September 19 Butterscotch Pudding Day

Last updated: September 19, 2026

Quick Answer

September 19 Butterscotch Pudding Day is an informal American food holiday observed annually on September 19 to celebrate the rich, buttery-caramel dessert made from brown sugar and butter. The day has no single verified founder or official government recognition, but it appears consistently across food holiday calendars and is widely observed through home cooking, social media sharing, and restaurant specials. In 2026, it falls on a Friday, making it an ideal occasion to treat family or guests to a homemade or store-bought butterscotch pudding.

Key Takeaways

September 19 is recognized as Butterscotch Pudding Day (also called Butterscotch Custard Pudding Day) on numerous food holiday calendars [7][9]
The holiday is informal and unofficial, with no government body or single organization claiming ownership of its founding
Butterscotch pudding is made from brown sugar, butter, milk, egg yolks, and a thickening agent such as cornstarch
Homemade butterscotch pudding takes roughly 20-30 minutes to prepare and requires no baking
Instant butterscotch pudding mixes (such as those from Jell-O) are widely available at grocery stores for under $3 per box (estimated retail, varies by retailer)
Dairy-free versions can be made using coconut milk or oat milk as a direct substitute
Properly stored butterscotch pudding lasts 3-4 days in the refrigerator when covered
Lumpy pudding can usually be fixed by straining through a fine-mesh sieve or blending briefly
The holiday clusters with other mid-September food observances, making it a popular week for dessert-focused content and promotions [8]

What Is Butterscotch Pudding Day?

Butterscotch Pudding Day is an annual food holiday dedicated to butterscotch-flavored pudding, a creamy, golden dessert with a distinctive brown-sugar-and-butter flavor profile. It is observed on September 19 each year and appears under two common names: “National Butterscotch Pudding Day” and “Butterscotch Custard Pudding Day.” [7][9]

The holiday encourages people to make, share, or simply enjoy butterscotch pudding in any form, whether homemade from scratch, prepared from an instant mix, or purchased ready-to-eat. It sits within a broader tradition of American food holidays that spotlight specific dishes or ingredients on a designated calendar date.

What makes butterscotch distinct? The defining ingredients are brown sugar and butter, cooked together to create a caramel-like base. Unlike caramel, which uses white granulated sugar, butterscotch relies on the molasses content of brown sugar, producing a deeper, slightly smoky sweetness. This flavor is then incorporated into a custard-style pudding thickened with cornstarch or egg yolks.

Is September 19 Butterscotch Pudding Day a Real Holiday?

Butterscotch Pudding Day is a real observance in the sense that it is consistently listed on food holiday calendars and celebrated by home cooks, food bloggers, and brands every year, but it is not an official public holiday recognized by any government. [2][9]

This places it in the same category as hundreds of other American food holidays, such as January 24 National Peanut Butter Day or January 19 National Popcorn Day, which are informal, culturally driven observances rather than legislated dates.

Official status: None. No act of Congress, state law, or international body designates September 19 as a food holiday.
Practical status: Widely listed on food calendars, covered by food media, and used by brands for marketing tie-ins [6][8]
Who celebrates: Home cooks, food bloggers, dessert enthusiasts, restaurants, and grocery brands

“Food holidays like Butterscotch Pudding Day exist because people enjoy them, not because a government mandated them. Their value is in the shared ritual of cooking and eating together.”

Butterscotch Pudding Day History and Origin

No verified single founder or origin story exists for September 19 Butterscotch Pudding Day. This is common among American food holidays, many of which emerged from food industry promotions, greeting card companies, or grassroots internet culture during the 1990s and 2000s. [7][9]

What is documented is that the holiday has appeared consistently on food holiday tracking sites for many years and continues to be listed on major calendar resources in 2026. [1][5][8] Some sources also note a variant name, “Butterscotch Custard Pudding Day,” which reflects the custard-style preparation method most associated with the dish. [7]

Butterscotch itself has a much longer history. The confection originated in England, with Doncaster, Yorkshire, often cited as its home. The word “butterscotch” appears in print as early as the mid-1800s, though the exact etymology is debated. The pudding adaptation became popular in American home cooking through the 20th century, aided by the introduction of instant pudding mixes in the 1950s.

For those interested in the history of other classic American sweets, the Animal Cracker History page offers a similarly fascinating look at how iconic treats became cultural staples.

How to Make Butterscotch Pudding From Scratch (Best Recipe)

Homemade butterscotch pudding from scratch takes about 25-30 minutes and produces a far richer result than instant mixes. The key steps are building the butterscotch base, tempering the eggs, and cooking the custard to the right consistency.

Ingredients (serves 4):

Ingredient	Amount
Unsalted butter	4 tablespoons
Dark brown sugar (packed)	3/4 cup
Whole milk	2 cups
Heavy cream	1/2 cup
Egg yolks	3 large
Cornstarch	3 tablespoons
Salt	1/4 teaspoon
Vanilla extract	1 teaspoon

Step-by-step instructions:

Make the butterscotch base. Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add brown sugar and stir until dissolved and bubbling, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the dairy. Carefully pour in milk and cream (the mixture will sputter). Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
Temper the eggs. Whisk egg yolks and cornstarch together in a bowl. Slowly ladle about 1/2 cup of the hot milk mixture into the egg mixture while whisking constantly. This prevents scrambling.
Combine and cook. Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the pudding thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
Finish and chill. Remove from heat. Stir in salt and vanilla. Pour into serving cups. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

Common mistake: Raising the heat too high causes the eggs to curdle before the starch can stabilize them. Keep the heat at medium and stir constantly once the eggs are added.

Easy Instant Butterscotch Pudding Recipe

Instant butterscotch pudding is the fastest route to celebrating September 19 Butterscotch Pudding Day and takes under 10 minutes. Most instant mixes require only cold milk and a whisk.

Basic method:

Pour 2 cups of cold whole milk into a bowl.
Add one 3.4-oz package of instant butterscotch pudding mix.
Whisk vigorously for 2 minutes until the mixture begins to thicken.
Pour into individual cups and refrigerate for at least 5 minutes before serving.

Upgrade ideas:

Fold in a tablespoon of bourbon or dark rum for an adult version
Top with crushed toffee candy for added texture
Layer with whipped cream and crushed graham crackers for a parfait

Butterscotch Pudding vs Chocolate Pudding: Key Differences

Butterscotch pudding and chocolate pudding are both creamy, milk-based desserts thickened with cornstarch, but they differ fundamentally in flavor base, color, and sweetness profile.

Feature	Butterscotch Pudding	Chocolate Pudding
Primary flavor base	Brown sugar and butter	Cocoa powder or melted chocolate
Color	Golden amber	Dark brown
Sweetness level	Rich, molasses-forward	Can range from sweet to bittersweet
Fat source	Butter is essential	Butter optional
Caffeine	None	Trace amounts from cocoa

Choose butterscotch if you prefer warm, caramel-adjacent flavors with a buttery finish. Choose chocolate if you want a more familiar, widely available flavor with a slightly more complex bitter note.

Where to Buy Butterscotch Pudding and What It Costs

Butterscotch pudding is available at virtually every major grocery store in the United States, in three main forms: instant dry mix, ready-to-eat refrigerated cups, and shelf-stable snack packs.

Where to find it:

Supermarkets (Walmart, Kroger, Safeway, Target): Instant mix in the baking aisle; ready-to-eat cups in the dairy or snack aisle
Online retailers (Amazon, Walmart.com): Bulk packs of instant mix or ready-to-eat cups
Natural food stores (Whole Foods, Sprouts): Organic and dairy-free alternatives

Estimated price ranges (2026, U.S. retail, subject to variation):

Instant dry mix (3.4 oz box, e.g., Jell-O brand): approximately $1.50-$3.00
Ready-to-eat snack cups (4-pack): approximately $3.00-$5.00
Store-brand alternatives: typically 20-30% less than name brands

For those who enjoy exploring American comfort food traditions, butterscotch pudding is one of the most accessible and affordable classic desserts to keep stocked at home.

Butterscotch Pudding Alternatives for Dairy-Free Diets

Dairy-free butterscotch pudding is entirely achievable and tastes very close to the original when the right substitutes are used. The two most effective dairy replacements are full-fat coconut milk and oat milk.

Best dairy-free swaps:

Full-fat coconut milk: Produces the creamiest result closest to whole milk. Use a 1:1 replacement. The slight coconut flavor complements butterscotch well. See coconut custard techniques for related guidance.
Oat milk (barista blend): Neutral flavor, good body. Works well in both scratch and instant recipes.
Cashew milk: Naturally creamy, mild flavor. Works best in from-scratch recipes.
Vegan butter (e.g., Earth Balance): Direct 1:1 substitute for butter in the butterscotch base.

Note on instant mixes: Most standard instant butterscotch pudding mixes (including Jell-O) are formulated for dairy milk. When made with non-dairy milk, the pudding may set softer. Adding an extra teaspoon of cornstarch helps achieve a firmer texture.

How to Fix Lumpy Butterscotch Pudding

Lumpy butterscotch pudding is almost always caused by eggs curdling or cornstarch clumping before it fully hydrates. The good news is that most lumpy pudding can be rescued.

Fix it in three steps:

Strain immediately. While the pudding is still warm and pourable, press it through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl. This removes curdled egg bits and undissolved starch lumps.
Blend if needed. For stubborn lumps, use an immersion blender on low for 10-15 seconds. Avoid over-blending, which can make the pudding gluey.
Adjust consistency. If straining thinned the pudding too much, return it to the saucepan and cook over low heat for 2-3 minutes while stirring until it thickens again.

Prevention is easier than fixing: Always temper eggs before adding them to hot liquid, and whisk cornstarch into cold milk before heating rather than adding it dry to a hot pan.

How Long Does Butterscotch Pudding Last?

Properly stored butterscotch pudding lasts 3-4 days in the refrigerator. This applies to both homemade and opened ready-to-eat commercial pudding cups.

Storage guidelines:

Homemade pudding: Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface (not just over the bowl) to prevent a rubbery skin from forming. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Unopened commercial cups: Follow the “best by” date on the package; shelf-stable varieties can last several months in a pantry.
Opened commercial cups: Consume within 2-3 days and keep refrigerated.
Freezing: Butterscotch pudding can be frozen for up to 1 month, but the texture may become slightly grainy after thawing. Stir well after thawing to restore smoothness.

Who Celebrates September 19 Butterscotch Pudding Day and How

September 19 Butterscotch Pudding Day is primarily celebrated in the United States, though food holiday culture has spread to other English-speaking countries through social media. [2][9]

Who participates:

Home cooks and families looking for a fun weeknight dessert occasion
Food bloggers and recipe creators who publish seasonal content
Grocery brands and food manufacturers who run promotions or social campaigns
Restaurants and diners that add butterscotch pudding as a daily special

How to celebrate in 2026:

Make a batch of homemade butterscotch pudding from scratch using the recipe above
Host a pudding tasting with multiple flavors (butterscotch, vanilla, chocolate) to compare
Share a photo on social media using the hashtag #ButterscotchPuddingDay
Explore related seasonal baking ideas to build a full autumn dessert menu
Gift a jar of homemade pudding to a neighbor or coworker

For more dessert holiday inspiration, the March 6 National White Chocolate Cheesecake Day guide offers a similar format for celebrating another beloved sweet.

FAQ

Q: What is the official name of September 19 Butterscotch Pudding Day? The holiday appears under two names: “National Butterscotch Pudding Day” and “Butterscotch Custard Pudding Day.” Both refer to the same September 19 observance. [7]

Q: Is butterscotch pudding gluten-free? Homemade butterscotch pudding made with cornstarch is naturally gluten-free. Always check the label on instant mixes, as some brands may process in facilities that handle wheat.

Q: Can butterscotch pudding be made without eggs? Yes. Omit the egg yolks and increase cornstarch to 4 tablespoons per 2 cups of liquid. The result is slightly less rich but still creamy and flavorful.

Q: What is the difference between butterscotch and caramel pudding? Butterscotch uses brown sugar and butter as its base; caramel is made by cooking white granulated sugar until it browns. Butterscotch has a more pronounced buttery, molasses flavor, while caramel is cleaner and slightly more bitter.

Q: Does butterscotch pudding contain alcohol? Traditional butterscotch pudding does not contain alcohol. Some recipes add a splash of bourbon or Scotch whisky for depth, but this is optional.

Q: How many calories are in a serving of butterscotch pudding? A standard half-cup serving of homemade butterscotch pudding contains approximately 200-250 calories, depending on the fat content of the milk and the amount of butter used. Commercial ready-to-eat cups typically list 130-160 calories per 3.25-oz serving (check individual product labels).

Q: Can children eat butterscotch pudding? Yes. Butterscotch pudding made without alcohol is suitable for children. It is a common children’s dessert and school cafeteria staple.

Q: Is there a butterscotch pudding pie? Yes. Butterscotch pudding is a popular pie filling. Pour the finished pudding into a pre-baked graham cracker or pastry crust, chill until set, and top with whipped cream.

Q: What toppings go well with butterscotch pudding? Whipped cream, caramel sauce, crushed toffee, toasted pecans, sea salt flakes, and crumbled graham crackers all complement butterscotch pudding well.

Q: Does September 19 have other food holidays? Yes. September 19 shares the calendar with other food observances depending on the source. [6][8] Food holiday clustering is common in September, which is a busy month for harvest and autumn-themed celebrations.

Conclusion

September 19 Butterscotch Pudding Day is a straightforward, enjoyable occasion that requires no special equipment, no formal planning, and no significant expense. Whether the goal is a quick weeknight dessert using an instant mix or a from-scratch custard pudding that showcases real cooking skill, the holiday fits both.

Actionable next steps for 2026:

Decide on your approach: Scratch recipe for a weekend project; instant mix for a weeknight celebration.
Shop early: Pick up brown sugar, butter, and whole milk (or a dairy-free alternative) before September 19.
Invite others: The holiday is more fun shared. Make a double batch and bring it to work or share with neighbors.
Document it: Post a photo on social media with the hashtag to connect with others celebrating the same day.
Explore related treats: If butterscotch pudding sparks an interest in classic American desserts, browse homemade fudge recipes or snack holidays for more year-round inspiration.

Butterscotch pudding is one of the simplest demonstrations of how brown sugar, butter, and patience can produce something genuinely memorable. September 19 is a good reason to remember that.

References

[1] dayspedia – https://dayspedia.com/us/calendar/holiday/1572/ [2] National Butterscotch Pudding Day – https://nationaltoday.com/national-butterscotch-pudding-day/ [3] Recipe Of The Week Butterscotch Pudding – https://businessday.ng/bd-weekender/article/recipe-of-the-week-butterscotch-pudding/ [5] Food Calendar – https://www.cooksinfo.com/food-calendar/ [6] September 19 – https://nationaldates.com/september-19/ [7] Butterscotch Pudding Day – https://www.cooksinfo.com/butterscotch-pudding-day [8] National Butterscotch Pudding Day September 19 – https://calendar.cx/national-butterscotch-pudding-day-september-19/ [9] Butterscotch Pudding Day – https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/butterscotch-pudding-day/