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Butterscotch-Bourbon Pudding – an easy, make-ahead creamy pudding spiked with bourbon and topped with sweetened cream and crushed ginger snap cookies
Have you ever made homemade pudding? ย Pudding is a simple and easy make-ahead dessert that’sย a world apart fromย puddingย inย a box. The butterscotch flavor is almost subtle, the texture is super creamy, and the “optional” bourbon is the perfect match for the caramel-butterscotch flavor. Butterscotch is made with brown sugar instead of granulated sugar. It’s a close cousin to caramel with a similar flavor profile.
First, this Butterscotch-Bourbon Pudding sets up a little thicker than the ‘not from scratch’ version. Theย wonderful fresh taste makes a noticeableย impact. Topped with a little dollop of bourbon whipped cream and crushed Ginger Snap cookies, Butterscotch-Bourbon Pudding is a perfect anytime dessert.
Is it okay to leave out the bourbon?
Not a fan of bourbon or afraid the kids will enjoy it a little too much? ย Omit the bourbon and serve a kid-friendly version with confidence. However, if you’re looking for a grand grownup treat, this will make everyone happy!
Can this butterscotch-bourbon pudding be made ahead?
Yes it can! This recipe can be made a few days in advance for an evening of ‘pressure free’ entertaining.
Once cooled, cover the bowls or glasses of pudding with plastic wrap. If sealed with plastic wrap while still warm, the heat will create moisture droplets that pool on top of the pudding. If you need to go ahead and chill the pudding before it reaches room temperature, go back to the fridge later and cover with plastic wrap once chilled.
HINT: Butterscotch-bourbon pudding can be eaten slightly warm, too. Just saying!
What kind of bourbon should you use in this recipe?
Butterscotch and bourbon are a terrific pair. I recommend using your favorite bourbon or whatever you have on hand. If it’s good enough to drink, it will be great in this pudding.
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PRINT THE RECIPE!
Butterscotch-Bourbon Pudding
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ยพ cup dark brown sugar, packed
- 1 vanilla bean, split with seeds removed
- 3 cups half-and-half, or two cups heavy cream combined with 1 cup whole milk
- ยฝ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon bourbon, optional
- 4 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
For the whipped cream:
- ยฝ cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon confectioners' sugar
- 1 teaspoon bourbon
- Crushed Gingersnap cookies for garnish
Instructions
- Arrange 6 ramekins or small bowls on a rimmed baking sheet and set aside.
- Add the butter to a medium, heavy bottomed saucepan. Heat on medium melting the butter and swirling the pan occasionally. Cook until the butter begins to brown and has a nutty aroma. Add the brown sugar and stir until the sugar is dissolved and the butter begins to foam. Slowly add the half and half, stirring constantly. The butterscotch may size and harden, but just keep stirring as it will melt as the half and half warms. Add the vanilla bean seeds, the vanilla bean pod and salt. Bring the mixture to a simmer and remove from the heat. Remove the vanilla bean pod and stir in the bourbon, set aside.
- In a medium bowl combine the egg yolks, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar and the cornstarch. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and bright in color.
- Gradually drizzle in some of the hot butterscotch mixture , whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
- Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan whisking constantly until combined.
- Place the saucepan back on the heat and warm the mixture until it bubbles a few times and starts to ticket - 3 to 4 minutes.
- Carefully blend the hot pudding with a stick or immersion blender or a regular blender if needed. Take care if using a stand-up blender as the heat will built up so leave a opening at the top to vent the steam. Blend until the mixture is silky smooth.
- Divide the pudding between the prepared ramekins and refrigerate until cold (3-4 hours) or overnight. Cover loosely with plastic wrap if storing overnight but wait until it is completely cooled so condensation does not form on the inside.
- Before serving allow the pudding to sit at room temperature 15-30 minutes.
- To prepare the bourbon whipped cream, beat the cream on high using a hand mixer until it thickens. Add the sugar and beat until soft peaks form. Gently add the bourbon and mix on low speed just until blended.
- Serve topped with crushed gingersnap cookies if desired.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Finally, here are a few more pudding recipes you might enjoy:
Creamy Chocolate Pudding
Southern Banana Pudding
Cherrie Hayes
OMGoodness! After trying a few bourbon butterscotch recipes for a charity dessert donation, I landed on this recipe. My only change was to add 2 Tbl. bourbon to be able to taste the bourbon. At the end of the day, the pudding was AMAZING. Highly recommend this recipe!
Tricia Buice
Thanks Cherrie! We truly appreciate the feedback and for you to take the time to comment. Bravo!
Muna Kenny
This might sound crazy to you but, every time I see your clicks the word (FRESH) comes up in my mind. Could be the lighting in your images, or maybe the white color looks really white? I don’t know, all I know is that I love your food photography ๐
Tricia Buice
Muna that is the sweetest comment ever! Thank you so much ๐ And thanks for stopping by. Hope you have a great weekend.
Tamara Coleman
ooh la la butterscotch & bourbon to give it a kick. Im all in! The consistency and color looks beautiful ๐
Tricia Buice
Thank you Tamara! Hope you give it a try!