Decadent Self-Saucing Butterscotch Pudding

A Sweet Comfort

There's something truly magical about a dessert that creates its own rich, gooey sauce as it bakes. This Self-Saucing Butterscotch Pudding is a comforting classic that delivers exactly that. It’s a simple, rustic dessert with a light, sponge-like cake on top and a rich, warm butterscotch sauce at the bottom—all from a single, easy-to-make batter.

This is the perfect treat for a cozy night in, a potluck, or a simple weeknight dessert. The aroma of warm brown sugar and vanilla that fills your kitchen while it bakes is a promise of the deliciousness to come. Served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, it’s a dessert that feels both nostalgic and utterly decadent.

Decadent Self-Saucing Butterscotch Pudding

Yields: 6 servings

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 30-35 minutes

Ingredients

  • For the Batter:

    • 1 cup all-purpose flour

    • ½ cup packed brown sugar

    • ½ teaspoon baking powder

    • ¼ teaspoon salt

    • ½ cup milk

    • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • For the Butterscotch Sauce:

    • ½ cup packed brown sugar

    • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

    • 1 ½ cups boiling water

Instructions

1. Prepare the Batter & Preheat Oven

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8x8-inch baking dish.

  2. Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt.

  3. Add Wet Ingredients: Pour the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract into the dry mixture. Stir with a spoon or spatula until the batter is just combined. Do not overmix.

  4. Pour into Dish: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.

2. Create the Self-Saucing Topping

  1. Sprinkle: In a separate small bowl, stir together the ½ cup of brown sugar and the cornstarch. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter in the baking dish.

  2. Add Boiling Water: Carefully and slowly pour the boiling water over the top of the sugar and batter. Do not stir! The liquid will look like it's floating on top. This is what creates the "magic."

3. Bake and Serve

  1. Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and springs back when lightly touched. The sauce will have formed on the bottom.

  2. Cool Slightly: Let the pudding cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly.

  3. Serve: Serve warm, spooning the delicious butterscotch sauce from the bottom of the dish over each serving. This pudding is perfect with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Pro-Tips for a Perfect Pudding

  • Don't Stir! This is the most important step. Pouring the hot water over the batter without stirring is what allows the layers to separate during baking.

  • The Right Sugar: Use packed brown sugar for both the batter and the sauce. The molasses in the brown sugar is what gives the butterscotch sauce its rich flavor.

  • Keep an Eye on It: The pudding is done when the top is golden and set. If you cook it for too long, the sauce can become too thick or evaporate.

  • Serve Warm: This pudding is meant to be served warm, as the sauce is at its best when it's hot and gooey.

  • Leftovers: If you have any leftovers, you can reheat them gently in the microwave to make the sauce gooey again.