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Salted Butterscotch Pots de Créme is an elegant, French-inspired, make-ahead dessert that always brings rave reviews. It's also crazy delicious!
When grown women fastidiously scrape every last little bit of a dessert from their bowls, you know it's good! But when they're finished scraping and they glance at each other (slightly embarrassed), and then proceed to use their fingers to wipe the bowls clean, you know it's a stellar dessert! That's exactly what happened when I served these Salted Butterscotch Pots de Créme for a cooking class I was teaching a few years ago.
And everyone else who's tried it since has had a similar response. Except, some people moan a little with each silky smooth bite. Seriously, this dessert is that good!
A delicious recipe - simplified
The recipe for these Butterscotch Pots de Créme originated over at Epicurious, where it has received many 5-star accolades. I adapted it a bit to make the process a little easier. And recently, after several years of making this awesome dessert, I made a few more changes to simplify things even more.
I skip the fancy sugars that Epicurious calls for in their recipe (Demerara and muscovado) and used dark brown sugar and granulated sugar. I can't imagine these little "pots of cream" (the literal French translation of Pots de Créme) being more delicious, so there's no need to hunt around for specialty products.
Epicurious's directions for warming the cream (in a separate pot) to dissolve the brown sugar also seemed like an extra step to me so I just add the cream to the caramelized sugar now, knowing the caramel will seize up a bit but then melt again as the mixture continues to heat. The brown sugar dissolves nicely and the recipe now requires just one pot instead of two. Win!
Lastly, I decided to increase the proportions slightly to make the serving sizes a bit larger since everyone seems to go crazy over these fabulous Butterscotch Pots de Créme and has a sad look when the "pot" is empty.
Finishing touches
I like to finish these little pots of deliciousness with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt (I'm a sucker for Maldon) and a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The salt and cream make a beautiful presentation and the super-thin flakes of sea salt add a lovely crunch with each bite. Of course, a little cloud of billowy, freshly whipped cream takes just about any dessert to a heavenly level!
Make-ahead!
Desserts that can be made in advance are always a big hit for this busy cook and avoid lots of last-minute stress. These Butterscotch Pots de Créme can be made a day or two before serving. Just cool, then cover and refrigerate. I like to take them out of the fridge about an hour before serving to take the chill off - it helps bring out that wonderful butterscotch flavor.
So, if you're looking for a crazy delicious, French-inspired, scrape-the-bowl-clean dessert, pick up some heavy cream and dark brown sugar next time you're at the market. You probably have everything else you need for these wonderful Butterscotch Pots de Créme. Expect lots of compliments - and sighs of delight!
Café Tips for making these Butterscotch Pots de Créme
- This recipe calls for 6 egg yolks. What do you do with all those whites? There are lots of recipes that call for just the whites of the egg, like these delicious and beautiful Schaum Tortes, these Ridiculously Easy French Almond Cookies, or, how about a batch of these pretty and fun Red Velvet Meringues? If you don't want to use the whites within a few days, just pop them in the freezer. They'll be good there for up to 12 months! Before freezing, place the whites in an airtight container and label them with the date. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Don't try to slim this recipe down. It's not a "dieter's delight" recipe, but rather, an elegant, special occasion dessert and a splurge in regard to calories. If you're watching every calorie, save this dessert for a celebration down the road or just make something else that's lower in calories (like the Schaum Tortes I referred to above or a bowl of fresh fruit with a drizzle of Raspberry Coulis or Limoncello Syrup). All this being said, it's worth every luxurious calorie! (You might want to have some pity on me. I had to make these delicious pots de crème several times to get them just right, for you. Now I'm having to do double and triple laps on my morning walks!)
- When you add the cream to the caramelized sugar mixture the caramel will seize up a bit and some hard shards. No worries! Just keep heating and stirring and the shards will melt back into the liquid.
- Don't skip the straining step, just before baking these Butterscotch Pots de Créme. That's part of what makes them so silky smooth! You'll need a fine-mesh strainer for this. A regular strainer won't filter out any little bits of egg. A set of fine-mesh strainers is really handy to have for lots of kitchen tasks and won't break the bank.
- There are lots of different options for pots de crème serving dishes. Have fun choosing something perfect for your style of entertaining.
My favorite? These charming little Weck jars. Made in Germany, Weck jars can be used for jams, jellies, sauces and make wonderful gifts, filled with - whatever you love to make! They come in lots of different shapes and sizes but I love these pretty Weck Tulip jars.
- This dessert can be made one to two days in advance. When cool, cover and refrigerate. Remove from refrigerator one hour before serving.
- If using a deeper container for your Pots de Crème (like my favorite Weck jars, pictured above) it's a little harder to add a pretty dollop of whipped cream without making a mess. I like to put my whipped cream in a pastry bag or zip lock bag, snip off a corner and dollop neatly right into the jars like this:
Thought for the day:
We have this Hope as an anchor for
the soul, firm and secure.
Hebrews 6:19
What we're listening to for inspiration:
If you enjoyed this recipe, please come back and leave a star rating and review! It’s so helpful to other readers to hear your results, adaptations and ideas for variations.
Butterscotch Pots de Créme is an elegant, French-inspired, make-ahead dessert that always brings rave reviews. It's also crazy delicious!
- ⅓ cup water
- 6 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 cups heavy cream
- ½ cup dark brown sugar
- 6 large egg yolks
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- flaky sea salt for garnish (I love Maldon)
- freshly whipped cream
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Preheat oven to 300˚F with a rack in the middle position. Place six 4-6-ounce ramekins in a 2-inch sided baking pan.
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Bring water and granulated sugar to a boil in a 2-quart heavy saucepan over medium heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until water has been reduced and mixture forms large bubbles and turns a medium amber color. This should take about 5-6 minutes. If the color is not changing at 5 minutes, increase the heat. Watch the mixture carefully, once it begins to turn color, as it will change quickly.
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Carefully add the cream (mixture will bubble up and steam). The caramel will seize up a bit and form some hard shards. Continue to cook and stir until the caramel shards are completely dissolved (2-4 minutes). Add the brown sugar and stir until dissolved.
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In the empty bowl (where the cream was) whisk together the egg yolks and vanilla. Add the egg yolks in a SLOW, STEADY stream to the cream mixture, whisking continuously. (Adding the eggs slowly will keep them from scrambling in the hot cream mixture.)
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Pour the butterscotch through a fine-mesh sieve back into the egg yolk bowl. Skim off any foam with a spoon. Divide custard among ramekins or pots. Pour hot water around the ramekins to reach about halfway up their sides. Bake, uncovered, until the pots de crème are set around the edges, but still tremble slightly in centers, about 35-40 minutes.
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Cool to room temperature in water bath. Pots de crème will continue to set as they cool. If not serving within a few hours, cover and refrigerate.
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Remove from refrigerator 1 hour before serving.
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Serve with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and a dollop of whipped cream.
Recipe adapted from Epicurious
Gloria says
I had just written an epistle but lost it! I love this recipe , thank you so much! It is even more wonderful too as can be made today, as I have just made them, ready for Christmas dinner tomorrow! My order of the Weck jars was placed too late to have in time for this celebration, so will be trying in the Weck jars in January! However, yesterday in our Pound shop , similar to Dollar Tree, I found six small round- bellied little candle holders for under £2! Washed them well and they sparkled and I think the desserts look great! My tasting pot, as only need for five people, was lovely, thank you so muc! ,
Chris Scheuer says
I'm so glad, Gloria! Thank you for taking the time to let us know!
Patricia says
Can the Heavy cream be substituted with whole milk and/or 1/2&1/2 cream?
Chris Scheuer says
Honestly, it won't be the same with whole milk. This is a bit of a splurge recipe. If you're concerned about calories, which I understand, I would probably go with a different recipe that's more calorie-friendly.
Patricia says
It’s more so the heaviness of “heavy cream”. Maybe I’ll try using table cream (about half the milk fat of heavy cream), unless you think it’s not enough milk fat and thickness to set properly? Pls advise; ThankYou!
Chris Scheuer says
Although, as I said, this is a "splurge" recipe, it's very light tasting even with the heavy cream (sorry not in calories, haha!) but I think table cream would probably work fine.
Patricia says
Thank you, will try & report back!
Niha says
These look incredible! I’m hoping to make them this week to serve on the weekend. How many days will they keep in the fridge for?
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Niha, they will keep for two days in the refrigerator.
JO Challenger says
I would like to deepen the flavor with a hint of coffee, andy suggestions?
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Jo, a little espresso powder would be a great touch! It would also deepen the color which would be pretty!
Shay Bluemer Miroite says
Wow! These are amazing- mine have more of a pudding consistency though- I followed the recipe to a T- I’m hoping they will set up a bit more overnight. I made a couple extras so I could test one after they cooled. I did a dry caramel and let it get dark- the sieve didn’t get rid of all the foam, so only the last couple look just like yours. (I even got the cute jars!) Should be a perfect treat for Christmas Eve dinner!
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Shay, Pots de Créme will have more of a pudding consistency. Hope you enjoyed them!
Melissa says
Can you use light brown sugar in these? Thank you
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Melissa, you can definitely use light brown sugar. I like the deeper color that dark brown sugar gives but either will be delicious!
Rachel says
I made these for my dad's 75th birthday. His big sisters always made him butterscotch pudding when he was little. They were a big hit with everyone. Thank you.
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks, Rachel. I love it!
Brenda says
Oops I said my ramekins (7 pm post) were 6 oz-I meant to say 8 oz. wondered why I couldn’t use them. I don’t want to buy new ones. Thanks & sorry for the error on above post
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Brenda, you could definitely make them in an 8-ounce ramekin but this is a pretty rich dessert which is why I like to make them in pretty small servings.
Brenda Ball says
I want to make these but my ramekins are 6 oz. I love them and don't want to buy more. Why can't I use the 6 oz? thanks in advance
kat says
Do you think I could layer cranberry curd on top of the set pot de creme? I'm worried about color leaching. Thanks!
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Kat, I think it probably would leach. The flavors of the two might clash also. If you want it to look festive, you could garnish each one with a few mint leaves on top along with a few pomegranate arils.
Kris says
Mine didn’t set properly? They were super wiggly so I kept putting them back but I feel like the edges never set.. then they started to bubble in the oven! Where did I go wrong?
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Kris, not sure why that would happen. They will be a little wiggly when they're done but then set up as they cool. Did you use large eggs and heavy cream? That could make a difference. Also, make sure your water bath is nice and hot when you start baking the little pots.
Gail says
I just made for Thanksgiving , was going to serve along side a mini pumpkin shaped individual cheesecake BUT they did not set up . I pulled out of oven after giving extra time, 45 minutes, and edges didn't look set, all looked jiggly...let them sit in bath to cool...put in fridge and tried one. Top was not smooth, the texture looked almost like it had sugar on it, kinda bumpy and top was more set than inside which was very loose. Bottom looked like the cream separated and and became liquid fat...weird and frustrating, I just dumped two into a saucepan and heated to a low boil and put in a ramekin, to see if maybe it will set up in the fridge...so sad..:( Btw I used mini 2 ounce ramekins, one recipe filled 12 mini cups.
One other weird thing is that the sugar and water boiled , but never turned carmel color....stayed clear even when big bubbles formed, i did it twice, both times the same thing happened....frustrating....i called one of my guests and they are going to bring a dessert tomorrow, i am too tired to bake something else.
What do you think happened??
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Gail,
Wow, so sorry this happened to you on Thanksgiving Eve! I can't say for sure what happened, not being in your kitchen, but I'm pretty certain it had to do with the caramel. The sugar has to caramelize, which allows the water to evaporate. Sugar and water will always caramelize, although how long it takes depends on the heat source. If the water doesn't evaporate, the puddings will be too loose and there is no butterscotch flavor.
I try to give correct times and test each recipe a number of times before posting but every stove and oven are different so sometimes the time will vary. I will add that to the recipe. Again, I'm sorry you had problems with this, especially with guests coming!
Adina says
Hi Chris,
I've made the pots de creme yesterday and just had the last one after lunch today. So good!!!!! I will be making them again for guest in two weeks.
Sherry Brinkerhoff says
These do look yummy! I recently had a similar dessert at a delightful restaurant called The Wooden Spoon in Escondido, CA. The chef put a layer of chocolate ganache on top of the butterscotch cream and then added a dollop of whisky whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa nibs. It was devine. I have a lovely recipe for butterscotch cream I got from my grandfather about 50 years ago, but I would like one a little darker and richer than his so I am going to give yours a try. Thanks for posting.
Chris Scheuer says
Yum! That sounds amazing!
Danielle Sosa says
Oh my GOODNESS. I have been there too and I am OBSESSED with their butterscotch pots de créme!!! I've been trying to decide which recipe to try and I am taking this as a sign!!! I'm making this tomorrow, I can't wait!
Chris Scheuer says
Hope you enjoy it Danielle!
Susan says
I love making pots de creme! Not only because they're delicious but also because they can be made ahead of time. These butterscotch beauties look so good, Chris!
Marie says
This is a great post!!! I am one of those who unashamably licked them clean!
If I want to make 12- is it ok to just double the recipe, or would you suggest doing the recipe two times? Does it make a different?❤️
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Marie! It was so fun to meet you and the rest of the girls 🙂
Yes, you could definitely just double the recipe.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Laura | Tutti Dolci says
These look so delicious, Chris! Love the flaky salt and whipped cream topping!
Annette Preston says
When making these ahead of time, do you reheat before serving?
Chris Scheuer says
No, just bring them out of the refrigerator about an hour before serving.
Liz says
I love pot de creme---and the butterscotch flavors are just divine. I'd never heard anyone besides my in-laws call meringues, shaum tortes! Maybe a Wisconsin thing?
Karen says
I thought the same thing when I read that. My grandma used to make and call them that as well. She grew up in Wisconsin! Good memories of delicious shaum tortes with strawberries on top.
Chris Scheuer says
Yes, I think it's definitely a Wisconsin "thing". All those poor souls who missed out 🙂
Monique says
How cute! In France ..one resto we went to twice served a trio of desserts..like this.. then a light cheese one w/ coulis..another..all minis..and an espresso..
keeping this recipe for when I trio:)
Madonna says
Chris, I pinned these. I love pot de crème. And, your presentation is beautiful as always.
Gayann says
Chris, I have the small pot de creme jars featured, with the matching tops.....is the cooking time the same as for the ramikins?
I will be making these for Thanksgiving!
Chris Scheuer says
Yes, it will be the same, within a few minutes. You want them set around the edges and just slightly wiggly in the center. Bake them uncovered and then, once they cool, you can cover them up.
Ginny Hartzler says
A total DREAM!
Nancy Long says
the dessert dishes look like the Oui yogurt jars
Chris Scheuer says
They do kind of look like that Nancy! I love those jars. I'm not sure that the yogurt jars would be oven safe though as the glass is pretty thin.
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers says
A simply perfect dessert! There is nothing nicer in my book than a perfect butterscotch pudding. Can't wait to try your recipe 🙂
Angie@Angie's Recipes says
You make the best pots de creme, Chris. These look so yummy!