Butterscotch Pudding, a classic dessert cherished by both kids and adults alike, is a delightful concoction of creamy richness and caramelized sweetness 🍮. With a cook time of 55 minutes and prep time of 20 minutes, this recipe promises a total time investment of 1 hour and 15 minutes, yielding a sumptuous treat that’s well worth the effort.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of milk 🥛
- 1 cup of dark brown sugar 🟤
- 1/4 cup of sugar
- 3/4 cup of water 💧
- 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 6 egg yolks 🥚
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt
Instructions:
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Prepare the Cream Mixture: In a heavy medium saucepan, combine the cream, milk, and dark brown sugar. Whisk the mixture over medium-high heat until the sugar dissolves completely, creating a luscious base for your pudding. Once done, set aside this creamy concoction to infuse with flavor.
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Create the Caramel: In another heavy large saucepan, combine 3/4 cup of sugar and 1/4 cup of water. Stir the mixture over low heat until the sugar dissolves, ensuring a smooth caramelization process. Then, increase the heat and allow the mixture to boil without stirring until it transforms into a deep amber hue, typically taking around 10 minutes. During this caramelization process, intermittently brush down the sides of the pan with a wet pastry brush and swirl the pan to evenly distribute the heat.
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Combine and Infuse: Slowly pour the prepared cream mixture into the caramelized sugar, witnessing a vigorous bubbling reaction as the two merge. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, whisking frequently to dissolve any caramel bits that may have formed. Once thoroughly combined, remove the pan from the heat, setting the stage for the next step in our pudding adventure.
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Prepare the Custard Base: In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks until they achieve a smooth consistency. Gradually whisk in the caramel mixture, ensuring thorough incorporation of flavors. To enhance the taste profile, stir in the vanilla extract and salt, adding depth and complexity to our pudding masterpiece.
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Strain and Chill: To achieve the perfect texture, strain the custard mixture to remove any lumps or impurities, ensuring a silky smooth finish. Skim off any air bubbles that may have formed on the surface, maintaining the purity of our pudding. Cover the custard with a layer of plastic wrap, ensuring direct contact with the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate the custard until it reaches a refreshing coldness, typically around 3 hours.
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Preheat and Bake: As anticipation builds, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), creating the ideal environment for our pudding’s transformation. Divide the chilled custard among six 3/4 cup custard cups, distributing the creamy goodness evenly. Place the cups in a roasting pan and add enough hot water to the pan to reach halfway up the sides of the cups, facilitating a gentle and even baking process.
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Bake to Perfection: Slide the roasting pan into the preheated oven, allowing the pudding to bake until it achieves a firm yet tender consistency in the center, typically requiring around 45 minutes. Once baked to perfection, remove the custard cups from the pan, allowing them to cool at room temperature for 2 hours, intensifying the flavors and ensuring a delectable serving experience.
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Chill and Serve: Cover the cooled custard cups and transfer them to the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld and develop overnight. This overnight chill not only enhances the taste but also creates a firm yet creamy texture that’s simply irresistible. With the option to prepare this pudding up to 2 days ahead, it’s the perfect make-ahead dessert for any occasion.
Indulge in the velvety richness of Butterscotch Pudding, a timeless dessert that captivates the senses with every spoonful. Whether enjoyed as a comforting treat on a cozy evening or served as the star of a festive gathering, this recipe promises to satisfy your sweet cravings and leave you craving more.
