Butterscotch Pie Recipe: A Rich, Creamy Classic Dessert

Introduction to Butterscotch Pie Recipe

Looking for a dessert that’s rich, creamy, and full of nostalgic flavor? This Butterscotch Pie recipe is a timeless classic that has been loved for generations. With a silky, sweet butterscotch filling and a flaky homemade or store-bought crust, this butterscotch dessert makes the perfect ending to any meal. It’s a great choice for special occasions, holiday gatherings, or simply when you want to treat yourself to a luxurious creamy butterscotch pie.

The beauty of this Butterscotch Pie recipe lies in its simplicity. The ingredients are common pantry staples, and the result is a pie that tastes like it took hours to make. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this guide will walk you through every step of the process to achieve a perfectly creamy, delicious butterscotch pie.

Why You’ll Love This Butterscotch Pie Recipe

This Butterscotch Pie recipe is beloved for many reasons, making it a must-try for dessert lovers:

Rich and Decadent Flavor: The butterscotch filling is made with brown sugar, butter, and vanilla, creating a deep caramelized taste that’s both sweet and slightly salty. It’s the perfect balance of flavors in a creamy butterscotch pie.
Smooth, Silky Texture: The creamy custard filling has a smooth and velvety texture that melts in your mouth, pairing perfectly with the crisp pie crust. It’s what makes this butterscotch pie recipe so irresistible.
Easy to Customize: Whether you like a traditional whipped cream topping or prefer meringue, this butterscotch dessert is easy to adapt to your taste.
Impress Your Guests: This Butterscotch Pie is a showstopper at holiday dinners, potlucks, and special events. It looks stunning and tastes even better, making it a favorite among pie recipes.

With its rich butterscotch flavor and creamy consistency, this Butterscotch Pie recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your dessert repertoire.

Ingredients Overview

Essential Ingredients for a Perfect Butterscotch Pie Recipe

To make this Butterscotch Pie recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Pie Crust: Use a pre-made pie crust for convenience or make your own with flour, butter, and a pinch of salt. Both options work well to create a sturdy base for the butterscotch filling.
Brown Sugar: This is the star ingredient that gives the butterscotch custard its characteristic caramel-like flavor. Use light or dark brown sugar depending on how rich you want the flavor.
Butter: Butter adds richness and a creamy texture to the butterscotch pie filling. Use unsalted butter for better control over the sweetness.
Cornstarch: This helps to thicken the butterscotch custard, giving it a smooth, sliceable consistency.
Whole Milk: Whole milk provides a creamy base for the filling. For a richer taste, you can substitute some of the milk with heavy cream, enhancing the Butterscotch Pie recipe.
Egg Yolks: Egg yolks give the custard its silky texture and rich flavor, making the pie smooth and luscious.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor of the butterscotch, adding warmth and depth.
Salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the butterscotch flavor in this butterscotch dessert.

Variations and Substitutions for Butterscotch Pie

Want to put your own spin on this Butterscotch Pie recipe? Here are some easy modifications:

Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free pie crust and ensure that your cornstarch is labeled gluten-free for a delicious gluten-free butterscotch dessert.
Lighter Version: Substitute whole milk with skim milk and use less butter for a lighter version of the filling. The texture will be slightly less rich but still tasty.
Add a Meringue Topping: Instead of whipped cream, top your pie with meringue made from the leftover egg whites. Simply whip with sugar until stiff peaks form and spread over the cooled pie before baking for a few minutes to toast.
Salted Caramel Twist: Sprinkle a bit of flaky sea salt over the pie before serving for a salted caramel vibe, adding a new dimension to the butterscotch pie filling.

These variations make it easy to adapt the Butterscotch Pie to suit different dietary needs and preferences.

How to Make Butterscotch Pie: Step-by-Step Guide

Follow this simple guide to create the perfect Butterscotch Pie recipe with a smooth, rich filling every time:

Preparing the Pie Crust

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If using a homemade crust, roll out the dough and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish. Trim the edges and crimp as desired. Prick the bottom with a fork and line with parchment paper. Fill with pie weights or dried beans and bake for 15 minutes, then remove weights and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until golden. Let it cool completely before adding the butterscotch custard.

Making the Butterscotch Filling

Step 2: Make the Butterscotch Filling
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and salt. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture is bubbly and smooth, about 2-3 minutes. This is the base of your rich butterscotch pie filling.

Step 3: Combine the Cornstarch and Milk
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and about 1/4 cup of the milk until smooth. Gradually add the remaining milk and whisk until fully combined. Pour this mixture into the saucepan with the brown sugar mixture to create the base of your butterscotch custard.

Cooking and Thickening the Custard

Step 4: Thicken the Custard
Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until it begins to thicken and come to a gentle boil. Continue to cook for another 2 minutes, then remove from heat.

Step 5: Temper the Egg Yolks
In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Slowly add about 1/2 cup of the hot butterscotch mixture to the yolks, whisking constantly to prevent curdling. Pour the tempered yolks back into the saucepan and return to the heat. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until thickened and smooth.

Assembling and Chilling the Pie

Step 6: Add Vanilla and Pour the Filling
Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Pour the warm butterscotch filling into the cooled pie crust. Smooth the top with a spatula to prepare your creamy butterscotch pie for chilling.

Step 7: Chill and Serve
Refrigerate the Butterscotch Pie for at least 4 hours, or until fully set. Top with whipped cream before serving for an extra touch of elegance.

This Butterscotch Pie recipe creates a rich, creamy dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, with a filling that holds its shape and melts in your mouth.

Tips for Perfecting Your Butterscotch Pie Recipe

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps the filling come together smoothly, preventing lumps in your butterscotch custard.
Stir Constantly: When cooking the butterscotch filling, make sure to stir constantly to avoid burning the sugar and ensure even thickening.
Chill Completely: Allow the pie to chill fully in the refrigerator before slicing. This ensures that the butterscotch pie filling is firm and easy to cut.
Make Ahead: This butterscotch dessert can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge, making it a great option for entertaining.

These tips will help you achieve a perfect Butterscotch Pie every time, ensuring a smooth and delicious dessert.

Storing and Serving Butterscotch Pie

Refrigeration: Store the Butterscotch Pie in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, for up to 4 days. Keep it chilled until serving.

Freezing: Although butterscotch pie can be frozen, the texture may change slightly. If you decide to freeze, wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw in the refrigerator for several hours before serving.

Serving Suggestions: Serve chilled with a generous dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of toffee bits on top for added crunch. It pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making it the perfect way to enjoy this butterscotch dessert.

Nutritional Information for Butterscotch Pie

Here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown per slice (1/8 of the pie):

Calories: 380 kcal
Total Fat: 20g (31% DV)
Saturated Fat: 12g (60% DV)
Cholesterol: 110mg (37% DV)
Sodium: 210mg (9% DV)
Carbohydrates: 45g (15% DV)
Fiber: 1g (4% DV)
Sugars: 32g
Protein: 5g

For a lighter version, use low-fat milk and reduce the amount of sugar in this Butterscotch Pie recipe.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Butterscotch Pie Recipe

Can I make Butterscotch Pie without a crust?

Yes, you can make a crustless butterscotch custard in small ramekins for a lighter version of the butterscotch dessert.

How long does Butterscotch Pie need to chill?

For best results, chill the Butterscotch Pie for at least 4 hours in the refrigerator before serving.

Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light?

Yes, using dark brown sugar will give the Butterscotch Pie recipe a richer, deeper caramel flavor. Adjust according to your taste preference.

What can I use instead of cornstarch?

You can use flour as a thickener, but the filling may not be as smooth. Use about 3 tablespoons of flour in place of 2 tablespoons of cornstarch.

Conclusion

This Butterscotch Pie recipe is a rich and creamy dessert that’s sure to impress your friends and family. With its smooth, sweet filling and flaky crust, it’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re making it for a special holiday or just to enjoy a sweet treat, this recipe will become a go-to favorite. Try it today and savor every bite of this classic butterscotch pie!