If you’re craving a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening, this Homemade Butterscotch Pudding Recipe is exactly what you need. Silky smooth, rich, and luxuriously caramel-flavored, this pudding is comforting yet elegant, with a perfect balance of buttery sweetness and creamy texture. Whether you’re planning a family dinner or simply want to treat yourself, this pudding transforms simple ingredients into a decadent delight that’s impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing a vital role in the final flavor and texture. From the rich butter and sugars that create the signature butterscotch essence, to the combination of milk and cream for luscious creaminess, these staples come together to create something truly special.
- Granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps caramelize in the butter for that classic butterscotch flavor.
- Brown sugar: Adds depth with its molasses notes, enhancing the richness of the pudding.
- Unsalted butter: Gives a creamy, velvety base and balances sweetness with its silky fat.
- Whole milk: Ensures a creamy texture without being too heavy or watery.
- Heavy cream: Lends extra richness and smoothness to each spoonful.
- Pure vanilla extract: Brightens and rounds out the flavors with a fragrant warmth.
- Cornstarch: The natural thickener that gives the pudding that perfect, spoonable consistency.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances all the sweetness and deepens the butterscotch flavor.
How to Make Homemade Butterscotch Pudding Recipe
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Preparation is key, so start by measuring out all your ingredients and having them within easy reach. This keeps the cooking process smooth and ensures nothing gets missed in the delicate balancing act of butterscotch pudding.
Step 2: Create the Butterscotch Base
Over low heat in a medium saucepan, melt the butter together with both granulated and brown sugars. This is where the magic begins—the sugars bubble and melt into the butter, releasing that warm, fragrant aroma we crave. Take your time here to develop the rich butterscotch flavor.
Step 3: Add the Milks Carefully
Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream. Doing this slowly helps prevent lumps and ensures a silky mixture ready for thickening. The cream adds indulgence, while the milk keeps it balanced.
Step 4: Mix and Introduce the Thickener
In a small separate bowl, combine the cornstarch and a pinch of salt with a splash of cold milk to make a smooth slurry. Slowly whisk this into the warm butter and sugar mixture to start thickening the pudding, stirring constantly to avoid clumps.
Step 5: Cook Until Perfectly Thickened
Turn the heat to medium and continue stirring vigorously. Within 5 to 7 minutes, you’ll notice the pudding transforming into a luscious, thick custard. This step requires patience and attention, but the silky texture you get in return is absolutely worth it.
Step 6: Finish and Chill
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract to brighten all those deep, caramel notes. Pour the pudding into serving bowls and allow it to cool slightly before placing it in the refrigerator to chill and fully set—about 2 hours is perfect for that creamy, spoonable consistency.
How to Serve Homemade Butterscotch Pudding Recipe
Garnishes
Top your butterscotch pudding with a handful of toasted pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch that pairs beautifully with the creamy pudding. A dollop of freshly whipped cream or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt can also elevate the flavors and presentation.
Side Dishes
This pudding shines brightest on its own, but pairing it with simple, buttery shortbread cookies or a crisp biscotti adds texture contrast and makes for a balanced dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your homemade butterscotch pudding in individual glass jars or vintage teacups to impress guests. For a fun twist, layer the pudding with crumbled cookies or fresh berries, turning this classic into a layered dessert parfait that’s just as beautiful as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover butterscotch pudding covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping it airtight prevents a skin from forming on top and keeps the pudding tasting fresh and creamy.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, it’s not usually recommended for this pudding since the texture can become grainy upon thawing. For best results, enjoy it fresh or refrigerated within a few days.
Reheating
If you prefer warm pudding, gently reheat leftovers in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently to restore silky consistency. Avoid microwaving unless you stir well to prevent hot spots or curdling.
FAQs
Can I use milk alternatives in this recipe?
Yes, but keep in mind that whole milk and heavy cream provide the richness that defines the pudding’s texture. Using alternatives like almond or oat milk may result in a thinner pudding with less creamy depth.
Is it necessary to use both granulated and brown sugar?
Absolutely! The combination creates that signature butterscotch flavor. Granulated sugar provides sweetness, while brown sugar adds the deep molasses notes that make this pudding special.
How long does it take for the pudding to set?
After cooking, allow the pudding to cool at room temperature briefly before refrigerating for at least 2 hours. This chilling time helps it achieve the perfect, spoonable texture.
Can I make this pudding vegan?
For a vegan version, you can substitute butter with coconut oil and use non-dairy milks, but the end result will have a different flavor profile and texture. Experiment with thickening agents like agar agar to replicate the creaminess.
What do I do if lumps form during cooking?
If you notice lumps, whisk vigorously to try breaking them up. Using a fine-mesh strainer after cooking can also help smooth the pudding before chilling.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Butterscotch Pudding Recipe has been a treasured favorite in my kitchen because it’s simple yet irresistibly satisfying. With its creamy texture and deep, buttery flavor, it’s the kind of dessert that feels like a cozy celebration in every spoonful. Give it a try when you want to create something truly special that feels like it came from your heart and family traditions.
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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, creamy dessert made from scratch using a blend of butter, brown and granulated sugars, whole milk, and heavy cream. The pudding is thickened with cornstarch and infused with vanilla for a luscious, buttery flavor that’s perfect for any occasion. Ready in just 17 minutes, it’s a comforting treat that can be enjoyed chilled.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- Pinch of salt
Dairy & Flavorings
- 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 beforehand for smooth and efficient cooking.
- Melt Butter and Sugars: In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter together with the granulated and brown sugars. Stir until the mixture is bubbly and releases a fragrant butterscotch aroma.
- Add Milk and Cream: Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream slowly to avoid lumps, creating a smooth liquid base.
- Combine Cornstarch Mixture: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and salt with a small splash of cold milk to create a slurry. Stir this into the warm milk and sugar mixture while vigorously whisking to prevent clumps.
- Cook Until Thickened: Increase heat to medium and cook the mixture while stirring constantly for 5 to 7 minutes. Watch for the pudding to thicken to a creamy consistency.
- Finish and Chill: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Pour the pudding into serving bowls and allow to cool before refrigerating until chilled and set, about 2 hours.
Notes
- Constant stirring during cooking prevents lumps and scorching.
- Use whole milk and heavy cream for a rich, creamy texture.
- Refrigerate at least 2 hours to fully set the pudding.
- For a stronger butterscotch flavor, cook the butter and sugars a bit longer until deep amber but not burnt.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
