Butterscotch Self Saucing Pudding

Alright, this butterscotch self-saucing pudding? It’s warm, gooey, and basically magic in a baking dish. You mix it, bake it, and somehow a sweet sauce forms under the soft cake. Wild, right?

I made it on a rainy evening when I was craving something cozy and quick. Threw the batter into a dish, poured boiling water on top (sounds weird, I know), and baked it. When I scooped into it—there was golden sauce at the bottom and fluffy cake on top.

It tastes like warm caramel, with a soft sponge and rich butterscotch sauce that just melts into every bite. No mixer, no frosting, just pure comfort with a scoop of ice cream. If you want a simple dessert that feels extra special, this one’s for you.

Let’s get it in the oven—you’re gonna want seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Family Comfort: This pudding is one of those old-fashioned recipes that brings a sense of warmth to the table. It’s familiar, satisfying, and loved by both children and adults.
• Effortless Baking: You don’t need a stand mixer, electric beater, or complicated methods. Everything is mixed by hand with a spoon or whisk.
• Magical Transformation: The “self-saucing” part means you layer simple ingredients, add hot water on top, and bake. The sauce forms on its own, sinking below the sponge as it cooks.
• Flexible for Any Occasion: It works as an after-dinner treat, a make-ahead dessert for gatherings, or a quick way to satisfy a sweet craving.
• Great for Beginners: Even if you’re new to baking, this recipe is straightforward. Children can help with mixing and pouring, making it a wonderful family project.
• Balanced Sweetness: The brown sugar brings out classic butterscotch notes without overpowering the dish. Each bite gives you a blend of sweet sauce and light, fluffy cake.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:
Prep Time: 15 minutes (this covers gathering, measuring, and mixing all ingredients)
Cook Time: 35 minutes (bake until the cake is set and the sauce is bubbling beneath)
Total Time: About 50 minutes from start to finish

Servings:
This recipe yields 6 modest portions, suitable for most families or a small dinner party. For larger groups, simply double the recipe and use a bigger baking dish.

Difficulty Level:
This is a beginner-friendly dessert. No advanced skills are required—just careful measuring, gentle mixing, and attention to layering the ingredients properly for best results.

Flavor Profile:
The finished pudding tastes rich and buttery, with deep caramel flavors from the brown sugar. The sponge is moist and tender, while the sauce is sweet, smooth, and perfect for spooning over the top.

Required Kitchen Tools

You won’t need any special equipment for this recipe, making it ideal for home kitchens of all sizes.

• Mixing Bowls: One medium bowl for the pudding base, one larger bowl for mixing dry ingredients.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: For precise, reliable results.
• Whisk or Mixing Spoon: For combining wet and dry ingredients.
• Kettle or Saucepan: To boil water needed for the sauce layer.
• Baking Dish: A ceramic or glass dish works best, about 8-inch square (2-quart capacity) for even baking and sauce distribution.
• Oven Mitts: For safely handling the hot baking dish.
• Sifter (optional): For aerating the flour, but not required.
• Serving Spoon: For scooping the pudding, making sure to reach all the way to the saucy base.

Ingredients for Butterscotch Self Saucing Pudding

Each ingredient has a clear role, ensuring that the pudding is soft, rich, and full of butterscotch flavor.

• All-Purpose Flour (1 cup/125g): Forms the structure of the pudding, resulting in a cake-like top layer that’s still soft and spoonable.
• Brown Sugar (for Pudding, 1/4 cup/50g): Adds a deep, caramel sweetness to the cake portion.
• Baking Powder (1 tsp): Helps the cake rise so it’s not dense or heavy.
• Milk (1/2 cup/125ml): Provides moisture for a soft crumb and helps blend the batter.
• Melted Butter (1/4 cup/60g): Contributes richness and a tender texture, giving the pudding a classic homemade flavor.
• Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Enhances the warmth of the butterscotch notes.
• Brown Sugar (for Sauce, 3/4 cup/150g): Forms the base of the sauce, creating that signature gooey, sweet butterscotch layer as it melts and bubbles during baking.
• Boiling Water (1 1/4 cups/310ml): Essential for “self-saucing”—the hot water mixes with the brown sugar and butter, slowly forming the sauce underneath the cake as it bakes.

Optional Add-Ins

• Chopped Pecans or Walnuts (1/4 cup): For added texture, sprinkle over the batter before baking.
• Pinch of Sea Salt: Heightens the butterscotch flavor and balances sweetness.
• A dash of Maple Syrup (1-2 tbsp): For deeper, more complex sweetness.

Variations for Butterscotch Self Saucing Pudding

This pudding is very versatile. Try these simple swaps and add-ins:

• Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts across the top before baking for a bit of texture and flavor.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. The cake will still rise and hold together nicely.
• Salted Butterscotch: Add a pinch or two of flaky sea salt to the sauce before baking for a balanced sweet-and-salty finish.
• Maple Butterscotch: Replace a tablespoon or two of the brown sugar in the sauce layer with pure maple syrup for an extra-rich depth.
• Serve with Extras: Pair with vanilla ice cream, lightly whipped cream, or a spoonful of Greek yogurt to add creaminess and contrast to each serving.

How to Make Butterscotch Self Saucing Pudding: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your 8-inch (2-quart) baking dish with a bit of butter or non-stick spray to keep the pudding from sticking.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and baking powder until they are evenly combined. This helps the baking powder distribute throughout the batter for an even rise.

3. Add the Wet Ingredients

In a separate small bowl, combine the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth. Pour this mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently mix everything together with a spoon or spatula until you have a thick, smooth batter with no visible dry flour.

4. Spread the Batter in the Dish

Transfer the pudding batter to your prepared baking dish. Use the back of a spoon or spatula to spread it evenly all the way to the edges. The batter will look like a thick, sticky cake mix.

5. Add the Butterscotch Sauce Layer

Sprinkle the 3/4 cup of brown sugar (for the sauce) evenly over the surface of the batter. If you’re using a pinch of sea salt or nuts, sprinkle those on now. Next, carefully pour the boiling water over the back of a spoon held just above the pudding (this helps distribute the hot water gently, without making holes in the batter). Do not stir—leave the layers as they are. The sauce will form underneath as the pudding bakes.

6. Bake the Pudding

Place the baking dish on the middle rack of your oven. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top of the pudding is set and springs back lightly when touched. The surface should be golden and cake-like, but if you insert a spoon, you’ll see a thick butterscotch sauce underneath. If your oven bakes unevenly, rotate the dish halfway through.

7. Cool Slightly Before Serving

Remove the pudding from the oven and let it stand for 5–10 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken a bit and makes serving easier.

Serving and Decoration

• To Serve: Use a large spoon to scoop generous portions, making sure each serving includes both the fluffy cake and the saucy base. For extra indulgence, top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of cream.
• Serving Size: This dessert is best served warm, straight from the baking dish.
• Garnish (optional): A sprinkle of chopped nuts, a dusting of cinnamon, or a small pinch of flaky sea salt can add extra texture and flavor.

Storing Butterscotch Self Saucing Pudding

• Leftovers: Store any remaining pudding, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The sauce will thicken as it cools, but the flavor remains rich.
• Reheating: Warm individual servings in the microwave for 20–30 seconds until heated through. You can add a splash of milk or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the dry and wet ingredients ahead of time, but it’s best to add the boiling water and bake just before serving for the best sauce texture.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Don’t Overmix: Stir the batter until just combined to keep the cake light and soft.
• Pour Water Gently: Always pour the boiling water over the back of a spoon to avoid disturbing the layers.
• Use Fresh Brown Sugar: Fresh, soft brown sugar gives the best butterscotch flavor and texture.
• Serve Warm: The pudding is at its best when served warm, with the sauce still bubbling underneath.
• Even Baking: Bake on the middle rack for even cooking, and avoid opening the oven too often.

Nutrition

Serving Size	Calories	Fat (g)	Carbohydrates (g)	Sugar (g)	Protein (g)
1/6 of recipe	290	9	51	33	3

Nutrition values are estimates and can vary based on exact ingredients and serving sizes.

Butterscotch Self Saucing Pudding FAQs

What makes the pudding “self-saucing”?
The hot water poured on top interacts with the brown sugar and butter, creating a thick sauce beneath the cake as it bakes.

Can I prepare this pudding ahead of time?
You can mix the batter and prepare the sauce ingredients ahead, but wait to add the boiling water and bake right before serving for best results.

How do I keep leftovers fresh?
Cover the cooled pudding and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream if the sauce thickens.

Can I freeze butterscotch self saucing pudding?
It’s best enjoyed fresh. Freezing can change the texture of both the cake and sauce.

Can I use white sugar instead of brown?
Brown sugar is recommended for the rich butterscotch flavor. White sugar will not provide the same taste or color.

Conclusion

Butterscotch Self Saucing Pudding is a timeless, cozy dessert that’s easy to make with pantry staples. Its soft, spongy cake and rich sauce offer a satisfying finish to any meal. Serve it warm for the ultimate comfort, and enjoy the homemade flavors that make this pudding a family favorite.