Golden Butterscotch Pie Recipe: Sweet Comfort in Every Slice

Sweet, creamy butterscotch pie weaves magic into every slice of dessert heaven.

The rich butterscotch pie recipe captures decades of homestyle baking tradition.

Deep caramel notes dance through a silky smooth filling that melts on your tongue.

Each forkful promises comfort and nostalgia wrapped in a flaky, golden crust.

Generations of home bakers have perfected this delectable treat with simple, wholesome ingredients.

The dessert whispers stories of family gatherings and cherished moments around the table.

Dive into this classic pie and experience a slice of pure, sugary bliss that will transport you to cherished memories.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 290 kcal

Servings: 7

Sweet Essentials For Butterscotch Pie

• Pre-Baked Pie Crust: Serves as the delicious foundation for the butterscotch filling, providing a crisp and buttery base.

• Milk: Creamy liquid that creates the smooth, rich texture of the butterscotch base.
• Brown Sugar: Adds deep, caramel-like sweetness and signature butterscotch flavor.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the filling and create a silky, pudding-like consistency.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the sweet flavors.
• Egg Yolks: Contribute richness and help stabilize the custard-like filling.
• Butter: Adds luxurious smoothness and rounds out the butterscotch flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides warm, aromatic depth to the filling.

• Egg Whites: Creates light, fluffy cloud-like topping with delicate texture.
• Cream of Tartar: Stabilizes egg whites for perfect peak formation.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create glossy, stiff meringue peaks.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds subtle fragrant note to the meringue topping.

Tools To Bake Butterscotch Pie The Easy Way

• Large Saucepan: Perfect for creating smooth, creamy butterscotch filling.
• Whisk: Essential for blending ingredients and preventing lumps in the mixture.
• Mixing Bowls: Needed for preparing meringue and tempering egg yolks.
• Electric Mixer: Crucial for beating egg whites to stiff, fluffy peaks.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures precise ingredient quantities.
• Pie Dish: Holds the delicious butterscotch filling and meringue topping.
• Cooling Rack: Helps pie cool evenly to room temperature.
• Spatula: Great for spreading meringue smoothly over the filling.
• Oven: Necessary for baking and browning the meringue topping.

How To Make Butterscotch Pie Rich And Creamy

• Warm Butterscotch Foundation

Create a silky smooth butterscotch base by gently combining rich ingredients in a saucepan. Stir continuously as the mixture transforms, thickening into a luxurious golden cream. Watch carefully as the mixture bubbles and develops complex caramel notes.

• Egg Yolk Magic

Carefully blend hot butterscotch with egg yolks, creating a velvety smooth custard. The delicate tempering process ensures a seamless, creamy texture that will melt in your mouth. Cook the mixture until it reaches a perfect, glossy consistency.

• Fluffy Cloud Topping

Whip egg whites into a dreamy, pillowy meringue that rises like a soft cloud. Gradually add sweetness, beating until the mixture becomes glossy and forms elegant peaks. The meringue should look light and airy, promising a heavenly texture.

• Golden Brown Finish

Carefully spread the meringue over the butterscotch filling, creating beautiful swirls and peaks. Bake until the surface turns a delicate golden brown, with hints of caramelized sugar dancing across the top. The meringue should look like a sunset – warm, inviting, and perfectly browned.

• Cooling and Serving

Let the pie rest and cool completely, allowing the flavors to settle and merge. The anticipation builds as the pie transforms from a hot, bubbling creation to a stunning dessert ready to be enjoyed. Slice and serve to reveal the beautiful layers of butterscotch and meringue.

Tips To Perfect Your Butterscotch Pie Texture

• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the pie crust and filling a day in advance, storing separately in the refrigerator to save time and enhance flavor development.
• Meringue Success: Ensure egg whites are at room temperature and use a completely clean, grease-free bowl to achieve maximum volume and stability when whipping meringue.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional pie crust with a gluten-free graham cracker crust or almond flour base to accommodate dietary restrictions while maintaining delicious flavor profile.
• Vegan Twist: Replace dairy milk with coconut milk, use cornstarch egg replacer, and create a coconut whipped cream topping instead of traditional meringue for a plant-based version of this classic dessert.

Serving Suggestions For Butterscotch Pie Fans

• Cozy Comfort Dessert: Serve warm slices with a steaming cup of coffee or tea for a comforting evening treat.
• Sweet Pairing Perfection: Top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed butterscotch chips for extra decadence.
• Family Gathering Delight: Present the pie as a centerpiece at Sunday dinners or holiday gatherings, cutting generous slices for everyone to enjoy.
• Textural Contrast Experience: Complement the creamy pie with a crunchy side like toasted almond biscotti or caramel-drizzled shortbread cookies for a delightful dessert experience.

Smart Storage For Butterscotch Pie Leftovers

• Slice and Chill Strategy: Refrigerate the butterscotch pie within 2 hours of baking to maintain its delicate texture and prevent bacterial growth. Cool completely at room temperature before storing to avoid condensation.
• Refrigeration Timeframe: Store the pie covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the meringue surface intact to prevent weeping and maintain its fluffy appearance.
• Freezing Considerations: While meringue-topped pies don't freeze exceptionally well due to potential texture changes, you can freeze the butterscotch filling separately in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.
• Serving Temperature Tips: For the best flavor and texture, remove the pie from the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to soften slightly and enhances the rich butterscotch taste, making each slice more enjoyable and smooth.

Velvety Butterscotch Pie Recipe

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4.7 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Homemade butterscotch pie delivers rich, caramel-like flavors from a traditional Southern dessert. Buttery graham cracker crust and silky custard create a classic comfort treat you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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• 1 pre-baked 9-inch (23 cm) pie crust
• 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk
• 1 cup (200 g) packed dark brown sugar
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 2 large egg yolks
• 4 large egg whites
• ¼ cup (30 g) cornstarch
• ½ tsp (2.5 ml) salt
• 1 tbsp (15 g) unsalted butter
• 2 tsps (10 ml) pure vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp (1.25 ml) cream of tartar

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Instructions

1. Butterscotch Base Preparation: Whisk milk, brown sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens and bubbles intensely.
2. Egg Integration: Temper hot mixture into beaten egg yolks, then return to saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly to create a smooth, creamy consistency.
3. Flavor Enhancement: Remove from heat and incorporate butter and vanilla extract, blending until the filling achieves a luxurious, uniform texture.
4. Pie Shell Filling: Pour the velvety butterscotch mixture into a pre-baked pie shell, spreading evenly to create a glossy surface.
5. Meringue Creation: Whip egg whites with cream of tartar until soft peaks form, then gradually add granulated sugar, beating until stiff, glossy peaks develop.
6. Meringue Finishing: Fold in vanilla extract and spread the meringue elegantly over the butterscotch filling, ensuring complete coverage that connects with the crust edges.
7. Baking and Cooling: Bake in a preheated oven until the meringue turns golden and lightly toasted, then allow the pie to cool completely, letting flavors meld and settle before serving.

Notes

• Prevent Curdling: Temper egg yolks slowly by adding hot liquid gradually to avoid scrambling, which ensures a smooth butterscotch base.
• Control Heat Sensitivity: Use low, consistent heat when cooking custard and meringue to prevent burning or separating ingredients.
• Achieve Meringue Perfection: Ensure egg whites are room temperature and use clean, grease-free equipment for maximum volume and stability.
• Prevent Weeping Meringue: Spread meringue while filling is still warm and seal edges completely with crust to minimize moisture separation.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 34 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg