If you’re looking for the kind of dessert that transports you right back to childhood, the Creamy Homemade Butterscotch Pudding Recipe is pure edible nostalgia. Imagine silky spoonfuls of sweet, caramel-kissed pudding, chilled to perfection, each bite rich with real brown sugar and finished with a whisper of vanilla. This pudding is the stuff of comfort food dreams—classic, simple, utterly irresistible, and just decadent enough to make an ordinary night feel downright celebratory. Whether you serve it plain or dress it up, this pudding is a treat to fall for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s a certain magic to how a handful of simple pantry staples come together in the Creamy Homemade Butterscotch Pudding Recipe. Each ingredient plays its part in building an undeniably luxurious dessert, from giving that signature butterscotch flavor to making every bite silky and dreamy. Here’s what you need to gather:
- Light Brown Sugar: The soul of this pudding, brown sugar melts into a warm butterscotch flavor that makes this dessert truly special.
- Cornstarch: This gentle thickener is the secret to achieving that creamy, pudding-perfect texture.
- Salt: A pinch sharpens all the sweet notes and keeps the flavors lively, never flat.
- Whole Milk: The backbone of creaminess, whole milk ensures that every spoonful is lush and smooth.
- Heavy Cream: Adds richness and body, taking this pudding firmly into indulgence territory.
- Egg Yolks: They turn the pudding luxurious and velvety, while helping it set perfectly.
- Unsalted Butter: This is the finishing touch, rounding out the flavors and providing that little extra richness.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash at the end ties the flavor together and adds a fragrant, comforting aroma.
How to Make Creamy Homemade Butterscotch Pudding Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the packed light brown sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a medium saucepan. This trio joins forces to lay the foundation of deep flavor and the signature creamy consistency. Breaking up the brown sugar early prevents any lumps and ensures everything cooks evenly.
Step 2: Add the Dairy
Gradually pour in the whole milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly as you go. The gradual addition helps the dry ingredients dissolve smoothly, and constant whisking means a silky pudding—never grainy. Keep things gentle; patience at this stage pays off later!
Step 3: Cook the Pudding Base
Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly. After about 5 to 7 minutes, you’ll see the mixture start to thicken and bubble. This is your sign things are going right! Stir vigorously to prevent any scorching (especially on the bottom) and to make sure your Creamy Homemade Butterscotch Pudding Recipe turns out gorgeously smooth.
Step 4: Temper the Egg Yolks
In a small bowl, lightly whisk your egg yolks. Now, you’ll “temper” them to avoid scrambling—slowly pour about 1/2 cup of the hot pudding mixture into the yolks while whisking without stopping. Once combined, whisk this yolk mixture right back into the saucepan. This step adds silkiness and color, ensuring a rich, cohesive pudding.
Step 5: Finish Cooking
Return the pot to the stove and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly. The mixture will become thicker and even glossier. When you can run a finger through a spoon coated with the pudding and the line holds, your pudding base is ready!
Step 6: Add the Butter and Vanilla
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the unsalted butter and vanilla extract until both are fully melted and blended. This is where the flavors bloom and the pudding achieves its dreamy mouthfeel.
Step 7: Chill and Set
Pour the pudding into individual serving dishes or ramekins, then immediately cover each with plastic wrap—pressing it directly onto the surface. This prevents a skin from forming (unless you secretly love that old-school pudding skin, in which case, skip the wrap!). Refrigerate for at least 2 hours so your Creamy Homemade Butterscotch Pudding Recipe firms up to perfect scoopability.
How to Serve Creamy Homemade Butterscotch Pudding Recipe
Garnishes
Give that satiny pudding a flourish! A big dollop of billowy whipped cream brings airy brightness, while a sprinkle of toffee bits or flaky sea salt highlights the caramel notes. If you’re feeling playful, shaved chocolate or a drizzle of caramel sauce never go amiss. Each garnish makes the Creamy Homemade Butterscotch Pudding Recipe feel a touch fancier and is sure to earn a chorus of “wows” at the table.
Side Dishes
While this pudding is the star, pairing it with the right side treats can make dessert feel like an event. Try serving it with crisp, buttery shortbread cookies—or play up the nostalgia with simple animal crackers. For something a little more grown-up, cinnamon-dusted toasted pecans or a strong cup of espresso balance the sweetness just right.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform your Creamy Homemade Butterscotch Pudding Recipe into something truly memorable. Layer it with crushed cookies in parfait glasses for a playful twist, spoon it into mini mason jars for a picnic, or use as the base for an unforgettable trifle. Even a scattering of diced roasted bananas or a sprinkle of candied ginger turns this classic pudding into a striking showpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The good news: this pudding is just as magical the next day! Cover each portion tightly with plastic wrap (still snug against the surface) and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen beautifully, and the texture somehow gets even creamier with time—if you can wait that long to dig in again.
Freezing
While classic puddings don’t usually freeze well (the texture can get wonky as it thaws), you can try freezing if you’re up for some pudding pops! Spoon the cooled pudding into molds, freeze, and enjoy a frosty butterscotch treat. Just remember, regular thawing isn’t advised since it can make the original Creamy Homemade Butterscotch Pudding Recipe grainy.
Reheating
If you’re craving something warm, gently heat leftover pudding on the stovetop over low, stirring constantly. Just a few minutes will bring back that comforting silkiness. For single servings, a few short bursts in the microwave do the trick—just stir well to keep things smooth.
FAQs
Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light?
Dark brown sugar adds a deeper molasses flavor and a richer color to the pudding. If you love bold flavors, go for it! Just know your Creamy Homemade Butterscotch Pudding Recipe will come out slightly darker and more intense.
Is there a dairy-free option for this pudding?
Absolutely—replace the whole milk and heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk for a deliciously creamy, plant-based version. The texture will be a bit different, but it’s still spectacular. Don’t skip the vanilla; it ties everything together!
Why do you cover pudding with plastic wrap?
This step keeps a skin from forming on top as the pudding cools. If you’re a fan of that classic pudding skin from childhood, just let it chill uncovered instead for a nostalgic touch!
Can I make the Creamy Homemade Butterscotch Pudding Recipe ahead?
Yes! In fact, it tastes even better when made a day in advance. The flavors meld and intensify, making each spoonful even more irresistible. Just refrigerate and garnish right before serving.
What can I do if my pudding turns out lumpy?
If things look less than silky, don’t panic. Run the pudding through a fine-mesh sieve while it’s still warm—this removes any lumps and ensures your Creamy Homemade Butterscotch Pudding Recipe stays as dreamy and smooth as possible.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to delight friends or simply treat yourself, this Creamy Homemade Butterscotch Pudding Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s simple, satisfying, and every spoonful is happiness in dessert form. Give it a try and make your next sweet craving truly unforgettable!
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Creamy Homemade Butterscotch Pudding Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes (plus chilling)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of this homemade butterscotch pudding recipe. A classic dessert that is easy to make and guaranteed to satisfy your sweet cravings.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 3/4 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together the brown sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add the milk and cream, whisking until smooth.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture begins to bubble and thicken, about 5–7 minutes.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Slowly pour about 1/2 cup of the hot pudding mixture into the yolks while whisking constantly to temper them. Then pour the yolk mixture back into the saucepan.
- Cook for another 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly, until thickened and silky. Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Pour the pudding into individual serving dishes and cover each with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
- Top with whipped cream, toffee bits, or a sprinkle of sea salt for extra indulgence.
- Use dark brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
- This pudding keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
