If you’ve been searching for a luscious dessert that feels like a warm, cozy hug in a bowl, look no further than this Homemade Butterscotch Pudding Recipe. It’s that silky, rich pudding made from scratch with simple ingredients that blend into a caramel-kissed delight. Every spoonful offers the perfect balance of buttery sweetness and creamy comfort, making it an unforgettable treat you’ll want to share — or keep all to yourself!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this Homemade Butterscotch Pudding Recipe is how straightforward and approachable the ingredients are. Each component plays a critical role in creating that smooth texture, deep flavor, and irresistible color that define a truly classic butterscotch experience.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with caramelization for that signature butterscotch flavor.
- Brown sugar: Brings a rich molasses note, deepening the overall taste profile.
- Unsalted butter: Gives the pudding its smooth, velvety mouthfeel and buttery richness.
- Whole milk: Provides creaminess and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Heavy cream: Amplifies the lush texture and adds a rich, indulgent layer.
- Pure vanilla extract: Enhances and rounds out the butterscotch flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
- Cornstarch: The secret to thickening the pudding without any graininess or unpleasant lumps.
- Pinch of salt: Elevates all the sweet flavors, making them shine beautifully.
How to Make Homemade Butterscotch Pudding Recipe
Step 1: Gather All Your Ingredients
Before you start cooking, measure out all your ingredients so everything is ready to go. This makes the process smooth and enjoyable, letting you focus on capturing that perfect silky pudding texture without scrambling.
Step 2: Melt Butter and Sugars
Place the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a medium saucepan over low heat. Stir gently until the mixture becomes bubbly and releases a fragrant, caramel-like aroma. This step is the foundation for the butterscotch flavor, so take your time and enjoy the enticing scent filling your kitchen.
Step 3: Add Milk and Cream Gradually
Slowly whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream to the buttery sugar mixture. Adding these gradually prevents lumps from forming and ensures a perfectly smooth base for the pudding. Keep the heat low during this step to maintain control over the texture and consistency.
Step 4: Mix Cornstarch with Cold Milk and Combine
In a small bowl, stir the cornstarch and a pinch of salt into a splash of cold milk until fully dissolved. This slurry is your thickening agent. Add it carefully to the warm mixture while stirring vigorously to distribute evenly and prevent lumps from developing.
Step 5: Cook Until Thickened
Turn the heat to medium and continue stirring the pudding mixture constantly for about 5 to 7 minutes. You’ll notice it gradually thickening to that perfect custard consistency. This hands-on step is crucial – constant stirring keeps it silky smooth and prevents scorching on the bottom of the pan.
Step 6: Finish and Chill
Once thickened, remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract for that final flavor boost. Pour the pudding into serving bowls or ramekins and allow it to cool before refrigerating. Chilling allows the pudding to set beautifully and develop a richer flavor.
How to Serve Homemade Butterscotch Pudding Recipe
Garnishes
Enhancing your butterscotch pudding with garnishes can take this classic comfort dessert to the next level. Try sprinkling flaky sea salt on top to highlight the sweet and savory balance, or add a dollop of freshly whipped cream for extra decadence. Toasted pecans or a few chocolate shavings also pair wonderfully, adding texture and a hint of contrast.
Side Dishes
While butterscotch pudding is delightful on its own, pairing it with crunchy biscotti or buttery shortbread cookies creates a fun combination of textures. Fresh berries, like raspberries or sliced strawberries, introduce a refreshing brightness that cuts through the richness, making your dessert experience even more memorable.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving your Homemade Butterscotch Pudding Recipe in clear glass jars or delicate dessert cups lets the pudding’s golden color shine through, making it visually inviting. Layering it with crushed cookies or caramelized banana slices creates an elegant parfait-style dessert. For a playful touch, serve alongside tiny spoons with cinnamon sticks for stirring and sipping flavors together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This pudding keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. Keep it chilled to maintain its creamy texture and fresh flavor — just give it a gentle stir before serving if any liquid separates.
Freezing
Though you can freeze butterscotch pudding, be aware the texture may change slightly after thawing, becoming less silky. If you decide to freeze, store it in airtight containers and thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
To reheat your pudding, warm it gently over low heat while stirring frequently to restore its smoothness. Avoid boiling, as this can cause the pudding to break or become lumpy. Reheating also helps revive that fresh-from-the-stove feeling.
FAQs
Can I use milk substitutes in this recipe?
While whole milk and heavy cream are recommended for the rich, creamy texture, you can experiment with full-fat coconut milk or almond milk. Just note the flavor and texture might differ slightly from the traditional butterscotch pudding.
Is cornstarch the only thickener I can use?
Cornstarch works best for achieving that smooth, custard-like consistency without altering flavor. However, some cooks use arrowroot or tapioca starch as alternatives, but these may affect the texture slightly.
How long does the pudding need to chill?
Allow at least 2 hours in the refrigerator so the pudding can fully set and flavors meld together. Overnight chilling is even better if you want a firmer texture and developed taste.
Can I make this pudding vegan?
This recipe relies on dairy for its signature richness, but with substitutions like plant-based butter, plant milks, and a non-dairy cream alternative, you can craft a vegan-friendly version. Be prepared for a taste and texture variation from the classic butterscotch flavor.
What is the best way to prevent lumps?
Adding the cornstarch slurry slowly to the warm mixture while whisking vigorously and cooking over moderate heat helps prevent lumps. Frequent stirring throughout the cooking process ensures a perfectly smooth pudding every time.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Butterscotch Pudding Recipe is a true treasure — simple enough for weeknight treating but special enough to impress guests. Its creamy texture, buttery sweetness, and inviting aroma are a feast for the senses. I encourage you to give it a try and discover how this humble dessert can bring so much joy and warmth to your table.
Print
Homemade Butterscotch Pudding Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This homemade butterscotch pudding is a rich and creamy dessert featuring a delightful blend of brown sugar, butter, and vanilla. With a smooth texture and deep caramel flavor, it’s perfect for an easy yet indulgent treat that can be prepared in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Thickening Agent
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Gather and measure all ingredients to have them ready and accessible before starting the cooking process.
- Melt Butter and Sugars: In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter along with granulated and brown sugar until the mixture becomes bubbly and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Milk and Cream: Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream to the saucepan, stirring continuously to avoid lumps and to create a smooth mixture.
- Mix Cornstarch and Salt: In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and a pinch of salt with a small splash of cold milk, stirring until the cornstarch is fully dissolved; then add this to the warm milk mixture while whisking vigorously.
- Cook Until Thickened: Increase the heat to medium and cook the mixture, stirring constantly with a whisk or wooden spoon, for about 5 to 7 minutes until the pudding thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Finish and Chill: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Pour the pudding into serving bowls or ramekins, allow to cool slightly, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
- For a deeper butterscotch flavor, make sure to cook the butter and sugars until just bubbly and fragrant but not burnt.
- Whisk continuously when adding the cornstarch mixture to prevent lumps and ensure smooth pudding.
- Pudding will thicken further as it cools; do not overcook to avoid a gummy texture.
- Can be topped with whipped cream or a sprinkle of sea salt for an added treat.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
