Simple Bakery Pudding with golden caramel

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### Step-by-Step Instructions for Simple Bakery Pudding with Golden Caramel

#### 1. **Prepare the Pudding Base**:
– In a medium saucepan, whisk together the **milk**, **sugar**, and a pinch of **salt**. Set the pan over **medium heat** and bring it to a simmer, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar completely.
– While the milk mixture is heating, whisk the **eggs** and **cornstarch** together in a separate bowl until smooth and well combined.
– Once the milk is simmering, slowly pour a small amount of the hot milk mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly. This step is called **tempering** and helps prevent the eggs from scrambling when added to the hot liquid.
– Gradually pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan with the rest of the milk, whisking continuously.
– Continue to cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens to a custard-like consistency. This should take about **5-7 minutes**.
– Once the pudding has thickened, remove it from the heat and stir in the **vanilla extract**. Allow the pudding to cool slightly before serving.

#### 2. **Make the Golden Caramel Sauce**:
– In a small saucepan, melt the **sugar** over medium heat, stirring constantly. Watch the sugar carefully as it begins to melt—it will start turning a golden amber color.
– Once the sugar has completely melted and turned golden, **add the butter** and stir to combine. Be careful, as the caramel may bubble up when the butter is added.
– Gradually pour in the **heavy cream**, continuing to stir. The mixture will bubble up again, but keep stirring until it becomes smooth and thickens slightly. If you like salted caramel, you can add a pinch of **sea salt** at this point.
– Remove the caramel sauce from the heat and set aside to cool. It will continue to thicken as it cools.

#### 3. **Assemble the Pudding**:
– Spoon the **creamy pudding** into individual serving cups or bowls. The pudding will firm up a bit more as it cools, but it should still be silky and smooth.
– Drizzle the warm **golden caramel sauce** generously over the top of each portion of pudding. The sweet, buttery caramel will sink slightly into the pudding, creating a beautiful glossy finish.
– For an extra touch, you can garnish the pudding with a dollop of **whipped cream**, **chocolate shavings**, or a sprinkle of **toasted nuts**.

#### 4. **Serve and Enjoy**:
– Serve the **Simple Bakery Pudding** immediately while the caramel is still warm, or chill the pudding in the refrigerator for a few hours if you prefer a cold dessert.
– Enjoy the contrast between the smooth, creamy pudding and the rich, buttery caramel. Every spoonful will be a delightful mix of textures and flavors!

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### Tips for Perfect Simple Bakery Pudding with Golden Caramel

1. **Control the Heat**: When making the caramel sauce, be careful not to burn the sugar. It’s best to melt the sugar over **medium heat** and stir constantly to ensure even melting.

2. **Use Whole Milk**: For the creamiest, most luscious pudding, opt for **whole milk**. This helps give the pudding that rich, silky texture that makes it feel indulgent.

3. **Customize the Caramel**: If you love the taste of salted caramel, don’t hesitate to add a pinch of **sea salt** to the caramel sauce for a delicious sweet-salty balance.

4. **Chill the Pudding**: If you prefer your pudding cold, you can chill the individual servings for **1-2 hours** in the fridge. The pudding will set a bit more and take on a firmer texture, making it even more satisfying.

5. **Make-Ahead Dessert**: The pudding can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to **2-3 days**. Just wait until serving to drizzle the caramel on top to keep it fresh.

6. **Serve with Toppings**: While the caramel is divine on its own, you can get creative with toppings like **fresh fruit** (berries, bananas), a **sprinkle of crushed nuts**, or a drizzle of **chocolate sauce** to elevate the dish further.

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### Why You’ll Love This Simple Bakery Pudding Recipe

This **Simple Bakery Pudding with Golden Caramel** is the ultimate comfort food dessert, offering the rich, creamy texture of homemade pudding with the luxurious addition of golden caramel sauce. Whether served warm or chilled, this treat is perfect for any occasion and is sure to be a hit with family and friends.

The best part? It’s a surprisingly easy dessert to make, requiring just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps. The result is a **decadent dessert** that tastes like it came from a fancy bakery but can be made right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re serving it after a cozy family dinner or taking it to a potluck, this pudding is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your guests.

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### Final Thoughts

For a dessert that’s both simple to prepare and incredibly satisfying, **Simple Bakery Pudding with Golden Caramel** is the answer. With its **creamy pudding base** and **rich, golden caramel sauce**, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your dessert rotation. It’s perfect for special occasions, holiday meals, or whenever you want to treat yourself to something sweet.

So why not give this recipe a try? Whether you enjoy it as a comforting treat on a chilly evening or serve it at a special dinner, this pudding is bound to leave everyone asking for seconds.