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    Home / Recipes / Course / Dessert

    7 Feb 12, 2016 Dessert  |   Jump to Recipe

    Butterscotch Budino with Salted Caramel and Pretzel Crumble

    Valentine’s Day is just around the corner…

    This post may contain affiliate links.

    Butterscotch Budino

    … and if you’re planning on cooking dinner for that special someone, then a sexy dessert is an absolute must.  One option is this Butterscotch Budino with Salted Caramel and Pretzel Crumble.  Budino, Italian for pudding, is a smooth, silky dessert that is seemingly both light and rich.  Dark brown sugar caramel, butter and rum are thickened into a custard, then paired with crumbled pretzels, salted caramel and airy whipped cream.  Each bite is a playful blend of sweet, salty, smooth and crunchy, and the velvety texture will satisfy without overwhelming.

    The components of this dessert can be made in advance, leaving just a simple assembly job for Valentine’s Day dinner. The budino does require at least 4 hours of chill time, so be sure to plan accordingly.  I would recommend making the custard the night before!  Continue reading for the recipe.

    Pretzel Crust

    Mini pretzels, a favorite childhood snack of mine, are used here to add some salty crunch.  I’ve made this recipe with and without the pretzel crumble, and both are delicious.  If you want to take things to the next level, definitely add it.  If you happen to forget the bag of pretzels at the grocery store, no worries, you can still make an impressive Valentine’s Day dessert.

    Butterscotch Budino Ingredients

    Butterscotch Budino

    Butterscotch Budino with Salted Caramel and Pretzel Crumble

    by Brandon Matzek
    4.50 from 12 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Servings 4 servings

    Ingredients
      

    For the crumble:

    • 1 cup pretzel crumbs, from about 2 cups of salted pretzels crushed with a rolling pin
    • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
    • 1 1/2 tablespoons packed dark brown sugar
    • Pinch of kosher salt

    For the budino:

    • 2 egg yolks
    • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
    • 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
    • 1/4 cup water
    • 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
    • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
    • 3/4 cup whole milk
    • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
    • 1 tablespoon dark rum
    • Salted caramel sauce, for serving (store-bought or homemade)
    • Whipped cream, for serving (store-bought or homemade)

    Instructions
     

    • Mix pretzel crumbs, butter, brown sugar and kosher salt in a medium bowl. Reserve 3 tablespoons of the mixture for topping the budinos later. Press 2 tablespoons of the pretzel mixture onto the bottom of an 8-ounce mason jar or ramekin. Repeat with 3 other jars.
    • Whisk together eggs and cornstarch in a medium bowl, and set aside. Combine brown sugar and water in a medium saucepan, and cook over medium-high heat until a dark caramel forms (7 – 9 minutes). At first, the mixture will produce large bubbles that let out steam. Then the bubbles will get smaller and more rapid. Do not stir during this process. Instead, gently swirl the pan if needed. Eventually, smoke will start rising for the mixture, and you’ll start to smell burnt, toasty aromas. At this point, you’ve got a dark caramel.
    • Take the mixture off the heat, and immediately whisk in some of the heavy cream and whole milk to stop the cooking. The mixture will bubble up enthusiastically, so don’t add all the liquids at once. If the caramel seizes up (forms a solid mass), just keep on whisking, and it will smooth out. Whisk in the remainder of the heavy cream and whole milk. Return the saucepan over medium-high heat, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium. Gradually add ladlefuls of the hot caramel to the bowl with the eggs, whisking to combine. Once half the caramel has been incorporated, pour the egg mixture back into the remaining caramel. Cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture is very thick (about 2 minutes). Take the custard off the heat, and whisk in butter and rum. Pour custard through a fine-mesh basket strainer into a clean bowl (preferably with a pour spout). Divide custard between 4 prepared jars. Let cool completely, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
    • Spoon caramel sauce over the surface of each budino. Top with a dollop of whipped cream and sprinkling of pretzel crumbs.
    Tried this recipe?Tag @brandiego on Instagram so I can check it out!

    Here are some other Valentine’s Day recipes:

    Grilled Dry-Aged Steaks

    Grilled Dry Aged Steak

    Fluffy Cardamom Pancakes

    Fluffy Cardamom Pancakes

    Pasta Puttanesca with Roasted Cauliflower

    Pasta Puttanesca with Roasted Cauliflower

    Meyer Lemon Coeur à la Crème with Raspberry Sauce

    Meyer Lemon Coeur à la Crème with Raspberry Sauce

    Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Honey, Smoked Paprika and Lime Yogurt

    Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Honey, Smoked Paprika and Lime Yogurt

    White Bean Risotto with Garlicky Greens

    White Bean Risotto with Garlicky Greens

     

    7
    Brandon and Federico
    Brandon

    I’m Brandon: food explorer, recipe curator, cocktail shaker, dessert lover. Kitchen Konfidence is how I document my time spent in my favorite space, the kitchen. Did you make a recipe? Tag @brandiego on Instagram so I can see the how it went!

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    Categories: Dessert Tags: butter, cornstarch, dark brown sugar, dark rum, eggs, heavy cream, kosher salt, pretzel, whole milk

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Brian @ A Thought For Food says

      February 15, 2016 at 7:36 am

      What a fantastic Valentine’s Day dessert! I hope you and Jorge and a wonderful day!

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        February 18, 2016 at 10:26 am

        Thanks Brian! I hope you two enjoyed your VDay weekend as well 🙂

        Reply
    2. Jamie Holaday says

      February 16, 2016 at 11:05 am

      I’ll be trying this dessert this weekend – looks absolutely delicious!

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        February 18, 2016 at 10:25 am

        Excellent! Let me know how you like it 🙂

        Reply
    3. Averie @ Averie Cooks says

      February 16, 2016 at 10:18 pm

      Scratch butterscotch pudding/custard, salted caramel, dark rum…you’re killing me! It definitely sounds sexy and amazing!

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        February 18, 2016 at 10:24 am

        Hahaha, thanks Averie!! This is about as sexy as pudding gets 😛

        Reply
    4. Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

      February 17, 2016 at 4:01 am

      Aren’t these just the loveliest little treat! I love the pretzel crumb!

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        February 18, 2016 at 10:21 am

        Hehe yes!! Thanks Rebecca 🙂

        Reply
    5. Citra Kale @Citra's Home Diary says

      February 17, 2016 at 4:19 am

      I like the recipe. Can I skip dark rum? or any substitute suggestion? And I love your photos here..they are wonderful !

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        February 18, 2016 at 10:20 am

        Thanks! You can skip the rum, but then this would be more of a caramel budino rather than a butterscotch budino. Either would be tasty 🙂

        Reply
    6. Kristen @ A Mind Full Mom says

      February 17, 2016 at 4:47 am

      This recipe is so over the top but compeltely irresistible. I even have the stomach bug and want one right now 🙂 That is saying something! Pinned.

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        February 18, 2016 at 10:19 am

        Awww, I hope you feel better. Thanks Kristen!

        Reply
    7. Erin @ Platings and Pairings says

      February 17, 2016 at 8:33 am

      This looks SO good Brandon!!! Can’t wait to give it a try!

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        February 18, 2016 at 10:18 am

        Thanks Erin! It’s super tasty. Let me know if you try it out!

        Reply
    8. Chrisy @ Homemade Hooplah says

      February 17, 2016 at 12:24 pm

      5 stars
      Love no-hassle desserts like this 😀 The pretzels are a great touch!

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        February 18, 2016 at 10:18 am

        Thanks Chrisy!

        Reply
    9. Healing Tomato says

      February 17, 2016 at 6:07 pm

      5 stars
      This butterscoth budino is absolutely creative. Your photos are so inviting. I feel like I can reach through my monitor and grab this caramel-y goodness. DELICIOUS!

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        February 18, 2016 at 10:17 am

        Thanks so much :)!!

        Reply
    10. Sara says

      February 17, 2016 at 11:20 pm

      There’s nothing better than homemade butterscotch pudding according to my husband, he’ll be thrilled when I make this for him!

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        February 18, 2016 at 10:17 am

        He would LOVE this. And yes, homemade butterscotch pudding is a real treat. I have to keep myself from eating two in one sitting 🙂

        Reply
    11. Angela says

      February 19, 2016 at 8:51 am

      4 stars
      This looks absolutely divine! I can’t wait to find an excuse to make them!

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        February 22, 2016 at 12:47 pm

        Thanks Angela!

        Reply
    12. [email protected] says

      February 19, 2016 at 12:14 pm

      Whoa. This looks amazing. I’ve never heard of it or eaten this, but I need to!

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        February 22, 2016 at 12:47 pm

        You definitely need to give this a try then. Thanks Fabiola 🙂

        Reply
    13. Trina and Tina says

      February 20, 2016 at 6:49 am

      OMG! Must make! Thanks!

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        February 22, 2016 at 12:33 pm

        YES!!!

        Reply
    14. Sarah says

      February 21, 2016 at 7:41 am

      5 stars
      Ummm, so this looks amazing. And heavenly. And I’m drooling. Can’t wait to try, thanks for sharing! 🙂

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        February 22, 2016 at 12:31 pm

        Haha thanks Sarah!

        Reply
    15. Noel says

      February 21, 2016 at 7:44 am

      4 stars
      Such a beautiful dessert! Why wait for Valentine’s day? I think I’m making this once a month!

      The photos – are – amazing!
      yummed!

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        February 22, 2016 at 12:30 pm

        Haha I could eat this once a month as well. Thanks Noel!

        Reply
    16. Peter @ Feed Your Soul Too says

      February 21, 2016 at 8:19 am

      Brandon, I am loving the layers. I also like your spin on the presentation of this dessert!

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        February 22, 2016 at 12:28 pm

        Thanks Peter!

        Reply
    17. Tracy | Baking Mischief says

      February 21, 2016 at 8:22 am

      5 stars
      Oh my gosh, I am all about this! I love the mixture of the salty pretzels and sweet caramel over the pudding. Pinning this one for later!

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        February 22, 2016 at 12:28 pm

        Thanks Tracy! It’s a really tasty combo.

        Reply
    18. Christine | Vermilion Roots says

      February 21, 2016 at 9:20 am

      Oh, this is one special dessert. I bet it made someone very happy! 🙂

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        February 22, 2016 at 12:27 pm

        It did :)!! Thanks Christine.

        Reply
    19. Cynthia/What A Girl Eats says

      February 21, 2016 at 1:12 pm

      What a fun and unique dessert!

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        February 22, 2016 at 12:26 pm

        Thanks Cynthia!

        Reply
    20. Christina | Christina's Cucina says

      February 21, 2016 at 6:03 pm

      What a lovely dessert! It looks so beautiful, it’s almost too pretty to eat!

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        February 22, 2016 at 12:24 pm

        Thanks so much!

        Reply
    21. Vicky @ Avocado Pesto says

      February 22, 2016 at 7:29 am

      Never heard of a budino before – but light and rich pudding sounds good to me!

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        February 22, 2016 at 12:24 pm

        Hehe yeah it’s pretty much pudding 😛

        Reply
    22. michele says

      February 22, 2016 at 3:46 pm

      5 stars
      I just wanted to pop back over and say these were a huge success. My husband was raving about them all weekend and I made them for Friday evening! Thanks!

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        March 13, 2016 at 11:40 am

        Excellent! So glad you two enjoyed the recipe. Thanks for sharing results!!

        Reply
    23. Brianne @Natural Girl Modern World says

      February 22, 2016 at 4:39 pm

      5 stars
      Um yes, this looks absolutely amazing!! Love your photos by the way – they’re absolutely stunning!

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        March 13, 2016 at 11:40 am

        Thanks so much Brianne!

        Reply
    24. Swati @Watch What U Eat says

      February 23, 2016 at 3:32 pm

      Budino is new to me and never heard it before. It looks rich and amazing! I will try to make it :).

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        March 13, 2016 at 11:38 am

        It’s just like pudding 🙂 Thank Swati!

        Reply
    25. Sam | Ahead of Thyme says

      February 23, 2016 at 7:22 pm

      Yum! I have never tried budino but I love salted caramel. This looks so good! Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        March 13, 2016 at 11:37 am

        You’ll definitely love this 🙂 Thanks Sam!

        Reply
    26. Danya |Love and Cilantro says

      February 24, 2016 at 3:51 pm

      Holy smokes this looks amazing!! I love salted caramel anything, and I have a soft spot for puddings. I definitely will be trying this. Thanks for the recipe 🙂

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        February 24, 2016 at 4:30 pm

        Thanks Danya! Let me know how you like it 🙂

        Reply
    27. Linda Farbstein says

      July 29, 2016 at 12:04 pm

      The budino calls for 3/4 tsp. kosher salt but you don’t incorporate it in the instructions….is it an error? Should it be omitted?

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        July 29, 2016 at 12:31 pm

        Sorry about that Linda! Add that salt in step 2 with the sugar and water.

        Reply
        • Linda Farbstein says

          July 29, 2016 at 12:35 pm

          Waaahh…too late!!! Will it still work? Also, does it “solidify”? I am made the bodino to serve tomorrow. Do I have to portion it into the bowls or can I put it in one big bowl in the fridge overnight? Thanks for getting back to me

          Reply
          • Brandon Matzek says

            August 2, 2016 at 9:28 am

            I’ve only chilled it in portions, so I’m not sure if you can put it in one big bowl. It gets fairly solid, so it’s probably best to do it in portions. I saw your photo and they look fantastic!!

            Reply
            • Linda says

              August 2, 2016 at 10:58 am

              4 stars
              I chilled in one big bowl the day before and it worked out fine. Mine didn’t solidify. If assembled too early the pretzel crumble on the bottom will become soggy so best to assemble before serving. This dessert was a big hit with my guests!! Thank you!

            • Brandon Matzek says

              August 4, 2016 at 9:07 am

              Ok great!! Glad it worked out for you. That bottom layer will go a soft, providing another type of texture in the dish.

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    Brandon and Federico

    I'm Brandon: food explorer, recipe curator, cocktail shaker, dessert lover. Kitchen Konfidence is how I document my time spent in my favorite space, the kitchen. Read More…


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