Creamy Homemade Butterscotch Pie Recipe

Sweet & Silky Homemade Butterscotch Pie Recipe

Sweet memories flood back whenever I whip up this creamy homemade butterscotch pie that reminds me of grandmother’s kitchen.

Nostalgic flavors dance across your taste buds with each silky smooth bite.

Caramel undertones blend perfectly with a tender, flaky crust that melts in your mouth.

Comfort emerges through rich, golden layers of decadent filling that promise pure satisfaction.

Crafting this dessert feels like wrapping yourself in a warm culinary embrace.

Ingredients come together effortlessly, creating magic that connects generations through a single delectable slice.

Let’s unveil a dessert that will become your new favorite weekend indulgence.

Creamy Homemade Butterscotch Pie Overview

  • Savor Nostalgic Comfort: This butterscotch pie brings back warm memories of grandma's kitchen, delivering a rich, comforting dessert that feels like a sweet hug from the past.
  • Impress Without Stress: Creating this pie looks complicated but requires minimal baking skills, making it perfect for home cooks wanting to wow friends and family with a stunning homemade dessert.
  • Customize with Creativity: The recipe allows endless topping variations like whipped cream, caramel drizzle, or chopped nuts, letting you personalize each pie to match your taste preferences.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or weekend family dinners, this butterscotch pie appeals to all ages with its smooth, rich flavor and classic charm.

Ingredients for Butterscotch Pie

Main Ingredients:
  • Brown Sugar: The key ingredient that provides the signature sweet and caramel-like flavor of butterscotch.
  • Butter: Creates a rich, smooth base and enhances the deep butterscotch flavor.
  • Egg Yolks: Help thicken the filling and add a luxurious, creamy texture to the pie.
  • Milk: Provides the liquid base for the butterscotch filling and helps create a smooth consistency.
Pie Crust Components:
  • Pie Crust: Serves as the delicious foundation for the creamy butterscotch filling.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Vanilla Extract, Salt: Add depth and balance to the sweet butterscotch flavor, enhancing the overall taste profile.
Topping Options:
  • Whipped Cream: Offers a light, airy complement to the rich butterscotch filling.

How to Make Creamy Butterscotch Pie

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Turn on the oven and set the temperature to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the perfect baking environment for your delicious butterscotch pie.

Step 2: Create Butterscotch Base

In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and cook until:
  • Sugar dissolves completely
  • Mixture starts to bubble
  • Caramel-like color develops

Step 3: Blend in Creamy Ingredients

Whisk egg yolks into the butterscotch mixture one at a time.

Gradually add:
  • Milk
  • Vanilla extract
  • Salt

Stir continuously to prevent burning and ensure smooth consistency.

Step 4: Thicken the Filling

Continue cooking and stirring the mixture for 5-7 minutes.

The filling will gradually thicken and become rich and creamy. Remove from heat when it reaches a pudding-like texture.

Step 5: Fill the Pie Crust

Pour the warm butterscotch filling into a pre-baked pie crust. Use a spatula to spread the filling evenly across the surface.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the pie in the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.

Step 7: Cool and Chill

Allow the pie to cool at room temperature for 1 hour. Then refrigerate for 2-3 hours to help the filling firm up completely.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Top the chilled pie with freshly whipped cream or your favorite garnishes. Slice and serve this decadent butterscotch pie to delighted guests.

Tips for Smooth Butterscotch Filling

  • Opt for dark brown sugar to enhance the deep, rich butterscotch flavor and create a more intense caramel undertone.
  • Temper egg yolks by slowly adding hot mixture to prevent scrambling and ensure a smooth, silky filling texture.
  • Maintain medium-low heat while stirring the butterscotch mixture to prevent burning and achieve perfect consistency.
  • Allow complete refrigeration for at least 3 hours to help the pie set properly and develop maximum flavor intensity.
  • Experiment with graham cracker or shortbread crusts for different textural experiences and complementary taste profiles.

Flavorful Twists for Butterscotch Pie

  • Caramel Maple Pie: Replace brown sugar with maple syrup and add a dash of maple extract for a rich, woodsy flavor profile.
  • Coconut Butterscotch Variation: Mix shredded coconut into the filling and sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top for tropical texture.
  • Gluten-Free Butterscotch Pie: Use gluten-free pie crust and cornstarch as a thickener instead of traditional wheat-based ingredients.
  • Vegan Butterscotch Alternative: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use plant-based milk, and replace egg yolks with cornstarch or arrowroot powder for binding.

Pairing Suggestions for Butterscotch Pie

Smooth bourbon complements the caramel-like butterscotch, creating a sophisticated dessert experience with warm, deep undertones.

Sprinkle crunchy, caramelized pecans on top to add textural contrast and nutty depth that amplifies the butterscotch’s sweet profile.

Serve a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream alongside the pie, letting the cold, smooth texture balance the rich, warm butterscotch filling.

A strong, bold black coffee cuts through the sweetness, providing a robust counterpoint that refreshes the palate between each decadent bite.

Best Storage for Butterscotch Pie

  • Store the butterscotch pie in an airtight container or cover with plastic wrap. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain its creamy texture and freshness.
  • Wrap the entire pie or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds on low power to prevent the crust from becoming soggy. Alternatively, let the slice sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before enjoying.
  • Add fresh whipped cream just before serving to maintain its light and fluffy texture. Avoid storing the pie with pre-added whipped cream to prevent sogginess.

FAQs

  • Is butterscotch pie difficult to make?

Not at all! This recipe requires basic cooking skills and simple ingredients. The key is to stir the mixture constantly and watch it carefully while it thickens.

  • Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes, butterscotch pie is perfect for preparing in advance. You can make it a day before serving and keep it refrigerated, which actually helps the flavors develop more deeply.

  • What type of crust works best for this pie?

A traditional pastry pie crust or graham cracker crust both work wonderfully. Pre-baking the crust slightly can help prevent sogginess and enhance the overall texture.

Print
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Creamy Homemade Butterscotch Pie Recipe

Creamy Homemade Butterscotch Pie Recipe


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4.8 from 9 reviews

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

Description

Silky butterscotch pie delivers pure indulgence straight from grandma’s kitchen, blending rich caramel notes with smooth custard perfection. Delicate graham cracker crust and velvety filling promise a nostalgic dessert experience that will delight you completely.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pie crust
  • 4 egg yolks
  • 1 cup milk (240 milliliters)
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar (100 grams)
  • 1/4 cup butter (57 grams)

Thickening Agents:

  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch (22 grams)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (1.5 grams)

Flavoring:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5 milliliters)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring an even cooking environment for the butterscotch pie.
  2. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, then incorporate brown sugar, stirring continuously until the mixture caramelizes and forms a bubbling syrup.
  3. Gradually introduce egg yolks into the caramel base, whisking vigorously to prevent curdling and create a smooth consistency.
  4. Pour in milk, vanilla extract, and salt, continuing to stir the mixture constantly to prevent scorching and promote even heat distribution.
  5. Maintain steady heat and stirring until the filling thickens to a pudding-like texture, approximately 5-7 minutes, watching for visual cues of proper consistency.
  6. Transfer the luxurious butterscotch filling into the prepared pie crust, using a spatula to spread evenly and eliminate any air pockets.
  7. Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, monitoring until the filling sets and develops a slight golden sheen.
  8. Remove from oven and allow the pie to cool at room temperature for one hour, helping the filling stabilize and set completely.
  9. Refrigerate the pie for 2-3 hours to enhance flavor development and achieve optimal serving temperature.
  10. Before serving, garnish with freshly whipped cream or preferred toppings to add a decorative and delicious finishing touch.

Notes

  • Ensure brown sugar fully dissolves to prevent grainy texture, stirring constantly during caramelization process.
  • Use room temperature egg yolks to help them incorporate smoothly into the butterscotch mixture without curdling.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap traditional pie crust with almond flour or graham cracker gluten-free crust.
  • Enhance flavor depth by adding a pinch of sea salt or using dark brown sugar for more intense caramel notes.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 30 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Mike Reynolds

Mike Reynolds

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Sustainable cooking techniques, Food photography

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (A-B Tech)
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Mike studied culinary arts with a strong focus on farm-to-table principles and sustainable cooking. His training emphasized the importance of fresh, local ingredients and environmentally responsible practices in the kitchen.


Mike’s food journey began deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where weekends at farmers’ markets and home-cooked meals sparked a lifelong obsession with simple, seasonal eating.
After earning his Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, he set out to bring farm-to-table cooking into everyday kitchens, without the fuss.
Mike’s philosophy is all about keeping it fresh, unfussy, and full of heart. When he’s not crafting new single-serving recipes, he’s hiking mountain trails, chatting with local farmers, or experimenting with wild ingredients in his backyard kitchen.

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