If you’ve ever fantasized about sipping Butterbeer in a cozy corner of Hogsmeade, this dessert brings a slice of that “wizarding-world” charm to your table. The Sticky Butterbeer Pudding blends the rich warmth of sticky toffee pudding and the gooey sweetness of treacle sponge, infused with luscious Butterbeer sauce and topped off with cream or ice cream. It’s the kind of dessert that makes people swoon — perfect for cozy evenings, festive gatherings, or whenever you crave something utterly indulgent.
What Makes This Pudding Special
Sticky Butterbeer Pudding is a delicious twist on classic British puddings. The moist sponge is soaked in a buttery caramel sauce reminiscent of the famous Butterbeer from the wizarding world. It’s got everything you want in a dessert: soft texture, rich flavor, and a nostalgic charm.
What makes it stand out is the use of ale or beer in the sponge and sauce, adding depth and slight bitterness to balance the sweetness — though you can easily make it alcohol-free. The end result is decadent, warming, and perfect served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of cream.
Ingredients
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings of pure dessert magic. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 3 eggs
- 1¼ cups butter, softened
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup beer or ale (optional for flavor, can be substituted or omitted)
- 2 cups brown sugar
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Butterbeer sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Vanilla ice cream or pouring cream (for serving)
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make your own sticky Butterbeer pudding:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a medium baking dish.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Incorporate wet ingredients: Slowly add the heavy cream and beer (if using), mixing gently until combined.
- Combine wet and dry: Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Don’t overmix.
- Prepare the Butterbeer sauce if making it yourself — a buttery caramel-style sauce flavored with vanilla and a touch of cream.
- Bake the pudding: Pour the batter into the greased dish and bake for about 40–50 minutes, or until a skewer inserted comes out with moist crumbs.
- Pour over sauce: While the pudding is still hot, pour the warm Butterbeer sauce over it, letting it soak in.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of cold cream.
Times & Serving Info
- Preparation Time: 25 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Yield: One medium pudding
Tips & Variations
- No beer? You can use non-alcoholic beer, apple cider, or just skip it altogether.
- Add spice: A pinch of nutmeg or ginger in the batter adds a warm autumnal note.
- Make ahead: The pudding keeps well in the fridge and can be reheated in the oven or microwave with extra sauce.
- Top it your way: Try it with whipped cream, custard, or even a scoop of butterscotch ice cream.
Why You’ll Love It
Sticky Butterbeer Pudding is more than just a dessert — it’s an experience. With its rich sponge, gooey sauce, and comforting flavors, it’s a magical treat that’s easy to make and impossible to resist. Whether you’re a fan of fantasy worlds or just love a good dessert, this one’s sure to become a favorite.