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    Home » Kid Approved Recipes

    Published: May 5, 2020 Modified: May 8, 2023 by Nicole This post may contain affiliate links.

    3 Ingredient Pudding Playdough (Gluten-Free)

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    This edible pudding playdough only needs 3 ingredients and a few minutes of your time to make. It smells great, feels great, and the kids just love it!

    a pudding playdough smiley face

    Disclaimer: While this recipe is made using edible ingredients found within your home, I do not recommend purposefully feeding your child this product. If they choose to take a lick or small taste they should be just fine, but this product is meant to be something to play with and not to eat. Thanks!

    I love the thickness of this playdough because it's great for fun sensory play for the kids.

    The recipe is easy to follow and can be doubled without hassle. It's probably one of the easiest and least "involved" playdough recipes I've ever made.

    My kids on the other hand love to smell it and their hands afterward. I mean, who wouldn't? Right? Believe it or not, they actually haven't tried sampling the dough.

    I, however, did take a small taste and am sad to report it's pretty plain and boring. So it shouldn't be too tempting for them to eat it even if they did try.

    For more homemade playdough recipes, be sure to check out our Simple Coffee Playdough Recipe, Edible Ripe Banana Playdough, and Edible No Cook Pumpkin Playdough.

    Why This Recipe Works

    • It's easy. Just mix a few ingredients together, and it's done. Ready to be used within moments. How cool is that?
    • No cooking is required. This playdough recipe is no cook. Just grab a bowl and a fork. Perfect for hot days, lazy days, and every day in between.
    • Safe ingredients. Everything about this play dough is edible, and while it may not taste great, parents can feel more confident in knowing it's safe.
    Jump to:
    • 🥘 Ingredients
    • 🍽 Equipment Needed
    • 🔪 Instructions
    • 🍴 Recipe Tips
    • 👩🏻‍🍳 Storage
    • 💭 FAQs
    • 💬 Comments
    ingredients needed for pudding playdough

    🥘 Ingredients

    Boxed Jello Pudding- You will need a box of instant pudding. You can use any flavor desired. You can even use sugar free pudding if desired!

    Cornstarch- This is the thickening agent used to hold it all together. Using cornstarch instead of flour also helps to make this recipe gluten free.

    Warm Water- This is what will moisten the dry ingredients and get them to cling together. Don't use too much water, or the playdough won't hold together well.

    For the exact amounts, please see the recipe card below.

    🍽 Equipment Needed

    BeeyondCereal is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.

    • Mixing bowl
    • Measuring cups

    🔪 Instructions

    Check out how to make pudding playdough with these simple step-by-step instructions:

    In a mixing bowl, combine the water, half of the cornstarch, and the instant pudding.

    Stir it together with a fork until it comes together and then knead it.

    ingredients for pudding playdough in a glass bowl

    Continue kneading and adding in cornstarch until the dough is soft and fluffy. You may not need all of the cornstarch, or you may need to add in a little.

    pudding playdough ball in front of box of pudding

    🍴 Recipe Tips

    When making play dough for kids, there are a few points during the mixing and kneading where it gets a little sticky, keeping your hands coated in cornstarch or adding a light dusting to the counter before kneading there helps to remove the sticky feeling.

    You may also not need all of the cornstarch, or you may need to add some. It really depends on a ton of factors including the weather and humidity. I needed to add in 1 extra tablespoon to mine, but I did so at a slow pace so I wouldn't add in too much. A little goes a long way!

    👩🏻‍🍳 Storage

    I keep mine stored in a labeled Ziploc bag. You can keep yours in a plastic bag too or even in a Tupperware style container.

    💭 FAQs

    What kind of pudding should I use?

    Instant boxed puddings work best, but you can choose any flavor option. Each one gives a unique smell and color, and there are hundreds of options out there!

    How long is pudding playdough good for?

    It can last for weeks (if not months) if you kept it properly stored in an airtight container and at a safe temperature. But with kids, who can possibly manage that?

    Is pudding playdough dairy free?

    If the back of your instant pudding says that it is dairy free, then this recipe is dairy free. Great for those with dairy allergies and sensitivities!

    pudding playdough snake next to a smiley face

    More Fun Kids Stuff To Try

    • Spider Sandwiches
    • Rainbow Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
    • Earth Day Cupcakes
    • Simple Apple Nachos
    Pudding Playdough
    Print
    5 from 1 vote

    Pudding Playdough

    A super simple edible playdough made with pantry ingredients. Use boxed instant pudding to create a soft, thick playdough that smells incredible.
    Prep Time15 minutes mins
    Total Time15 minutes mins
    Yield: 1
    Author: NicoleDurham
    Cost: $2 USD

    Equipment

    • Measuring Cups
    • Mixing Bowls

    Materials

    • ¼ cup Instant pudding (half a 3.4oz box)
    • ¾ cup Cornstarch, divided
    • ⅓ cup Warm water
    US Customary - Metric

    Instructions

    • In a mixing bowl combine the instant pudding, water and ½ of the cornstarch. Stir together with fork.
    • Slowly add in the rest of the cornstarch a little at a time, kneading as you go. At some point you can just dust the counter space with cornstarch and knead there. It's okay if you don't need all of the cornstarch. You just want it a good pliable consistency that isn't too sticky. Too much cornstarch will make the dough crumble.

    Notes

    Tips

    • When making play dough for kids, there are a few points during the mixing and kneading where it gets a little sticky, keeping your hands coated in cornstarch or adding a light dusting to the counter before kneading there helps to remove the sticky feeling.
    • You may also not need all of the cornstarch, or you may need to add some. It really depends on a ton of factors including the weather and humidity. I needed to add in 1 extra tablespoon to mine, but I did so at a slow pace so I wouldn't add in too much. A little goes a long way!

    FAQs

    • What kind of pudding should I use? Instant boxed puddings work best, but you can choose any flavor option. Each one gives a unique smell and color, and there are hundreds of options out there!
    • How long is pudding playdough good for? It can last for weeks (if not months) if you kept it properly stored in an airtight container and at a safe temperature. But with kids, who can possibly manage that?
    • Is pudding playdough dairy free? If the back of your instant pudding says that it is dairy free, then this recipe is dairy free. Great for those with dairy allergies and sensitivities!
    • How should I store pudding playdough when not in use? I keep mine stored in a labeled Ziploc bag. You can keep yours in a plastic bag too or even in a Tupperware style container.

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