Creamy Homemade Butterscotch Pudding Recipe

Quick & Dreamy Creamy Homemade Butterscotch Pudding Recipe

Pudding lovers adore this silky homemade butterscotch pudding that melts effortlessly on your tongue with rich, caramel-like smoothness.

Sweet memories dance from childhood kitchens where grandmothers stirred deep copper pots.

Warm brown sugar and cream create magical moments of pure comfort.

Each spoonful promises decadent pleasure wrapped in nostalgic warmth.

Simple ingredients combine into an extraordinary dessert that feels both elegant and familiar.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike marvel at its luxurious texture.

Grab a whisk and let deliciousness begin!

Creamy Homemade Butterscotch Pudding That Comforts Deeply

Creamy Homemade Butterscotch Pudding That Comforts Deeply
  • Craft a Comforting Classic: Dive into a nostalgic dessert that brings back warm memories of home-cooked treats, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings with minimal kitchen effort.
  • Master Simple Cooking Techniques: Learn an easy stovetop method that transforms basic ingredients into a luxurious dessert, helping you build confidence in creating smooth, creamy puddings from scratch.
  • Customize Your Dessert Experience: Personalize the pudding with optional toppings like whipped cream, caramel drizzle, or toasted nuts, making it a versatile treat for family gatherings or solo indulgence.
  • Minimal Ingredient Magic: Create a rich, decadent dessert using just a few pantry staples, proving that sometimes the simplest recipes deliver the most incredible flavors and textures.

Ingredients for Rich and Smooth Homemade Butterscotch Pudding

Base Ingredients:
  • Butter: A rich, creamy fat that provides a smooth foundation for the butterscotch flavor.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create the classic caramelized taste.
  • Brown Sugar: Delivers a deep, molasses-like flavor characteristic of traditional butterscotch.
Liquid Ingredients:
  • Whole Milk, Heavy Cream: Create a luxurious, velvety texture that makes the pudding incredibly smooth and indulgent.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, aromatic essence.
Thickening Agents:
  • Cornstarch, Salt: Work together to stabilize and thicken the pudding, ensuring a perfect creamy consistency.

How to Make Creamy Homemade Butterscotch Pudding Easily

How to Make Creamy Homemade Butterscotch Pudding Easily

Step 1: Unleash the Butter and Sugar Magic

Grab a medium saucepan and toss in butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Melt these delightful ingredients over low heat, stirring until they transform into a bubbly, aromatic mixture that’ll make your kitchen smell incredible.

Step 2: Create a Silky Smooth Base

Pour in whole milk and heavy cream, whisking gently to create a luxurious liquid. Watch as the mixture becomes smooth and creamy, with no stubborn lumps in sight.

Step 3: Thicken the Pudding Potion

In a separate bowl, mix:
  • Cornstarch
  • Salt
  • A splash of cold milk

Whisk this magical thickening blend into your warm cream mixture. Stir vigorously to prevent any clumping and ensure a velvety texture.

Step 4: Cook to Creamy Perfection

Bump up the heat to medium and keep stirring constantly. Your pudding will start to thicken like a dream – this should take about 5-7 minutes.

You’re looking for a consistency that coats the back of your spoon.

Step 5: Add the Flavor Finale

Pull the saucepan off the heat and stir in vanilla extract.

This is where the pudding gets its final burst of flavor that’ll make taste buds dance.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

Pour the luscious pudding into serving bowls.

Let it cool down to room temperature, then pop it in the refrigerator. In a few hours, you’ll have a chilled, creamy butterscotch treat that’ll make everyone swoon.

Tips for Perfect Butterscotch Pudding Every Time

  • Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature to help prevent lumps and create a smoother pudding texture.
  • Use dark brown sugar for a deeper, richer butterscotch flavor that intensifies the classic caramel notes.
  • Whisk continuously while cooking to prevent scorching and achieve a silky, consistent pudding without burning.
  • Chill pudding in individual serving dishes to set properly and develop a delightful, creamy consistency.
  • For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and use a low-fat milk alternative.

Flavorful Variations on Homemade Butterscotch Pudding

  • Dairy-Free Coconut Butterscotch Pudding: Replace whole milk and heavy cream with coconut milk for a rich, vegan-friendly alternative that maintains the creamy texture.
  • Gluten-Free Almond Butterscotch Pudding: Substitute cornstarch with arrowroot powder or potato starch to create a gluten-free version that's safe for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Maple Butterscotch Pudding: Swap brown sugar with pure maple syrup for a deeper, more complex sweetness that adds a distinctive Canadian-inspired flavor profile.
  • Low-Sugar Butterscotch Pudding: Use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener to reduce overall sugar content while preserving the classic butterscotch taste.

Pairings That Complement Homemade Butterscotch Pudding Well

  • Smooth, amber-colored bourbon complements the rich butterscotch flavors, creating a luxurious dessert experience with its caramel and oak undertones.
  • Homemade pecan brittle adds delightful texture and salty-sweet contrast, enhancing the creamy pudding's depth and providing a satisfying crunch.
  • Strong, robust coffee cuts through the pudding's sweetness, offering a bold counterpoint that highlights the butterscotch's complex caramel notes.

Best Ways to Store Homemade Butterscotch Pudding

  • Refrigerator Storage: Transfer leftover pudding to an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid, sealing completely to prevent absorption of other food odors. Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness and flavor.
  • Plastic Wrap Method: Cover pudding surface directly with plastic wrap, pressing gently to eliminate air pockets and prevent skin formation. Refrigerate immediately after cooling to maintain smooth texture.
  • Gentle Reheating: Warm individual servings in microwave using 15-second intervals, stirring between each cycle to distribute heat evenly. Add a splash of milk if pudding seems too thick after refrigeration.
  • Freezing Option: Portion pudding into freezer-safe containers, leaving slight headspace for expansion. Freeze up to 2 months, thawing overnight in refrigerator before serving. Whisk briefly to restore creamy consistency.

FAQs

  • Why is cornstarch important in this pudding recipe?

Cornstarch acts as a thickening agent, helping the pudding achieve its smooth, creamy texture by stabilizing and binding the ingredients together.

  • Can I use different types of milk in this recipe?

Whole milk and heavy cream work best for richness, but you can substitute with 2% milk or half-and-half, though the pudding might be slightly less creamy.

  • How do I know when the pudding is properly thickened?

The pudding is ready when it coats the back of a spoon and leaves a clear path when you run your finger through it, which typically happens after 5-7 minutes of constant stirring.

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Creamy Homemade Butterscotch Pudding Recipe

Creamy Homemade Butterscotch Pudding Recipe


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4.9 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 17 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Homemade butterscotch pudding reveals rich caramel notes from brown sugar and butter. Silky smooth dessert promises comfort with each spoonful, inviting you to savor classic flavors reminiscent of childhood memories.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups whole milk (60 ml)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100 g)
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (100 g)
  • 4 tbsps unsalted butter (60 g)
  • 3 tbsps cornstarch (24 g)
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Assemble all ingredients within arm’s reach to streamline the cooking process.
  2. Create a rich caramel base by gently melting butter with granulated and brown sugars in a saucepan, stirring until the mixture becomes aromatic and develops a golden hue.
  3. Slowly incorporate whole milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously to prevent any potential scorching or separation.
  4. Prepare a smooth cornstarch slurry by blending cornstarch and salt with a small amount of cold milk, ensuring no dry pockets remain.
  5. Pour the cornstarch mixture into the warm liquid, stirring energetically to prevent lumps from forming.
  6. Maintain medium heat, constantly stirring the pudding for 5-7 minutes until it thickens to a luxurious, velvety consistency that coats the back of a spoon.
  7. Remove the saucepan from heat and infuse the pudding with vanilla extract, stirring to distribute the flavor evenly.
  8. Carefully transfer the pudding into individual serving dishes, allowing it to cool at room temperature.
  9. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to achieve a chilled, set pudding with a silky smooth texture.

Notes

  • Prep All Ingredients Beforehand to avoid scrambling during cooking and ensure smooth execution.
  • Use Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula for stirring to prevent scratching delicate saucepan surface and maintain even heat distribution.
  • Control Heat Carefully when melting butter and sugar to prevent burning and achieve perfect caramelization without scorching.
  • Whisk Continuously while adding milk and cornstarch mixture to guarantee a silky, lump-free pudding texture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 7 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 410 kcal
  • Sugar: 47 g
  • Sodium: 70 mg
  • Fat: 23 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 53 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg
Clara Bennett

Clara Bennett

Contributing Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Development, Gluten-Free and Allergy-Friendly Recipe Creation, Culinary Storytelling and Food Journalism, Recipe Testing and Standardization, Southern Comfort Foods and Modern Twists

Education

Sullivan University – National Center for Hospitality Studies
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Focus: Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing, and Culinary Journalism.

Clara specialized in crafting desserts that blend classic Southern comfort with modern techniques, while developing strong writing skills to tell the story behind every dish.

Lane Community College (Certificate Program)
Certificate in Food Writing and Photography

Focus: Culinary storytelling, recipe formatting, food styling, and visual presentation.


Clara’s love of baking started young, powered by homemade pies, biscuits, and stories passed around the family table.
After earning her degree at Sullivan University and a food writing certificate at Lane Community College, she turned her passion into a craft: sharing recipes that are simple, soulful, and always full of heart.
She’s big on bold flavors, flexible ideas, and creating sweets that fit any table (yes, even if you’re gluten-free). When she’s not baking, you’ll find her wandering farmers’ markets, styling food for the next photo shoot, or working on her ever-growing recipe journal.

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