Great-grandmother Helen swore by this 4 ingredient no-bake miracle when the grocery budget was empty. I never realized how simple and delicious it was until she handed me a cold bowl on a scorching ho

This 4-ingredient depression era cornstarch pudding is the kind of no-bake miracle my great-grandmother Helen leaned on when the grocery budget was stretched thin. It turns a few pantry staples—milk, sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla—into a thick, glossy, spoonable dessert that chills beautifully in a simple glass casserole dish.

Recipes like this were common during the Depression, when eggs and cream were luxuries, but families still craved something sweet and comforting. Served cold on a hot afternoon, it’s proof that you don’t need much to make something memorable.

Serve this pudding well-chilled, straight from the glass casserole dish, with simple toppings that fit the spirit of the recipe: a sprinkle of cinnamon, a dusting of cocoa powder, or a few fresh berries if you have them. It pairs nicely with hot coffee or iced tea, and works as a light dessert after a simple weeknight dinner.

You can also spoon it into small bowls or ramekins for individual servings, or layer it with crumbled plain cookies for a humble parfait that still feels special.

Servings: 6