If you’ve ever craved the rich, buttery sweetness of traditional butterscotch pudding but follow a vegan lifestyle, you’re in for a treat. This best vegan butterscotch pudding recipe captures all that luscious flavor and creamy texture without a single animal product.
Made with wholesome ingredients and plant-based alternatives, this dessert is perfect for anyone who wants comfort food that’s kind to animals and the planet. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering, a cozy night in, or impressing friends with your vegan cooking skills, this pudding hits all the right notes.
From the deep caramel notes of coconut sugar to the velvety texture achieved with coconut milk and cornstarch, every spoonful is pure indulgence. Plus, it’s simple enough to whip up in under 30 minutes, yet elegant enough to serve as a show-stopping finale to any meal.
Get ready to discover your new favorite dairy-free dessert that’s as wholesome as it is delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan butterscotch pudding is a game changer for plant-based dessert lovers. Unlike many vegan puddings that can be thin or bland, this recipe delivers a luxuriously thick and creamy pudding with authentic butterscotch flavor.
The use of coconut sugar lends a natural caramel depth, while the coconut milk provides richness without overwhelming sweetness.
It’s also gluten-free, soy-free, and can be made nut-free if you choose the right milk alternative. With easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward steps, you don’t need to be a seasoned cook to master this pudding.
It’s perfect for those who want a quick, satisfying dessert that can be prepared in advance and chilled until ready to serve.
Ingredients
- 2 cups full-fat coconut milk (shake well before opening)
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter (e.g. Earth Balance)
- Optional: pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowl
- Serving bowls or ramekins
- Plastic wrap or lids for covering
Instructions
- Combine dry ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the coconut sugar, brown sugar, cornstarch, and sea salt until well incorporated. This ensures no lumps remain when you mix with the liquid.
- Add coconut milk: Gradually pour 1 3/4 cups of the coconut milk into the dry ingredients, whisking constantly to create a smooth slurry. This prevents clumping and helps the pudding thicken evenly.
- Heat the mixture: Pour the slurry into the saucepan and add the remaining 1/4 cup coconut milk. Place over medium heat and stir continuously with the whisk to avoid sticking or burning.
- Thicken the pudding: As the mixture heats, it will start to thicken. Keep whisking and cook for about 5-7 minutes until it reaches a creamy pudding consistency. Be patient and consistent with stirring.
- Add flavor and richness: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the vegan butter and vanilla extract until melted and fully combined. For a cozy twist, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg here.
- Chill: Transfer the pudding into serving bowls or ramekins. Cover with plastic wrap, pressing it gently against the pudding surface to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to fully set and chill.
- Serve and enjoy: Once chilled, your pudding is ready to be devoured. Garnish with vegan whipped cream, toasted coconut flakes, or chopped nuts for extra texture and flair.
Tips & Variations
“For the creamiest pudding, always use full-fat coconut milk. Light versions won’t thicken as well or offer the rich mouthfeel that makes butterscotch pudding so comforting.”
- Sweetener swap: Maple syrup can be used instead of coconut sugar, but reduce the liquid by 2 tablespoons as maple syrup adds moisture.
- Nut-free option: Use oat milk or soy milk instead of coconut milk, though results may be less creamy.
- Extra butterscotch flavor: Add 1 teaspoon of vegan caramel sauce or brown butter flavoring after cooking for a deeper taste.
- Make it chocolate: Stir in 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder at step 1 for a vegan chocolate butterscotch pudding twist.
- Texture boost: Top with crushed vegan cookies or chopped dates for a delightful contrast.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (1/4 recipe) |
---|---|
Calories | 210 |
Fat | 15g |
Saturated Fat | 12g |
Carbohydrates | 22g |
Fiber | 1g |
Sugar | 18g |
Protein | 1g |
Sodium | 90mg |
Serving Suggestions
This vegan butterscotch pudding is versatile and pairs beautifully with many garnishes and accompaniments. For a simple yet elegant presentation, top with freshly whipped coconut cream and a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes or chopped pecans.
For a festive touch, add a dollop of vegan caramel sauce and a pinch of sea salt on top to create a salted butterscotch experience. You can also layer the pudding with vegan chocolate chip cookie crumbles for a parfait-style dessert that’s both fun and delicious.
Serve chilled on its own as a comforting dessert after dinner, or alongside vegan baked goods like the delightful Marzipan Challah Recipe or the fun and fluffy Magic Dough Recipe. For a completely indulgent vegan meal, try pairing it with a savory dish like the Jamaican Minced Beef Recipes.
Conclusion
Making delightful vegan desserts doesn’t have to be complicated, and this best vegan butterscotch pudding recipe proves just that. With simple pantry staples and easy steps, you can create a luscious pudding that satisfies your sweet tooth while staying true to your plant-based lifestyle.
The rich coconut milk base, combined with the warm caramel notes of coconut sugar and brown sugar, makes this pudding a crowd-pleaser every time.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just exploring plant-based desserts, this pudding offers a comforting, nostalgic treat without any compromise on taste or texture. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or just a quiet night in when you want a little indulgence.
Don’t forget to experiment with the tips and variations to make it your own. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
📖 Recipe Card: Best Vegan Butterscotch Pudding
Description: A rich and creamy vegan butterscotch pudding made with coconut milk and brown sugar. Perfectly sweet and smooth for a comforting dessert.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT25M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups full-fat coconut milk
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup vegan butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup almond milk
- 1 tablespoon molasses
Instructions
- In a saucepan, whisk together brown sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
- Slowly add coconut milk and almond milk, whisking until smooth.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until mixture thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in vegan butter, molasses, and vanilla extract.
- Pour pudding into serving dishes and chill for at least 2 hours.
- Serve cold, optionally garnished with vegan whipped cream.
Nutrition: Calories: 280 | Protein: 2g | Fat: 18g | Carbs: 30g
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