There’s something so nostalgic and comforting about a classic butterscotch pudding, and trust me, you’re going to love this one! Rich, velvety smooth, and brimming with that irresistible caramelized sweetness, this pudding is like a warm hug in a bowl. Perfect for satisfying those sweet cravings or impressing guests with a homemade treat, it’s the kind of dessert that’ll make you feel like a pro—without all the fuss. So grab your whisk and let’s dive in. This one’s a game-changer!
Why You’ll Love Butterscotch Pudding
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dessert, hosting a dinner party, or treating yourself to something sweet, this butterscotch pudding is perfect for any occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or indulging in a quiet evening, this pudding fits any mood. Plus, it’s easy to customize with a sprinkle of sea salt or a dollop of whipped cream for that extra special touch!
Budget-Friendly: You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry, making it the perfect recipe when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to splurge.
Quick and Easy: The steps are simple and straightforward, making it a great recipe for beginners or anyone who loves easy, delicious desserts. In no time, you’ll have a bowl full of creamy goodness.
Customizable: Love extra butterscotch flavor? Stir in some brown sugar or a touch of vanilla. You can tweak this pudding to suit your taste preferences, and it’s still going to be amazing.
Crowd-Pleasing: The perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess makes this pudding a hit with everyone. You can’t go wrong serving this as a dessert after any meal!

Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this rich and creamy butterscotch pudding:
Sugar: The key to that deep, warm butterscotch flavor. It caramelizes to create a rich base.
Butter: Adds richness and smoothness to the pudding, making it feel luxurious in every spoonful.
Heavy Cream: For that creamy texture that makes this pudding melt in your mouth.
Egg Yolks: These create the silky texture and help thicken the pudding.
Cornstarch: To give the pudding its smooth, custard-like consistency.
Milk: The perfect complement to the cream, balancing the richness of the butter and sugar.
Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla adds depth and enhances the butterscotch flavor.
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Step 1: Prepare the Sugar
In a medium saucepan, melt the sugar over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Watch closely as the sugar melts and begins to brown. It’s this caramelization that gives the pudding its signature butterscotch flavor.
Step 2: Add the Butter
Once the sugar is melted and golden, stir in the butter until it’s completely melted and combined. The mixture will bubble up—don’t worry, that’s a good thing!
Step 3: Make the Creamy Base
In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, milk, egg yolks, and cornstarch. Pour this mixture into the caramelized sugar-butter mixture, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Keep whisking until the pudding thickens to your desired consistency.
Step 4: Add Vanilla
Once the pudding has thickened, remove it from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. This step adds that beautiful aromatic flavor that makes everything even more irresistible.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Pour the pudding into individual serving dishes or one large bowl. Allow it to cool slightly before refrigerating for at least 2 hours to set. Once it’s chilled and ready to serve, top it with whipped cream, a sprinkle of sea salt, or even some extra caramel for a finishing touch.
How to Serve Butterscotch Pudding
This pudding is perfect as a standalone dessert, but here are a few ideas to make it even more special:
Fresh Berries: Add a pop of color and freshness with some strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries on top of the pudding.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light, airy contrast to the rich butterscotch.
Salted Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle some homemade or store-bought caramel sauce for an extra layer of sweetness.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Prep Ahead: This pudding can be made a day or two in advance, so it’s perfect for dinner parties or busy evenings when you want to have dessert ready to go.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pudding may thicken more as it cools, but a little extra cream or milk will bring it back to the perfect consistency.
Make it Dairy-Free: If you want to make this dessert dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream and milk with coconut milk or almond milk.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?
A1: Absolutely! Brown sugar will add an extra depth of flavor, making the pudding even richer.
Q2: How do I store leftovers?
A2: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a little stir before serving.
Q3: Can I make this in advance?
A3: Yes, this is a great make-ahead dessert! Prepare it the day before and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Q4: Can I freeze this pudding?
A4: I wouldn’t recommend freezing it as it may change the texture. But you can certainly enjoy it fresh from the fridge!
Q5: How can I make this recipe healthier?
A5: You can use reduced-fat dairy and cut down on sugar, but the richness of this pudding is part of its charm!
Q6: Can I add other flavors to this pudding?
A6: Definitely! You can mix in a little cinnamon, nutmeg, or even espresso for a fun twist.
Q7: How do I make this pudding smoother?
A7: Be sure to whisk the mixture constantly and thoroughly to prevent any lumps from forming.
Q8: What’s the best way to serve this pudding?
A8: Serve it chilled, topped with whipped cream, and a sprinkle of caramel or sea salt for extra flair!
Q9: How long does this pudding last in the fridge?
A9: It will last for up to 3 days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container.
Q10: Can I make this pudding with non-dairy milk?
A10: Yes! You can swap out the dairy milk and cream for coconut milk or almond milk for a dairy-free version.
conclusion
In conclusion, this Butterscotch Pudding is the perfect balance of rich, velvety creaminess with just the right amount of sweetness. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just craving something comforting, it’s sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a dessert that feels like a luxury without all the fuss. So go ahead, treat yourself (and your loved ones) to this irresistible pudding—you’ll be glad you did!
PrintButterscotch Pudding: A Sweet, Creamy Delight
Indulge in a creamy, rich homemade butterscotch pudding that’s a comforting treat for any occasion. With its smooth texture and caramelized brown sugar flavor, this dessert will satisfy your sweet tooth. Perfect for a family gathering or a special treat!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes (includes chilling)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 3/4 cups whole milk
- 4 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the brown sugar, cornstarch, and salt until fully combined.
- Add Milk and Heat: Gradually add the whole milk to the dry ingredients, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer, whisking frequently until it begins to thicken (about 5-7 minutes).
- Temper the Egg Yolks: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until smooth. Slowly pour a small amount of the hot milk mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly to temper them. Gradually whisk the egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the hot milk mixture. Continue to cook, whisking constantly, until the pudding thickens to a custard-like consistency (about 2-3 minutes).
- Finish the Pudding: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Cool and Serve: Pour the pudding into individual serving dishes or a large bowl. Cover the surface with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
- Serve: Serve the butterscotch pudding chilled, topped with whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon, if desired.
Notes
- This pudding can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- For extra flavor, top with caramel sauce or shaved chocolate.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 37g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 105mg