Old-Fashioned 4-Ingredient Butterscotch Pudding
Some flavors never leave you. The moment you take a spoonful of homemade butterscotch pudding, you’re right back in grandma’s kitchen warm, comforting, and wonderfully familiar.
This 4-ingredient butterscotch pudding recipe is one of those simple, reliable desserts you can make even on the most exhausting weeknight. It’s rich without being heavy, sweet without being cloying, and made entirely from pantry staples no boxed mix, no preservatives, and no complicated steps.
Whether you’re craving an easy homemade dessert, need a make-ahead sweet for family dinner, or just want something nostalgic waiting in the fridge after the kids go to bed, this pudding delivers every time.
Why You’ll Love This Butterscotch Pudding:
Only 4 simple ingredients (plus optional flavor boosters)
Ready in under 15 minutes on the stovetop
No boxed pudding mix or artificial flavors
Budget-friendly and perfect for busy weeknights
Creamy, smooth texture with rich caramelized flavor
Easy to make ahead and store in the fridge
A nostalgic, old-fashioned dessert everyone recognizes
4-Ingredient Butterscotch Pudding Recipe
Servings: 4:
Ingredients:
2 cups whole milk
½ cup packed light brown sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Optional but recommended:
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
In a medium saucepan off the heat, whisk together the brown sugar and cornstarch until completely smooth and lump-free.
Slowly whisk in about ½ cup of the milk to form a smooth paste, then add the remaining milk and whisk until fully combined.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture begins to steam and thickens, about 5–8 minutes.
Once it thickens and just starts to bubble, reduce heat to low and cook for 1–2 more minutes, continuing to whisk.
Remove from heat and stir in the butter, salt, and vanilla (if using) until glossy and smooth.
Taste and adjust sweetness if needed by whisking in a teaspoon or two of additional brown sugar.
Pour the pudding into bowls, jars, or ramekins. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming.
Let cool for 15–20 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours until fully chilled.
Serve cold, topped with whipped cream, flaky sea salt, or your favorite crunchy topping.
Serving Ideas & Variations:
Top with whipped cream and flaky sea salt for a café-style dessert
Serve with shortbread cookies, graham crackers, or butter cookies
Add sliced bananas or fresh berries for a fruity twist
Swap ½ cup of milk for heavy cream or half-and-half for extra richness
Use dark brown sugar for deeper caramel flavor
Layer with bananas and vanilla wafers for a quick pudding parfait
Make it ahead portion into jars for easy grab-and-go desserts
