Caramel Pudding with Oreo and Almond Crunch: A Step-by-Step Recipe

This dessert is all about contrast, from the soft and creaminess of pudding, a layer of liquid caramel underneath, and a crunchy mix of Oreos and almonds on top. It’s not a fancy or complicated recipe, but it sure does taste like something you'd serve to impress someone. The caramel gives it a wholesome depth, while the pudding that goes on top is light and smooth, and the topping adds the perfect amount of crunch. You can make this in one large dish or divide it into smaller cups if you’re serving a group.

Most of the ingredients are probably things you already have at home, and the steps are simple once you break them down. If you’ve never made caramel before, don’t worry, it just needs sugar, a wee bit of water, and a bit of patience. It’s the kind of dessert that feels thoughtful without needing hours in the kitchen. Best of all, it can be made ahead of time and kept in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

Caramel Pudding with Oreo and Almond Crunch

Ingredients:

For the Caramel:

• ½ cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons water

For the Pudding:

• 2 cups milk
• ½ cup cream, optional
• 3 tbsp sugar
• 2 tbsp cornflour
• 2 eggs, room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Crunch Topping:

• 6-8 Oreo cookies, crushed
• ¼ cup almonds, chopped or slivered
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp sugar, optional

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, add ½ cup sugar and 2 tbsp water.
2. Let the sugar melt into a golden amber color; do not stir. Swirl the pan occasionally while the sugar dissolves. This is your caramel.
3. Quickly pour the caramel into the bottom of a big serving dish or individual ramekins. Set aside to cool.
4. Take a medium-sized bowl, add the eggs, sugar, and cornflour, and whisk until all of it is smooth.
5. Take a saucepan, pour the milk and ½ cup cream, until warm, not boiling.
6. Slowly pour the warm milk into the egg mixture while whisking, to temper the eggs.
7. Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and cook over medium-low heat, stirring continuously until it thickens.
8. Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
9. Before the milk skin can form, pour the pudding over the set caramel in your dish. Let it cool, then refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours, or until fully set.
10. In a small skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat, then once melted, add the chopped almonds and toast for 2-3 minutes.
11. Add the crushed Oreo cookies and 1 tbsp sugar (optional). Stir for another minute.
12. Remove from the heat and let the mixture cool. It should become slightly crispy.
13. Once the pudding is set, sprinkle the Oreo-almond crunch generously over the top.
14. Serve chilled with a garnish of whipped cream or chocolate shavings.

Tips & Tricks:

• Making the Caramel: This part takes less than 10 minutes but needs your full attention. Don’t stir the sugar once it starts melting, just gently swirl the pan now and then. You’re looking for a deep golden color, like honey or dark amber. Once it reaches that stage, pour it quickly into your dish, for it sets fast.
• Tempering the Eggs: When you add warm milk to eggs, do it slowly while whisking. This keeps the eggs from cooking too fast and turning into scrambled bits. It’s not hard, just go steady.
• Smooth Pudding: If your custard looks a bit lumpy after cooking, or if you want it extra smooth, strain it through a sieve before pouring it over the caramel. It only takes a second and makes a big difference.
• Setting Time: Let the pudding cool a bit at room temperature before putting it in the fridge. It needs a couple of hours to firm up properly, longer if you’re making a big batch.
• Topping Tips: Make the Oreo and almond crunch just before serving. If you let it sit on the pudding too long, it’ll soften from the moisture. You can toast the almonds a little longer if you want more flavor, and you can skip the extra sugar in the topping if the Oreos feel sweet enough on their own.
• Serving Ideas: A bit of whipped cream or some dark chocolate shavings on top makes it look more finished. Not necessary, but a nice touch.