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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Flavor Enhancement: Remove from heat and incorporate butter and vanilla extract, blending until the filling achieves a luxurious, uniform texture.
- Pie Shell Filling: Pour the velvety butterscotch mixture into a pre-baked pie shell, spreading evenly to create a glossy surface.
- Meringue Creation: Whip egg whites with cream of tartar until soft peaks form, then gradually add granulated sugar, beating until stiff, glossy peaks develop.
- Meringue Finishing: Fold in vanilla extract and spread the meringue elegantly over the butterscotch filling, ensuring complete coverage that connects with the crust edges.
- 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