
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s rich, creamy, and full of old-fashioned charm, Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie is here to deliver! With its silky butterscotch filling, flaky pie crust, and fluffy meringue topping, this pie is a true Southern classic. Perfect for family gatherings, holiday desserts, or just treating yourself, this recipe is a must-try. Let’s dive into this sweet, nostalgic treat! 👇
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Rich & Creamy: The butterscotch filling is smooth and decadent.
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Old-Fashioned Charm: A timeless dessert that never goes out of style.
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Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
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Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by kids and adults alike!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious pie (serves 8):
For the Pie Crust:
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1 pre-made pie crust (or homemade): The base of the pie.
For the Butterscotch Filling:
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1 cup packed brown sugar: Adds sweetness and caramel flavor.
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1/4 cup cornstarch: Thickens the filling.
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1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness.
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2 1/2 cups whole milk: Creates a creamy texture.
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3 large egg yolks: Adds richness and helps thicken the filling.
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds a buttery finish.
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor.
For the Meringue Topping:
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3 large egg whites: The base of the meringue.
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1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar: Stabilizes the meringue.
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1/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the meringue.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Pie Crust
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Roll out the pie crust and place it in a 9-inch pie dish. Crimp the edges and prick the bottom with a fork.
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Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden. Let it cool completely.
2. Make the Butterscotch Filling
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In a medium saucepan, whisk together the brown sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
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Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth.
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Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil (about 5-7 minutes).
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In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Gradually whisk in about 1/2 cup of the hot milk mixture to temper the yolks.
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Pour the tempered yolks back into the saucepan and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until thickened.
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Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract.
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Pour the filling into the cooled pie crust.
3. Make the Meringue Topping
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In a large bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form.
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Gradually add the granulated sugar, beating until stiff, glossy peaks form.
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Spread the meringue over the butterscotch filling, sealing the edges.
4. Bake and Serve
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Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the meringue is golden brown.
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Let the pie cool completely before slicing.
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Serve and enjoy a slice of Southern comfort!
Tips for Success
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Use Fresh Eggs: For the best meringue, use room-temperature egg whites.
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Don’t Overcook the Filling: Remove it from the heat as soon as it thickens to avoid curdling.
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Customize the Topping: Skip the meringue and top with whipped cream instead.
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Store Properly: Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Serving Suggestions
This pie is perfect for:
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Holiday Desserts: Serve at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter.
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Family Gatherings: Pair with coffee or tea for a sweet treat.
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Potlucks: Transport it in a pie carrier for easy sharing.
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Weekend Treats: Because you deserve a slice of sweetness!
Final Thoughts
This Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie is a rich, creamy, and nostalgic dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and sure to impress. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out in the comments below!