Butterscotch Pudding

Rich, creamy, and bursting with caramelized brown sugar flavor, this Butterscotch Pudding is a delightful dessert that’s easy to make from scratch. Whether served warm or chilled, it’s the perfect sweet treat for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Velvety Texture: The combination of cream and egg yolks makes this pudding silky smooth.
• Bold Flavor: Dark brown sugar gives it that signature butterscotch taste.
• Quick to Make: With just 15 minutes of prep and cooking time, it’s a fuss-free dessert.
• Customizable: Serve it plain, with whipped cream, or topped with crunchy nuts for extra flair.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Dark brown sugar – ¾ cup
• Cornstarch – ⅓ cup
• Heavy cream – 1 cup
• Milk – 1 cup
• Large egg yolks – 3
• Salted butter – 2 tablespoons
• Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon

Directions

Step 1: Mix the Base

1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the dark brown sugar, cornstarch, heavy cream, and milk until smooth.

Step 2: Cook the Pudding

1. Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture begins to bubble and thickens, about 2 minutes.
2. Remove the pan from the heat.

Step 3: Temper the Egg Yolks

1. In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolks.
2. Slowly add a few tablespoons of the hot pudding mixture to the yolks while whisking continuously to temper them.
3. Gradually pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan, whisking constantly.

Step 4: Thicken Further

1. Return the saucepan to medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, for about 90 seconds.
2. The pudding should thicken further and coat the back of a spoon.

Step 5: Add Butter and Vanilla

1. Remove from heat and stir in the salted butter and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

Step 6: Chill or Serve

1. Transfer the pudding to individual serving dishes or a large bowl.
2. For chilled pudding, cover with plastic wrap, pressing the wrap directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Let the pudding cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 servings
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Cooling Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

• Salted Caramel Pudding: Add a pinch of flaky sea salt to enhance the caramel flavor.
• Boozy Twist: Stir in a tablespoon of bourbon or rum for an adult-friendly version.
• Nutty Topping: Sprinkle with toasted pecans or almonds for added texture.
• Chocolate Swirl: Mix in melted chocolate or swirl it through the pudding before serving.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave in 10-second increments, stirring each time, if serving warm.

FAQs

1. Can I use light brown sugar instead of dark?

Yes, but the flavor will be milder. Dark brown sugar is recommended for a richer taste.

2. What can I use instead of heavy cream?

Half-and-half or whole milk can be substituted, but the pudding will be slightly less rich.

3. Can I make this pudding dairy-free?

Yes, use coconut cream and almond milk for a dairy-free version.

4. How do I avoid lumps in the pudding?

Stir constantly while cooking and whisk thoroughly when adding the egg yolks.

5. Can I make this pudding ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare it up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator.

6. What’s the best way to serve this pudding?

Top with whipped cream, caramel sauce, or crushed cookies for an extra-special dessert.

7. How do I fix pudding that doesn’t thicken?

Return it to medium heat and cook while stirring until it reaches the desired consistency.

8. Can I use granulated sugar instead of brown sugar?

You can, but the signature butterscotch flavor comes from the molasses in brown sugar.

9. Is cornstarch necessary?

Cornstarch is key for thickening, but you can substitute it with arrowroot powder or flour if needed.

10. Can I freeze butterscotch pudding?

It’s not recommended, as the texture may become grainy when thawed.

Conclusion

This homemade Butterscotch Pudding is an indulgent treat that’s both easy to make and satisfyingly rich. Its creamy texture and bold caramel notes make it a favorite for family desserts or special occasions. Try it warm or chilled, and elevate it with your favorite toppings for a dessert that’s truly unforgettable!

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