If you’re craving old-fashioned comfort with a modern, luxurious twist, look no further than this Creamy Homemade Butterscotch Pudding Recipe. With its buttery richness, deep caramel notes, and silky-smooth texture, this classic dessert is an invitation to pure nostalgia and indulgence. Whether you grew up sneaking every last spoonful from store-bought cups or are meeting butterscotch pudding for the first time, this homemade version will win you over with its luscious flavor and inviting aroma. Every bite promises a gentle hug of sweetness you’ll want to share—or maybe keep all to yourself.

Creamy Homemade Butterscotch Pudding Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this pudding recipe lies in its simplicity: a handful of pantry staples and a few refrigerator essentials. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the signature taste, glossy color, and irresistible creaminess that sets this dessert apart.

Brown sugar: The soul of butterscotch pudding, brown sugar brings rich, toasty sweetness and creates that wonderfully deep caramel flavor.
Cornstarch: This simple thickener ensures an ultra-smooth pudding with just the right consistency—no lumpy texture here!
Salt: A dash enhances the butterscotch flavor and keeps the sweetness balanced and lively.
Whole milk: Provides creamy body and richness to the pudding without it becoming too heavy.
Heavy cream: Adds an extra level of silkiness and a touch of decadence to every spoonful.
Unsalted butter: For that signature butterscotch taste and a glossy, melt-in-your-mouth finish.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor profile with aromatic warmth and a comforting bakery aroma.
Egg yolks: They give the pudding unparalleled richness and help set that luxurious, custardy texture.

How to Make Creamy Homemade Butterscotch Pudding Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Start by grabbing a medium saucepan and whisking together the brown sugar, cornstarch, and salt. This step ensures that the cornstarch disperses evenly and helps you avoid any pesky lumps down the road. The brown sugar not only flavors the pudding but also gets a head start melding with the salt and cornstarch, making every bite count.

Step 2: Whisk in the Dairy

Slowly pour in the whole milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly until the mixture is smooth. Don’t rush it—gentle whisking makes sure every grain of sugar dissolves and your pudding sets up beautifully later on. The blend of milk and cream is the secret to that unbeatable velvety texture.

Step 3: Cook Until Thick and Bubbly

Set the saucepan over medium heat and stir, stir, stir! After about 6 to 8 minutes, you’ll see the pudding thicken and start to bubble. Don’t turn away: constant stirring prevents scorching and makes for the creamiest possible pudding. Once bubbling, continue for another full minute to activate the cornstarch’s magic.

Step 4: Temper the Egg Yolks

In a small bowl, lightly beat the egg yolks. To keep them from scrambling when added to the hot mixture, slowly whisk in about 1/2 cup of the hot pudding mixture. This brings the yolks gently up to temperature. This step is essential for a silky, custardy finish—don’t skip it!

Step 5: Combine and Cook Again

Gradually pour the tempered yolks back into the saucepan, whisking constantly. Return everything to medium heat and cook for 2 more minutes, stirring persistently. The pudding will turn even smoother and richer—this is where the real transformation happens.

Step 6: Finish with Butter and Vanilla

Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the unsalted butter and vanilla extract. These two bring shine, flavor, and that final luxurious touch. Make sure the butter melts completely and everything is well combined. Your Creamy Homemade Butterscotch Pudding Recipe is nearly ready!

Step 7: Chill and Set

Pour the hot pudding into individual serving dishes or ramekins. Press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of each pudding—this little trick prevents a skin from forming on top. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until cool and set. Resist the urge to sneak a spoonful… the texture after chilling is truly worth the wait!

How to Serve Creamy Homemade Butterscotch Pudding Recipe

Garnishes

This pudding shines on its own, but go ahead and dress it up! Top each serving with whipped cream, a pinch of flaky sea salt, or even a scattering of toffee bits for extra indulgence. A drizzle of caramel sauce or a dash of chocolate shavings never hurts either.

Side Dishes

Pair this creamy treat with crispy, buttery shortbread cookies or a handful of fresh berries to offset its sweetness. A cup of strong coffee or black tea makes for an elegant (and grown-up) finish to any meal featuring this dish.

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful twist, pipe the pudding into mini mason jars or elegant cocktail glasses. Layer it with whipped cream and crumbled cookies in parfait glasses for a show-stopping dessert, or use it as a decadent filling for doughnuts or cream puffs. The possibilities are endless—don’t be afraid to make it your own!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Creamy Homemade Butterscotch Pudding Recipe stores beautifully in the fridge. Cover each serving with plastic wrap (pressing directly onto the pudding surface to keep it smooth) and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors often deepen and mellow with time, making leftovers even more irresistible.

Freezing

While it’s perfectly safe to freeze butterscotch pudding, the texture may change a bit upon thawing. The pudding can become grainy or separate, so if you do freeze, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and give it a good whisk to help restore smoothness. For the creamiest texture, enjoy it freshly made or just refrigerated.

Reheating

If you prefer your pudding slightly warm, gently heat it in the microwave in short 10-second bursts, stirring in between to maintain its silkiness. Be careful not to overheat, as high temperatures can cause the pudding to curdle. Warming can be especially comforting during chilly months or when you want that fresh-from-the-stove feeling.

FAQs

Can I use light brown sugar instead of dark brown sugar?

Absolutely! Light brown sugar will give your Creamy Homemade Butterscotch Pudding Recipe a slightly milder flavor and a paler color. If you crave a more robust, almost toasty depth, try dark brown sugar as suggested in the notes—it makes a delicious difference!

Is it possible to make this pudding gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as written since cornstarch provides the thickening power. Just double-check your ingredient labels to avoid any hidden sources of gluten if you’re serving someone with sensitivities.

How do I prevent lumps when making pudding?

Consistent whisking is your best friend! Mixing your dry ingredients well and adding the dairy slowly helps, but the real trick is to keep the pudding moving as it cooks. Don’t skimp on whisking, and be gentle but thorough to guarantee that dreamy, lump-free texture.

What happens if I skip tempering the egg yolks?

Tempering is essential for a smooth, creamy pudding. Adding hot pudding directly to raw yolks gently brings up their temperature and prevents scrambling. If you skip this step, you might end up with bits of cooked egg throughout your Creamy Homemade Butterscotch Pudding Recipe—definitely not what you want!

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Yes! Just use a large saucepan and be sure to whisk constantly as the mixture will take a bit longer to heat and thicken. Your guests will love diving into big bowls of that classic, velvety pudding.

Final Thoughts

If ever there was a dessert to evoke instantly happy memories, it’s a chilled cup of this Creamy Homemade Butterscotch Pudding Recipe. Easy enough to whip up on a weeknight yet special enough for company, it’s the kind of comforting treat guaranteed to bring smiles all around. I hope you’ll treat yourself soon and make it a new favorite in your own kitchen!

Creamy Homemade Butterscotch Pudding Recipe

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4.7 from 6 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes (includes chilling)
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of this homemade butterscotch pudding. Made with simple ingredients, this stovetop dessert is a classic treat that will satisfy any sweet tooth.

Ingredients

Scale

Pudding:

1/2 cup packed brown sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 large egg yolks

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Instructions

Prepare Pudding Mixture: In a medium saucepan, whisk together brown sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Slowly whisk in milk and heavy cream until smooth.
Cook the Mixture: Place the pan over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until thickened and bubbling, about 6–8 minutes. Cook for an additional minute after it bubbles. Remove from heat.
Temper Egg Yolks: In a small bowl, beat the egg yolks lightly. Slowly whisk in a portion of the hot pudding mixture to temper the yolks. Gradually mix the egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan.
Finalize Pudding: Return the pan to medium heat and cook for 2 more minutes, stirring constantly until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla extract until fully combined.
Chill and Serve: Pour the pudding into serving dishes, cover with plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.