How to Make the Perfect Easy Butterscotch Pudding
American · Easy · 20 min · 4 servings
This rich butterscotch pudding is a kid friendly recipe with a deep caramel flavor that children absolutely adore served warm or chilled. Parents love making this easy stovetop pudding from scratch because it tastes so much better than the boxed version.
Why this recipe works
This Easy Butterscotch Pudding recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 20 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 390 calories with 6g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 2.5 cups whole milk
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 0.5 tsp salt
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients
Whisk brown sugar and cornstarch together in a medium saucepan until evenly combined and no lumps remain. This dry mixing step prevents the cornstarch from clumping when liquid is added.
Step 2: Add Milk and Cook
Gradually whisk in the whole milk until smooth. Cook over medium heat stirring constantly until the mixture comes to a boil and thickens considerably, about 8 to 10 minutes. Keep stirring to prevent lumps from forming.
Step 3: Finish with Butter
Remove from heat and stir in the unsalted butter, vanilla extract, and salt until butter is fully melted and incorporated. The pudding should be thick smooth and glossy at this stage.
Step 4: Cool and Serve
Pour pudding into serving cups and press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the pudding to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours until chilled and set. Top with whipped cream before serving.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- whole milk → heavy cream mixed with milk for an ultra rich pudding
- packed brown sugar → coconut sugar for a less refined alternative
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not stirring constantly causing lumps to form and the bottom to scorch
- Skipping the plastic wrap on the surface causing an unpleasant rubbery skin to form
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 390 calories, 6g protein, 46g carbs, 20g fat, 0g fiber.
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