Have you ever craved a creamy dessert indulgence that feels like a hug in a bowl? This butter pudding transforms simple bread crumbs into a silky custard base, enriched by real butter and set with a plant-based gelling agent (agar-agar) for that perfect, velvety texture.
Best of all, it’s an easy no-bake pudding you can whip up in minutes—ideal as a quick weeknight treat or a make-ahead delight when unexpected guests drop by. Topped with chopped peanuts for a nutty crunch, this vegetarian-friendly dessert proves that humble ingredients can deliver unforgettable homemade comfort.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
As soon as you spoon into this creamy dessert indulgence, you’ll understand why it’s earned a permanent spot in my recipe rotation. We’re talking about an easy no-bake pudding that transforms humble bread crumbs into a silky custard base—no oven required and minimal hands-on time.
Here’s what makes this butter pudding a winner:
- Silky custard base: A blend of real butter and custard powder delivers that luxurious, velvety mouthfeel.
- Plant-powered set: Agar-agar powder gives you a perfectly firm texture without any animal gelatin—ideal for a vegetarian-friendly dessert.
- Quick weeknight treat: Ready in under 15 minutes of active prep, so you can satisfy your sweet tooth on busy evenings.
- Make-ahead magic: Prep in advance, chill for a couple of hours, and serve whenever cravings strike or guests arrive.
- Nutty crunch finish: A sprinkle of chopped peanuts not only adds texture but elevates each bite with toasty, buttery notes.
2. Ingredients
You’ll need these pantry staples to build our rich custard base and achieve that perfect bread crumb texture:
- 1 tbsp custard powder
Creates a silky, flavored base—look for vanilla or plain custard powder depending on your taste. - 1½ tsp agar-agar powder
We use agar-agar, a vegetable-based thickener, to give the pudding a firm, vegetarian-friendly set. - ¼ cup milk
For mixing with custard and agar-agar—cold milk helps prevent lumps. - 2 slices day-old bread
Remove the crusts, chop the bread into pieces, and grind them into fine crumbs. - ⅓ cup granulated sugar
Caramel sugar magic starts here—watch it turn light golden brown. - 1 tbsp water
Just enough to help the sugar melt evenly. - ¼ cup unsalted butter
Enriches the pudding with that indulgent, smooth mouthfeel. - 2 cups milk
The main liquid for our custard mixture—whole milk yields the creamiest result. - Chopped peanuts
A crunchy garnish that highlights the buttery flavors and adds texture.
Pro Tip: Measure your agar-agar carefully for the perfect no-bake butter pudding—too much results in a rubbery set, while too little will leave it wobbly. And if you’re nut-free, simply swap chopped peanuts for toasted pumpkin seeds in this butter pudding recipe without missing a beat!
3. How to Make Butter Pudding: Step-by-Step
Follow these simple steps to create a silky, no-bake butter pudding recipe that sets perfectly thanks to agar-agar and a smooth custard mixture:
Step 1: Prepare the custard slurry
- In a small bowl, whisk 1 tbsp custard powder and 1½ tsp agar-agar into ¼ cup cold milk.
- Whisk until all lumps disappear for a silky-smooth result.
Step 2: Grind the bread
- Place the crustless bread slices in a food processor and pulse until they turn into fine crumbs.
- Set aside—it’ll thicken the pudding base without any baking.
Step 3: Master the caramelization process
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine ⅓ cup sugar and 1 tbsp water.
- Stir gently until the sugar dissolves, then let it bubble undisturbed until it turns light golden brown.
- Remove from heat immediately to avoid a burnt taste.
Step 4: Build the pudding base
- Stir ¼ cup butter into the warm caramel until melted and glossy.
- Return the pan to medium heat, pour in 2 cups milk, and bring to a gentle boil.
- Add the bread crumbs gradually, whisking continuously to keep the mixture lump-free.
Step 5: Incorporate the custard mixture
- Lower the heat to simmer and slowly pour in the custard-agar slurry.
- Keep stirring for 5–7 minutes, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of your spoon—this is your cue for perfect set.
Step 6: Assemble and chill
- Pour the warm pudding into a lightly greased 7-inch pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula.
- Sprinkle chopped peanuts evenly on top for that irresistible nutty crunch.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (ideally 3–4 hours) until fully set.
4. Serving Suggestions
Elevate your butter pudding with these simple yet delightful pairings and presentation tips:
- Scoop of vanilla ice cream
Adds a cool, creamy contrast to the warm, buttery custard—try placing a small quenelle on top just before serving. - Seasonal fruit medley
Fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries) brighten each bite with tangy sweetness and vivid color. - Drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce
A light zig-zag of sauce not only looks elegant but introduces an extra layer of flavor—pro tip: warm it slightly for a ribbon-thin pour. - Herb-infused garnish
A few mint or basil leaves lend an unexpected herbal note and pop of green, making your dessert plate Instagram-ready. - Nutty crunch upgrade
For a different crunch, try toasted almonds or pistachios instead of peanuts, and finish with a pinch of sea salt to highlight the caramel flavor. - Mini dessert shooters
Layer pudding, berries, and whipped cream in shot glasses for bite-sized indulgence—perfect for parties or tasting menus.
For more delicious recipes, check out our Desserts Section.
Storage Tip: Cover the set pudding tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For a quick refresh, let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving, or warm gently in the microwave for a softer texture.
Butter Pudding Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp custard powder
- 1½ tsp agar-agar powder
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 slices bread crusts removed and ground into crumbs
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 1 tbsp water
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups milk
- Chopped peanuts for topping
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix custard powder and agar-agar with ¼ cup cold milk. Stir until smooth.
- Grind the bread slices into fine crumbs and set aside.
- In a saucepan, combine sugar and water, cooking until the sugar caramelizes and turns light golden brown.
- Stir in butter into the caramel and add 2 cups of milk. Bring to a boil.
- Add the ground bread crumbs to the saucepan and stir continuously to avoid clumping.
- Slowly pour in the custard mixture, stirring for 5-7 minutes until the pudding thickens.
- Pour the pudding into a greased 7-inch pan and sprinkle with chopped peanuts.
- Refrigerate for 2-3 hours or until set, then serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 16g
- Protein: 3g
5. FAQs About Butter Pudding
How long will this pudding stay fresh?
Store the pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For best texture, let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving or warm gently in the microwave for a few seconds.
What’s a good custard powder alternative?
If you’re out of custard powder, stir together one tablespoon of cornstarch and half a teaspoon of vanilla extract as a simple substitute. Mix into cold milk just like custard powder for a similar flavor and silky mouthfeel.
How do I ensure a smooth, lump-free pudding?
Whisk the custard powder (or cornstarch mix) and agar-agar thoroughly into cold milk before adding to hot liquid. Constant stirring and a fine-mesh sieve strainer will catch any stray bits, giving you that ultra-creamy, smooth pudding you crave.
I’m nut-free—what can I use instead of peanuts?
No problem! Swap chopped peanuts for toasted pumpkin or sunflower seeds to retain that satisfying crunch. You can also sprinkle in toasted coconut flakes for a tropical twist.
6. Conclusion
As you’ve seen, this butter pudding is more than just a sweet finish—it’s a celebration of simple ingredients transformed into homemade comfort. With its smooth custard, delicate caramel flavor, and delightful crunch, this simple no-bake pudding will quickly become your favorite.
- Flavor harmony: Rich butter and custard powder meld perfectly with toasted bread crumbs and light caramel.
- Effortless prep: Minimal hands-on time and no oven required make it ideal for busy days or last-minute entertaining.
- Make-ahead convenience: Whip it up in advance, chill, and serve whenever cravings strike.