Edible Pudding Playdough Recipe
In early childhood development, sensory play is key for kids to learn and grow. But for toddler teachers and parents, there’s always that worry: what if they put things in their mouths? Enter this edible pudding playdough recipe, a solution that’s both fun and safe.
This homemade playdough not only promises sensory satisfaction but also peace of mind for caregivers. Plus, this post will give you all the details on how to make playdough, as well as list other edible playdough recipes that are safe for our youngest learners.

Sensory exploration is not merely play; it is an essential educational tool that encourages cognitive growth, fine motor skills, and sharpens problem-solving abilities.
However, this exploration also presents challenges, especially since toddlers and young preschoolers often put things in their mouths. This raises important safety concerns about the materials they use. How do we then ensure that these essential sensory benefits are both safe and beneficial?
The answer lies in this idea: edible playdough recipes, specifically, recipes like this edible pudding playdough recipe.
This playdough recipe offers a taste-safe alternative to traditional recipes, alleviating parental and educator concerns while promoting an immersive sensory experience. It’s completely ok for little ones to have a nibble while playing!
Plus, the texture of this playdough is playable, making it great for strengthening little hands. And need I mention that is also smells delicious?
If you like this playdough recipe, then you’re going to love our Playdough Recipes Cookbook! It’s full of new and clever recipes, as well as all the details of how to make playdough at home.
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What is Pudding Playdough?
Pudding playdough is a type of edible playdough made by combining pudding dessert with other ingredients like powdered sugar, cornstarch, and water. This unique playdough recipe creates a soft, moldable dough that is safe for children to play with and even eat.
Pudding playdough comes in various flavors and colors, which really increases the fun-factor! (How about banana scented playdough? Or pistachio?) It’s a creative and enjoyable way for toddlers and young preschoolers to engage in sensory play.
Plus, since it’s edible, parents can rest easy knowing that it’s safe for their little ones, even if they decide to take a nibble.

Edible Playdough Recipe Using Pudding
There are actually two ways to make pudding playdough, and I’ll go through them both. They are both so simple! You can use instant pudding mix or prepared pudding.
Ingredients to Make Pudding Playdough Recipe
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- prepared pudding (option 1)
- instant pudding mix (option 2)
- corn starch
- water
- food coloring (optional)
Kitchen Supplies Needed
- Measures approximately 7″D, 8.25″D, 9.75″D
- Hand wash recommended
- Holds 32 , 64 and 96 oz respectively
- Heat resistant up to 500 degrees F.
- Non-stick, Stain resistant and Odor resistant.
- Hygienic silicone scraper BPA-free.
- ULTIMATE MEASURING CUP & SPOON SET: Our 19-piece Ultimate Measuring Set is the all-inclusive…
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- DISHWASHER SAFE: This set of 9 spoons & 10 cups are BPA free & dishwasher safe. Each set includes an…
How to Make Pudding Playdough
This edible playdough recipe couldn’t be easier! Since it’s no-cook and no-heat, this is also a great playdough recipe the kids can help out with, too!
Make Playdough Using Prepared Pudding
- Pour the pudding into a mixing bowl.
- Add half of the corn starch and mix thoroughly.
- At this point, add in some food coloring, if desired.
- Slowly add in the remainder of the corn starch, a little at a time, until it is not sticky anymore.
- Turn out the dough onto a piece of parchment paper and knead it thoroughly. It will still be a little sticky, but hang in there and keep kneading until all the stick is gone and the playdough has a smooth texture.

Make Playdough at Home Using Instant Pudding Mix
The alternative recipe for pudding playdough uses instant pudding mix, but it’s juts as simple at the first recipe.
- Pour the instant pudding mix into a mixing bowl.
- Add in half of the water and mix thoroughly.
- Add the cornstarch and keep mixing.
- When the mixture has formed a slightly crumbly dough, turn it out onto some parchment paper and knead thoroughly.
- Add in more water, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough is the desired consistency.

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45 Playdough Recipes$10.00
Playdough Too Dry?
Because the density of dry ingredients can vary from kitchen to kitchen, you might find your playdough is a little on the dry side. This can happen with either recipe.
To fix dry playdough, just add a tablespoon of water and knead thoroughly. It’s that simple!

Playdough Too Sticky?
The solution here is just as easy. If your playdough is too sticky, simply add a little more cornstarch. I like to add in one tablespoon at a time, and knead it really well. If it’s still sticky, after thoroughly kneading it, add another tablespoon until you have reached the desired consistency.
In fact, this is how you can fix any playdough recipe that is too sticky!
You can read more tips and tricks for making playing on our playdough your questions answered page.
Edible Playdough Recipes
Expand your little one’s sensory play toolbox with this exciting list of edible playdough recipes!
Get ready to explore textures and colors with these recipes that are not only taste-safe, but completely edible!
- Stretchy Marshmallow Playdough Recipe
- Edible Gingerbread Playdough Recipe
- Peanut Butter Playdough Recipe
- Ice Cream Playdough Recipe
How Long Does Edible Playdough Last?
The lifespan of edible playdough depends on how you store it:
- Short-term storage (a few days)
- If you plan to use the edible playdough within a few days, you can store it in an airtight container at room temperature. However, keep an eye out for mold growth, especially if it contains ingredients like fruit or yogurt.
- Long-term storage (up to a week)
- For a longer shelf life, store your edible playdough in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cooler temperature helps slow down spoilage.
- Signs it’s time to toss
- Regardless of storage method, discard your edible playdough if you notice any mold growth, unpleasant odors, or a significant change in texture (becomes hard or crumbly).
Here’s a tip: When making a batch of edible playdough, consider dividing it into smaller portions. This way, you can keep the unused portion fresh in the fridge while enjoying the first batch at room temperature.
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45 Playdough Recipes$10.00

Edible Pudding Playdough - Two Ways
This edible pudding playdough recipe is the perfect solution that's both fun and safe for toddlers.
Materials
- 1 cup prepared pudding
- 1-1 1/2 cups cornstarch (depending on the recipe you choose)
- 1 3-oz packet instant pudding mix
- 1/2 water
- food coloring (optional)
Tools
- measuring cups and spoons
- mixing bowl
- wooden spoon
Instructions
- Combine prepared pudding and 1/4 cup of corn starch in a large mixing bowl.
- Gently stir together and slowly add more corn starch until a dough begins to form (up to about 1 cup in total).
- Once the dough becomes too thick to stir by hand, you've reached the right consistency. Knead by hand.
- Add more corn starch, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough no longer sticks to hands.
- Pour the instant pudding into a mixing bowl.
- Add a bit of water and 1 1/2 cups corn starch to the instant pudding and mix thoroughly. Keep adding and mixing.
- You might not use all the corn starch, but when it isn’t so sticky, start kneading with your hands and add more cornstarch until it is all nice and smooth.
Pudding Playdough Using Prepared Pudding
Pudding Playdough Using Instant Pudding
Notes
This playdough recipe can be made with any kind of pudding flavor.
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I’m Sarah, an educator turned stay-at-home-mama of five! I’m the owner and creator of Stay At Home Educator, a website about intentional teaching and purposeful learning in the early childhood years. I’ve taught a range of levels, from preschool to college and a little bit of everything in between. Right now my focus is teaching my children and running a preschool from my home. Credentials include: Bachelors in Art, Masters in Curriculum and Instruction.