Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie

Hey there, sugar! Get ready to channel your inner Dolly with this Butterscotch Pie that’s as sweet and comforting as a Tennessee sunset. This Southern classic is all about a crunchy pecan crust hugging a silky, caramel-kissed butterscotch filling that melts in your mouth. It’s the kind of dessert that makes you wanna kick back on the porch, slice in hand, and savor every velvety bite. Trust me, this pie is gonna steal your heart faster than Dolly’s smile!

Why You’ll Love Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie

This pie isn’t just a dessert—it’s a slice of Southern soul that brings folks together. Whether you’re baking for a holiday feast, a family dinner, or just craving a little nostalgia, this recipe delivers. Here’s why it’s a must-make:

Versatile: Perfect for any occasion, from Thanksgiving to a cozy Sunday supper. It’s a showstopper that fits right in.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple pantry staples like brown sugar and pecans—no need to break the bank.
Quick and Easy: With a prep time of just 15 minutes, it’s a breeze to whip up, even for beginner bakers.
Customizable: Top with whipped cream, extra pecans, or a drizzle of caramel to make it your own.
Crowd-Pleasing: That rich, buttery filling and nutty crust? It’s a hit with kids, adults, and everyone in between.

Ingredients in Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

This pie is all about simple ingredients that transform into pure decadence. Here’s what makes it so special:

Chopped Pecans

The star of the crust, these nuts toast up to a fragrant, crunchy perfection that pairs beautifully with the creamy filling.

Unsalted Butter

Softened for the crust and melted for the filling, it adds rich, buttery depth to every bite.

Light Brown Sugar

Sweet with a caramel edge, it’s the backbone of both the crust and the luscious butterscotch filling.

Salt

A pinch in the crust and filling enhances the flavors, balancing the sweetness.

Cornstarch

This thickens the filling, giving it that perfect, sliceable custard texture.

All-Purpose Flour

A touch helps set the filling, ensuring it’s creamy but not runny.

Egg Yolks

These add richness and structure, making the filling smooth and luxurious.

Sweetened Condensed Milk

Blended with water, it brings silky sweetness to the butterscotch filling.

Vanilla Extract

A splash adds warmth and rounds out the caramel flavors.

Whipped Cream

The classic “Dolly-up” topping, it adds a light, fluffy finish to this indulgent pie.

Instructions

Let’s whip up this Southern gem with all the love and charm of Dolly herself:

Preheat Your Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This gets things ready for a perfectly toasted pecan crust.

Prepare the Pecan Crust

In a medium bowl, mix chopped pecans, softened butter, light brown sugar, and a pinch of salt (optional) with a fork until crumbly. Press the mixture evenly into a 9-inch pie plate sprayed with nonstick cooking spray, covering the bottom and sides. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden and fragrant. Let cool completely.

Make the Butterscotch Filling

In a medium saucepan, whisk together light brown sugar, cornstarch, flour, and salt. Stir in egg yolks, sweetened condensed milk blended with water, and melted butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens into a smooth, caramel-hued custard, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.

Assemble the Pie

Pour the warm butterscotch filling into the cooled pecan crust, smoothing it into an even layer. Let it cool to room temperature, then cover and chill in the fridge for at least 3 hours, or overnight for the best texture.

Serve and Enjoy

Top with a generous swirl of whipped cream and, if you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of chopped pecans or a drizzle of caramel. Slice and serve chilled for a creamy, dreamy treat!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 390

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes (plus 3 hours chilling)

How to Serve Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie

This pie is a star all on its own, but a few serving ideas can make it even more unforgettable. Here’s how to enjoy it:

With Coffee: A strong cup of coffee or espresso cuts through the sweetness, making each bite sing.
Ice Cream: Serve with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Fresh Berries: A handful of raspberries or strawberries adds a tart contrast to the rich filling.
At a Party: Slice into wedges and display on a pretty cake stand for a stunning dessert table centerpiece.
As a Standalone: Enjoy chilled with a dollop of whipped cream for a classic, no-fuss dessert.
Presentation tip: Pipe the whipped cream in swirls and sprinkle with crushed pecans for that Dolly-level pizzazz!

Additional Tips

Here’s how to make this pie shine brighter than a rhinestone:

Prep Ahead: Make the crust and filling a day in advance and assemble before chilling to save time.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for a warm, cozy twist.
Dietary Adjustments: Use a gluten-free flour blend for the filling and check that your condensed milk is dairy-free for dietary needs.
Storage Tips: Keep leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. The filling will stay creamy and delicious.
Double the Batch: Bake two pies for a crowd or freeze one (without whipped cream) for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a store-bought pie crust instead of the pecan crust?
A1: You can, but the pecan crust is what makes this pie special! A graham cracker or traditional pie crust works, just bake it first.

Q2: Can I make this pie ahead of time?
A2: Yup! Prep it up to 2 days in advance and store in the fridge. Add whipped cream just before serving.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keep whipped cream separate to avoid sogging.

Q4: Can I freeze this pie?
A4: Yes! Freeze without whipped cream for up to 1 month. Wrap tightly in plastic and foil, then thaw in the fridge overnight.

Q5: What’s the best way to serve this pie?
A5: Serve chilled for the best texture. A quick re-whip of the cream topping keeps it fresh and fluffy.

Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Absolutely! Use two 9-inch pie plates and double the ingredients. Perfect for big gatherings.

Q7: Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light?
A7: Yes! It’ll give a deeper, molasses-like flavor but still be delicious.

Q8: Can I make this without eggs?
A8: Egg yolks are key for the creamy texture, but you can try a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water per yolk) for a different texture.

Q9: How do I prevent the filling from clumping?
A9: Whisk constantly while cooking and keep the heat medium-low to avoid lumps or scorching.

Q10: Can I top the pie with something other than whipped cream?
A10: Sure! Try a meringue topping, a sprinkle of toasted pecans, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra decadence.

Conclusion

Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie is more than just a dessert—it’s a slice of Southern comfort that wraps you in warmth and sweetness. With its toasty pecan crust and creamy, caramel-like filling, it’s the kind of recipe that makes memories, whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or savoring a quiet moment alone. So grab your ingredients, turn up some Dolly tunes, and bake up this dreamy pie. It’s guaranteed to bring a little sparkle to your table and a whole lotta joy to your heart

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