If you are a fan of that irresistible blend of sweet and salty, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Salted Caramel Pudding Recipe. Imagine silky smooth puddings that perfectly balance rich caramel flavor with a hint of sea salt, creating a dessert that’s as comforting as it is elegant. Whether you’re serving it up for a cozy night in or impressing guests with a homemade treat, this recipe is straightforward and deeply satisfying. Each spoonful feels like a warm hug, making it a beloved classic to have in your dessert repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this Salted Caramel Pudding Recipe is that it calls for simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create something magical. Each item plays an essential role—whether it’s the creaminess of the heavy cream, the silky texture from the cornstarch, or the depth that sea salt adds to the caramel. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need!
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: The foundation of the caramel, sugar caramelizes to give that deep amber color and rich flavor.
- 2 tablespoons water: Helps the sugar dissolve evenly and caramelize without burning.
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream: Adds luxurious creaminess, making the pudding smooth and rich.
- 1 cup whole milk: Balances the cream’s richness for the perfect pudding texture.
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch: The key thickening agent to get that perfect pudding consistency.
- 4 large egg yolks: Bring richness and help the pudding set beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Enriches the caramel and gives it a silky smooth finish.
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (plus extra for topping): The star that balances sweetness with a kiss of saltiness.
- Whipped cream and crushed nuts for garnish (optional): Great for adding texture and an extra touch of indulgence.
How to Make Salted Caramel Pudding Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Egg Mixture
Start by combining the cornstarch, egg yolks, and half a cup of milk in a small bowl. Whisk these ingredients together until the mixture is completely smooth and free of lumps. This step is crucial because it ensures the pudding thickens evenly and has that luscious, velvety texture.
Step 2: Caramelize the Sugar
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, add your sugar and water, then cook over medium heat without stirring. Watch carefully as the sugar melts and gradually turns to a beautiful deep amber. This caramel is going to form the soul of your pudding, so patience here pays off big time.
Step 3: Add Cream and Milk
Once your caramel reaches the perfect color, slowly and carefully pour in the heavy cream and the remaining milk while whisking constantly. Expect the mixture to bubble and steam vigorously—this is completely normal but requires caution so you don’t get burned or end up with clumps.
Step 4: Combine with the Egg Mixture
Now the magic happens. Slowly whisk your egg yolk and cornstarch mixture into the caramel cream base. Keep stirring over medium heat until the pudding thickens to the right consistency. Constant whisking ensures everything stays smooth and prevents the eggs from scrambling.
Step 5: Finish with Butter, Vanilla, and Salt
Remove the saucepan from heat and swiftly stir in the butter, vanilla extract, and sea salt. The butter adds gloss and richness, vanilla deepens the flavor, and the salt perfectly balances out the sweetness for that signature salted caramel taste. For an ultra-smooth finish, strain the pudding through a fine mesh sieve into a clean bowl.
Step 6: Chill the Pudding
Pour the luscious pudding into individual ramekins or glass cups and let it cool slightly before covering and refrigerating. It needs at least 4 hours to fully set and develop the perfect pudding texture that will melt in your mouth.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, dollop with whipped cream, sprinkle some crushed nuts if you like, and finish off with a pinch of sea salt. These garnishes add contrast in texture and highlight the salty-sweet profile of our Salted Caramel Pudding Recipe beautifully.
How to Serve Salted Caramel Pudding Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing is where you can let your creativity shine. Whipped cream adds lightness, while crushed nuts bring a satisfying crunch that complements the pudding’s smoothness. A tiny sprinkle of sea salt on top revives the salty caramelly notes and tantalizes the taste buds with every bite.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs wonderfully with fresh berries or a crisp fruit salad providing a refreshing balance. If you want something a bit more decadent, try serving it alongside rich chocolate shavings or a warm hazelnut biscotti for contrasting textures.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the typical ramekin presentation: try serving your Salted Caramel Pudding Recipe layered with crushed cookies or caramel sauce in clear glasses for a stunning parfait. Or, pipe it into edible chocolate cups for an impressive treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them covered in the refrigerator. The pudding holds well for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy that decadent flavor long after the first serving.
Freezing
Freezing this pudding isn’t recommended because the texture can change after thawing. It’s best to prepare fresh or consume refrigerated leftovers within a few days for maximum indulgence.
Reheating
The best way to enjoy the pudding is chilled, but if you prefer it warm, reheat gently on the stove over low heat while stirring constantly. Avoid microwaving directly as it might affect the texture and cause the eggs to scramble.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of milk?
Whole milk is recommended because it adds richness without overpowering the cream, but you can substitute with 2% milk if needed. Just keep in mind that the texture and flavor might be slightly lighter.
What can I use instead of cornstarch?
If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use arrowroot powder, but use slightly less—about 2 tablespoons. It will thicken the pudding nicely while keeping it smooth and silky.
How salty should the salt be in the caramel?
The 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt in the recipe lends that subtle salty contrast without being overpowering. You can adjust the amount slightly if you prefer a more pronounced salty kick, but start small to avoid masking the caramel flavor.
Can I make this pudding vegan?
This recipe relies heavily on dairy and egg yolks for its texture and flavor. For a vegan version, you would need to substitute with plant-based creams and egg replacers, but the result will differ significantly from this original Salted Caramel Pudding Recipe.
How long does the pudding take to set?
The pudding needs to chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours to fully set. Overnight chilling is even better, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully and the texture to perfect itself.
Final Thoughts
This Salted Caramel Pudding Recipe is truly a dessert to savor. It brings a perfect harmony of silky texture, rich caramel, and a hint of salt that elevates every spoonful. Give it a try—you’ll find yourself reaching for that second helping, and maybe even third. Trust me, once you taste this homemade wonder, it might just become your new favorite go-to dessert for every occasion.
Print
Salted Caramel Pudding Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Salted Caramel Puddings offer a luscious, creamy dessert experience with the perfect balance of sweet caramel and a hint of sea salt. Made from scratch with simple ingredients like heavy cream, eggs, and sugar, this recipe yields four rich and velvety puddings that are ideal for any special occasion or a delightful treat.
Ingredients
Caramel Base
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
Dairy & Eggs
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 4 large egg yolks
Thickening & Flavoring
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (plus extra for topping)
Garnish (Optional)
- Whipped cream
- Crushed nuts
Instructions
- Prepare the egg mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, egg yolks, and 1/2 cup of milk until smooth. Set aside to be incorporated later.
- Cook the caramel: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water. Place over medium heat and cook without stirring until the mixture turns a deep amber color, indicating that the sugar has caramelized properly.
- Add the dairy: Carefully pour in the heavy cream and the remaining 1/2 cup of milk while whisking continuously to prevent the caramel from seizing. Be cautious as the mixture will bubble vigorously.
- Incorporate the egg mixture: Slowly whisk in the previously prepared egg yolk and cornstarch mixture into the caramel cream blend. Continue cooking over medium heat, whisking constantly until the pudding mixture thickens sufficiently.
- Finish the pudding base: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the unsalted butter, vanilla extract, and sea salt for depth of flavor. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to ensure a silky smooth texture.
- Chill the puddings: Pour the smooth pudding mixture into glass cups or ramekins. Allow to cool slightly at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours to set and develop flavor.
- Serve and garnish: Before serving, top each pudding with a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of crushed nuts, and an extra pinch of sea salt to enhance the salted caramel profile.
Notes
- Use a heavy-bottomed pan to evenly distribute heat and avoid burning the caramel.
- Do not stir the sugar and water mixture while cooking to prevent crystallization.
- Whisk constantly when adding dairy and eggs to avoid curdling and achieve a smooth pudding.
- You can adjust the sea salt amount to taste for stronger or milder salted caramel flavor.
- For a nut-free option, simply omit the crushed nuts garnish.
- Allow the pudding enough time to chill; this is essential for the pudding to set properly.
