Description
Indulge in this homemade creamy butterscotch pie featuring a rich, velvety custard filling, a buttery flaky crust, and a light whipped cream topping. This classic dessert is perfect for holidays and special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pie Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 3 to 4 tablespoons ice water
For the Butterscotch Filling:
- 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Pie Crust
- Whisk together flour and salt in a mixing bowl.
- Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until coarse crumbs form.
- Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough holds together.
- Shape dough into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll out dough on a floured surface and fit into a 9-inch pie pan.
- Trim, crimp edges, and prick the bottom with a fork.
- Blind bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes with pie weights, then another 5-10 minutes without until golden brown. Let cool.
- Make the Butterscotch Filling
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and add brown sugar. Stir until sugar dissolves and bubbles.
- Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly.
- In a separate bowl, whisk cornstarch, egg yolks, and salt until smooth.
- Slowly temper eggs by adding a small amount of warm butterscotch mixture while whisking.
- Pour egg mixture back into the saucepan, whisking constantly.
- Cook over medium heat until thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract, and pour into cooled crust.
- Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours until set.
- Prepare the Whipped Cream Topping
- In a chilled mixing bowl, beat heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Spread or pipe whipped cream over chilled pie before serving.
Notes
- Use a graham cracker crust for a different texture.
- Add flaky sea salt for a salted butterscotch effect.
- Swap whipped cream for meringue topping and lightly toast.
- Make it dairy-free with coconut milk and dairy-free butter.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- chill time: 4 hours
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: butterscotch pie, creamy dessert, homemade pie, custard filling, holiday dessert