If you have a sweet tooth and love that rich, caramel-infused flavor, then this Homemade Butterscotch Pudding Recipe is going to be your new best friend. Silky smooth with a deep buttery sweetness and just the right touch of vanilla, this pudding is comfort in a bowl. Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in or an impressive dessert for guests, this recipe turns simple ingredients into a truly decadent treat that feels like a warm hug after the very first spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might look straightforward, but each one plays a vital role in bringing out the velvety texture and irresistible flavor of the pudding. From the dual sugars adding complexity to the fat from butter and cream delivering richness, this list is the backbone of your homemade delight.
- Granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create that glossy, smooth texture in the pudding.
- Brown sugar: Adds a deep, molasses-like flavor, crucial for authentic butterscotch richness.
- Unsalted butter: Brings creamy, buttery notes and helps blend the sugars into a luscious base.
- Whole milk: Contributes to the pudding’s silky body without being too heavy.
- Heavy cream: Amp up the richness and create that luxurious mouthfeel that makes the pudding feel indulgent.
- Pure vanilla extract: Enhances the butterscotch flavor and adds warmth and depth.
- Cornstarch: Acts as the thickening agent, transforming liquid into pudding perfection.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
How to Make Homemade Butterscotch Pudding Recipe
Step 1: Gather and prepare your ingredients
Start by measuring out everything needed for the pudding to keep the process smooth and stress-free. Having everything ready allows you to focus on the beautiful transformation that’s about to take place in your saucepan.
Step 2: Melt butter and sugars
Place your butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a medium saucepan over low heat. Stir until the mixture is bubbly and fragrant, which means the sugars have melded beautifully with the butter—this is the flavor foundation of your pudding.
Step 3: Add milk and cream carefully
Slowly whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream. This step requires some gentle care to ensure no lumps sneak into your pudding, because smoothness is everything here.
Step 4: Mix cornstarch and salt, then combine
In a small bowl, stir together the cornstarch and salt with a splash of cold milk—this slurry prevents clumps when it hits the warm mixture. Whisk it into the saucepan briskly to keep the texture silky and lump-free.
Step 5: Cook until thickened
Turn the heat up to medium and keep stirring constantly for 5 to 7 minutes. You’ll notice the pudding begin to thicken and coat the back of your spoon—a crucial sign that it’s almost done.
Step 6: Finish with vanilla and chill
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract for that final fragrant boost. Pour the puddings into serving dishes, let them cool, then refrigerate until fully set and delightfully chilled.
How to Serve Homemade Butterscotch Pudding Recipe
Garnishes
Top your pudding with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or sprinkle a few toasted pecans or sea salt flakes for texture and a touch of contrast. A drizzle of caramel sauce is always a lovely finishing touch to up the decadence factor.
Side Dishes
This pudding pairs wonderfully with a crisp shortbread cookie or a fresh fruit salad to cut through the richness. For an indulgent experience, serve alongside a cup of strong coffee or chai to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering your butterscotch pudding with crumbled cookies or fresh berries in parfait glasses for an eye-catching dessert. You can also pipe it into mini tart shells or even use it as a filling for cream puffs to surprise your guests with something special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover pudding tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps preserve the creamy texture and prevents it from absorbing any fridge odors.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this pudding since the texture can get grainy when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy the pudding warm, gently reheat it on very low heat with a splash of milk, stirring constantly to bring it back to that luscious consistency without curdling.
FAQs
Can I use milk alternatives in this Homemade Butterscotch Pudding Recipe?
While you can experiment with almond or oat milk, keep in mind the pudding’s texture and flavor may be less creamy and slightly different in taste. Whole milk and cream offer the best traditional result.
Is it possible to make this pudding vegan?
To make a vegan version, you would need to substitute the butter, milk, and cream with plant-based alternatives like vegan butter, coconut milk, or cashew cream, but the flavor and texture will vary from the classic homemade butterscotch pudding.
Why is cornstarch used in this recipe?
Cornstarch is a key thickening ingredient that helps the pudding set properly without needing eggs. It creates that smooth, velvety texture that defines a perfect butterscotch pudding.
How can I tell when the pudding is thick enough?
The pudding is ready when it coats the back of a spoon and you can draw a line through it with your finger without the mixture running to fill it in quickly—this indicates proper thickening.
Can I prepare the pudding in advance for a party?
Absolutely! You can make the pudding a day ahead and store it in the fridge. It actually tastes even better after chilling overnight as the flavors have time to meld beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Butterscotch Pudding Recipe is a treasure to have in your dessert repertoire. It’s simple to prepare but impressively rich and satisfying every single time. Once you try it, I promise it will become a dessert you turn to again and again for cozy nights or special occasions. So go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones to this luscious homemade delight!
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Homemade Butterscotch Pudding Recipe
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Homemade Butterscotch Pudding recipe offers a rich, creamy dessert with deep caramel flavors from brown and granulated sugars melted in butter. Perfectly thickened with cornstarch and enhanced with vanilla extract, this pudding is a delightful treat that can be prepared quickly on the stovetop and served chilled.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- Pinch of salt
Dairy
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Gather and measure all ingredients for easy access during cooking to streamline the process.
- Melt Butter and Sugars: In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter with both granulated and brown sugar, stirring occasionally until the mixture is bubbly and fragrant, releasing the signature butterscotch aroma.
- Add Milk and Cream: Gradually whisk in whole milk and heavy cream into the melted butter and sugars, ensuring the mixture stays smooth without lumps forming.
- Mix Cornstarch Slurry: In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and salt with a splash of cold milk, mixing thoroughly. Add this slurry back into the warm milk mixture while continuously stirring vigorously to prevent clumping.
- Cook Until Thickened: Increase the heat to medium and cook the mixture, stirring constantly for about 5 to 7 minutes until it thickens to a pudding consistency.
- Finish and Cool: Remove the saucepan from heat, stir in the pure vanilla extract for flavor depth, then pour the pudding into serving bowls. Allow it to cool at room temperature before refrigerating to set fully.
Notes
- Use full-fat dairy for the creamiest texture; low-fat substitutions will affect richness.
- Stir constantly during thickening to prevent the pudding from burning or developing lumps.
- For a smoother pudding, strain before chilling if desired.
- Pudding can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator, covered.
- Serve chilled, optionally topped with whipped cream or a sprinkle of sea salt for contrast.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
