If you’re craving a cozy dessert that wraps you in comfort with each spoonful, the Creamy Homemade Butterscotch Pudding Recipe is simply irresistible. Thick, rich, and packed with the deep caramel notes of dark brown sugar, this pudding is a nostalgic treat reborn for grown-up taste buds (but still adored by little ones too!). With a luxuriously creamy texture and warm, buttery undertones, every bite calls for a slow, appreciative savor—you’ll taste the love in each velvety mouthful. Whether you’re making it for a family treat or an elegant ending to a dinner party, this delightful pudding never disappoints.

Creamy Homemade Butterscotch Pudding Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the most wonderful things about the Creamy Homemade Butterscotch Pudding Recipe is that it relies on just a handful of humble staples, yet each plays a crucial role in nailing the irresistible flavor and silken texture. Let’s break down why these ingredients matter:

Unsalted Butter: The buttery base gives the pudding its richness and helps to mellow the sweetness.
Dark Brown Sugar: This is where that bold, classic butterscotch flavor is born—don’t swap it for light brown if you want authentic depth!
Cornstarch: Responsible for thickening the pudding to that perfect, spoon-coating consistency—no baking required.
Salt: Just a pinch heightens all the sweet, caramelly flavors and keeps things balanced.
Whole Milk: Whole milk gives the pudding its signature creaminess; low-fat just won’t do here!
Egg Yolks: They create a lush, smooth texture and help the pudding set to perfection.
Vanilla Extract: A splash at the end opens up the butterscotch and rounds out the flavor beautifully.
Whipped Cream (optional): For serving, a pillowy dollop on top is pure heaven—totally recommended!

How to Make Creamy Homemade Butterscotch Pudding Recipe

Step 1: Melt the Butter and Brown Sugar

Start by grabbing your favorite medium saucepan and set it over medium heat. Melt the unsalted butter, and as soon as it’s liquid gold, sprinkle in the dark brown sugar. Whisk them together until the mixture morphs into a smooth, bubbling syrup—this only takes about two minutes but it’s the foundation for that ultra-rich, deep butterscotch flavor.

Step 2: Mix Milk, Cornstarch, and Salt

In a separate bowl (a large measuring cup works great!), whisk together the cornstarch, salt, and whole milk. You want to make sure there are zero lumps—take your time whisking, as this will ensure your pudding thickens perfectly later on.

Step 3: Incorporate the Milk Mixture

Slowly and steadily, pour the milk mixture into the bubbling butter and brown sugar, whisking constantly. This gradual marriage of ingredients helps everything blend seamlessly for the ultimate creamy pudding base.

Step 4: Temper the Egg Yolks

Place the egg yolks in a small bowl. Now, here comes the important part—temper them so they don’t scramble! Gently pour about half a cup of the hot pudding mixture into the yolks while whisking nonstop. Then, slowly whisk the now-warmed yolk mixture right back into the saucepan.

Step 5: Thicken the Pudding

Keep your saucepan over medium heat and whisk constantly. After 5 to 7 minutes, the pudding will thicken beautifully, coating the back of a spoon. This is the magical moment when everything comes together!

Step 6: Finish with Vanilla

Remove your saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. That little splash does wonders, sending the aroma over the top and adding a sweet lift to the deep butterscotch tones.

Step 7: Pour and Chill

Carefully pour the hot pudding into individual serving dishes or ramekins. Cover each with plastic wrap (make sure it’s pressed right up against the pudding surface—trust me, it prevents that infamous skin!). Let the pudding chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours—this wait is the hardest part, but oh, it’s worth it!

How to Serve Creamy Homemade Butterscotch Pudding Recipe

Garnishes

The simplest way to take your Creamy Homemade Butterscotch Pudding Recipe to the next level is with a cloud of freshly whipped cream on top. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle on a pinch of flaky sea salt for a modern, irresistible contrast. Or try a scattering of chopped toasted pecans or a drizzle of caramel sauce—little touches, big wow factor!

Side Dishes

Since butterscotch pudding is rich and sweet, it plays beautifully with tart fresh berries, crisp butter cookies, or even a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream if you’re pulling out all the stops. A tiny cup of hot espresso or strong coffee on the side is the adults-only pairing you never knew you needed.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t limit yourself to bowls! Pour your Creamy Homemade Butterscotch Pudding Recipe into tiny glasses for a dessert flight, tuck it into tart shells for pudding pies, or layer it with crushed cookies and whipped cream for a playful parfait. Mason jars with a ribbon around the top make an adorable picnic or gift presentation, too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover pudding (a rare occurrence!), simply pop them in the fridge, covered tightly with plastic wrap right on the surface. The Creamy Homemade Butterscotch Pudding Recipe keeps well for up to three days and retains its luscious texture.

Freezing

While this pudding is at its creamiest when fresh, you can freeze it in individual containers for up to one month. Be sure to place plastic wrap right against the pudding to prevent ice crystals forming. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving and give it a good stir to smooth things out.

Reheating

Generally, this dessert is meant to be enjoyed cold, but if you crave a warm, custardy treat, gently heat individual servings in the microwave at 50 percent power, stirring every 10 seconds until just warmed through. Then, top with fresh whipped cream!

FAQs

Can I use light brown sugar instead of dark brown?

You can, but the signature rich, deep flavor of this Creamy Homemade Butterscotch Pudding Recipe truly shines when made with dark brown sugar. Light brown sugar makes for a milder, somewhat less caramelly experience.

What if I don’t have whole milk?

While whole milk gives the best creamy texture, you can substitute half-and-half for an even richer pudding, or use 2 percent milk for a lighter result. Just avoid skim milk, since it can make the pudding too thin.

Can I make this Creamy Homemade Butterscotch Pudding Recipe gluten free?

Absolutely! This recipe already uses cornstarch as a thickener, so it’s naturally gluten free. Just be sure your cornstarch is certified gluten free if you need to avoid any trace gluten.

Is there a dairy-free way to make this recipe?

You can experiment with full-fat coconut milk in place of whole milk for a dairy-free version, and use a plant-based butter. The flavor will be a bit different, with a coconut note, but still delicious and creamy.

How do I know when my pudding is thick enough?

The Creamy Homemade Butterscotch Pudding Recipe is ready when it coats the back of a spoon and holds a clean line when you swipe your finger across. Don’t rush it—it’s better to cook a minute too long than too short!

Final Thoughts

Once you’ve made this Creamy Homemade Butterscotch Pudding Recipe, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for boxed mixes. It’s a true comfort dessert that’s both simple and celebratory, perfect for impressing a crowd or gifting yourself an indulgent treat. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and let it earn a permanent spot in your dessert rotation!

Creamy Homemade Butterscotch Pudding Recipe

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4.8 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes (plus chilling)
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

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Description

Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of this Creamy Homemade Butterscotch Pudding. A classic dessert that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

4 tbsp unsalted butter
1 cup packed dark brown sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/2 tsp salt
3 cups whole milk
4 large egg yolks
2 tsp vanilla extract

For Serving:

Whipped cream (optional)

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Instructions

Melt Butter and Sugar: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add brown sugar and whisk until mixture is smooth and bubbling, about 2 minutes.
Prepare Milk Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk cornstarch, salt, and milk until no lumps remain. Gradually whisk milk mixture into the saucepan.
Temper Egg Yolks: In another bowl, whisk egg yolks. Slowly add 1/2 cup of the hot milk mixture into the yolks while whisking to temper, then slowly whisk tempered yolks back into saucepan.
Cook Pudding: Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until pudding thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5–7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
Chill and Serve: Pour pudding into individual serving dishes. Cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Chill for at least 2 hours before serving. Top with whipped cream if desired.