Butterscotch Budino with Salted Caramel

Butterscotch Budino with Salted Caramel: A Decadent Dessert to Savor

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s rich, creamy, and utterly indulgent, this Butterscotch Budino with Salted Caramel is the perfect choice. Budino, which is Italian for “pudding,” takes on a luxurious twist with the deep, buttery flavor of butterscotch, complemented by a generous topping of salted caramel. This dessert is ideal for special occasions or whenever you want to treat yourself to something truly decadent.

Ingredients

For the Butterscotch Budino Custard:

• 3 tablespoons salted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups whole milk
• 3 egg yolks
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract or 1 vanilla bean

For the Homemade Salted Caramel:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (plus more for sprinkling on top)

Directions

1. Make the Butterscotch Budino Custard:

Melt Butter and Sugar:
In a heavy-bottomed pot, melt 3 tablespoons of salted butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add 1 cup of brown sugar and stir continuously until the mixture is completely melted and smooth, forming the base of your butterscotch flavor.

Add Cornstarch and Dairy:
Stir in 1/4 cup of cornstarch, ensuring it’s well mixed to avoid lumps. Gradually add 1 cup of heavy cream and 2 cups of whole milk, stirring constantly. This will help create a smooth, creamy texture in the custard.

Cook Until Thickened:
Bring the mixture to a slow rolling boil, allowing it to thicken. Continue cooking and stirring until the custard is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. This step is crucial for achieving the right consistency.

Temper the Egg Yolks:
While the milk mixture is cooking, place 3 egg yolks in a small bowl. Gradually whisk in a small amount of the hot milk mixture to temper the yolks, preventing them from curdling when added to the pot.

Combine and Cook:
Pour the tempered egg yolks back into the pot with the remaining milk mixture. Bring the custard back to a gentle boil and cook for 1 minute, allowing the flavors to meld and the custard to thicken further.

Add Vanilla:
Stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract or scrape in the seeds from 1 vanilla bean for a deeper flavor. Mix well to incorporate.

Chill:
Transfer the custard to a bowl and chill it in the refrigerator until completely cool. For quicker cooling, place the bowl in an ice bath.

2. Make the Salted Caramel:

Melt Sugar:
In a medium saucepan, heat 1 cup of granulated sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly. The sugar will first form clumps and then melt into a smooth amber-colored liquid.

Add Butter:
Once the sugar is fully melted, carefully add 1/2 cup of butter. The mixture will bubble vigorously, so be cautious. Stir until the butter is completely melted and incorporated.

Add Cream:
Slowly drizzle in 1/2 cup of heavy cream while continuing to stir. Allow the mixture to boil for 1-2 minutes to develop the caramel flavor.

Add Sea Salt:
Remove the caramel from the heat and stir in 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt. Let the caramel cool and set up slightly before using.

3. Assemble the Dessert:

Layer:
In individual serving glasses or bowls, layer the butterscotch custard. Top each serving with a generous layer of the salted caramel. The combination of flavors and textures is what makes this dessert truly special.

Chill:
Refrigerate the assembled desserts until you’re ready to serve. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld and the custard to set.

Serve:
Just before serving, sprinkle a little extra sea salt on top for an added touch of flavor and a bit of crunch. This final touch enhances the caramel and balances the sweetness of the dessert.

Serving Suggestions

This Butterscotch Budino with Salted Caramel is a show-stopping dessert that’s perfect for dinner parties, holiday celebrations, or a romantic evening in.

Final Thoughts

This dessert is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can be transformed into something extraordinary. The rich, velvety butterscotch custard paired with the salted caramel creates a harmonious blend of flavors that’s both indulgent and satisfying. Whether you’re making this for a special occasion or just to treat yourself, it’s sure to impress.

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Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 450 kcal per serving

I hope you enjoy making and savoring this delightful Butterscotch Budino with Salted Caramel! If you give the recipe a try, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. Don’t forget to share your creations on social media and tag me—I’d love to see how your dessert turned out!

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