This Butterscotch Budino Dessert Recipe is an irresistible blend of silky custard and deep, caramelized brown sugar flavor with just the right hint of salt. It comes together quickly on the stovetop and ends up as a creamy, crave-worthy treat with a plush texture that will have your guests swooning. Garnished with a drizzle of caramel and a sprinkle of sea salt, it’s a rich, elegant dessert perfect for any occasion, yet simple enough for a cozy night in. Every spoonful melts on your tongue and delivers layers of nuanced butterscotch delight.

Butterscotch Budino Dessert Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Butterscotch Budino Dessert Recipe may seem unassuming, but they create pure magic together. Each one plays a crucial role in balancing sweetness, creaminess, and a whisper of sophistication with every bite.

Light brown sugar: This is the heart of butterscotch flavor, bringing a rich, molasses-kissed sweetness and deep color.
Water: Just enough to help dissolve the sugar, ensuring a smooth start for the caramel base.
Salt: A touch of salt heightens the butterscotch intensity and balances the sweetness.
Half and half (2 cups milk + 2 cups heavy cream): This luscious dairy duo forms the creamy backbone, creating the budino’s signature texture.
Large egg yolks: Yolks bring richness and help set the custard, giving it body and a luxurious feel.
Cornstarch: This thickens the budino without making it stodgy, ensuring each spoonful is just the right amount of silky.
Butter: Finished with butter, the budino gains unmatched silkiness and a glossy, decadent finish.
Dark rum or bourbon (optional): Just a dash adds depth and a faint whisper of warmth—highly recommended for grownup flair!
Vanilla extract: Vanilla rounds out the flavors, enhancing every note of caramel and cream.
Thick caramel sauce (optional garnish): Swirled on top, this doubles down on the caramel magic and creates a beautiful finish.
Coarse sea salt (optional garnish): A final pop of salt makes every bite sing and looks stunning, too.

How to Make Butterscotch Budino Dessert Recipe

Step 1: Caramelize the Sugar

Set a large saucepot over medium-low heat and add the brown sugar, water, and salt. Instead of stirring, gently swirl the pot to help the sugar dissolve evenly. Let it come to a gentle boil—keep an eye on it as it bubbles and transforms into a rich amber syrup. This takes about 5-6 minutes. Once it darkens to a beautiful brown, turn off the heat and let it cool for a minute. This foundational step creates the butterscotch notes you want in the perfect budino.

Step 2: Prepare the Dairy Mix

While your caramel base is cooling a bit, grab a mixing bowl and whisk together the half and half, egg yolks, and cornstarch until velvety smooth. This mixture is what gives the dessert its unforgettably creamy body, and combining it well now makes the custard lump-free later.

Step 3: Blend and Temper

Now, slowly add the dairy mixture to the slightly cooled caramel in the pot while continuously whisking. The sugar might seize and form lumps at first—don’t worry! As you return it to gentle heat and keep whisking, the mixture will blend into a cohesive, glossy custard base. This step melds all the flavors while ensuring a smooth texture for your budino.

Step 4: Cook Until Thickened

Pop the pot back on medium-low heat. Keep whisking steadily as the mixture thickens. It will go from runny to creamy pudding before your eyes—this usually takes a few minutes. When it’s so thick it doesn’t run off a spoon, it’s ready to turn into the ultimate butterscotch experience.

Step 5: Finish with Flavor

Take the pot off the heat and immediately stir in the butter until melted and smooth. Then add your vanilla extract and rum or bourbon, if using. Pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer set over a bowl, using a spatula to press it through if needed. This quick step ensures your Butterscotch Budino Dessert Recipe is as silky as possible.

Step 6: Portion and Chill

Carefully pour or scoop the finished budino into ramekins or small jars, filling them about half a cup each. Let them cool slightly at room temperature—this makes them even creamier. Top with a thick swirl of caramel sauce and a sprinkle of coarse sea salt if you love salty-sweet vibes. Then, cover and refrigerate until well chilled and ready to serve. The waiting is the hardest part!

How to Serve Butterscotch Budino Dessert Recipe

Garnishes

Elevate your chilled Butterscotch Budino Dessert Recipe by finishing each jar with a drizzle of thick caramel sauce and a little sprinkle of flaky sea salt. It’s a simple touch that amplifies the flavors and adds a gourmet look—totally irresistible.

Side Dishes

This budino is rich enough to shine on its own, but if you want to go all out, serve alongside crisp biscotti, buttery shortbread cookies, or even tart berries. Their texture and brightness beautifully counterbalance the custard’s creamy, caramel goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful twist, layer the chilled budino in parfait glasses with whipped cream and crushed chocolate cookies. You can also pipe it into mini tart shells or shot glasses for a stunning bite-sized party treat. Personalize your Butterscotch Budino Dessert Recipe to fit any occasion!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra budino (lucky you!), cover each jar tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and store it in the fridge. The Butterscotch Budino Dessert Recipe holds beautifully for up to three days, staying creamy and delicious.

Freezing

Although this creamy dessert is best fresh, you can freeze budino for up to a month. Let the individual portions cool fully, wrap well, and freeze. Thaw overnight in the fridge to restore its smooth, luscious texture.

Reheating

Budino is meant to be enjoyed cold, but if you like a slightly warm dessert, you can microwave an individual serving for about 10 seconds (just until slightly softened). Be careful not to overheat, as this can break the custard’s silky structure.

FAQs

Can I make the Butterscotch Budino Dessert Recipe without alcohol?

Absolutely! The rum or bourbon is completely optional and can be left out without affecting the texture. You’ll still have deep, caramel flavor with just the vanilla and brown sugar.

Why do I need to strain the budino?

Straining ensures your dessert is ultra-smooth and free from accidental cooked egg bits or lumps. This easy extra step makes your Butterscotch Budino Dessert Recipe restaurant-worthy every time.

How do I avoid lumps when adding the dairy mixture?

The trick is to add the dairy slowly to the cooled caramel, whisking constantly. If the sugar seizes at first, keep whisking as you reheat—it will smooth out as it cooks.

Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light?

Yes, but expect a stronger molasses flavor and a slightly darker color. Both work beautifully, so use what you prefer or have on hand!

Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time?

Definitely. In fact, chilling the Butterscotch Budino Dessert Recipe gives it time to fully set and lets the flavors meld. Make it up to two days ahead for stress-free entertaining.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a show-stopper dessert with the power to wow any dinner guest (or simply treat yourself), this Butterscotch Budino Dessert Recipe is it. Rich, smooth, deeply caramelized, and perfectly balanced—it’s bound to become a go-to favorite. Give it a try; I promise, you’ll be scooping up every last bite!

Butterscotch Budino Dessert Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 17 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of this Butterscotch Budino Dessert. A delectable treat that combines the flavors of butterscotch, rum (optional), and vanilla for a luxurious dessert experience.

Instructions

Prepare Butterscotch Sauce: In a large saucepot over medium-low heat, combine brown sugar, water, and salt. Heat until boiling, swirling the pot. Cook until rich brown color forms, about 5-6 minutes. Turn off heat.
Prepare Budino Mixture: In a mixing bowl, whisk half and half, egg yolks, and cornstarch until smooth. Add to slightly cooled sugar, whisking continuously.
Cook the Mixture: Return pot to medium-low heat. Whisk until smooth and thickens into a pudding-like consistency.
Finish Budino: Remove from heat. Stir in butter, rum (if using), and vanilla. Strain mixture into a bowl.
Chill and Serve: Pour into ramekins, cool slightly, top with caramel sauce and sea salt. Refrigerate before serving.

Notes

You can customize the garnishes with whipped cream, nuts, or chocolate shavings.
For a non-alcoholic version, omit the rum or bourbon.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Mixing, Cooking, Chilling
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 380 kcal
Sugar: 26g
Sodium: 320mg
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 200mg

Keywords: Butterscotch Budino, Dessert Recipe, Butterscotch Pudding, Sweet Treat