Homemade Butterscotch Pie Recipe: Sweet & Foolproof Magic

Sweet memories always dance around a classic butterscotch pie that whispers comfort and nostalgia.

Rich caramel notes promise incredible depth beneath a silky smooth surface.

Bakers passionate about traditional desserts understand this treasure demands careful technique and quality ingredients.

Cutting into a golden-brown crust revealing amber-hued filling that gleams with promise.

Homemade pies tell stories of shared moments and cherished traditions passed through generations.

Each slice promises pure indulgence that connects you to timeless culinary magic.

Grab your mixing bowl and let’s create something truly extraordinary that will make everyone smile.

How To Make Butterscotch Pie Step-By-Step

Step 1: Create Luscious Butterscotch Filling

• Milk
• Brown sugar
• Cornstarch
• Salt

• Butter
• Vanilla extract

Blend until silky smooth and pour into a pre-baked pie shell.

Step 2: Craft Cloudlike Meringue Topping

Grab a sparkling clean bowl and whip egg whites with cream of tartar until soft peaks dance. Gradually shower in granulated sugar, beating until magnificent stiff peaks form. Swirl in vanilla extract for extra magic.

Step 3: Beautifully Finish The Pie

Spread the fluffy meringue across the butterscotch filling, making sure it hugs the crust edges. This prevents any sad meringue shrinkage. Slide into a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake until the meringue turns a golden, sun-kissed brown (about 10 minutes).

Step 4: Serve With Love

Let the pie cool completely before slicing. Watch your friends and family swoon with each heavenly bite!

Tips For Silky Butterscotch Pie Filling

• Temper Eggs Like a Pro: Slowly add hot liquid to egg yolks while whisking constantly to prevent scrambling and ensure a smooth, silky filling.
• Master Meringue Peaks: Use room temperature egg whites and clean, grease-free equipment to achieve perfectly stiff, glossy meringue topping that won't deflate.
• Prevent Meringue Weeping: Spread meringue to the pie's edge, touching the crust completely to create a seal that stops moisture from separating.
• Slice with Ease: Let the pie cool completely at room temperature to set the filling and make cutting cleaner and more precise.
• Dairy-Free Swap: Replace milk with coconut milk and use dairy-free butter alternative for a delicious lactose-free version of this classic dessert.

How To Store Butterscotch Pie And Keep It Creamy

• Refrigerate: Store the butterscotch pie covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure the wrapping doesn't touch the delicate meringue surface.
• Freeze: Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for no more than 1 month to maintain the best texture and flavor.
• Thaw: Move the frozen pie to the refrigerator overnight for gradual thawing. Avoid leaving it at room temperature to prevent bacterial growth.
• Reheat: Gently warm individual slices in the oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving, which can make the meringue soggy and compromise the pie's delicate texture.

What Goes Well With Butterscotch Pie

• Brew Creamy Coffee Companions: Pair this rich butterscotch pie with a smooth cappuccino or caramel latte, where the coffee's robust notes beautifully complement the pie's sweet, buttery flavor profile.
• Enhance with Nutty Liqueurs: Serve alongside a small glass of amaretto or hazelnut liqueur, which will echo the caramel undertones and add sophisticated depth to each delightful bite.
• Match with Smooth Dessert Wines: Select a late harvest Riesling or sweet Sauternes, whose honeyed characteristics will harmonize perfectly with the butterscotch's warm, golden sweetness.
• Elevate with Spiced Spirits: Consider a small pour of aged rum or bourbon, whose woody, vanilla-like notes will create a delectable flavor conversation with the pie's creamy butterscotch essence.

Try These Fun Twists On Butterscotch Pie

• Caramel Crunch Edition: Replace butterscotch filling with rich caramel sauce and sprinkle crushed toffee bits on top of the meringue for extra texture and sweet crunch.
• Nutty Butterscotch Blast: Mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the filling and garnish the meringue with toasted nut pieces for added depth and nutty flavor.
• Chocolate Butterscotch Fusion: Swirl melted dark chocolate into the butterscotch filling before pouring into the crust, creating a marbled effect with complementary flavors.
• Salted Butterscotch Dream: Incorporate a pinch of sea salt into the filling and dust the meringue with flaky salt crystals to enhance the sweet-savory profile of the pie.

Butterscotch Pie FAQs You’ll Want To Read

• What gives butterscotch pie its distinctive flavor?

The unique flavor comes from brown sugar and butter cooked together, which creates a rich, caramel-like taste that’s deep and slightly toasty.

• Is this pie difficult to make for beginners?

Not at all! While it requires some careful techniques like tempering eggs and making meringue, following the steps carefully will help you create a delicious dessert even if you’re new to baking.

• Why do I need to temper the eggs in this recipe?

Tempering prevents the eggs from scrambling when added to hot liquid. By slowly introducing hot mixture to egg yolks, you create a smooth, creamy filling without any lumpy or curdled texture.

• What makes the meringue topping stable and fluffy?

The cream of tartar helps stabilize the egg whites, allowing them to form stiff, glossy peaks that brown beautifully and provide a light, airy texture on top of the pie.

Why Butterscotch Pie Is Sweet And Nostalgic

• Indulge in Rich Butterscotch Flavor: Creamy brown sugar filling delivers a deep, caramel-like sweetness that melts in your mouth with luxurious intensity.
• Master a Classic Meringue Technique: Learn to create perfectly glossy, cloud-like meringue topping that transforms an ordinary pie into a stunning dessert with professional-level finishing.
• Comfort Dessert with Elegant Twist: Combines nostalgic homemade pie tradition with sophisticated layered textures – smooth butterscotch base topped with billowy meringue creates a delightful contrast that appeals to both kids and adults.
• Quick and Impressive Baking Project: Requires simple ingredients and straightforward cooking methods, making it an achievable yet impressive dessert that looks like you've spent hours in the kitchen.

Everything You Need For Butterscotch Pie

• Pre-Baked Pie Crust: Crisp base that holds the creamy filling, best when homemade or high-quality store-bought.

• Milk, Brown Sugar: Creamy base with deep caramel-like sweetness, whole milk recommended for richness.
• Cornstarch: Thickening agent that gives smooth, stable consistency to the filling.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
• Egg Yolks: Adds richness and helps thicken the filling, fresh large eggs preferred.
• Butter: Provides silky texture and enhances butterscotch flavor, unsalted butter suggested.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, complex flavor, pure vanilla recommended over artificial.

• Egg Whites, Cream of Tartar: Create light, fluffy topping with stable structure, room temperature eggs whip better.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes meringue, fine white sugar works best.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds subtle flavor to the meringue, pure vanilla preferred.

Butterscotch Pie Recipe

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4.7 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Irresistible butterscotch pie blends rich caramel notes with silky custard in a golden, flaky crust. Creamy layers and buttery sweetness invite sweet-toothed dessert enthusiasts to savor this classic American comfort treat.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk
• 1 cup (200 g) packed dark brown sugar
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1 pre-baked 9-inch (23 cm) pie crust
• 4 large egg whites
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar

Thickening and Flavoring Ingredients:

• ¼ cup (30 g) cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) salt
• 1 tablespoon (15 g) unsalted butter
• 2 teaspoons (10 ml) pure vanilla extract

Stabilizing Ingredient:

• ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) cream of tartar

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Instructions

1. Craft a velvety base by whisking milk, brown sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring continuously until the mixture transforms into a thick, bubbling concoction.
2. After the mixture reaches a boil, maintain cooking for two minutes, then gently introduce hot liquid into beaten egg yolks, creating a smooth temperature transition.
3. Return the egg-enhanced mixture to the saucepan, stirring meticulously over low heat for an additional two minutes to develop rich, creamy consistency.
4. Remove from heat and infuse the filling with luxurious butter and aromatic vanilla extract, blending until silky and uniform.
5. Transfer the decadent filling into a pre-baked pie shell, ensuring an even, glossy surface.
6. Prepare a cloud-like meringue by whipping egg whites with cream of tartar until soft, billowy peaks emerge.
7. Gradually incorporate granulated sugar, continuing to beat until meringue forms stiff, glossy peaks with a pristine white appearance.
8. Delicately fold in vanilla extract to enhance the meringue’s delicate flavor profile.
9. Artfully spread the meringue across the butterscotch filling, creating elegant peaks and ensuring complete coverage that connects with the crust’s edges.
10. Bake in a preheated oven until the meringue transforms into a golden, lightly toasted masterpiece.
11. Allow the pie to cool completely, letting the flavors meld and settle before serving.

Notes

• Always use a candy thermometer to ensure the filling reaches the perfect consistency without burning the delicate butterscotch base.
• Temper egg yolks carefully by gradually adding hot liquid to prevent scrambling, which maintains a silky smooth filling texture.
• Whip egg whites in a completely grease-free bowl to achieve maximum volume and stiff, glossy meringue peaks that hold their shape beautifully.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute the traditional pie crust with a nut-based or gluten-free graham cracker crust to accommodate dietary restrictions while preserving the rich butterscotch flavor.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 260
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 41 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg