There’s something magical about a self-saucing pudding—especially when it’s infused with the rich, buttery sweetness of butterscotch. This Butterscotch Self-Saucing Pudding is a comforting dessert that creates its own luscious sauce as it bakes, leaving you with a soft, golden sponge on top and a pool of warm caramel sauce underneath.
This classic dessert is easy to prepare, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers a perfect balance of fluffy cake and gooey sauce. It’s an ideal dessert for cold evenings, family gatherings, or whenever you’re craving something indulgent. Best of all, it’s baked in just one dish, making cleanup a breeze!
In this recipe, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make this pudding, along with storage tips, serving suggestions, and answers to common questions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One-bowl recipe – Minimal prep and easy cleanup.
Self-saucing magic – The butterscotch sauce forms on its own as it bakes!
Perfect for all occasions – A comforting dessert that works for weeknights and special occasions alike.
Customizable – Easily make it gluten-free, dairy-free, or add your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
For the Pudding:
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1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
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1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar
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1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/2 cup (125ml) milk
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1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Butterscotch Sauce:
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3/4 cup (150g) brown sugar
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1 1/4 cups (300ml) boiling water
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
1: Prepare the Batter
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch baking dish or individual ramekins.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt.
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Pour in milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
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Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking dish.
2: Prepare the Butterscotch Sauce
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Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the batter.
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Pour the boiling water over the top. Do not stir! The water will sink to the bottom and create the sauce as it bakes.
3: Bake and Serve
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Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden and slightly firm.
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Allow the pudding to cool for 5 minutes before serving.
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Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for the ultimate treat!
Storage & Freezing Instructions
Storing Leftovers
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Allow the pudding to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
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Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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To reheat, microwave individual portions for 20–30 seconds or warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes.
Freezing Instructions
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This pudding freezes well! Let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
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Freeze for up to 2 months.
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To serve, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the microwave or oven.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Pair this decadent butterscotch pudding with these delicious accompaniments:
Classic: A scoop of vanilla ice cream for a hot-and-cold contrast.
Indulgent: Drizzle extra caramel or butterscotch sauce over the top.
Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or almonds for added texture.
Spiced: A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg enhances the warm flavors.
Coffee Lover’s Dream: Serve with a cup of espresso or chai tea.
Recipe Tips & Notes
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Use boiling water – This is crucial for the self-saucing effect! The hot water helps the sauce form beneath the pudding.
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Do not stir after adding water – The layers will naturally separate during baking.
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Use a deep baking dish – The pudding rises as it bakes, and the sauce bubbles up underneath.
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Want extra sauce? Increase the amount of boiling water by 1/4 cup.
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Try a twist – Add a handful of chocolate chips or dried fruit for extra flavor.
Conclusion
This Butterscotch Self-Saucing Pudding is the ultimate comfort dessert, offering a light, fluffy cake with a rich, caramel-like sauce underneath. Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in, a family dinner, or a special occasion, it’s sure to impress. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, this pudding is perfect for beginner and expert bakers alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this pudding in advance?
Yes! While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the batter and sauce separately, then assemble and bake just before serving.
2. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
3. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Microwave for 20-30 seconds per serving or warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes.
4. Can I use a different type of sugar?
Yes! Demerara sugar or coconut sugar work as substitutes for brown sugar.
5. Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely! Replace the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil, and use almond or oat milk.