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Butterscotch Pudding Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 125 reviews

This classic Butterscotch Pudding recipe delivers a rich, creamy dessert with a deep caramel flavor derived from dark brown sugar and butter. Made on the stovetop, this smooth pudding is thickened with cornstarch and enriched with egg yolks and vanilla extract, perfect for a comforting treat chilled to perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup dark brown sugar (packed)
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 3 large egg yolks
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Whisk dry ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the dark brown sugar, cornstarch, and salt, whisking them together until fully blended.
  2. Cook mixture with milk: Gradually whisk in the whole milk, stirring constantly over medium heat. Continue to cook until the mixture thickens and reaches a gentle boil.
  3. Temper egg yolks: In a separate bowl, lightly beat the egg yolks. Slowly pour about half a cup of the hot milk mixture into the yolks, whisking constantly to prevent curdling.
  4. Thicken pudding: Return the tempered yolks to the saucepan and whisk quickly to combine. Cook for an additional minute until the pudding becomes smooth and thick.
  5. Stir in butter and vanilla: Remove the saucepan from heat, then stir in the unsalted butter and pure vanilla extract until fully incorporated and the pudding is glossy.
  6. Chill the pudding: Pour the pudding into serving bowls or a single bowl. Cover the surface directly with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for about 2 hours until fully set and chilled.

Notes

  • Ensure constant stirring while cooking to prevent lumps and to avoid scorching the pudding.
  • Tempering the egg yolks is crucial to prevent them from scrambling when added to the hot mixture.
  • Pressing plastic wrap directly onto the pudding’s surface helps avoid a skin from forming.
  • This pudding can be served with whipped cream or butterscotch sauce for extra indulgence.

Keywords: Butterscotch pudding, stovetop pudding, creamy dessert, classic pudding, brown sugar dessert