No-oven! Only 3 Ingredients! Creamy Pudding with Soft Caramel Sauce Recipe
Today, I’m sharing a super easy and delicious recipe straight from Japan – a classic creamy pudding (we call it Purin) with a soft, luscious caramel sauce. The best part? You don’t need an oven, and the pudding itself uses only three main ingredients!
This recipe is perfect for beginners or anyone craving a smooth, comforting, homemade dessert. It steams gently on the stovetop, resulting in an incredibly creamy texture.
Let’s get started! You can also watch the full process in my video here: [Link to your YouTube video]
Ingredients
(Makes 4 servings, using Ø 8.6cm / 3.4-inch cups)
For the Creamy Pudding:
1.7 cups (400ml) Milk
2.8 oz (80g) Granulated Sugar / Caster Sugar
2 Large Eggs
For the Soft Caramel Sauce:
1.7 oz (50g) Granulated Sugar / Caster Sugar
1 tbsp Water
40ml (approx. 2.7 tbsp) Hot Water
Instructions
Let’s make this delightful pudding step-by-step!
Part 1: Making the Pudding
Warm the Milk: Gently heat the milk in a saucepan over medium heat until just before boiling (you’ll see small bubbles forming around the edge). Turn off the heat immediately. Tip: Avoid boiling fully, as very hot milk can curdle the eggs.
Mix Eggs, Sugar & Milk: In a bowl, whisk the eggs well. Add the sugar (80g) and whisk until combined. Gradually pour the warm milk into the egg mixture in several additions, whisking constantly until smooth. Tip: Adding the milk slowly helps everything mix evenly.
Strain & Fill Cups: For an extra smooth texture, pour the pudding mixture through a fine-mesh sieve (strainer) directly into 4 heatproof cups, dividing it evenly.
Prepare for Steaming: Place the filled cups into a large pot or deep frying pan. Carefully pour room-temperature water into the pot/pan until it reaches about halfway up the sides of the cups. Tip: Place a folded kitchen cloth on the bottom of the pot under the cups for stability, and be careful not to get water inside the pudding cups.
Steam & Chill: Cover the pot/pan with a lid. Bring the water to a gentle boil over medium heat, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Steam gently for 40-50 minutes. The pudding is done when the edges are set, and the center has a slight wobble when gently shaken. Remove the cups carefully, let them cool down, then chill in the refrigerator overnight for the best texture.
Part 2: Making the Soft Caramel Sauce (You can make this while the pudding chills or just before serving)
Combine Sugar & Water: In a clean saucepan or small frying pan, combine the sugar (50g) and 1 tbsp of water. Stir them together before turning on the heat.
Caramelize: Place the pan over medium heat. Important: Do not stir or move the pan at first. Let the sugar melt and bubble. It will gradually start to turn golden brown. Once it begins to color, you can gently swirl the pan or stir briefly with a heatproof spatula to ensure even cooking.
Add Hot Water: When the caramel reaches a nice amber color (like clear honey), immediately turn off the heat. Carefully and slowly pour the hot water (40ml) into the caramel – be very cautious as it will bubble and splatter vigorously! Stir quickly with your spatula until smooth. Tip: Caramel darkens quickly even off-heat, so turn off the heat slightly before your desired final color. If it gets too dark, it will taste bitter.
Cool & Adjust: Pour the finished caramel sauce into a small bowl or jar to cool. Tip: If you prefer a slightly thicker sauce, you can return the pan to very low heat for just a few seconds after adding the hot water, stirring constantly. Be careful not to cook it too long, or it might harden too much when cool.
Serving:
Once the pudding is fully chilled, you can gently run a thin knife or spatula around the edge and invert it onto a plate. Alternatively, serve it directly in the cup. Drizzle generously with the soft caramel sauce just before enjoying!
There you have it – a simple, elegant, and delicious homemade Japanese pudding made without an oven! I hope you enjoy making and eating this creamy treat.
Let me know in the comments if you try it! Happy cooking!
