Bourbon Butterscotch Pudding Recipe

Velvety Bourbon Butterscotch Pudding Recipe: A Dreamy Treat

Bourbon butterscotch pudding refines ordinary dessert into an extraordinary culinary adventure.

Sweet, rich flavors dance across your palate with sophisticated complexity.

Smooth caramel notes intertwine seamlessly with warm bourbon undertones, creating a decadent experience.

Creamy textures meld perfectly with deep, nuanced sweetness that lingers delightfully.

Sophisticated ingredients elevate this classic comfort dessert beyond traditional expectations.

Subtle hints of whiskey complement the silky butterscotch base, offering an adult twist on a beloved treat.

Indulgent and luxurious, this pudding promises a memorable taste sensation that will transport you to dessert nirvana.

Bourbon Butterscotch Pudding That’s Rich and Creamy

  • Indulge in Rich Flavor Complexity: The bourbon butterscotch pudding delivers a decadent layered taste experience with deep caramel notes from brown sugar and warm bourbon undertones that dance across your palate.
  • Effortless Gourmet Dessert: This recipe transforms simple ingredients into an elegant dessert through professional techniques like carefully tempering ingredients and straining for silky smooth perfection, making you feel like a top-tier pastry chef.
  • Quick Comfort in a Bowl: From start to finish, this pudding takes under 30 minutes to prepare, offering a luxurious homemade dessert that provides immediate satisfaction without requiring extensive culinary skills or complicated equipment.
  • Versatile Entertaining Showstopper: Perfect for intimate dinner parties or cozy weekend treats, this pudding can be prepared ahead of time and dressed up with whipped cream and cinnamon, making it an impressive yet stress-free dessert option for any occasion.

Everything You Need for Bourbon Butterscotch Pudding

Main Ingredients:

Pudding Base:
  • Brown Sugar: Provides rich, deep sweetness and signature butterscotch flavor, choose dark brown sugar for more intense taste.
  • Cornstarch: Key thickening agent that helps create smooth, creamy pudding texture.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness of the pudding.
Liquid Components:
  • Milk: Creates creamy base for pudding, whole milk recommended for richer texture.
  • Egg Yolks: Adds richness, smoothness, and helps thicken the pudding.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Butter: Adds luxurious richness and smooth mouthfeel to the pudding.
  • Bourbon: Brings deep, complex flavor and traditional butterscotch warmth, choose quality bourbon for best taste.
Optional Toppings:
  • Whipped Cream: Provides light, airy contrast to rich pudding.
  • Cinnamon: Offers warm, spicy note that complements butterscotch flavor.

Cooking Bourbon Butterscotch Pudding at Home

Step 1: Create Silky Dry Blend

Combine dry ingredients in saucepan:
  • Brown sugar
  • Cornstarch
  • Salt

Slowly pour milk while whisking to create a smooth mixture.

Step 2: Wake Up the Egg Yolks

Gently fold in:
  • Egg yolks
  • Remaining milk

Whisk until ingredients dance together smoothly.

Step 3: Transform into Creamy Magic

Cook pudding over medium heat, whisking frequently for 4-5 minutes. Watch for gentle bubbling. Lower heat and switch to wooden spoon. Stir constantly, scraping pan edges until pudding thickens and creates ribbons when drizzled.

Step 4: Add Luxurious Flavor Boosters

Remove from heat. Stir in:
  • Butter
  • Bourbon

Mix until butter melts completely and blends seamlessly.

Step 5: Smooth Out the Texture

Pour pudding through fine mesh strainer to eliminate any sneaky lumps. Transfer to serving containers.

Step 6: Seal and Chill

Cover pudding surface with plastic wrap, pressing directly onto pudding to prevent skin formation. Refrigerate for minimum 2 hours.

Step 7: Dress and Serve

Top with whipped cream and sprinkle of cinnamon. Enjoy your decadent creation!

Tips for Smooth and Boozy Butterscotch Pudding

  • Whisk Wisely: Constant whisking prevents lumps and ensures a silky smooth pudding texture throughout cooking.
  • Temperature Control: Maintain medium heat and reduce to medium-low when bubbling to prevent scorching and achieve perfect thickening.
  • Strain for Smoothness: Always push pudding through a fine mesh strainer to eliminate any potential egg or sugar clumps for a velvety consistency.
  • Bourbon Boost: Use high-quality bourbon to enhance the rich butterscotch flavor, adding depth and complexity to the dessert.
  • Skin Prevention Trick: Press plastic wrap directly onto the pudding's surface while chilling to stop a skin from forming and maintain a creamy top.

Store and Reheat Bourbon Butterscotch Pudding Properly

  • Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, ensuring plastic wrap directly touches the pudding surface to prevent skin formation.
  • Freezing: Transfer pudding to a freezer-safe container, cover tightly, and freeze for maximum 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Reheating: Gently warm individual portions in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, stirring midway to distribute heat evenly. Add a splash of milk if the texture seems too thick.

Drinks and Sweets to Enjoy with Butterscotch Pudding

  • Sip Bourbon-Infused Old Fashioned: Complement the pudding's rich bourbon notes with a classic old fashioned cocktail, enhancing the caramel and whiskey undertones.
  • Pair with Nutty Pecan Shortbread: Serve alongside crisp pecan shortbread cookies to add a crunchy texture that contrasts with the smooth, creamy pudding.
  • Match with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Top the butterscotch pudding with a scoop of premium vanilla bean ice cream, creating a decadent hot-and-cold dessert experience that amplifies the creamy sweetness.
  • Enjoy with Spiced Chai Latte: The warm spices in a chai latte beautifully balance the pudding's rich, buttery flavor, offering a complementary aromatic counterpoint.

Bourbon Butterscotch Pudding Flavors to Explore

  • Maple Bourbon Bliss: Swap butterscotch for rich maple syrup, creating a warm, woodsy flavor profile that complements the bourbon's depth.
  • Salted Caramel Bourbon Version: Add a pinch of flaky sea salt and drizzle caramel sauce on top, enhancing the pudding's sweet and savory complexity.
  • Chocolate Bourbon Dream: Incorporate dark chocolate chunks or cocoa powder during cooking, transforming the pudding into a decadent chocolate-bourbon fusion.
  • Spiced Bourbon Comfort: Blend in ground nutmeg, ginger, and a touch of cardamom for a warming, aromatic twist that elevates the classic pudding.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Bourbon Butterscotch Pudding Recipe

Bourbon Butterscotch Pudding Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Rich bourbon butterscotch pudding offers a luxurious dessert experience with deep caramel notes and smooth whiskey undertones. Silky textures and complex flavors invite spoon-wielding dessert enthusiasts to savor each indulgent bite of this classic American treat.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 ¼ cups (540 milliliters) whole milk
  • 3 egg yolks
  • ⅓ cup (67 grams) brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoons (42 grams) unsalted butter

Thickening Agents:

  • 2 tablespoons (16 grams) cornstarch

Flavor Enhancers:

  • ¼ teaspoon (1 gram) salt
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) bourbon

Instructions

  1. Position a fine mesh strainer atop a medium mixing bowl, preparing it for later use in the recipe process.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine brown sugar, cornstarch, and salt, creating a dry ingredient base. Gradually introduce milk while whisking vigorously to eliminate potential lumps and achieve a silky consistency.
  3. Integrate egg yolks into the milk mixture, ensuring thorough blending of all liquid components.
  4. Activate the cooking process by placing the saucepan over medium heat. Maintain constant whisking for 4-5 minutes as the mixture gradually transforms and thickens.
  5. Once subtle bubbling occurs, reduce heat to medium-low. Transition to using a wooden spoon or spatula, continuously stirring and scraping pan edges to prevent scorching.
  6. Continue cooking until the pudding develops a luxurious, ribbon-like texture when drizzled, indicating proper thickening.
  7. Remove from heat and fold in bourbon and butter, stirring until the butter melts completely and integrates seamlessly into the pudding.
  8. Strain the pudding through the prepared mesh strainer, eliminating any potential textural imperfections.
  9. Transfer the smooth pudding into serving containers, covering the surface directly with plastic wrap to prevent skin formation.
  10. Refrigerate for a minimum of two hours, allowing the pudding to set and develop its full flavor profile.
  11. Before serving, optionally garnish with a delicate dollop of whipped cream and a light dusting of cinnamon for enhanced visual and taste appeal.

Notes

  • Perfectly smooth pudding requires constant whisking to prevent lumps and ensure a silky texture.
  • Use fresh egg yolks at room temperature for better incorporation and richer flavor.
  • Bourbon adds depth and warmth, but can be substituted with vanilla extract for a non-alcoholic version.
  • Pressing plastic wrap directly onto the pudding surface prevents an unappetizing skin from forming during chilling.
  • Brown sugar creates a deeper, more complex butterscotch flavor compared to white sugar.
  • Wooden spoon or silicone spatula works best for stirring to avoid scratching the saucepan and maintain a smooth consistency.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 60 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg
David Bennett

David Bennett

Founder & Head Recipe Developer

Expertise

Culinary Nutrition​, Recipe Development​, Nutritional Counseling​, Food Science​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Nutrition
  • Focus: Blending culinary arts with nutritional science to create health-focused cuisine.

Certified Nutrition Specialist® (CNS®)

  • Credential: Advanced certification in personalized nutrition therapy. ​

David Bennett is the lead recipe creator and nutrition expert at HealthyChoices.org, your friendly space for tasty meals that nourish body and mind. 

With a Culinary Nutrition degree from Johnson & Wales University and a Certified Nutrition Specialist® credential, David pairs practical nutrition with delicious cooking, creating recipes you’ll crave daily. 

At Healthy Choices, David shares easy, nutritious dishes and smart cooking tips to make healthy eating something everyone can enjoy, with no complicated diets needed.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star