The moment I took my first bite of Self Saucing Butterscotch Pudding, I was transported back to lazy Sunday afternoons spent with my family, sharing stories and digging into warm desserts. This delightful creation is a star in the world of comfort food, where a simple batter transforms into a fudgy cake swimming in a luscious butterscotch sauce. As the magic happens in the oven, the sweet aroma fills the air, inviting everyone into the kitchen and sparking memories of childhood joys.
Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy dessert to impress guests or simply want to indulge after a long day, this pudding ticks all the right boxes. Best enjoyed warm, each spoonful reveals a perfect balance of sweetness and texture, offering that much-needed cozy embrace. So grab your mixing bowls, and let’s create a dessert that promises to become a beloved staple in your home!
Why is Self Saucing Butterscotch Pudding irresistible?
Comforting warmth: Each bite of this pudding feels like a hug from the inside, revitalizing your spirit on chilly nights.
Quick and easy: With just a few simple ingredients, this dessert comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy evenings.
Magical transformation: Watch in awe as the batter morphs into a moist cake topped with a deliciously gooey sauce!
Family favorite: Whether serving for dinner or special occasions, this pudding is sure to impress friends and family alike.
Perfect with ice cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top takes the experience to a whole new level of indulgence!
Self Saucing Butterscotch Pudding Ingredients
For the Pudding Batter
- Dark Brown Sugar – Provides sweetness and deep butterscotch flavor; use normal brown sugar if dark is unavailable, but flavor may be lighter.
- Plain Flour (All-Purpose) – Gives structure to the pudding; no substitutions needed.
- Baking Powder – Helps the pudding rise; check expiration for effectiveness.
- Unsalted Butter – Adds moisture and richness; can use salted butter, adjusting added salt to taste.
- Egg – Binds the pudding together; no equivalent substitute noted.
- Milk – Contributes to moisture; both full-fat and low-fat options are acceptable.
- Golden Syrup – Adds a distinct caramel flavor; substitute with dark corn syrup, honey, or maple syrup if unavailable.
For the Butterscotch Sauce
- Dark Brown Sugar – Ensures rich sauce flavor; follow the same note for substitutions as in the pudding batter.
- Cornflour (Corn Starch) – Thickens the sauce; no direct substitutes noted, but alternatives like arrowroot may work.
- Boiling Water – Creates steam during baking to form the sauce; use hot water as specified for best results.
How to Make Self Saucing Butterscotch Pudding
-
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and lightly grease a 6-cup capacity baking dish with butter. This step ensures a clean release for your dessert once baked.
-
Whisk together dark brown sugar and cornflour in a bowl for the butterscotch sauce; set aside. This mixture will create that rich, oozing layer beneath your pudding.
-
Combine dark brown sugar, plain flour, and baking powder in a separate bowl. Whisk well until blended, ensuring no lumps remain. This will add structure to your pudding.
-
Add the melted butter, egg, milk, and golden syrup to the dry ingredients. Blend until mostly lump-free, creating a smooth batter that will puff up beautifully in the oven.
-
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and smooth the surface gently. Sprinkle the butterscotch sauce mixture evenly over the top, infusing delicious flavor throughout.
-
Carefully pour boiling water over the mixture, using the back of a spoon to protect the batter’s surface. This steam is essential for forming that self-saucing magic during baking.
-
Bake for approximately 40 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the cake part comes out clean. You’ll want to see a light golden brown color on top.
-
Serve warm by cutting into the pudding to reveal the sauce underneath, topping generously with vanilla ice cream. That’s the true way to enjoy this comforting dessert!
Optional: Drizzle extra golden syrup over the top for added sweetness!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Self Saucing Butterscotch Pudding preparations are perfect for busy weeknights! You can prepare the pudding batter up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the dry ingredients (dark brown sugar, plain flour, and baking powder) in one bowl and the wet ingredients (melted butter, egg, milk, and golden syrup) in another. Store both in airtight containers in the refrigerator. To maintain the pudding’s quality and prevent it from becoming soggy, avoid mixing the butterscotch sauce into the batter until you’re ready to bake. When you’re ready to serve, simply combine the components, pour boiling water over the mixture, and bake for about 40 minutes for that buttery, gooey goodness just as delicious as if made fresh!
Tips for the Best Self Saucing Butterscotch Pudding
- Use the Right Sugar: Dark brown sugar is key for the best flavor; using light brown sugar can result in a bland outcome.
- Watch Baking Time: Every oven is different; start checking your pudding a few minutes early. It should be golden brown on top and firm to touch.
- Serve Fresh: This dessert is best enjoyed right out of the oven while the sauce is still warm and gooey. If storing leftovers, keep the sauce separate to avoid sogginess.
- Use Boiling Water Carefully: Pouring boiling water should be done gently to avoid disturbing the batter too much; this helps achieve that self-saucing effect.
- Pair It Right: For an unforgettable treat, serve your Self Saucing Butterscotch Pudding with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Storage Tips for Self Saucing Butterscotch Pudding
- Fridge: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. To maintain texture, separate the pudding and sauce before storing.
- Freezer: You can freeze the pudding for up to 3 months, but it’s best to freeze the cake portion only. Reheat in the oven before serving.
- Reheating: Warm individual servings in the microwave for about 30 seconds or until heated through. For the best flavor, reheat the pudding gently rather than rapidly.
- Before Serving: Always serve the pudding warm to enjoy the gooey butterscotch sauce that makes this dessert truly magical!
What to Serve with Self Saucing Butterscotch Pudding?
Elevate your dessert experience with delightful pairings that perfectly complement the warm, sweet flavors of this nostalgic treat.
-
Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that adds creamy smoothness, balancing the rich butterscotch sauce beautifully.
-
Whipped Cream: Light and airy, this topping enhances the pudding’s warmth and offers a refreshing contrast. Just a dollop can elevate the charm!
-
Fruit Compote: A hint of tartness from berries or stone fruits can brighten the flavors and add a burst of freshness to each bite.
-
Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling warm chocolate sauce on top creates a rich, indulgent treat that appeals to every chocolate lover’s dream.
-
Toasted Nuts: Crunchy roasted pecans or hazelnuts provide an enjoyable texture to contrast the soft pudding, adding an irresistible nutty flavor.
-
Espresso or Coffee: The warm, aromatic notes of coffee complement the pudding’s sweetness beautifully, making for a cozy dessert experience.
-
Cinnamon Sugar Dusting: A light dusting of cinnamon sugar on top adds warmth and a touch of spice, enhancing the overall flavor profile with depth.
-
Caramel Sauce: For those who love an extra sweet kick, a drizzle of caramel sauce creates layers of comforting sweetness that meld beautifully with the pudding.
-
Peppermint Tea: This warm beverage serves as a refreshing counterpoint, enhancing your dessert experience with soothing herbal notes.
Self Saucing Butterscotch Pudding Variations
Feel free to put your own spin on this delightful treat, exploring new flavors and textures!
- Nutty Delight: Add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for a delicious crunch.
- Fruity Twist: Mix in 1 cup of sliced bananas or apples to infuse natural sweetness and a fruity flavor.
- Cocoa Love: Incorporate 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder into the batter for a chocolatey version of this beloved dessert.
- Spice It Up: Stir in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice that complements the butterscotch flavor beautifully.
- Vegan Option: Substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) and use plant-based milk and butter.
- Gooey Caramel: Drizzle additional caramel sauce over the top before serving for an extra indulgent layer of flavor.
- Minty Fresh: Add a few drops of mint extract to the batter for a refreshing mint twist that pairs surprisingly well with butterscotch.
- Zesty Surprise: Mix in the zest of an orange or lemon for a bright citrus note to balance the sweetness.
Each variation opens the door to a new flavor adventure, making your dessert experience even more enjoyable!
Self Saucing Butterscotch Pudding Recipe FAQs
What type of dark brown sugar should I use for the Self Saucing Butterscotch Pudding?
You should use pure dark brown sugar for maximum flavor, as it provides a rich, deep butterscotch taste. If you can’t find dark brown sugar, regular brown sugar can be used, but the flavor will be lighter and less robust.
How should I store leftover Self Saucing Butterscotch Pudding?
To keep leftovers fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s best to separate the pudding from the sauce before storing to prevent the cake from becoming soggy.
Can I freeze Self Saucing Butterscotch Pudding?
Yes, you can freeze the pudding for up to 3 months. To do this, wrap the cooled cake portion tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-friendly container. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven until warm.
What should I do if my pudding doesn’t self-sauce properly?
If your pudding doesn’t create the desired saucy layer, it’s possible that the boiling water was poured too quickly, disrupting the batter. For best results, pour the water slowly over the back of a spoon. If it still doesn’t set, be sure that all dry ingredients are properly mixed and there were no lumps that prevented the sauce from forming.
Is there a substitute for cornflour in the butterscotch sauce?
While cornflour (cornstarch) is ideal for thickening the sauce, alternatives like arrowroot may work if you don’t have any on hand. However, the consistency may vary slightly. If using arrowroot, mix it with cold water before adding to the sugar mixture to prevent clumping.
Is this recipe suitable for those with egg allergies?
Unfortunately, eggs are a key ingredient in this Self Saucing Butterscotch Pudding, providing necessary binding. While I don’t have a direct substitute that works perfectly for this recipe, you could try using a flaxseed or chia seed egg for similar binding properties, though results may vary in texture and flavor.
Self Saucing Butterscotch Pudding That’s Pure Comfort Magic
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and lightly grease a 6-cup capacity baking dish with butter.
- Whisk together dark brown sugar and cornflour in a bowl for the butterscotch sauce; set aside.
- Combine dark brown sugar, plain flour, and baking powder in a separate bowl. Whisk well until blended.
- Add the melted butter, egg, milk, and golden syrup to the dry ingredients. Blend until mostly lump-free.
- Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and smooth the surface gently.
- Sprinkle the butterscotch sauce mixture evenly over the top.
- Carefully pour boiling water over the mixture.
- Bake for approximately 40 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the cake part comes out clean.
- Serve warm topped with vanilla ice cream.