Absolutely! Let’s take a trip down memory lane with a timeless old-fashioned dessert:
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🍮 Old-Fashioned Butterscotch Pudding
The sweet, nostalgic hug in a bowl—rich, creamy, and straight out of grandma’s kitchen.
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🕰️ Introduction
Long before instant pudding boxes lined grocery store shelves, real butterscotch pudding simmered on stovetops in homes filled with love. The warm scent of brown sugar and butter bubbling together was enough to make any child sneak a peek into the kitchen. This classic dessert—simple, elegant, and comforting—has stood the test of time for good reason.
Whether it’s served warm in a cozy bowl or chilled in a vintage glass dish, this pudding brings comfort like no other.
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📜 History & Formation
“Butterscotch” dates back to 19th-century England. The name possibly comes from the term “scotch,” meaning to score or cut—referring to how the cooled candy was sliced. Eventually, the flavor made its way into sauces and puddings. Homemade butterscotch pudding became a staple in American households during the 1940s and 1950s, often made from pantry staples. The original method required patience and love—a true reflection of the homemaker’s care.
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🍯 Ingredients
For the pudding:
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 3/4 cups whole milk
3 egg yolks, lightly beaten
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Optional topping:
Whipped cream
Caramel drizzle
Crushed toffee or cookies
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👩🍳 Instructions & Methods
🥄 Step-by-Step Method
1. Make the butterscotch base:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the brown sugar and cook, stirring frequently, until the sugar is melted and the mixture begins to bubble—about 3 minutes.
2. Combine with milk & thicken:
In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch, salt, and 1/2 cup of milk to make a smooth slurry. Slowly add this to the saucepan with the sugar mixture, stirring constantly. Gradually add the rest of the milk while continuing to stir.
3. Temper the eggs:
In another bowl, lightly beat the egg yolks. Slowly pour about 1/2 cup of the hot pudding mixture into the yolks, whisking constantly to avoid curdling. Then pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan.
4. Cook until thick:
Continue cooking over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the pudding thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon—about 5–7 minutes. Do not boil.
5. Finish it off:
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Pour into individual serving dishes.
6. Chill or serve warm:
Let cool slightly, then cover with plastic wrap (pressing it directly on the surface to avoid a skin) and chill for at least 2 hours—or enjoy warm if you can’t wait!
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💌 Conclusion
This simple butterscotch pudding is more than just a dessert—it’s a memory, a hug, a return to the warmth of simpler days. Made with everyday ingredients and infused with old-school charm, it proves that some of the best recipes don’t need to be reinvented.
Serve it up at family dinners, bring it to potlucks, or indulge in it solo while curled up with a blanket. Every spoonful whispers, “You’re home.”
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❤️ For the Lovers of Comfort Food
This one’s for the nostalgic souls who treasure slow-simmered sweetness and the joy of homemade treats.
For the ones who believe food tells stories…
And for those who remember licking the spoon clean at grandma’s counter.
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💞 Methods with Lovers
Surprise your partner with warm butterscotch pudding and candlelight—it’s a romantic throwback to simpler joys.
Serve it layered with crushed cookies in a parfait for a retro dessert date.
Add a shot of espresso or bourbon for an adult twist you both
will love.
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Would you like a printable version or a twist on this recipe like a pie or no-bake bars?