Dolly Parton's Butterscotch Pie

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Satisfy your sweet tooth with this delightful Dolly Parton's Butterscotch Pie recipe. Featuring a creamy butterscotch filling nestled in a buttery crust, this dessert is perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights at home. Easy to make and utterly delicious, it’s a nostalgic treat that pays homage to classic Southern flavors.

Natalie Briggs

Created by

Natalie Briggs

Last updated on 2025-12-15T07:05:26.015Z

Dolly Parton's Butterscotch Pie is a beloved dessert that brings back memories of family gatherings and cherished moments around the dinner table. The rich, creamy filling combined with the flaky crust makes it a favorite for many.

A Taste of Nostalgia

Dolly Parton's Butterscotch Pie is more than just a dessert; it encapsulates a tradition of Southern comfort food. With its creamy butterscotch filling, this pie offers an indulgent experience that evokes fond memories of home-cooked meals and family gatherings. Each bite is rich with flavor, making it a true classic that has delighted generations.

As you enjoy this pie, you're reminded of warm days spent with loved ones, sharing stories and laughter. The combination of buttery crust and sweet butterscotch filling creates an unforgettable taste that will have your guests asking for seconds.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether it’s a holiday celebration, a birthday party, or a simple weeknight dinner, this Butterscotch Pie is an ideal choice. Its rich flavor profile brings a touch of elegance to any gathering, impressing both guests and family members alike. The easy preparation allows you to focus on enjoying the company rather than stressing over complicated desserts.

This pie is also versatile; you can serve it chilled or at room temperature, making it the perfect make-ahead option. No matter the occasion, Dolly Parton's Butterscotch Pie is sure to be the highlight of your meal.

Tips for the Best Butterscotch Pie

For the best results, ensure that you properly temper the egg yolks before adding them to the hot mixture. This step is crucial to create a smooth and creamy filling without scrambling the eggs. Remember to stir constantly over medium heat; this helps achieve the desired thickness without scorching the mixture.

Using fresh ingredients will also elevate the pie's flavor. Opt for high-quality vanilla extract and fresh heavy cream for the topping. These small details make a significant difference, resulting in a dessert that is not only delicious but also memorable.

Ingredients

For the crust

  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup melted butter

For the filling

  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 3/4 cups whole milk
  • 3 large egg yolks
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the topping

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Prepare the crust

In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes, then let cool.

Make the filling

In a saucepan, whisk together brown sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually stir in milk, and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened. Remove from heat. In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks, then gradually stir in a small amount of the hot mixture to temper the eggs. Return to the saucepan and cook for another minute. Stir in butter and vanilla extract.

Assemble the pie

Pour the filling into the cooled crust, spreading it evenly. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or until set.

Prepare the topping

Whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Spread over the chilled pie before serving.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving Dolly Parton's Butterscotch Pie, consider pairing it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to enhance the flavors. This delightful combination adds a creamy texture that complements the rich butterscotch filling beautifully. Garnishing with a sprinkle of cocoa powder or crushed nuts can also add a decorative touch and contrasting flavor.

Another great idea is to serve slices of this pie alongside a cup of coffee or tea, making for a perfect afternoon treat. The sweet flavors of the pie pair wonderfully with the richness of your favorite hot beverage.

Storage Tips

Dolly Parton's Butterscotch Pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a great make-ahead dessert. Be sure to cover the pie with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh and prevent it from absorbing other odors in the fridge.

If you have leftover pie, consider freezing it for longer storage. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight container. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight, and they will taste almost as fresh as when made.

Variations to Try

While the classic butterscotch filling is undoubtedly delicious, you can experiment by adding different flavors. Consider mixing in a hint of sea salt to create a salted butterscotch pie, adding depth and complexity to the flavor. Alternatively, you can blend in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch and texture.

If you're adventurous, try making this pie using homemade butterscotch sauce for a real treat. You can also explore gluten-free options by substituting the graham cracker crust with a nut-based crust, allowing everyone to indulge in this delightful dessert.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a store-bought pie crust?

Yes, a store-bought crust can save time and still yield delicious results.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Keep leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Dolly Parton's Butterscotch Pie

Satisfy your sweet tooth with this delightful Dolly Parton's Butterscotch Pie recipe. Featuring a creamy butterscotch filling nestled in a buttery crust, this dessert is perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights at home. Easy to make and utterly delicious, it’s a nostalgic treat that pays homage to classic Southern flavors.

Prep Time15.0
Cooking Duration35.0
Overall Time50.0

Created by: Natalie Briggs

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: easy

Final Quantity: 8.0

What You'll Need

For the crust

  1. 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  2. 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  3. 1/2 cup melted butter

For the filling

  1. 1 cup brown sugar
  2. 1/4 cup cornstarch
  3. 1/4 teaspoon salt
  4. 2 3/4 cups whole milk
  5. 3 large egg yolks
  6. 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  7. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the topping

  1. 1 cup heavy cream
  2. 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  3. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes, then let cool.

Step 02

In a saucepan, whisk together brown sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually stir in milk, and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened. Remove from heat. In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks, then gradually stir in a small amount of the hot mixture to temper the eggs. Return to the saucepan and cook for another minute. Stir in butter and vanilla extract.

Step 03

Pour the filling into the cooled crust, spreading it evenly. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or until set.

Step 04

Whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Spread over the chilled pie before serving.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Total Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 30g
  • Protein: 4g