Welcome to a slice of sweet comfort that tastes like a warm hug—our Butterscotch Pie is your new dessert favorite! Rich, creamy, and layered with nostalgic flavor, this treat is the perfect blend of silky butterscotch filling, crisp buttery crust, and cloud-like whipped topping. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or just want something cozy to cap off dinner, this recipe is designed to impress without the stress.
At Recipes2Gather.com, we believe in bringing people together, one recipe at a time, and this pie does just that. It’s rooted in tradition but polished for the modern kitchen—easy enough for a beginner, indulgent enough for the seasoned dessert lover. If you’re already a fan of creamy desserts like our pumpkin dump cake, then you’re in for a real treat.
Key Benefits
Butterscotch Pie isn’t just about flavor—it brings a lot more to the table:
- Ease of Preparation: This recipe breaks down complex steps into easy, approachable instructions. Don’t worry if custard’s new to you—you’ll get it just right on your first go.
- Budget-Friendly Ingredients: Using pantry staples like brown sugar, cornstarch, eggs, and milk, you’ll whip up a luxurious pie without splurging.
- Customizable Crust Options: From traditional pastry to graham cracker or even a nut crust, the base can easily reflect your style or dietary needs.
- Family-Friendly Favorite: Kids love its smooth, caramelized flavor, and it brings out the inner child in grown-ups. It’s perfect for family dinners, holiday parties, and potlucks.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This pie tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld—ideal for prepping ahead when entertaining.
This dessert also serves as a nostalgic bridge to classic American treats. Fans of the caramel swirl in our whole foods tiramisu will appreciate the familiar undertones in this comforting dish.
Ingredients for Butterscotch Pie
To create that velvety butterscotch texture, quality ingredients are key. Here’s what you’ll need for the filling, crust, and topping:
For the Crust:
- 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Optional: Try a baked pastry shell if you’re leaning more traditional or a nut-based crust for gluten-free options.
For the Butterscotch Filling:
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2½ cups whole milk
- 4 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- Caramel drizzle (optional)
- Sprinkle on some crushed toffee or crumbled cookies for a tasty finish.
All these ingredients are easy to find, budget-conscious, and can be substituted for dietary needs. Looking for a dairy-conscious alternative? Check out ideas from our cottage cheese dessert recipes.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Butterscotch Pie
Let’s make magic in the kitchen. Here’s a no-fuss guide to your dreamy butterscotch creation:
- Prep the Crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press into a 9-inch pie dish. Bake at 350°F for 8–10 minutes. Cool completely.
- Start your filling by mixing brown sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a medium pot. Slowly pour in the milk while stirring over medium heat so everything blends smoothly.
- Lightly beat the egg yolks in a small bowl so they’re ready to mix in later. Slowly whisk in a cup of the hot milk mixture to prevent curdling. Gradually pour the egg mix into the warm saucepan, stirring all the while to keep things smooth.
- Thicken the Filling: Cook the mixture on low heat, stirring constantly until thick and bubbly—about 5–7 minutes.
- Finish the Flavor: Remove from heat. Stir in the butter and vanilla, then keep mixing until everything melts together into a smooth, shiny custard.
- Chill to Set: Pour the filling into the cooled crust. Let the pie cool down on the counter first, then chill it in the fridge for a minimum of 4 hours to help it set properly.
- Top It Off: Whip cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Spread or pipe over the pie. Finish with a caramel swirl and a sprinkle of toffee bits if you’re feeling fancy.
Need more pie techniques? Explore our crinkle cake guide for mastering textures.
Pro Tips and Variations for Butterscotch Pie
Every cook has their twist—here are some ways to customize and perfect your pie:
- Upgrade the Topping: Swap whipped cream with mascarpone cream or a meringue topping for a fancier feel.
- Go Nutty: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts if you like a nutty bite in every slice.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for a warm autumn flavor.
- Boozy Boost: Add 1 tablespoon of bourbon or dark rum into the custard for a grown-up twist.
- Mini Pies: Use muffin tins and make bite-sized versions—perfect for parties or portion control.
You can also take inspiration from our German chocolate cookies and sprinkle coconut over the whipped topping for a tropical flair.
Serving Suggestions for Butterscotch Pie
This pie is more than a standalone dessert—it shines in any sweet spread:
- Perfect Pairings: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside a glass of cold milk.
- Holiday Hero: Add to your Thanksgiving or Christmas dessert table for a nostalgic crowd-pleaser.
- Afternoon Delight: Pair with a cup of coffee or spiced tea for an indulgent midday treat.
- Creative Presentation: Garnish with chocolate shavings, candied pecans, or even a sprinkle of sea salt to balance the sweetness.
Hosting brunch? Complement it with something savory like a cheesy dish from our cheeseburger bowl lineup to round out the flavors.
Trasted Resources for Butterscotch Pie
- For a breakdown of why brown sugar adds depth to butterscotch, check out this brown sugar science guide from Serious Eats.
- Learn expert custard tips from The Kitchn’s foolproof custard guide.
- Explore safe egg handling for custard desserts via this USDA resource on egg safety.
- Discover how different pie crusts compare with this Epicurious pie crust showdown.
Conclusion
Butterscotch Pie is everything a dessert should be—rich, nostalgic, simple to make, and utterly satisfying. Whether you’re baking it for a weekend gathering or just want to savor a quiet moment with a fork in hand, this pie delivers comfort in every bite. It’s a recipe you’ll come back to time and time again, tweaking here and there to make it truly your own.
Let it be your next go-to treat, just like the classics found in our cream cheese crescent roll appetizer or the sweet layers of our lemon lush dessert.
Print
Butterscotch Pie Bliss with Creamy Caramel Magic
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes (includes chill time)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Butterscotch Pie is a silky, caramel-infused delight wrapped in a crisp graham cracker crust and topped with fluffy whipped cream and caramel drizzle—comfort food dessert at its best.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ½ tsp salt
- 2½ cups whole milk
- 4 large egg yolks
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- Caramel drizzle (optional)
- Crushed toffee bits (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Crust: Combine graham crumbs, sugar, and butter. Press into dish and bake for 8–10 mins at 350°F.
- Cook Filling: Whisk brown sugar, cornstarch, and salt with milk in saucepan. Heat until warm.
- Temper Eggs: Slowly whisk hot milk into yolks, then return to pan and cook until thick.
- Flavor and Cool: Stir in butter and vanilla. Pour into crust and chill.
- Top and Serve: Whip cream with powdered sugar. Top chilled pie. Garnish with caramel and toffee.
Notes
Substitute crust or dairy ingredients as needed. Chill overnight for best results.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake with Baked Crust
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 412
- Sugar: 29g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 102mg
Keywords: Butterscotch Pie, Creamy Pie, Custard Pie
FAQs
What’s the difference between butterscotch and caramel?
Caramel comes from white sugar, but butterscotch starts with brown sugar, which brings out a richer, more toasty flavor thanks to the molasses.
Can I make Butterscotch Pie ahead of time?
Yes! It’s best when chilled overnight. This extra chill time helps the flavors really come together and gives the filling that smooth, firm texture we love.
Can I use a store-bought crust?
Absolutely. Store-bought graham cracker or pastry crusts work great when you’re short on time.
Is Butterscotch Pie freezer-friendly?
We don’t recommend freezing the whole pie. The custard texture can break. If you’re planning ahead, go ahead and freeze the crust—just make the filling fresh when you’re ready to serve.
What can I substitute for cornstarch?
Arrowroot powder or flour can be used, though results may vary slightly in texture.