Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes (plus 4 hours chilling) | Serves: 8-10
What makes this butterscotch pie truly extraordinary is its unique approach to traditional pie-making. Instead of a conventional pastry crust, Dolly’s recipe features a distinctive pecan crust that adds both texture and flavor to every single bite. The silky smooth butterscotch filling melts in your mouth, creating the perfect balance between sweet indulgence and nutty sophistication.
Why This Butterscotch Pie Will Become Your New Favorite
This butterscotch pie recipe has earned its place as a beloved Southern classic for good reason. The combination of brown sugar, butter, and vanilla creates that distinctive butterscotch flavor that’s both nostalgic and irresistibly delicious. Unlike store-bought versions, this homemade butterscotch pie delivers authentic taste with every forkful.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity – you don’t need fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients. With just a few pantry staples and some patience, you’ll create a dessert that looks like it came from a high-end bakery. The butterscotch pie is perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or any time you want to treat yourself to something truly special.
Ingredients for Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie
For the Pecan Crust:
- 1¾ cups chopped pecans (fresh pecans work best for optimal flavor)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (room temperature for easy mixing)
- 3 tablespoons light brown sugar (packed for sweetness)
- ¼ teaspoon salt (optional, but enhances the nutty flavor)
- Cooking spray (for preparing the pie plate)
For the Butterscotch Filling:
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed, this is the star of your butterscotch flavor)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for thickening the filling perfectly)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (adds structure to the custard)
- 2 tablespoons butter (unsalted, for rich butterscotch taste)
- ¼ teaspoon salt (balances the sweetness beautifully)
- 2 large egg yolks, beaten (creates that silky custard texture)
- ¾ cup sweetened condensed milk (for creaminess)
- ¾ cup water (to dilute the condensed milk)
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract (use real vanilla for best results)
- Fresh whipped cream (for serving and that “Dolly-up” presentation)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Butterscotch Pie
Preparing Your Workspace
Before you begin making this butterscotch pie, gather all your ingredients and equipment. You’ll need a 9-inch pie plate, a double boiler (or a makeshift one with a saucepan and heat-proof bowl), and a whisk. Having everything ready makes the process smooth and enjoyable.
Creating the Signature Pecan Crust
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F and generously spray your 9-inch pie plate with cooking spray. This ensures your butterscotch pie releases perfectly when serving.
Step 2: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the chopped pecans, softened butter, brown sugar, and salt. Using a fork, mix everything together until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with the butter evenly distributed. The pecans should be well-coated and the mixture should hold together when pressed.
Step 3: Transfer this pecan mixture into your prepared pie plate. Using your fingers or the back of a spoon, press the mixture firmly and evenly across the bottom and up the sides of the plate. Make sure the crust is uniform in thickness – this ensures even baking and a professional appearance for your butterscotch pie.
Step 4: Bake the crust for 10-15 minutes, watching carefully until the pecans become fragrant and golden brown. The aroma will fill your kitchen with the most wonderful nutty scent. Remove from oven and let cool completely on a wire rack. Reduce oven temperature to 300°F for the next step.
Crafting the Butterscotch Filling
Step 5: Set up your double boiler by filling the bottom pan with about 2 inches of water and bringing it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. In the top pan, combine brown sugar, cornstarch, flour, butter, and salt. Stir this mixture constantly until everything is well combined and the butter begins to melt.
Step 6: In a separate bowl, whisk together the beaten egg yolks with the diluted condensed milk (¾ cup condensed milk mixed with ¾ cup water). This mixture should be smooth and well-blended.
Step 7: Here’s the crucial step that makes this butterscotch pie perfect – slowly pour the milk mixture into the double boiler while whisking constantly. This prevents the eggs from scrambling and ensures a smooth, creamy filling. Continue stirring for about 8-10 minutes until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of your spoon.
Step 8: Remove from heat and immediately stir in the vanilla extract. The filling should be smooth, glossy, and have that gorgeous butterscotch color that makes this pie so appealing.
Assembling and Baking Your Butterscotch Pie
Step 9: Pour the warm butterscotch filling into your cooled pecan crust. Don’t worry if some pecans float to the surface – this actually adds to the rustic charm of this butterscotch pie.
Step 10: Bake at 300°F for 15 minutes, just until the filling is set and warmed through. The center should still have a slight jiggle when you gently shake the pan.
Step 11: Cool the butterscotch pie completely at room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. This chilling time is essential for the filling to set properly and develop its full flavor.
Serving Your Masterpiece
When ready to serve, cut your butterscotch pie into generous slices and top each portion with a dollop of fresh whipped cream – or as Dolly would say, “Dolly it up!” The contrast between the cool, creamy topping and the rich butterscotch filling creates the perfect dessert experience.
Pro Tips for Butterscotch Pie Success
The key to a perfect butterscotch pie lies in patience and attention to detail. When tempering the eggs, add the hot mixture slowly while whisking constantly – this prevents curdling and ensures a silky smooth filling. Don’t rush the chilling process; a properly set butterscotch pie slices beautifully and holds its shape.
Store your butterscotch pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors actually improve after the first day, making this an excellent make-ahead dessert for entertaining.
Perfect Pairings for Your Butterscotch Pie
This butterscotch pie pairs wonderfully with other Southern comfort foods. Consider serving it after a meal featuring our hearty main dishes or alongside other irresistible desserts for a dessert buffet.
For a complete Southern feast, start with some tasty snacks as appetizers, enjoy dinner delights as your main course, and finish with this show-stopping butterscotch pie. Don’t forget to offer refreshing beverages to complement the rich sweetness.
If you’re planning a more casual gathering, this butterscotch pie works beautifully as part of a dessert spread with breakfast favorites for a delightful brunch, or serve smaller portions alongside fresh vibrant salads for a lighter meal option.
The Story Behind This Butterscotch Pie
This butterscotch pie recipe represents more than just a dessert – it’s a piece of Southern heritage passed down through generations. Dolly Parton’s approach to cooking mirrors her approach to life: generous, warm, and made with love. Every slice of this butterscotch pie carries that same spirit, bringing families together around the dinner table.
The use of pecans in the crust isn’t just for flavor – it’s a nod to Southern tradition where pecans have been a staple ingredient for centuries. Combined with the rich butterscotch filling, this pie embodies everything we love about comfort food desserts.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of this butterscotch pie contains approximately 490 calories, making it a truly indulgent treat. With 34g of healthy fats from the pecans and butter, 44g of carbohydrates for energy, and 6g of protein, this dessert provides satisfaction that lasts.
Make This Butterscotch Pie Your Own
While Dolly’s original butterscotch pie recipe is perfection as written, there’s always room for personal touches. Consider adding a pinch of cinnamon to the pecan crust, or drizzle a little caramel sauce over each slice before serving. Some bakers like to garnish with additional chopped pecans or a sprinkle of sea salt for extra complexity.
This butterscotch pie recipe proves that the best desserts don’t need to be complicated – they just need to be made with care and quality ingredients. Whether you’re new to pie-making or a seasoned baker, this butterscotch pie will become a treasured addition to your recipe collection.
From our kitchen to yours, we hope this butterscotch pie brings as much joy to your table as it has to countless Southern families over the years. After all, as Dolly herself might say, life’s too short for anything but the sweetest moments – and this butterscotch pie delivers exactly that.
Looking for more delicious recipes to complement your butterscotch pie? Explore our collection of perfect sides and flavored dips & marinades to create unforgettable meals that bring people together.
