Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Ingredients
3. Instructions
4. Cooking Notes
5. Variations
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
7. Conclusion

Butterscotch Pie is a creamy, indulgent dessert that brings together the warm, rich flavors of brown sugar, butter, and vanilla in a smooth custard filling. With its golden color and velvety texture, this butterscotch pie is a show-stopping treat that is surprisingly easy to make. Whether served for a holiday meal or a simple family dinner, it is sure to be a hit with everyone.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 pre-baked 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)

For the Butterscotch Filling:

• 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups whole milk
• 4 large egg yolks
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

For the Topping:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pie Crust

• If using a homemade pie crust, roll it out and fit it into a 9-inch pie plate. Poke the bottom with a fork and bake according to your recipe instructions until golden brown. Let it cool completely before filling.

2. Make the Butterscotch Filling

• Melt the Butter and Sugar: In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the dark brown sugar and stir until the sugar melts and combines with the butter, about 3-4 minutes. It should resemble wet sand.
• Whisk in Milk and Cornstarch: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, salt, and 1 cup of the milk until smooth with no lumps. Slowly add the cornstarch mixture and the remaining 2 cups of milk to the saucepan, whisking constantly until smooth.
• Cook the Custard: Continue cooking over medium heat, stirring frequently until the mixture thickens and starts to bubble, about 5-7 minutes.
• Temper the Eggs: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Gradually add about 1/2 cup of the hot custard mixture to the egg yolks while whisking constantly to temper them. Then, pour the egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan, whisking continuously.
• Finish Cooking: Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the custard is thick and smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

3. Fill the Pie Crust

• Pour the butterscotch custard into the cooled pie crust. Smooth the top with a spatula and let the pie cool to room temperature. Once cooled, cover the pie with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until fully set.

4. Make the Whipped Cream Topping

• Whip the Cream: In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract using an electric mixer on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form.
• Spread Over Pie: Once the butterscotch pie is set, spread the whipped cream evenly over the top or pipe it decoratively.

5. Serve

• Garnish with a sprinkle of extra brown sugar or shaved chocolate if desired. Slice and serve chilled.

Cooking Notes

• Dark Brown Sugar: Using dark brown sugar gives the filling a deep, rich butterscotch flavor. Light brown sugar can be used, but the flavor will be less intense.
• Tempering Eggs: Make sure to temper the egg yolks by slowly adding hot custard to them while whisking. This helps prevent the eggs from scrambling.
• Chill Time: Letting the pie chill for at least 4 hours is important for the custard to fully set. Overnight chilling works best for a firmer pie.

Variations

• Butterscotch Pecan Pie: Add 1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans to the bottom of the pie crust before pouring in the butterscotch filling.
• Salted Butterscotch Pie: Sprinkle a small amount of flaky sea salt over the whipped cream topping for a salted butterscotch flavor.
• Chocolate Swirl Butterscotch Pie: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the butterscotch filling before chilling for a beautiful chocolate swirl effect.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes, this pie is perfect for making ahead. Prepare it up to 2 days in advance, keeping it covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover butterscotch pie in an airtight container or wrapped tightly with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Can I use a graham cracker crust instead?

Absolutely! A graham cracker crust would add a nice crunch and a different flavor dimension that pairs wonderfully with the butterscotch filling.

Can I use light brown sugar instead of dark brown sugar?

Yes, you can use light brown sugar, but the flavor won’t be as deep and rich as it would be with dark brown sugar.

Can I freeze butterscotch pie?

Due to the creamy nature of the filling, freezing is not recommended as it may cause the texture to become grainy. It’s best enjoyed fresh from the refrigerator.

Creamy Homemade Butterscotch Pie is a nostalgic, rich dessert that is both simple to make and delicious to eat. The deep, buttery flavor of butterscotch paired with fluffy whipped cream makes for an unforgettable treat that is perfect for any occasion. Whether for holidays, family dinners, or special celebrations, this butterscotch pie is sure to be a favorite.

Try this recipe for a taste of old-fashioned comfort, and enjoy every creamy, sweet bite!

Let me know if you need more variations or additional tips for this recipe!