Description
Butterscotch Pie, inspired by Dolly Parton, features a buttery pre-baked crust filled with a luscious homemade butterscotch custard and topped with fluffy meringue. Brown sugar, butter, and vanilla create a rich, caramelized filling, carefully cooked for creamy smoothness. Finished with golden meringue, this Southern classic is perfect for special gatherings or as a comforting dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 pre-baked pie crust (9-inch)
- 1 ½ cups brown sugar
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 4 egg yolks, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 egg whites
- ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
- 5 tablespoons granulated sugar
Instructions
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, flour, and salt. Cook slowly to develop the butterscotch flavor.
- Gradually stir in milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
- Add butter and stir until fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
- In a separate bowl, slowly temper the beaten egg yolks by whisking in a bit of the hot mixture.
- Pour tempered yolks back into saucepan. Cook 2-3 more minutes until thickened to a pudding consistency.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Pour filling into the pre-baked pie crust and cool slightly.
- For the meringue, beat egg whites and cream of tartar in a clean bowl until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add sugar, beating until stiff, glossy peaks form.
- Spread meringue over the filling, fully sealing to the crust edges.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 12-15 minutes, until the meringue is golden brown.
- Cool, then chill the pie for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
Substitute gluten-free flour for all-purpose if desired, and use plant-based butter and non-dairy milk to make the filling dairy-free. Make the pie a day ahead; store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If meringue weeps or shrinks, ensure the egg whites are at room temperature, beat to stiff peaks, and properly seal to the crust. Overcooked custard can curdle, so watch the filling closely; if lumps form, whisk vigorously to smooth. Crust can be homemade or store-bought for convenience.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 pie)
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 57g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 110mg