There is something utterly irresistible about a silky, rich dessert that balances sweetness with a hint of salt, and this Salted Caramel Puddings Recipe is exactly that delight. With its luscious caramel flavor, creamy texture, and just the right pinch of sea salt, these puddings offer a perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth while feeling indulgent yet comforting. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a cozy night in, this recipe promises a smooth and dreamy dessert experience you’ll want to share again and again.

Flat lay photography of salted caramel pudding ingredients arranged neatly on a clean white marble surface: a small mound of golden granulated sugar beside a clear small bowl of amber caramel syrup with water, a glass jug of smooth heavy cream and a small pitcher of whole milk with creamy white hues, a rustic ceramic bowl holding glossy pale yellow large egg yolks, a small dish of fine white cornstarch powder, a chunk of pale creamy unsalted butter on a wooden spoon, a teaspoon of rich vanilla extract in a shallow glass bowl, a tiny bowl of coarse sparkling sea salt crystals, and a dollop of fluffy whipped cream with a scattering of crushed toasted nuts nearby. The textures highlight the contrast between powdered, liquid, and creamy elements, styled with soft natural light creating gentle shadows and highlights, arranged with intentional spacing to showcase each ingredient’s unique color and form. Overhead shot, top down view, flat lay photography, professional food styling --ar 1:1 --q 2 --s 750 --v 6.1

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Salted Caramel Puddings Recipe lies in its simple, carefully chosen ingredients that each play a vital role in creating that smooth, velvety texture and deep caramel flavor. Every component works together to build layers of richness and balance that melt effortlessly on your palate.

3/4 cup granulated sugar: The backbone of the caramel, it transforms into that gorgeous amber color and intense flavor when melted.
2 tablespoons water: Helps dissolve the sugar evenly and prevents premature burning during caramelization.
1 1/2 cups heavy cream: Adds luxurious creaminess and richness to the pudding base.
1 cup whole milk: Balances the heaviness of the cream with a lighter texture for the perfect consistency.
3 tablespoons cornstarch: The thickening agent that gives the pudding its creamy firmness without heaviness.
4 large egg yolks: Adds silkiness and body to the puddings, enriching the flavor.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the caramel flavor with warm, sweet floral notes.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Rounds out the caramel sauce with a smooth finish and subtle richness.
1/2 teaspoon sea salt (plus extra for topping): A crucial ingredient that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness and amplifies the caramel flavor.
Whipped cream and crushed nuts for garnish (optional): Adds texture and an elegant touch when serving.

How to Make Salted Caramel Puddings Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Egg Mixture

Start by whisking together the cornstarch, egg yolks, and half a cup of milk in a small bowl until you achieve a perfectly smooth, lump-free mixture. This step is important because it ensures your pudding will thicken evenly without any gritty bits.

Step 2: Make the Caramel Base

Next, in a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water. Place it over medium heat without stirring—this patience is key. Let the sugar slowly melt and bubble until it reaches a deep amber hue, which means the caramel flavor is rich and perfectly intense. Keep a close eye, as it can go from perfect to burnt quickly!

Step 3: Incorporate Cream and Milk

Carefully add the heavy cream and the remaining milk while whisking continuously. The mixture will bubble vigorously, so take your time and add the liquids slowly to avoid splashing. This step transforms that caramel into a luscious sauce full of creamy promise.

Step 4: Thicken the Pudding

Slowly whisk the egg yolk and cornstarch mixture into the saucepan. Continue to cook over medium heat, whisking constantly. Gradually, you’ll notice the mixture starting to thicken—an exciting moment as your pudding base comes to life with a silky texture.

Step 5: Finish with Butter, Vanilla, and Salt

Remove your saucepan from the heat and stir in the unsalted butter, vanilla extract, and sea salt. The butter adds that luscious richness, the vanilla deepens flavor complexity, and the sea salt enhances the caramel’s sweetness with its delightful contrast. For the smoothest pudding, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a clean bowl.

Step 6: Chill the Puddings

Pour the luscious pudding into glass cups or ramekins. Let them cool slightly to room temperature before placing them in the refrigerator. Chilling for at least 4 hours allows the pudding to set perfectly and develop a cool, irresistible texture.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Just before serving, add a generous dollop of whipped cream, sprinkle crushed nuts for crunch, and finish with a light dusting of sea salt. This final touch not only looks stunning but also heightens the flavor experience, making each spoonful a perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, salty, and sweet.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Puddings Recipe

Garnishes

Whipped cream adds a light, airy contrast to the rich pudding, while crushed nuts provide a satisfying crunch that brightens every bite. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top accentuates the salted caramel flavor, adding a beautiful finishing touch that’s both elegant and delicious.

Side Dishes

Serving these puddings alongside fresh berries or a simple shortbread cookie makes an excellent pairing. The tartness of berries cuts through the richness, and a buttery biscuit complements the caramel without overpowering it, creating a well-rounded dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Try layering the pudding with crushed cookies or a drizzle of caramel sauce in a clear glass for a stunning parfait effect. You can also pipe the whipped cream on top using a star nozzle for a fancy swirl or place a thin caramel shard as a garnish for added drama and crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can keep any leftover Salted Caramel Puddings refrigerated in airtight containers for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to meld beautifully, but the texture is best when enjoyed within this timeframe to preserve its creamy perfection.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for this recipe because the delicate creamy texture will be compromised when thawed, often becoming grainy or separating. For the best experience, enjoy the puddings fresh after chilling.

Reheating

If you prefer your pudding slightly warmed, gently reheat in a microwave-safe dish at low power for short intervals, stirring in between to keep the texture uniform. However, this dessert truly shines when served chilled, so reheating should be minimal.

FAQs

Can I use light cream instead of heavy cream?

Light cream has less fat and will result in a thinner, less rich pudding. Heavy cream is recommended for that luxurious, silky texture that defines this Salted Caramel Puddings Recipe.

Is it necessary to use cornstarch?

Cornstarch is the thickening agent that gives the pudding its smooth firmness. Without it, the puddings will be runnier and won’t hold their shape as well.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

While the classic recipe relies on dairy for richness, you can experiment with coconut cream and plant-based milk substitutes. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will differ from the traditional pudding.

Why is the caramel bubbling when I add cream and milk?

The bubbling is normal and happens because the hot caramel reacts with the cooler liquids. Adding them slowly while whisking prevents splattering and helps combine everything smoothly.

Can I prepare this pudding in advance for a party?

Absolutely! This Salted Caramel Puddings Recipe can be made a day ahead and refrigerated. It actually benefits from the resting time as the flavors meld together beautifully.

Final Thoughts

Now that you have this heartfelt Salted Caramel Puddings Recipe at your fingertips, you’re ready to treat yourself and your loved ones to a truly special dessert. It’s simple enough for a weekday indulgence but elegant enough for entertaining. Trust me, once you make these puddings, this silky caramel dream will become a staple in your dessert repertoire. Enjoy every luscious spoonful!