Rich and Creamy Butterscotch Pie Recipe

The Ultimate Rich & Creamy Butterscotch Pie Recipe You’ll Love

Butterscotch pie stands as a golden treasure of comfort desserts that melts hearts instantly.

Sweet memories dance through every silky slice of this classic treat.

Rich caramel notes whisper promises of decadent indulgence waiting to unfold.

Bakers passionate about creating magic in their kitchens will adore this simple yet elegant recipe.

Smooth custard nestled in a flaky crust creates a symphony of textures that surprise and delight.

Each forkful brings a wave of nostalgic warmth, connecting you to cherished moments around the table.

Prepare to experience a dessert that transforms an ordinary evening into something extraordinary.

Why Rich and Creamy Butterscotch Pie Is a Classic Favorite

  • Craft a Delectable Dessert: Master an impressive pie that looks and tastes like a professional bakery creation, guaranteed to wow family and friends with minimal cooking skills required.
  • Save Time and Energy: Skip complex pastry techniques by using a simple graham cracker crust and straightforward filling method that reduces kitchen stress and preparation complexity.
  • Indulge in Nostalgic Comfort: Enjoy a classic butterscotch pie that brings back warm memories of grandmother's traditional baking, delivering rich, comforting flavors that feel like a sweet hug.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, and special celebrations where you want a dessert that appeals to both kids and adults with its creamy, sweet profile.

Components Needed for Rich and Creamy Butterscotch Pie

Crust Ingredients:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: A sweet, crispy base that provides a delightful foundation for the pie.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps bind the crust together.
  • Butter: Creates a rich, golden crust with a tender texture.
Butterscotch Filling Ingredients:
  • Butter: Provides a rich, creamy base for the butterscotch flavor.
  • Brown Sugar: Gives the classic deep, caramel-like butterscotch taste.
  • Flour: Helps thicken and stabilize the filling.
  • Milk: Creates a smooth, creamy consistency for the filling.
  • Egg Yolks: Add richness and help create a silky, custard-like texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, sweet essence.
  • Salt: Balances and intensifies the butterscotch flavor.
Whipped Cream Topping Ingredients:
  • Heavy Cream, Granulated Sugar, Vanilla Extract: Work together to create a light, fluffy, and sweet topping that complements the rich butterscotch filling.

Instructions to Make Rich and Creamy Butterscotch Pie

Step 1: Create the Crunchy Base

Warm up your oven to 350F. Grab a mixing bowl and combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until everything sticks together perfectly. Press this mixture firmly into a 9-inch pie dish, making sure to cover the bottom and sides evenly. Use a spoon or glass to pack it down tightly. Slide the crust into the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes until it turns a beautiful golden color. Once done, let it cool completely.

Step 2: Craft the Luscious Butterscotch Filling

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and let it bubble for a minute or two. Sprinkle flour over the mixture and whisk constantly to create a smooth paste. Slowly pour in milk, whisking away to prevent any lumps from forming. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens and starts to boil. In a separate bowl, gently beat egg yolks. Carefully add a small amount of the hot butterscotch to the yolks, mixing quickly. Pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan, continuing to whisk. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the filling becomes thick and creamy. Remove from heat and stir in:
  • Vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Step 3: Assemble the Dreamy Pie

Pour the silky butterscotch filling into the cooled crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Let the pie rest at room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours until it sets completely.

Step 4: Crown with Fluffy Topping

Whip up a dreamy cream topping by beating together:
  • Heavy cream
  • Granulated sugar
  • Vanilla extract

Whip until stiff peaks form. Spread or pipe the cloud-like whipped cream over the chilled butterscotch filling.

Step 5: Slice and Savor

Cut into this heavenly pie and enjoy every creamy, sweet bite of your homemade butterscotch masterpiece!

Pro Tips for Perfect Rich and Creamy Butterscotch Pie

  • Control moisture by letting the pie cool completely before adding whipped cream to prevent a soggy crust.
  • Swap graham cracker crust with gluten-free crackers for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Temper egg yolks carefully to prevent scrambling when adding hot butterscotch mixture.
  • Use dark brown sugar for deeper, richer butterscotch flavor and more intense caramel notes.
  • Chill pie for at least 4 hours to ensure filling sets perfectly and slices cleanly.

Variations to Enhance Rich and Creamy Butterscotch Pie

  • Chocolate Butterscotch Fusion: Add cocoa powder to the crust and mix dark chocolate chips into the butterscotch filling for a rich, decadent flavor combination.
  • Salted Caramel Upgrade: Drizzle homemade salted caramel sauce over the whipped cream topping and sprinkle sea salt flakes for a gourmet touch.
  • Nutty Crunch Edition: Incorporate chopped pecans or toasted almonds into the graham cracker crust and garnish the top with crushed nuts for extra texture.
  • Maple Butterscotch Remix: Replace half the brown sugar with pure maple syrup and add a maple extract to enhance the sweetness with a warm, woodsy undertone.

Pairings That Go Well with Rich and Creamy Butterscotch Pie

  • Brew Bold Coffee Match: Dark roast or espresso cuts through the pie's sweetness, creating a rich, balanced flavor profile that enhances the butterscotch's caramel notes.
  • Pour Dessert Wine Companion: Tawny port or sweet sherry provides a luxurious counterpoint, its nutty undertones harmonizing beautifully with the butterscotch's deep, caramelized essence.
  • Craft Nutty Ice Cream Side: Serve alongside praline or toasted almond ice cream, which adds complementary texture and introduces subtle crunch that contrasts the pie's creamy smoothness.

How to Store Rich and Creamy Butterscotch Pie Properly

  • Store the pie covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep it away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor absorption.
  • Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Place in an airtight container for extra protection against freezer burn.
  • Transfer frozen pie to the refrigerator overnight. Remove wrapping and let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to restore texture.
  • Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power. Avoid overheating to prevent the whipped cream from separating or the filling from becoming runny.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rich and Creamy Butterscotch Pie

  • What is the key to creating a smooth butterscotch filling?

The secret is tempering the egg yolks by gradually adding hot butterscotch mixture while whisking constantly, which prevents scrambling and ensures a silky, creamy texture.

  • Why is it important to cook the brown sugar and butter together before adding other ingredients?

Cooking brown sugar and butter creates a deeper, richer caramelized flavor that is essential to authentic butterscotch, developing complex sweetness and depth.

  • How can I tell if my butterscotch filling is properly thickened?

The filling is ready when it coats the back of a spoon and leaves a clear path when you run your finger through it, with a pudding-like consistency that holds its shape.

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Rich and Creamy Butterscotch Pie Recipe

Rich and Creamy Butterscotch Pie Recipe


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4.7 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 35 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Butterscotch pie brings golden, caramel-kissed indulgence straight from homestyle kitchens. Sweet whispers of brown sugar and buttery goodness blend into a silky filling that will sweep you into delightful comfort with each sublime slice.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients (Pie Filling):

  • 1 cup dark brown sugar
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Crust Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons (3 ounces) unsalted butter, melted

Finishing Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Craft a buttery graham cracker foundation by combining crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press mixture firmly into a 9-inch pie dish, creating an even layer that extends up the sides.
  2. Bake the crust at 350F for 8-10 minutes until golden. Allow complete cooling before filling.
  3. Create butterscotch base by melting butter and caramelizing brown sugar over medium heat until bubbling.
  4. Incorporate flour into the butter-sugar mixture, whisking continuously to develop a smooth paste without lumps.
  5. Gradually introduce milk, stirring constantly to prevent scorching. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens and reaches a gentle boil.
  6. Temper egg yolks by slowly introducing hot butterscotch liquid while whisking vigorously to prevent curdling.
  7. Return egg-butterscotch mixture to heat, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until achieving a rich, velvety consistency.
  8. Remove from heat and enhance flavor with vanilla extract and a delicate pinch of salt.
  9. Transfer the luxurious butterscotch filling into the cooled graham cracker crust, smoothing the surface with a spatula.
  10. Refrigerate the pie for a minimum of 4 hours to ensure complete setting and optimal texture.
  11. Whip heavy cream with sugar and vanilla until forming stiff, billowy peaks.
  12. Generously crown the chilled pie with the airy whipped cream, either spreading smoothly or creating elegant piped designs.
  13. Slice and serve this decadent butterscotch pie, offering a sublime dessert experience.

Notes

  • Brown sugar provides deeper caramel notes than white sugar, enhancing authentic butterscotch flavor complexity.
  • Tempering eggs prevents scrambling, ensuring silky smooth filling texture without unwanted egg chunks.
  • Graham cracker crust adds delightful crunch and complementary nutty undertones to creamy butterscotch filling.
  • Chilling pie allows filling to set properly, creating perfect sliceable consistency for elegant serving.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 191
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 71 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 18 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Creating single-serving recipes tailored for individuals, small households, or meal preppers
  • Culinary arts with a focus on clean plating and natural styling for food photography
  • Working with fermented ingredients and dairy-based cooking techniques
  • Designing seasonal menus that use fresh, locally sourced produce

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Bend, OR

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Gained hands-on experience in professional kitchens, learning advanced recipe development, seasonal ingredient sourcing, and simple, beautiful food presentation.

ServSafe Food Handler Certification – Portland, OR

  • Program: Food Safety Certification
    Focus: Certified in core food safety and hygiene principles for both home and professional kitchens, with emphasis on ingredient handling, kitchen cleanliness, and safe preparation methods.

Mike’s kitchen journey began with a single goal: to make everyday meals feel like something worth celebrating.
After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Cascade Culinary Institute, he spent years working with local farmers and small kitchens across Oregon, learning the beauty of seasonal, small-batch cooking.
Mike’s approach is simple, cook with what’s fresh, keep it approachable, and always leave room for a little creativity. When he’s not testing yogurt marinades or designing single-serving meals, you’ll find him hiking trails or hunting down the best berries at local markets.

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