There is nothing quite like a warm bowl of real, homemade butterscotch pudding made right on the stove. While my family loves eating it chilled straight out of a dish, this silky dark brown sugar pudding is just as delicious layered into pastry shells or cream puffs.
I love to enjoy this pudding as a simple sweet treat after dinner or for a mid-afternoon snack. It gives me that cozy, homey comfort and takes me right back to making pudding from scratch with my mom!
- Fast stovetop pudding in 15 minutes: Made from scratch using simple pantry ingredients.
- Caramelized brown sugar flavor: Dark brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream give this recipe real flavor without artificial additives.
- Versatile dessert: Serve it chilled in a dish, or use it as a filling for tarts and pastry recipes.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love this Stovetop Butterscotch Pudding
- What You'll Need
- How to Make It on the Stovetop (Step-by-Step)
- Easy Ways to Serve & Use as a Filling
- Classic Brown Sugar Pudding Variations
- My Best Tips for Smooth Butterscotch Pudding
- How to Chill and Store
- Common Questions Answered
- More Vintage Sweets You'll Love
- 📖 Recipe
- 💬 Comments
Why You'll Love this Stovetop Butterscotch Pudding
Store-bought boxed pudding mixes rely on artificial flavorings, cornstarch thickeners, and food dyes to fake that butterscotch taste. Making it from scratch takes only 15 minutes on the stove, and using real dark brown sugar, butter and heavy cream creates a deep molasses flavor and smooth texture no instant package can replicate.
What You'll Need
- Dark Brown Sugar & Water: Dark brown sugar gives this pudding its flavor thanks to its natural molasses content.
- Unsalted Butter & Vanilla Extract: Stirred in off the heat at the very end to give the pudding a glossy finish.
- Whole Milk & Heavy Cream: Combining whole milk with heavy cream creates a luxurious, rich texture. (Note: You can swap the heavy cream for whole milk or half-and-half if needed, though the pudding will be slightly less rich).
- Egg Yolks & Cornstarch: The thickening duo that gives this pudding its smooth structure.
- Bourbon, Rum, or Scotch (optional): Adding 1 tablespoon of dark rum, bourbon, or scotch directly into the butter and brown sugar base while it cooks, adds a great layer of flavor. (My favorite is a dark rum!)
- Dairy Substitutions: If you are out of heavy cream, half and half works great as a direct swap. You can also use whole milk alone, though the pudding will be slightly less rich. For a dairy-free option, canned full-fat coconut milk or oat milk will work, but coconut milk will add a subtle coconut flavor.
How to Make It on the Stovetop (Step-by-Step)
Making this homemade butterscotch pudding recipe is simple when you prep your ingredients before turning on the burner.
- Whisk Thickeners: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and cornstarch until smooth. In a separate cup, stir the milk and heavy cream together.
- Caramelize the Base: In a heavy 1.5 quart saucepan (like a stainless steel or enamel-coated pot), stir the dark brown sugar, water, and salt over medium heat until dissolved and bubbling. A thick, heavy-bottomed pan is essential here so the brown sugar doesn't scorch or burn while bubbling.
- Add Cream & Temper Eggs: Slowly whisk the milk mixture into the hot sugar base until it reaches a gentle simmer. Whisk ½ cup of this warm liquid into your egg yolk mixture to temper them, then slowly whisk the eggs mixture back into the saucepan.
- Thicken & Finish: Cook over low heat while whisking constantly until the pudding bubbles and thickens (about 1 minutes). Remove from heat, stir in the butter, vanilla, and optional liquor, then let cool before chilling.
Easy Ways to Serve & Use as a Filling
- Dessert Glasses: Divide into ramekins and top with a dollop of fresh whipped cream, brickle bits, toasted pecans, or dark chocolate shavings.
- Pastry & Tart Filling: Chill the pudding completely and use it as a filling inside homemade pie crust shells, homemade eclairs, or warm dessert crepes.
- Cake & Layered Desserts: Spread it as a filling between vanilla cake layers, or use it as the creamy layer in a butterscotch trifle.
Classic Brown Sugar Pudding Variations
- Dark vs Light Brown Sugar: Use dark brown for a deep, molasses-forward butterscotch flavor, or swap in light brown sugar for a milder, subtle caramel taste.
- Spiced Brown Sugar Pudding: Whisk in ¼ teaspoon of ground cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg with the brown sugar for a warm fall flavor profile.
- Salted Brown Sugar Pudding: Stir an extra pinch of flaky sea salt into the finished pudding to create a sweet and salty brown sugar variation.
My Best Tips for Smooth Butterscotch Pudding
- Preventing Skin: Press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the warm pudding so condensation doesn't build up or form a skin while cooling.
- Avoiding Scrambled Eggs: Tempering your egg yolks is essential. Adding a small amount of the hot milk base to the beaten yolks before pouring them into the pot warms them up so they don't curdle.
- Fixing Lumps: If your pudding cooks too fast and develops lumps, pass it through a fine-mesh strainer or use an immersion blender for 10 seconds to smooth it out.
- Doubling or Scaling: You can easily double or triple this recipe using the buttons in the recipe card below. Just be sure to use a larger saucepan and add a minute or two to the thickening time on the stove.
How to Chill and Store
Store butterscotch pudding covered in the fridge with plastic wrap against the surface for up to 4 days. Do not freeze this pudding. Cornstarch-based puddings break down and separate when thawed.
Common Questions Answered
Watery pudding usually happens when steam condenses on the underside of a lid or plastic wrap and drips back in. Pressing plastic wrap right onto the surface prevents this.
Caramel is made by melting white granulated sugar, whereas true butterscotch relies on dark brown sugar and butter for a deeper molasses flavor.
Yes, you can omit the egg yolks and increase the cornstarch to 3 tablespoons, though the pudding will be slightly lighter in color and texture.
Butterscotch flavor comes from using brown sugar where caramel uses granulated sugar.
More Vintage Sweets You'll Love
If you love deep, caramelized brown sugar flavor, give these favorite treats a try:
- Old Fashioned Butterscotch Pie - Nanny's vintage baked pie with a meringue topping.
- Butterscotch Haystacks - A quick, no bake sweet treat made with chow mein noodles, mini marshmallows, and butterscotch chips.
- Pumpkin Pie Pudding Dessert - A simple pudding dessert perfect for fall.
- Pumpkin Bread Pudding - Warm, rich bread pudding drizzled with caramel sauce.
Did you give this homemade butterscotch pudding a try? Drop a review and star rating down below - it helps other readers so much! And if you share a photo on Instagram, tag @grumpyshoneybunch so I can share it in my stories.
📖 Recipe
Homemade Butterscotch Pudding
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Ingredients
- 1½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup packed dark brown sugar
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 large egg yolks
- 3 tablespoons water
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon scotch, rum, or bourbon (optional)
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and cornstarch until well combined. Set aside.
- In a 4 cup measure, stir together the milk and heavy cream. Set aside.
- Add the brown sugar, water, and salt to a medium sized heavy duty saucepan Cook over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved and begins to bubble. Continue to cook for 2 minutes, stirring often to prevent burning.
- Slowly whisk the milk and heavy cream into the brown sugar mixture. Continue to cook over medium heat until the mixture begins to boil.
- Remove ½ cup of the milk mixture from the saucepan and whisk into the egg yolk mixture until fully incorporated.
- Slowly whisk the egg yolk mixture back into the milk mixture. Turn the heat down to low and continue to whisk as the pudding bubbles and thickens. Cook for 1 minute while continuing to stir.
- Remove the pudding from the heat and let it cool for 5 minutes. Add the butter and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth. Refrigerate at least 4 hours prior to serving.
Notes
- The milk and heavy cream will spatter and sizzle when adding it to the brown sugar mixture so it is important to add the ingredients slowly and carefully.
- Be sure to whisk constantly when adding the hot milk to the egg yolk mixture to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
- Whisk constantly when adding the egg yolk mixture back to the milk mixture on the stove.
- To prevent a skin from forming on top of the pudding, I like to place plastic wrap over the top of the pudding, making sure it touches the pudding.
Ann says
There are no salt measurements. No instructions for adding the butter. Help !
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Hi Ann, sorry about that. It has been fixed now.
kim says
yum, your pudding looks delicious and pretty! love the whipped cream topping. i enjoyed it too 🙂
happy new year!
Lynnylu says
Great looking pudding! I like the whipped cream topping.
Kevin says
It has been too long since I last had butterscotch! The pudding looks great! Happy holidays!
Peggy says
I'm so glad about your MIL coming home. That is great news. Have a wonderful Christmas!
SaraLynn says
Looks wonderful!
I am glad to hear Grumpy's mom is better. I wish you all a very Merry Christmas!
Flourchild says
Great looking pudding. Im glad your MIL is better.
creative one says
The pudding looks yummy! I am a big fan of butterscotch pudding!!
Glad to hear that your mother in law is coming home.
shellyfish says
Merry Christmas Honey B! I'm so glad to hear your MIL is on her way home - have a beautiful holiday with your family.
Geri says
Hmmmmm. Butterscotch pudding. I love butterscotch. As a matter of fact, I have a butterscotch pie recipe and it is to die for. My husband is constantly wanting me to make it.
Cakelaw says
Your puddings turned out great! The sweet tooth in me hankers after the one with the whipped cream and nuts on top - yum! Merry Christmas to you and your family.
honeyb says
Your pudding looks SO good. I didn't make this week's pick. Will have to try it sometimes as everyone seems to be loving it.
Glad to have your MIL home for the holidays!
There's a giveaway on my blog.
Di says
Your pudding looks terrific with all the whipped cream--yum! And I'm glad that Grumpy's mom won't have to spend Christmas in the hospital. Have a great holiday!
noble pig says
Thank goodness for her coming home!
The pudding with the cream, OMG looks like heaven and I could dive right in! Wow.
Annie says
Glad to hear good news about Grumpy's mum, even better that it is at Christmas! Wishing you all a yummy day!
J.Danger says
yours looks so good! I want that whipped cream!
Gabe's Girl says
You are awesome. I, too, am very happy that Grumpy's mom will be home for the holiday season. It will be comforting and joyous. There is no place like home. Have a wonderful holiday!
Melissa says
Ooooh! I love anything butterscotch flavor. This sounds super yummy!
SUGAR B says
Wow, I always drool when I visit your blog. Your pudding looks so yum-yum.
Glad Grumpy's mom is heading home!
Happy Holidays!
pinkstripes says
Your butterscotch pudding looks wonderful. I love the addition of the whipped cream and pecans. YUM!
Marc @ NoRecipes says
Yumm, I love butterscotch! Happy Holidays!
CookiePie says
So happy to hear about Grumpy's mom, especially in time for Christmas! And that pudding looks divine -- I love butterscotch!
Jules Someone says
Glad you enjoyed the pudding. Yours looks so festive!
Pam says
I am glad to hear Grumpy's mom will be home for Christmas. I am sure it will be extra special this year. The butterscotch pudding looks and sounds amazing. I have been craving butterscotch lately...guess I'll have to make this.
LyB says
We all enjoyed this pudding so much. Yours looks delicious! 🙂
Patsyk says
Such great news that your MIL is coming home today! I hope she continues on a fast road to recovery.
Your pudding looks wonderful! I'm sure Grumpy just had to smile when he was eating it!
Happy Holidays!
Amy says
Glad to hear your Mother in Law is going home!
Your Pudding looks delicious! Glad it was well-received.
Merry Christmas!
Gera says
Hi HoneyB!
Hurray your Mom is back just in time for the Holydays and she feels better!!
Extremely delectable with the whipped cream..as a heaven into a dessert 🙂
Have a great Christmas you and your family!!
Gera .:. sweetsfoods
spike. says
The whipped cream on top looks pretty perfect. Have a nice Christmas
Bunny says
She's coming home just in time for Christmas, that's so nice. How's your arm feeling?? The pudding looks great HoneyB!! Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Reeni says
That's wonderful that she will be home for Christmas. I could dive into that butterscotch, how delicious!
Elle says
I'm so happy she's coming home! Your pudding looks absolutely delicious!
Donna says
I'm so glad Grumpy was happy and liked my choice!
Beautiful job and photos too!
Have a wonderful holiday!
Donna
Sabrina says
Great news Shelby! I'm happy that your MIL is doing so well!
Your pudding looks fantastic!
Merry Christmas!
Maria says
I am glad Grumpy's mom can be home for the holidays!! The pudding looks great!!
Robin Sue says
It looks beautiful with that cloud of whipped cream on top! I love homemade puddings and they are so over looked. Have a great day, it is so good to hear your MIL is coming home!!
Natashya says
Your photos are so beautiful, so happy your man loved them as much as mine did!
Have a wonderful holiday.
Medena says
Somebody has been more of a busyB laetely! Man, I can't keep up with you! I have the book, and your pudding looks great! Love pudding! Glad to hear Grumpy's mom is doing well! Merry Christmas HoneyB, to you and your entire family!!!
Prudy says
Hooray that Grumpy's mom will be home for the holidays. I hope you are all hanging in there! YOur pudding would add a little comfort for anyone, I think, especially in those pretty dishes with that whipped cream. Merry Christmas!
Meg says
I am so glad that Grumpy's mom is coming home! What a blessing.
Butterscotch is my favorite. Your pudding looks delicious!
Danielle says
Lifiting a glass of pudding in the hopes your mother in law has a full recovery.
Your pudding looks great. Our husbands having different ideas about butterscotch pudding wanna trade!?!?!
Marthe says
Congratulations on Gurmpy's moms homecoming for Christmas!!
The pudding looks amazing! I can't wait to make mine tonight!! I'll also be making triple chocolate cookies for Craving Ellie in my Belly tonight!! Jum!!
Cristine says
I am so glad that Grumpy's mom will be heading home... and just in time for Christmas! Lots of love and prayers coming for you and your family!
Your pudding looks fantastic, and there is the added bonus that Grumpy liked it! 🙂
Hope you have a wonderful Christmas!!!