Butterscotch Pudding

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read the disclosure policy.

Traditional butterscotch pudding is a sweet treat you can’t get enough of! This scratch-made pudding is smooth and creamy with a rich butterscotch flavor. Served either cold or warm, this recipe is ready in just 30 minutes and makes a perfect snack or dessert for the whole family.

Want to save this recipe? Enter your email below and we’ll send the recipe straight to your inbox!

NOTE: By saving this recipe, you agree to join our weekly recipes newsletter.

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

Way creamier and more luscious than any store bought pudding.
Golden brown butterscotch adds so much flavor and is easy to make.
Can be served as a warm dessert or chilled.
A family friendly recipe even the kids will love.

What is Butterscotch Pudding?

Butterscotch is a brown sugar caramel made by letting water and brown sugar bowl together. The result is golden brown syrup with a deep caramel-like flavor. This paired with the creamy set custard makes a velvety smooth homemade pudding recipe that is undeniably delicious.

Try my Best Rice Pudding Ever!

Butterscotch Pudding Ingredients

Unlike store bought pudding, this pudding recipe uses only common ingredients with no unnecessary filler, colors, or additives.

For my simple butterscotch pudding recipe, you’ll need:

Dark brown sugar
Salt
Water
Whole milk
Heavy cream
Corn starch
Egg yolks
Unsalted butter
Vanilla extract
Bourbon (optional)

Butterscotch Pudding Variations

The best way to add variety to butterscotch pudding is by changing how you serve it!

Pudding is a unique dessert because it can be served right away and a warm cozy dessert, or chilled for several hours until it sets and served cold with whipped cream!

You can also serve your pudding with toppings like chopped nuts, shaved chocolate, caramel sauce, or cool whip. Having a variety of toppings available for people to top their own can make a fun family activity.

Pudding Pro Tips

Avoid stirring the sugar while it’s bubbling. If you need to you can gently swirl the pan to evenly distribute the heat. Stirring can cause the butterscotch to fail and crystallize.
When you pour the milk mixture into the boiled sugar mixture, it will crystallize slightly, its ok, keep stirring and it will smooth out when you place it back over the heat.
Make sure you pour the mix mixture slowly and whisky vigorously while pouring to keep the egg from curdling.
Whisk the butter into the butter vigorously to form an emulsion. Its important that the butter is fully incorporated.

Try my Creamy Corn Pudding!

Pudding FAQs

Is butterscotch pudding the same as a custard?

Pudding is a type of set custard, the base of this butterscotch pudding is a vanilla custard.

Do you have to add bourbon into pudding?

The bourbon is completely optional. While it can make for a fun boozy adult dessert, if you are making this recipe for the family you can omit it.

Why are there clumps in my pudding?

Clumps in the pudding can be a result of the sugar mixture being too hot when adding the milk and egg mixture, or adding the mixture too quickly. Add slowly and whisk vigorously.

How long does it take for pudding to thicken up?

The pudding should thicken up within 8 minutes of cooking. Don’t rush it, it will thicken.

How would you serve up the butterscotch pudding?

Serve butterscotch pudding warm or cold, with your choice of toppings and whipped cream.

Can you make pudding without eggs?

The egg in this recipe is essential to thickening the custard base that makes this pudding.

Is butterscotch pudding gluten free?

With no flour or other wheat products, this recipe is fully gluten free!

Leftovers and Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Pudding will last for up to 5 days.

Pudding does not freeze well and is best enjoyed within 5 days of preparing.

Pin this recipe now to remember it later

Pin Recipe

Butterscotch Pudding

Traditional butterscotch pudding is a sweet treat you can't get enough of! This scratch made pudding is smooth and creamy with a rich butterscotch flavor. Served either cold or warm, this recipe is ready in just 30 minutes and makes a perfect snack or dessert for the whole family.

No ratings yet

Review Recipe

Ingredients

1/2 cup dark brown sugar
1/2 tsp salt
3 Tbsp water
1 cup milk, whole
1 cup heavy cream
3 Tbsp cornstarch
3 egg yolks, large
3 Tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature, cut into pieces
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tsp bourbon, optional

Follow Sweet Pea’s Kitchen

Want to save this recipe? Enter your email below and we’ll send the recipe straight to your inbox!

NOTE: By saving this recipe, you agree to join our weekly recipes newsletter.

Instructions

Melt the brown sugar, water, and salt in a saucepan over medium heat. Keep cooking until the mixture starts to bubble. Allow the mixture to bubble for 5-6 minutes without stirring until it darkens. Remove from the heat to cool slightly for a few minutes.
Start the custard by whisking together the cornstarch and ¼ cup of milk until completely dissolved. Whisk in the egg yolks until smooth. Add the remaining milk and combine.
Slowly pour the milk mixture into the melted brown sugar while whisking vigorously.
Place the saucepan back on the heat and bring to a rapid simmer while stirring continuously. Remove from the heat and strain with a mesh strainer.
Stir in the butter, vanilla extract, and bourbon (optional) and whisk vigorously.
Serve warm or place in the fridge for several hours to set.