Butterscotch Pot De Creme Recipe Easy and Delicious Dessert

There’s something irresistibly luxurious about a rich, creamy dessert that melts in your mouth with every bite. Butterscotch pot de crème is one such indulgence—a classic French custard that combines the deep, buttery sweetness of caramelized brown sugar with the smooth texture of a traditional pot de crème.

Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a dinner party or simply want to treat yourself to a special dessert, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. It’s elegant, easy to prepare, and perfectly portioned in individual ramekins, making it ideal for any occasion.

This dessert offers a perfect balance of sweet and creamy flavors, with a luscious butterscotch sauce that’s both comforting and sophisticated. Plus, it’s a wonderful alternative to chocolate-based custards, offering something a little different yet equally decadent.

Ready to make your own butterscotch pot de crème? Let’s dive into the recipe and discover why this dessert deserves a spot in your culinary repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This butterscotch pot de crème recipe stands out for several reasons. First, it uses simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry, like brown sugar, heavy cream, and eggs, but transforms them into a gourmet dessert.

The slow cooking process ensures a smooth, velvety custard that is not too sweet, making it suitable even for those who prefer a less sugary treat.

Additionally, the recipe is highly customizable. You can easily adjust the sweetness or add a hint of sea salt for a salted butterscotch twist.

It’s also perfect for preparing ahead of time—the custards taste even better after chilling overnight. The individual servings make it perfect for portion control and presentation.

Finally, this dessert pairs beautifully with a variety of toppings and accompaniments, from whipped cream to fresh berries or even a sprinkle of toasted nuts, making it a versatile and crowd-pleasing choice.

Ingredients

• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 4 large egg yolks
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Optional: pinch of sea salt for finishing

Equipment

• 4-6 ramekins (4-ounce size)
• Large saucepan for heating cream and sugar
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or hand mixer
• Fine mesh strainer
• Baking dish for water bath (bain-marie)
• Aluminum foil to cover ramekins during baking
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and position a rack in the middle.
2. Make the butterscotch base: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter and add the brown sugar. Stir continuously until the sugar dissolves and the mixture becomes smooth and bubbling, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the heavy cream: Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer, then remove from heat.
4. Whisk egg yolks: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and salt until pale and slightly thickened.
5. Temper the eggs: Gradually pour about 1/2 cup of the warm butterscotch cream into the egg yolks, whisking constantly to prevent curdling. Then slowly add the egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining cream, stirring continuously.
6. Cook custard gently: Return the saucepan to low heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the custard thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon (about 5-7 minutes). Do not boil.
7. Strain and flavor: Pour the custard through a fine mesh strainer into a clean bowl to remove any lumps. Stir in the vanilla extract.
8. Pour into ramekins: Divide the custard evenly among the ramekins.
9. Prepare the water bath: Place the ramekins in a large baking dish. Pour hot water into the dish until it comes halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
10. Bake: Cover the ramekins loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the custards are set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
11. Cool and chill: Remove ramekins from the water bath and let cool to room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
12. Serve: Before serving, optionally sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt or garnish with whipped cream and fresh berries.

Tips & Variations

“For the smoothest custard, always strain the mixture before baking to remove any cooked egg bits.”

• Salted Butterscotch: Add a 1/4 teaspoon of flaky sea salt to the custard before baking, and sprinkle a little more on top before serving for a delightful contrast of flavors.
• Spiced Variation: Infuse the cream with a cinnamon stick or a few cardamom pods during heating, then strain out before mixing with the eggs for a warm, spiced note.
• Dairy-Free Version: Substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free butterscotch pot de crème.
• Make Ahead: This dessert improves in flavor when chilled overnight, making it ideal for preparing a day ahead of your event.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your butterscotch pot de crème experience, try serving it with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. Fresh berries such as raspberries or blackberries add a bright, tart contrast that perfectly balances the sweetness.

For added texture, sprinkle toasted pecans or almonds on top just before serving. Alternatively, a light dusting of cocoa powder or cinnamon can introduce an aromatic touch.

Serve chilled in elegant ramekins to impress your guests with both flavor and presentation.

Pair this dessert with a cup of strong coffee, an espresso, or a dessert wine like a late-harvest Riesling to complete the indulgent experience.

Conclusion

Butterscotch pot de crème is a timeless dessert that combines simplicity with sophistication. Its rich, creamy texture and deep, buttery flavor make it a standout choice for any occasion, from casual family dinners to elegant dinner parties.

This recipe is straightforward to follow, uses familiar ingredients, and yields a custard that’s perfectly smooth and luscious every time.

Whether you enjoy it plain or with creative toppings, this dessert is sure to delight your taste buds and impress your guests. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the variations to make it your own.

Once you try this butterscotch pot de crème, it might just become your go-to dessert for special moments and everyday indulgences alike.

Looking for more delicious treats? Try our Classic Chocolate Lava Cake, Lemon Drizzle Cake, or Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta for equally delightful desserts that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth!

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