Are you craving a dessert that perfectly balances sweet and salty flavors? This salted caramel pudding recipe is your answer to creating a restaurant-quality dessert at home without any fuss. In just five minutes of prep time, you'll have a silky, creamy pudding that melts in your mouth and leaves you wanting more.
What makes this salted caramel pudding recipe so special is its incredible simplicity and foolproof results. Unlike complicated desserts that require hours of preparation, this salted caramel pudding recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner parties.
Why This Salted Caramel Dessert Recipe Stands Out
This salted caramel pudding recipe has become a family favorite because it strikes the perfect balance between rich caramel sweetness and a hint of sea salt. The magic happens when the warm caramel sauce meets the cool, creamy base, creating layers of flavor that dance on your taste buds. What sets this salted caramel pudding recipe apart from others is its use of real caramel sauce and premium sea salt, ensuring an authentic taste that store-bought versions simply can't match.
The beauty of this salted caramel pudding recipe lies in its versatility and foolproof nature. Whether you're a beginner cook or an experienced baker, this recipe guarantees success every time. The creamy texture comes from a perfect blend of heavy cream and milk, while the caramel sauce provides that deep, rich flavor we all crave in our favorite desserts.
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Ingredients
- Whole milk
- Heavy cream
- Granulated sugar
- Large egg yolks
- Cornstarch
- Vanilla extract
Caramel Components
- Homemade or store-bought caramel sauce
- Sea salt (flaky preferred)
- Butter
- Extra caramel sauce for topping
Optional Garnishes
- Chopped toasted nuts
- Whipped cream
- Additional sea salt flakes
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Prepare the Caramel Base
- In a medium saucepan, combine the milk and heavy cream over medium heat
- Heat the mixture until it's just about to simmer, but don't let it boil
- In a separate bowl, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth
- Remove the milk mixture from heat and set aside
Create the Pudding Mixture
- Slowly pour the warm milk mixture into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly
- This prevents the eggs from scrambling and ensures a smooth texture
- Return the entire mixture to the saucepan over low heat
- Cook while stirring constantly for 3-4 minutes until it thickens
Add Caramel and Salt
- Remove the pudding from heat and immediately stir in the caramel sauce
- Add vanilla extract and butter, mixing until completely smooth
- Sprinkle in the sea salt and fold gently to distribute evenly
- Taste and adjust salt levels according to your preference
Chill and Serve
- Serve topped with extra caramel sauce and a pinch of sea salt
- Pour the pudding into individual serving cups or one large bowl
- Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until completely chilled
- Step 1: Prepare the Caramel Base
Heat milk and cream, whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth.
- Step 2: Create the Pudding Mixture
Slowly combine warm milk with egg mixture and cook until thickened.
- Step 3: Add Caramel and Salt
Stir caramel sauce, butter, vanilla, and sea salt into pudding.
- Step 4: Chill and Serve
Pour into cups, chill for 2 hours, then serve with caramel and salt.
Expert Cooking Tips
Temperature Control
- Keep your heat at medium-low when cooking the pudding base. High heat can cause the eggs to curdle, ruining the smooth texture. Stirring constantly is key to preventing any lumps from forming.
Caramel Selection
- For the best results in your salted caramel pudding recipe, use high-quality caramel sauce. Homemade caramel provides the richest flavor, but a premium store-bought version works perfectly fine.
Salt Balance
- Start with less salt than you think you need. You can always add more, but you can't take it away. Flaky sea salt works better than regular table salt because it dissolves more slowly and provides bursts of flavor.
Texture Perfection
- If your pudding develops lumps, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve while it's still warm. This simple step ensures a silky-smooth final product that's worthy of any special occasion.
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
Dietary Modifications
Dairy-Free Version
- Replace the milk with coconut milk and the heavy cream with coconut cream. Use vegan butter and ensure your caramel sauce is dairy-free. The coconut adds a subtle tropical note that pairs beautifully with caramel.
Low-Sugar Alternative
- Substitute the granulated sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Use sugar-free caramel sauce to reduce the overall sugar content while maintaining that beloved caramel flavor.
Flavor Variations
Chocolate Salted Caramel
- Add 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder to the pudding base for a rich chocolate-caramel combination. This creates a more decadent dessert that chocolate lovers will adore.
Espresso Twist
- Incorporate 1 tablespoon of instant espresso powder to complement the caramel flavors. The coffee notes add depth and sophistication to your salted caramel pudding recipe.
Equipment Recommendations
- The essential tools for this salted caramel pudding recipe include a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent burning, a fine-mesh whisk for smooth mixing, and individual serving cups for elegant presentation. A fine-mesh strainer can save the day if any lumps form during cooking. Having a good-quality candy thermometer helps monitor temperature, though it's not absolutely necessary for success with this forgiving recipe.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
Refrigerator Storage
- Store your finished pudding in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Always cover with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming.
Make-Ahead Options
- This salted caramel pudding recipe is perfect for meal prep. Make it up to 3 days in advance and store in individual portions for quick dessert access throughout the week.
Freezing Instructions
- While not ideal for texture, you can freeze portions for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and whisk gently before serving to restore smoothness.nd up well to freezing for X days/weeks/months.
Grandma's Secret That Changed Everything
The game-changing secret in this salted caramel pudding recipe comes from an old family trick: adding a small pat of butter at the very end of cooking. This simple addition creates an incredibly silky texture and adds richness that makes the pudding taste like it came from an expensive bakery.
Another crucial secret is the timing of when you add the salt. Instead of mixing it directly into the caramel sauce, fold it in after the pudding has cooled slightly. This prevents the salt from completely dissolving and creates those perfect little bursts of flavor that make your salted caramel pudding recipe truly special.
FAQ
What's the difference between caramel pudding and caramel custard?
The main difference lies in the cooking method and texture. Caramel custard is typically baked in a water bath and has a firmer, more set consistency, while this salted caramel pudding recipe creates a creamier, spoonable dessert that's cooked on the stovetop.
What is the best pudding in the world?
While taste is subjective, many consider salted caramel pudding to rank among the top desserts globally due to its perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors. This salted caramel pudding recipe combines the comfort of traditional pudding with gourmet flavors that appeal to sophisticated palates.
Is salted caramel the same as dulce de leche?
No, they're different desserts. Dulce de leche is made by slowly cooking milk and sugar until thick and caramel-colored, while salted caramel combines caramel sauce with salt. This salted caramel pudding recipe uses traditional caramel sauce enhanced with sea salt for a more complex flavor profile.
What is the difference between flan and caramel pudding?
Flan is a baked custard with a liquid caramel layer that's inverted when served, creating a caramel topping. Caramel pudding, like this salted caramel pudding recipe, incorporates caramel throughout the dessert and has a softer, more spoonable consistency.
The Perfect Ending to Any Meal
This salted caramel pudding recipe proves that the best desserts don't require complicated techniques or hours of preparation. With just a few simple ingredients, this salted caramel pudding recipe comes together in five minutes of active cooking time, delivering a dessert that rivals any restaurant offering. The creamy texture and perfectly balanced sweet-salty flavor make this salted caramel pudding recipe a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making this salted caramel pudding recipe for a dinner party or a quick weekday treat, it’s sure to impress every time.
Whether you're hosting a dinner party or simply treating your family to something special, this salted caramel pudding recipe delivers consistent results every time. For more delicious dessert options, don't miss our White Chocolate Pudding Recipe for a lighter alternative, or try our Hot Cocoa Cookies Recipe for the perfect accompaniment to your pudding. Both recipes pair beautifully with this salted caramel pudding recipe for a complete dessert spread that will impress any guest.
With love from my kitchen to yours
By Lisa Johnson ✨
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Pairing
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Salted Caramel Pudding Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Medium saucepan Heavy-bottomed to prevent scorching milk and cream
- 1 Mixing bowls One for whisking yolks, one for holding ingredients
- 1 Whisk Fine-mesh whisk recommended for a smooth texture
- 1 Fine-mesh strainer (optional) Optional, to remove any lumps for silky pudding
- 4 Individual serving cups Can also use one large serving dish
- 1 roll Plastic wrap Pressed directly on pudding surface to prevent skin
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 3 large egg yolks
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Caramel Components
- ½ cup caramel sauce homemade or store-bought
- ½ teaspoon sea salt flaky preferred
- 2 tablespoons butter
- caramel sauce for topping
Optional Garnishes
- whipped cream for topping
- sea salt flakes extra sprinkle
- chopped toasted nuts optional
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, heat milk and cream until just below simmering.
- In a bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth.
- Slowly whisk warm milk into yolk mixture, then return to saucepan.
- Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until thickened (3–4 mins).
- Stir in caramel sauce, butter, vanilla, and sea salt.
- Pour into cups, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate 2 hours before serving.
Notes
- Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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