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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Return the egg-enhanced mixture to the saucepan, stirring meticulously over low heat for an additional two minutes to develop rich, creamy consistency.
- Remove from heat and infuse the filling with luxurious butter and aromatic vanilla extract, blending until silky and uniform.
- Transfer the decadent filling into a pre-baked pie shell, ensuring an even, glossy surface.
- Prepare a cloud-like meringue by whipping egg whites with cream of tartar until soft, billowy peaks emerge.
- Gradually incorporate granulated sugar, continuing to beat until meringue forms stiff, glossy peaks with a pristine white appearance.
- Delicately fold in vanilla extract to enhance the meringue’s delicate flavor profile.
- Artfully spread the meringue across the butterscotch filling, creating elegant peaks and ensuring complete coverage that connects with the crust’s edges.
- Bake in a preheated oven until the meringue transforms into a golden, lightly toasted masterpiece.
- 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