Homemade Butterscotch Pudding
Make this butterscotch pudding recipe and get rave reviews! So easy & quick, and it has the most incredibly nostalgic flavor!
*I originally posted this butterscotch pudding recipe on September 6, 2016. I thought it was about time for a refresh. So I’ve improved the recipe, added a new video, and provided lots more tips for success. Hopefully you’ll enjoy this dessert as much as my family and I do.*
Today I’m sharing one of the most nostalgic treats ever: butterscotch pudding!
This dessert was a staple at my elementary school cafeteria, and every time I see it now it takes me right back!
I love it for this time of year because the cool, silky texture makes it so refreshing for warmer days, but the flavor just screams fall!
Something about brown sugar is just so cozy and comforting, and I’ve been on a bit of a kick lately. As soon as the kids go back to school, I’m all about brown sugar cookies, pecan tassies, and caramel cheesecake.
And this butterscotch pudding recipe lands right in that same category of warm, toasty fall flavor.
Best of all, it’s so easy to make. This dessert can be whipped up in less than half an hour, and I bet you already have all the ingredients on hand!
WHAT IS BUTTERSCOTCH PUDDING?
In the US, “pudding” just means any kind of sweetened, thickened milk that you eat with a spoon as a dessert or snack.
- Banana Pudding
- Pistachio Pudding
- Lemon Pudding
- Tapioca Pudding
- Vanilla Pudding
- Rice Pudding
- Bread Pudding
- Chocolate Pudding
and of course, butterscotch!
Butterscotch pudding is infused with the flavor of butterscotch candy, which is mainly just butter and brown sugar. It tastes very much like toffee or caramel.
The “scotch” part of the name could denote the idea that it hails from Scotland, or it could be because originally the butter was “scotched,” or scorched. (Source: Brittanica.) It does not mean that there is Scotch whiskey in it, or any kind of alcohol at all. This is a booze-free dessert!
WHAT DOES IT TASTE LIKE?
This dessert is truly a flavor bomb!
You will taste the sweetness of brown sugar, but also a rich, buttery flavor.
There’s a hint of salt that really carries the flavors through, so if you’re a fan of that sweet/salty combo, you will love this homemade butterscotch pudding.
And since it’s made with milk and cream it has that creamy dairy quality that is just so satisfying.
HOW TO MAKE BUTTERSCOTCH PUDDING WITHOUT A MIX
When I was a kid, almost all puddings were made from a boxed mix. But as I grew older and wiser, I learned that is so easy to make pudding from scratch.
It really doesn’t take much longer than a mix would, and this way, you can control the ingredients and the flavor so much better (and improve them!).
The ingredients are very simple pantry staples.
Start by combining dark brown sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a small pot.
Mix these ingredients together with a whisk, breaking up any lumps of brown sugar.
Then, drizzle in the milk in a slow, steady stream, while continuing to whisk. Go slowly, so you don’t get any lumps.
Stir in the cream, and cook the mixture over medium-low heat.
Keep whisking so that things cook evenly and the pudding doesn’t scorch on the bottom.
You’ll notice that just as the mixture starts to come to a simmer, it will magically thicken, right before your eyes. That’s the cornstarch, doing its job!
Take the pot off the heat and whisk in the yolks (these are optional; see below), butter, and vanilla extract.
Then pour it into individual serving dishes and let it chill in the fridge!
It’s that simple!
IS IT HEALTHY?
As a dessert, this recipe is naturally going to be a little higher in sugar, carbs, and fat. That’s to be expected!
I’ll let you be the ultimate judge by reviewing the nutritional info in the recipe card below, but let’s talk a little about ingredient subs and making this allergen-free.
GLUTEN-FREE
This recipe is naturally gluten-free.
DAIRY-FREE
To make dairy-free butterscotch pudding, swap out the dairy milk, cream, and butter with your favorite plant-based products. Just make sure they can be substituted 1:1.
VEGAN & EGG-FREE
For a vegan version, swap out the dairy as noted above, and skip the egg yolks entirely.
Eggless butterscotch pudding is totally a thing. You won’t even notice the difference.
Honestly, the first time I made this I did it without eggs, and the only reason I’m including them now is because they add a really pretty, fall-like color.
NUT-FREE
Skip the chopped pecan garnish and substitute with any of the following:
- Toffee Bits
- Sunflower Seeds
- Crushed Pretzels, Potato Chips, or Buttery Crackers
- Crushed Graham Crackers, Biscoff Cookies, or Vanilla Wafers
- Chocolate Shavings
for a nut-free option.
WHAT GOES WELL WITH IT?
I love to top mine with softly whipped cream and a sprinkling of chopped pecans. And any of the above-listed garnishes would also be fantastic.
- Bananas
- Apples
- Pears
- Coffee
- Hazelnut
- Cinnamon
- Chocolate
- Coconut
A FEW MORE OF MY FAVORITE FALL RECIPES:
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Homemade Butterscotch Pudding
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup (165 g) dark brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons (24 g) cornstarch
- 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon (3 g) kosher salt, (to taste)
- 2 cups (488 g) milk
- 1/2 cup (119 g) heavy whipping cream
- 2 (36 g) egg yolks,, large (optional)
- 5 tablespoons (70 g) unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 teaspoons (6 g) vanilla extract
Optional garnishes
- 3/4 cups (178.5 g) heavy cream,, whipped to soft peaks with 1 tablespoon granulated sugar.
- 2 tablespoons (29.57 g) toffee bits or chopped toasted pecans, (approx.)
Instructions
- Place the brown sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a medium pot and whisk together to combine.
- Pour in the milk in a slow, steady stream, while continuing to whisk.
- Stir in the cream and place over medium-low heat.
- Cook, stirring, for about 5 minutes or until the pudding has come to a simmer and thickened.
- Remove from the heat and whisk in the egg yolks, butter, and vanilla.
- When the butter has completely melted and is fully incorporated, transfer the mixture to small jars and chill.
- Serve cold, with whipped cream and toffee bits or toasted pecans.
I love homemade butterscotch pudding. I, wonder if there would be enough pudding in 1 recipe to make a pie? Thanks for sharing this recipe!
Hey Beverly! You know, I think there probably would be. As long as you’re using a regular-sized pie dish and not a deep dish. Good luck I hope you enjoy this!
OMG! I never thought I’d be raving over plain ol’ Butterscotch Pudding!!!
I wanted to eat dessert before eating supper! Only things I did differently were that I had light brown sugar, not dark, and I reduced the vanilla to 1 teaspoon and added two teaspoons of whiskey ☺️.
Don’t be dismayed if it doesn’t thicken in five minutes…mine took well over 10 minutes.
SO WORTH IT!
Thank you for the fantastic recipe❣️
I know the brown sugar is the basis of the flavour but everyone found this over poweringly sweet. Cutting the sugar in half might help.
Make this for my husband, who loves butterscotch ! Since he’s diabetic, I cut back on the sugar and it is delicious. I get to lick the spatula ! There is nothing like home made and the flavor is heavenly. Thank you so much. Nancy 🙂
You’re so welcome!
I love butterscotch pudding, but have never attempted to make it myself…Recipes always sounded too complicated. I had some 1/2 & 1/2 which needed to be used, saw your recipe and made it just now. I am so excited! The consistency is perfect, I took a taste before my husband licked the spatula and pan. We both agree that it is delicious! Thank you so much for putting the recipe on Pinterest!
You’re so welcome Phyllis! I’m so happy you and your husband like it. Enjoy!
So delicious! I used Silk almond and coconut milk instead of milk and cream, which needed an extra tablespoon of cornstarch to thicken up. It tastes incredible. And it’s so simple! Thank you so much!
You’re so welcome! Thanks for sharing your modifications, I’m sure this will be helpful to other readers!
A real hit! Already making it again
That’s awesome! Thanks for the great feedback Missy!
Turned out perfect! Smooth as silk and totally delicious. So easy and fast to make too. The only adjustment I made was to substitute a splash of scotch for some of the vanilla. It added a nice depth of flavor.
Sounds delicious! I’m so happy you enjoyed!