Heavenly Silky Butterscotch Pie Recipe: Sweet Golden Bliss

Decadent desserts often spark joy, and this silky butterscotch pie recipe promises pure indulgence.

Sweet caramel notes dance through a creamy filling that captures classic comfort.

Rich butterscotch flavors blend seamlessly with a buttery graham cracker crust.

Each forkful delivers a smooth, luxurious experience that melts on your tongue.

The combination of brown sugar and butter creates an irresistible depth of flavor.

Warm spices hint at nostalgic memories of home-baked treats.

Prepare to savor every delightful bite of this timeless pie that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 340 kcal

Servings: 8

Butterscotch Pie Ingredient Breakdown

• Milk: Creamy foundation that creates a silky smooth texture for the filling.
• Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel notes and rich butterscotch flavor, choose fresh and soft.
• Cornstarch: Critical thickening agent, ensure it's fresh and clump-free for smooth consistency.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor complexity, balances sweetness perfectly.
• Egg Yolks: Provides luxurious richness and helps stabilize filling, select fresh large eggs.

• Butter: Adds incredible smoothness and deep butterscotch flavor, use high-quality unsalted butter.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out flavor profile, choose pure extract for best taste.

• Egg Whites: Creates light, cloudlike topping, use room temperature eggs for maximum volume.
• Cream of Tartar: Stabilizes egg whites, helping them maintain perfect peaks.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes meringue, add gradually for glossy finish.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds subtle aromatic note to meringue, enhances overall flavor.

Tools That Help Get Butterscotch Just Right

• Saucepan: Medium-sized pot for cooking the butterscotch filling smoothly.
• Whisk: Essential for blending ingredients without lumps and creating smooth mixtures.
• Mixing Bowl: Clean, dry bowl for preparing meringue and combining ingredients.
• Electric Mixer or Whisk: Needed to beat egg whites and create fluffy meringue.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measuring for accurate recipe results.
• Pie Dish: 9-inch baking dish for assembling and baking the butterscotch pie.
• Spatula: Helpful for spreading meringue evenly and scraping bowls.
• Cooling Rack: Allows pie to cool to room temperature without soggy bottom.

Bake a Butterscotch Pie Worth Remembering

• Create Creamy Base

Whisk milk, caramel-colored sugar, thickening powder, and seasoning in a cooking pot. Heat gently while stirring until mixture transforms into a smooth, bubbling liquid. Continue cooking for two minutes, then pull off the stove.

• Blend Egg Mixture

Slowly incorporate hot liquid into beaten egg centers, stirring continuously to prevent scrambling. Return combined mixture to pot, cooking on low heat for another two minutes. Mix in rich butter and aromatic vanilla until silky.

• Pour and Shape Filling

Transfer luscious mixture into pre-baked pastry shell, ensuring even distribution. Allow filling to settle and cool slightly.

• Craft Cloud-Like Topping

Whip egg whites with stabilizing powder until they create soft, billowy peaks. Gradually sprinkle sweet crystals while beating until peaks stand tall and glossy. Fold in fragrant vanilla essence.

• Crown and Caramelize

Gently spread fluffy topping across entire pie surface, creating delicate peaks and ensuring edges touch crust. Bake in warm oven until meringue turns golden and delicate.

• Cool and Serve

Let pie rest at room temperature until completely settled. Slice and enjoy the dreamy, decadent dessert.

Tips That Help Balance Sweetness and Texture

• Prevent lumpy filling by whisking ingredients constantly and using a heavy-bottomed saucepan for even heat distribution.
• Ensure egg whites are at room temperature and use a clean, grease-free bowl for the fluffiest meringue peaks.
• Prepare the pie crust and filling a day ahead, then add fresh meringue before serving to maintain optimal texture.
• Swap traditional pie crust with a gluten-free graham cracker or almond flour crust for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Replace dairy milk with coconut milk or almond milk, and use dairy-free butter alternative for a lactose-free version of this classic dessert.

Presenting Butterscotch Pie for Guests

• Cozy Family Dessert Night: Gather loved ones around this nostalgic butterscotch pie for a heartwarming shared experience.
• Elegant Afternoon Tea Pairing: Serve thin slices alongside Earl Grey tea or a delicate coffee to elevate the dessert's rich butterscotch flavor.
• Seasonal Celebration Centerpiece: Showcase this pie during holiday gatherings as a stunning sweet finale that brings comfort and joy to the table.
• Cold Companion Delight: Chill the pie for an hour before serving to create a refreshing, silky texture that melts beautifully on the tongue.

Store Pie Without Sacrificing the Flavor

• Chill the butterscotch pie in a covered container within the refrigerator for optimal freshness, lasting up to 3-4 days. Sealed Protection: Use an airtight pie carrier or wrap the pie carefully with plastic wrap to prevent moisture absorption and maintain its delicate meringue texture. Freezing Strategy: For longer storage, wrap the cooled pie tightly in aluminum foil and freeze for up to 2 weeks, ensuring no air pockets that could cause freezer burn. Room Temperature Caution: Keep the pie away from direct sunlight and warm areas, which can cause meringue to weep and separate from the filling.

FAQs

• What makes the meringue topping fluffy and stable?

The egg whites are beaten with cream of tartar, which helps stabilize the meringue. Gradually adding sugar while beating creates a smooth, glossy texture that holds stiff peaks, ensuring a light and airy topping.

• Why do I need to temper the egg yolks?

Tempering prevents the egg yolks from scrambling when added to the hot filling. By slowly mixing a small amount of hot mixture into the eggs, you gradually raise their temperature, creating a smooth, creamy filling without lumps.

• How can I tell if the filling is cooked properly?

The filling is done when it thickens and begins to boil, and you continue cooking for 2 additional minutes. It should coat the back of a spoon and have a pudding-like consistency that holds its shape when stirred.

• What's the purpose of spreading the meringue to the crust edges?

Touching the meringue to the pie crust creates a seal that prevents the meringue from shrinking or pulling away during baking, ensuring a beautiful, professional-looking pie with a smooth, connected topping.

Silky Butterscotch Pie Recipe

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4.6 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Classic Butterscotch Pie delights with rich, caramel-like flavors from brown sugar and butter. Silky custard nestles in a flaky crust, promising sweet comfort reminiscent of nostalgic family gatherings.

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Ingredients

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• 1 pre-baked 9-inch (23 cm) pie crust
• 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk
• 1 cup (200 g) dark brown sugar, packed
• 4 large egg whites
• 2 large egg yolks, lightly beaten
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (30 g) cornstarch
• 1 tbsp (15 g) unsalted butter
• ½ tsp (2.5 ml) salt
• 1 tsp (5 ml) pure vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp (1.25 ml) cream of tartar

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Instructions

1. Prepare Base: Whisk milk, brown sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a saucepan, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens and bubbles vigorously for two minutes.
2. Temper Eggs: Remove from heat and gradually blend hot liquid into beaten egg yolks, creating a smooth, integrated mixture that prevents curdling.
3. Cook Filling: Return tempered mixture to saucepan, simmering on low heat while stirring constantly to develop a rich, velvety texture and prevent burning.
4. Enhance Flavor: Incorporate melted butter and vanilla extract, stirring until the butterscotch filling achieves a glossy, luxurious consistency with deep caramel undertones.
5. Assemble Pie: Pour the warm butterscotch filling into the pre-baked pie shell, spreading evenly to create a smooth foundation for the meringue topping.
6. Create Meringue: Whip egg whites with cream of tartar, gradually adding granulated sugar until the mixture forms stiff, glossy peaks that hold their shape beautifully.
7. Finish and Bake: Spread meringue over the filling, ensuring it touches the crust edges, then bake in a preheated oven until the topping turns a delicate golden-brown with elegant peaks.
8. Serve: Cool completely, allowing the pie to set and flavors to harmonize, then slice and present this decadent butterscotch masterpiece.

Notes

• Prevent Curdling: Temper egg yolks slowly by gradually adding hot liquid to avoid scrambling, ensuring a smooth, silky butterscotch base.
• Master Meringue Technique: Whip egg whites at room temperature for maximum volume, adding cream of tartar for stability and preventing weeping.
• Avoid Filling Separation: Continuously stir the butterscotch mixture on low heat to prevent scorching and ensure a consistent, glossy texture.
• Seal Meringue Perfectly: Spread meringue to touch the pie crust edges, creating a complete seal that prevents shrinkage and ensures beautiful presentation.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 34 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 58 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg