use Besti powdered sweetener , but just reduce the cream by 1/3 cup so it sets properly. Other brands don’t dissolve well and can turn out gritty.
• Egg Yolks – These help thicken the pudding naturally, the way cornstarch would in a traditional recipe.
• Unflavored Gelatin Powder – The key to getting that authentic pudding set. I use this instead of xanthan gum because it tastes and feels closer to the real thing.
• Sea Salt – Just a pinch balances the sweetness and makes the vanilla flavor pop.

How To Make Sugar Free Pudding

I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card .

1. Bloom gelatin. Sprinkle the gelatin over some of the cream in a small bowl and whisk right away. Set it aside for a few minutes to thicken.
2. Heat cream. Warm the rest of the cream in a saucepan with the vanilla syrup and salt, whisking until smooth and just starting to bubble.

1. Temper eggs. Slowly whisk the hot cream into the yolks a little at a time so they don’t scramble. (I always take my time here!)
2. Add gelatin. Whisk the bloomed gelatin into the warm mixture until completely dissolved.
3. Cool and cover. Let it cool, whisk again, then press plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent a skin, and refrigerate until the pudding is firm.
4. Whip. Once the sugar free pudding sets, stir or whip it with a mixer for a light, silky finish.

My Recipe Tips

• Always sprinkle the gelatin over the cream. It dissolves evenly this way and avoids the clumps you get if you just dump it in.
• Don’t let the cream boil. Heat it just until it barely bubbles, then pull it off the stove. Boiling can mess with the texture.
• Take your time tempering. Add the hot cream to the yolks slowly so you don’t end up with scrambled eggs.
• Don’t forge to whip it at the end. I like using a hand mixer for the creamiest texture, but honestly, a spoon works fine if that’s all you’ve got.
• What if my sugar free pudding doesn’t set? Warm it gently, bloom an extra teaspoon of gelatin, whisk it in, and let it chill again.
• Too firm? Bring it to room temp and whisk really well. If that’s not enough, reheat gently, add a splash of cream, and let it reset.

Ingredients

Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.

• 1 2/3 cups Heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free; divided into 1/3 cup and 1 1/3 cups) ▢
• 1/3 cup Wholesome Yum Zero Sugar Vanilla Syrup ▢
• 2 large Egg yolks ▢
• 2 1/2 tsp Unflavored gelatin powder ▢
• 1/4 tsp Sea salt ▢

Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.

1. Pour 1/3 cup heavy cream into a small bowl. Sprinkle (don’t dump) the gelatin powder on top, and whisk together immediately. Set aside.
2. In a medium saucepan over medium-low, stir together the remaining heavy cream, vanilla syrup and sea salt. Heat, whisking constantly, for about 5 minutes , until the mixture is smooth and bubbling near the edges.
3. Transfer the mixture to a bowl. Whisk together the egg yolks. Slowly pour the egg yolks into the mixture while whisking constantly to temper.
4. Add the bloomed gelatin to the mixture and whisk until smooth and dissolved.
5. Let the pudding cool for about 10 minutes , until cooled enough not to melt plastic wrap to be placed over it. Whisk again to get rid of any film on top.
6. Cover with plastic wrap flush against the top to prevent a film from forming. Refrigerate for at minimum 4 hours , until firm.
7. After pudding has set, stir or whip with a hand mixer before serving, until pudding is light and airy.

LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1/2 cup

• Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you nail the texture, fix any issues, and make the creamiest sugar free pudding every time.
• Variations: Don’t miss my recipe variations for easy swaps that turn this pudding into a whole new dessert.
• Store: I keep mine in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed on top so it doesn’t form a skin. It stays fresh in the fridge for 5–7 days.
• Freeze: This pudding freezes nicely for 1–2 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight, then give it a quick whip with a mixer to bring back that silky, creamy texture.

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

Add Your NotesYour Notes

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.

Sugar Free Pudding

Flavor Variations

One of my favorite things about this sugar free vanilla pudding is how easy it is to switch up the flavors. Here are a few simple ways I’ve done it:

• Neutral base with extracts – If you don’t want vanilla, swap the vanilla syrup for my zero sugar simple syrup . That gives you a clean base, and then you can add any extract you like. I’ve tried butterscotch , banana , and lemon (all taste just like the pudding cups I grew up with). If you want more options, Olive Nation has a ton of natural flavor extracts you can play with.
• Fruit pudding – For a fruity twist, replace 1/3 cup of the heavy cream (not the part for blooming gelatin) with fruit purée. I’ve done strawberry and raspberry with great results. You can also add 1–2 teaspoons of fruit extract if you want to boost the flavor even more.
• Chocolate pudding – Sometimes I skip the vanilla altogether and go full-on chocolate. For that version, I follow my chocolate pudding recipe here . It’s rich, decadent, and just as creamy.

More Vanilla Dessert Recipes

If you love this sugar free pudding, you’ll definitely want to try a few more of my favorite vanilla desserts. Here are some reader favorites:

Free Printable: Low Carb & Keto Food List

• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• The Basic Keto Meal Formula
• Understanding Macros
• Keto Food Swaps
• Keto Food List
• Electrolyte Basics
• Keto Diet Types
• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• Recipe Reviews

Even though I have a great guide to starting a keto diet , people often ask me for a quick keto cheat sheet they can use. That’s why I created this simple keto diet cheat sheet , so that you can have all the info you need handy. We’ll cover the basic keto formula for building meals, foods to eat and to avoid, delicious keto swaps for high-carb foods, electrolyte basics, and 4 ways to follow the keto lifestyle.

You can keep reading to view this info, or download my keto cheat sheet printable pdf to print out or save ad-free on any device (plus the pdf has more details!).

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ foods) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System + EBooks (Only $37)

The Basic Keto Meal Formula

Eating keto doesn’t have to be complicated! While there are plenty of delicious easy keto recipes to choose from, you don’t even have to cook from a recipe to get started.

Simply follow the keto cheat sheet formula of protein + veggie + fat for your meals.

Be sure to choose a moderate amount of protein, only low carb vegetables (mostly ones that grow above ground), and generous fat to attain an optimal macro ratio. That’s approximately 60-75% of calories from fat, 20-25% protein, and 5-10% from carbohydrates. The table below will give you ideas for what to choose.

Understanding Macros

Macros are macronutrients for short. They include fat, protein, and carbohydrates.

You can calculate your own macros using the macro calculator , but the macro keto cheat sheet below will explain how to look at macros when following a keto lifestyle.

Carbs Are A Limit.

Keeping carbs low is what gets you into ketosis and keeps you there. Ketosis means that you’re using fat as your primary energy source instead of sugar, and requires keeping carbs very low.

A good starting point is 20-25 grams net carbs per day, but you can experiment after a few weeks to see if your body stays in ketosis at higher levels. People who are very active may be able to do more and stay in ketosis, up to around 50 grams per day.

“Carbs are a limit” means that you set a limit for how many carbs to eat per day and don’t exceed it. You don’t have to hit that limit, so if you’re under that’s okay, just don’t go over. Ideally most of your carbs would come from low carb vegetables, and if you’re eating enough veggies, you’ll usually get close to the limit naturally.

A common misconception is that reaching ketosis requires a certain macro ratio, but it’s really only restricting your carb intake that gets you there [ * ]. In the absence of sufficient carbs to use as energy, the body will switch to using fat as fuel. This is called the metabolic state of ketosis.

Protein Is A Goal.

Protein is made up of amino acids, the building blocks of all our cells. It’s a crucial for keeping our muscles strong and for many cellular functions [ * ].

“Protein is a goal” means that you always want to eat enough protein to reach the goal each day, but not exceed it too much. You want enough for your needs, but excess protein can trigger gluconeogenesis, which is protein being converted to sugar [ * ] and can kick you out of ketosis.

Fat Is A Lever.

Fat is the primary macronutrient in a keto lifestyle, because being in ketosis means that fat is your primary fuel source. Fat as a fuel source will come from your food, and if you are losing weight, from your body.

A big advantage of a keto lifestyle is the high fat intake. It keeps you full and satisfied, making it easier to stick to, and using it as the primary fuel source makes it easier on your body to burn body fat, with a lower chance of breaking down your muscle (provided you get enough protein).

Aside from reaching your protein goal and limiting your carbs, the remainder of your calories on a keto diet comes from fat.

Don’t fear fat – it’s your main energy source on keto, and getting enough of it trains your body to use fat for fuel instead of sugar. That means that as long as you are not overdoing your overall calorie intake, you’ll efficiently burn your body fat for fuel as well.

“Fat is a lever” means that you can increase or decrease your fat intake depending on your goals and hunger levels. Increase it (along with exercise) to gain muscle, or decrease it to lose weight.

Keto Food Swaps

One of my favorite challenges is creating recipes, or just discovering, keto food swaps. These are delicious keto replacements for traditionally high-carb or high-sugar foods.

So, I created this keto diet cheat sheet with all the swaps in one place! I also have more keto food swaps in my Easy Keto Cookbook .

Keto Swaps For Breakfast

Keto Swaps For Bread

Keto Swaps For Meals & Side Dishes

Keto Swaps For Snacks & Sauces

Keto Swaps For Cooking & Baking

Keto Swaps For Drinks

If you’re looking specifically for keto alcohol options, browse the full keto alcohol guide .

Keto Food List

When looking for a keto cheat sheet printable, the most-requested information is a keto food list.

The great thing is that keto doesn’t have to feel restrictive. It’s incredibly satisfying and there’s such a wide variety of foods you can eat!

Foods To Eat On Keto

• Leafy greens – Such as spinach, chard, and lettuce.
• Above-ground veggies – Such as peppers, zucchini, and cauliflower.
• Full-fat cream & cheese – Such as heavy cream, sour cream, and full-fat hard cheeses.
• Natural meats – Such as beef, lamb, and pork.
• Berries – Such as raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries.
• Avocados
• Unsweetened nut milks – Such as almond milk and coconut milk.
• Almond flour and coconut flour
• Eggs
• Healthy fats – Such as coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil and butter.

Foods To Avoid On Keto

• White flour & sugar
• Rice & grains – Such as barley, wheat, and corn.
• Milk & yogurt – Such as fruit on the bottom yogurt, sweetened Greek yogurt, and all milk.
• Cereal
• Processed food – Such as granola bars, candy
• Most fruit – Such as apples, bananas, and grapes
• Hydrogenated fats – Such as vegetable oil, soybean oil, and margarine
• Sweetened beverages & condiments – Such as soda, ketchup, and sweet dressings
• Starchy veggies – Such as peas, carrots, and beets.
• Potatoes – Such as sweet potatoes and white potatoes.

That’s the short keto diet cheat sheet version of all the keto food categories, but I recommend downloading the full Keto Cheat Sheet System. It includes a super detailed printable keto food list with over 100 items, including 2 color-coded pages with net carb counts, along with 6 more pages of keto cheat sheets:

Get The Keto Cheat Sheet System PDF (Only $37)

Electrolyte Basics

Getting enough electrolytes is crucial for anyone, but especially so on a keto diet. The reason is that ketosis has a diuretic effect, which increases excretion of water and electrolytes, especially sodium [ * ]. This is often the cause of the keto flu.

For more details on electrolytes and avoiding keto flu, check out the full keto flu guide here .

The important thing to know about electrolytes is that replenishing them will keep keto flu away and keep your body functioning well. I always recommend an electrolyte drink and whole food sources of anything your body needs before resorting to supplements, so I made a list of what to eat to get each of the 3 major electrolytes – sodium, magnesium and potassium.

Here’s your keto diet cheat sheet for getting electrolytes from food:

Keto Diet Types

People follow a keto lifestyle for different reasons. Some do it just to lose weight, others are after better overall health, increased energy, and reduced inflammation.

Strictly speaking, the defining factor of a keto diet is the metabolic state of ketosis, which is achieved by restricting carbs. However, many people (myself included) also reduce or eliminate processed, inflammatory, or low-nutrient foods.

Below is your keto cheat sheet summary of the different ways that people follow keto. You choose what works best for your goals and lifestyle!

• Strict Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, count all calories and macros, and eat clean, unprocessed foods.
• Lazy Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, and track only net carbs OR eat keto foods without tracking.
• Dirty Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, with “if it fits your macros” approach including processed foods.
• Low Carb – Up to 50-100g net carbs daily, less strict.

For a more detailed listing of these different types of keto with pros and cons, grab the Easy Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF below!

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ swaps) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System (75 pages, Only $37!)

Sugar Free Pudding (4 Ingredients)

This sugar-free pudding tastes like the real deal—creamy, sweet, and rich, with no sugar, just 5 ingredients, and super easy to make!

Scan this QR code with your phone’s camera for the full recipe, including tips, step-by-step photos, and storage, or to save it to your account. You can also find it at: https://www.wholesomeyum.com/sugar-free-vanilla-pudding/

Ingredients

• 1 2/3 cups Heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free; divided into 1/3 cup and 1 1/3 cups)
• 1/3 cup Wholesome Yum Zero Sugar Vanilla Syrup
• 2 large Egg yolks
• 2 1/2 tsp Unflavored gelatin powder
• 1/4 tsp Sea salt

Instructions

1. Pour 1/3 cup heavy cream into a small bowl. Sprinkle (don’t dump) the gelatin powder on top, and whisk together immediately. Set aside.
2. In a medium saucepan over medium-low, stir together the remaining heavy cream, vanilla syrup and sea salt. Heat, whisking constantly, for about 5 minutes , until the mixture is smooth and bubbling near the edges.
3. Transfer the mixture to a bowl. Whisk together the egg yolks. Slowly pour the egg yolks into the mixture while whisking constantly to temper.
4. Add the bloomed gelatin to the mixture and whisk until smooth and dissolved.
5. Let the pudding cool for about 10 minutes , until cooled enough not to melt plastic wrap to be placed over it. Whisk again to get rid of any film on top.
6. Cover with plastic wrap flush against the top to prevent a film from forming. Refrigerate for at minimum 4 hours , until firm.
7. After pudding has set, stir or whip with a hand mixer before serving, until pudding is light and airy.

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1/2 cup

• Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you nail the texture, fix any issues, and make the creamiest sugar free pudding every time.
• Variations: Don’t miss my recipe variations for easy swaps that turn this pudding into a whole new dessert.
• Store: I keep mine in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed on top so it doesn’t form a skin. It stays fresh in the fridge for 5–7 days.
• Freeze: This pudding freezes nicely for 1–2 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight, then give it a quick whip with a mixer to bring back that silky, creamy texture.

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead. :)