My memories of Jell-O pudding go way back. My grandpa’s famous chocolate mud pie relies on a box of this instant dessert to come to life. When I was a kid, a pudding cup was a must in my lunchbox.

Kat Thompson is the audience editor of Eater’s Southern California/Southwest region. I keep my pantry stocked with a box of vanilla pudding mix at all times because it’s the secret ingredient in my ...