Introduction
Indulge in the velvety richness of homemade butterscotch pudding layered with smooth whipped cream and crunchy toppings in this Butterscotch Pudding Parfait. This delightful dessert offers a perfect blend of creamy sweetness and delightful textures, making it a delightful treat for any occasion.
For Whom and Why It’s Great
Perfect for those with a sweet tooth seeking a comforting dessert with a nostalgic twist, the Butterscotch Pudding Parfait caters to dessert lovers, offering a luxurious yet straightforward dessert option for gatherings, celebrations, or a delightful after-dinner treat.
Ingredients
Let’s gather the ingredients to create this delightful parfait:
For the Butterscotch Pudding:
- 2/3 cup dark brown sugar (packed)
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/2 cups whole milk
- 2 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Parfait Layers:
- Butterscotch pudding (prepared and chilled)
- Whipped cream or whipped topping
- Crushed buttery shortbread cookies or caramelized nuts for topping
Directions
Let’s craft this delightful Butterscotch Pudding Parfait:
Making the Butterscotch Pudding:
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a saucepan, whisk together the dark brown sugar, cornstarch, and salt until well combined.
- Heat Milk: Gradually whisk in the whole milk until smooth. Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble.
- Temper Egg Yolks: In a separate bowl, lightly beat the egg yolks. Gradually whisk in a small amount of the hot milk mixture to temper the eggs, then pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan.
- Thicken the Pudding: Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens to a pudding-like consistency. Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Chill the Pudding: Transfer the butterscotch pudding to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap (pressing it against the surface of the pudding to prevent a skin from forming), and chill in the refrigerator until cold and set.
Assembling the Parfait:
- Layering Begins: Once the butterscotch pudding is chilled and set, start assembling the parfait by layering the chilled pudding and whipped cream in serving glasses or jars.
- Alternate Layers: Begin with a layer of butterscotch pudding at the bottom of each glass, followed by a layer of whipped cream. Repeat the layers until the glasses are filled, ending with a dollop of whipped cream on top.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle crushed buttery shortbread cookies or caramelized nuts over the whipped cream layer for added texture and flavor.
Kitchen Equipment
To prepare this delightful parfait, gather these kitchen essentials:
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Mixing bowls
- Serving glasses or jars
Storage
Assemble the Butterscotch Pudding Parfaits just before serving for the best texture. However, any leftover prepared butterscotch pudding can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these indulgent Butterscotch Pudding Parfaits chilled, allowing the layers to meld together. Garnish with an extra sprinkle of crushed cookies or nuts before serving for an added crunch.
Recipe Swaps and Variations
Experiment with different toppings such as chocolate shavings, caramel sauce drizzle, or fresh berries to customize the parfait to your liking. You can also add a touch of sea salt to the whipped cream for a delightful contrast of flavors.
Conclusion
Savor the layers of indulgence in this Butterscotch Pudding Parfait—a symphony of creamy homemade butterscotch pudding, luscious whipped cream, and delightful crunchy toppings that create a luxurious dessert experience. Share this recipe with friends and family to enjoy the velvety richness of this delightful parfait. Embrace the sweet simplicity and layers of flavor in each spoonful of this Butterscotch Pudding Parfait!