Dreamy Silky Butterscotch Pie Recipe: Golden Sweetness in Every Bite

Sweet and decadent, this butterscotch pie captures the essence of comfort baking with its rich, golden butterscotch filling nestled in a flaky crust.

The magic of butterscotch pie emerges from layers of deep caramel notes and creamy texture that dance across your palate.

Brown sugar and butter create a symphony of flavor that transforms a simple dessert into a memorable experience.

Each slice promises a smooth, indulgent journey through classic American comfort food.

Warm spices and a velvety filling make this pie a standout at any gathering.

The recipe balances sweetness with subtle complexity, ensuring every bite feels like a warm culinary embrace.

Prepare to fall in love with this irresistible dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes

Calories: 340 kcal

Servings: 8

What You’ll Need for No-Bake Butterscotch Pie

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Creates a crunchy, sweet foundation that complements the creamy filling.
• Sugar: Adds gentle sweetness and helps bind the crust.
• Butter: Provides richness and helps crumbs stick together.

• Brown Sugar: Delivers deep, caramel-like butterscotch flavor.
• Cornstarch: Ensures smooth, thick filling without lumps.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall taste.
• Milk: Provides creamy base for the filling.
• Egg Yolks: Creates silky texture and helps thicken the mixture.
• Butter: Adds richness and glossy finish.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the butterscotch flavor with warm, aromatic notes.

• Whipped Cream: Adds light, fluffy contrast to rich filling.
• Butterscotch Chips: Optional garnish for extra crunch and sweetness.

Tools That Make No-Bake Butterscotch Pie Simple

• 9-inch pie pan: Essential for creating the perfect pie shape and size.
• Mixing bowl: Needed for combining graham cracker crust ingredients.
• Medium saucepan: Crucial for cooking the butterscotch filling.
• Whisk: Perfect for smooth mixing of ingredients in saucepan.
• Small bowl: Used for tempering egg yolks.
• Spatula: Helps smooth the filling and top of the pie.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements.
• Spoon or fingers: Helps compact the graham cracker crust.

Assemble No-Bake Butterscotch Pie in Just Minutes

• Create Crispy Crust

Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs and mix with sugar and melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into a pie pan, ensuring an even layer. Pack the crumbs tightly using your fingers or a spoon. Refrigerate the crust for half an hour to solidify.

• Craft Creamy Butterscotch Filling

Whisk brown sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a saucepan. Slowly add milk, stirring until smooth. Heat the mixture, constantly stirring, until it thickens and bubbles gently.

Whisk egg yolks in a separate bowl. Carefully pour some hot butterscotch into the eggs, mixing continuously. Return the egg mixture to the saucepan, stirring constantly. Boil briefly and cook for two more minutes.

Remove from heat and blend in butter and vanilla until silky. Allow filling to cool for 15 minutes.

• Assemble and Chill Pie

Pour cooled filling into the prepared crust. Smooth the surface with a spatula. Let the pie rest at room temperature briefly, then refrigerate for at least four hours to set completely.

• Finish With Fluffy Topping

Just before serving, crown the pie with a luscious layer of whipped cream. Sprinkle butterscotch chips on top for extra crunch and sweetness.

Flavor Tips for Silky No-Bake Butterscotch Pie

• Use cold butter and press graham cracker mixture firmly into the pan to create a crisp, sturdy base that doesn't crumble when slicing.
• Prepare this pie up to 2 days in advance and store covered in the refrigerator, which actually allows the flavors to develop and intensify beautifully.
• Swap traditional graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham-style crackers or almond flour to make this dessert celiac-friendly without compromising taste or texture.
• Experiment with different toppings like toasted pecans, caramel drizzle, or a sprinkle of sea salt to elevate the butterscotch profile and add interesting complexity to each bite.
• Replace whole milk with coconut milk and use dairy-free butter alternatives to create a luscious pie that accommodates lactose-intolerant dessert lovers while maintaining the rich, creamy butterscotch essence.

Serve This Pie Chilled for a Creamy Finish

• Party Pleaser Platter: Create a stunning dessert board with slices of butterscotch pie, accompanied by caramel drizzle, toasted pecans, and a sprinkle of sea salt for a gourmet touch.
• Decadent Dessert Companion: Serve chilled pie alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a warm cup of coffee to enhance the rich butterscotch flavor and provide a delightful contrast.
• Elegant Entertaining Tip: Slice the pie into small, bite-sized squares for a cocktail party or potluck, making it easy for guests to enjoy without utensils. Garnish with a light dusting of cinnamon or cocoa powder for an extra visual appeal.
• Seasonal Celebration Style: During autumn, pair the pie with a warm apple cider or spiced rum cocktail to complement the butterscotch's deep, caramel-like notes and create a cozy, festive atmosphere.

Store Butterscotch Pie in the Fridge Until Ready

• Refrigerate the pie for minimum 4 hours to ensure the butterscotch filling sets perfectly, creating a smooth and creamy texture that slices beautifully.
• Keep the pie covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil for up to 3-4 days. Place in the coldest section of your refrigerator to maintain its fresh taste and prevent flavor absorption from other foods.
• Prepare this pie one day in advance for stress-free entertaining. The flavors actually improve as they meld together overnight, making it an ideal dessert for special gatherings.
• Wrap the entire pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to freeze for up to 2 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving, ensuring the crust remains crisp and filling stays creamy.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients for the butterscotch filling?

The key ingredients are brown sugar, cornstarch, milk, egg yolks, butter, and vanilla extract. These ingredients create the rich, creamy butterscotch flavor that makes the pie delicious.

• Why do I need to temper the egg yolks?

Tempering prevents the egg yolks from scrambling when added to the hot butterscotch mixture. By slowly adding hot liquid to the eggs while whisking, you gradually raise their temperature and create a smooth, silky filling.

• Can I make this pie in advance?

Yes, this pie is perfect for making ahead. You can prepare it a day before serving and let it chill overnight in the refrigerator. This actually helps the filling set perfectly and allows the flavors to develop.

• Do I need any special equipment to make this pie?

No special equipment is needed. You’ll just require basic kitchen tools like a saucepan, whisk, pie pan, and mixing bowls. A spatula helps smooth the filling, but it’s not absolutely essential.

Silky Butterscotch Pie Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Luscious No-Bake Butterscotch Pie brings creamy caramel notes from classic Southern dessert traditions. Smooth graham cracker crust and rich butterscotch pudding create an irresistible dessert you can savor in minutes without heating the oven.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 package (3.4 oz / 96 g) butterscotch instant pudding mix
• 2 cups (480 ml) cold whole milk
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream, whipped to soft peaks
• 2 tbsps powdered sugar
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• Butterscotch chips
• Shaved chocolate

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Crust Preparation: Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter into a uniform mixture, then firmly press into a 9-inch pie pan, ensuring complete bottom and side coverage. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to solidify.
2. Butterscotch Base: In a saucepan, blend brown sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually introduce milk while stirring, creating a smooth liquid. Heat over medium temperature, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and bubbles gently.
3. Egg Integration: Whisk egg yolks separately, then carefully temper by streaming hot butterscotch mixture into them while whisking vigorously. Return the tempered egg mixture to the saucepan, stirring consistently and cooking until it reaches a gentle boil.
4. Flavor Enhancement: Remove from heat and incorporate butter and vanilla extract, stirring until achieving a silky, uniform consistency. Allow filling to cool for 10-15 minutes.
5. Pie Assembly: Pour the lukewarm filling into the prepared graham cracker crust, smoothing the surface with a spatula. Let rest briefly at room temperature before transferring to the refrigerator.
6. Chilling and Garnishing: Refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours or overnight until fully set. Before serving, adorn with a generous layer of whipped cream and optional butterscotch chips for added visual and flavor complexity.

Notes

• Crust Compression Technique: Press graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly to prevent crumbling and ensure a solid, compact base that holds together when sliced.
• Temperature Control for Filling: Maintain medium heat while stirring continuously to prevent scorching and achieve a smooth, thick butterscotch consistency without burning.
• Egg Tempering Precision: Slowly stream hot mixture into egg yolks while whisking rapidly to prevent scrambling and create a silky, uniform filling texture.
• Chilling Strategy: Allow minimum 4-hour refrigeration to set filling completely, with overnight chilling recommended for optimal flavor development and perfect slice presentation.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 340
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 160 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg