The Recipe Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie That You Will Follow

Okay friend, buckle up—because we’re about to take a sweet trip straight into dessert heaven. This isn’t just any pie. Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie is smooth, rich, nostalgic, and honestly, a little bit magical. It’s the kind of dessert that makes you close your eyes with the first bite. Think silky-sweet butterscotch custard nestled in a buttery pie crust, topped with a cloud of pillowy whipped cream.

The aroma alone will make your kitchen feel like an old-fashioned Southern bakery, warm and cozy with that deep caramelized scent wafting through the air. It’s the kind of pie that steals the show at every gathering—and if you bring this beauty to a potluck or serve it after dinner, trust me, you’ll be everyone’s favorite person.

This recipe has all the soul of a classic, with an easygoing approach that makes it perfect for everyday bakers. Don’t worry if you’ve never made a custard pie before—this one’s got your back. So, grab your apron, queue up a Dolly song, and let’s bake something beautiful together.

Why You’ll Love Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re baking for a family celebration, a casual get-together, or just treating yourself (because why not?), this pie fits the bill. Here’s why it’s such a winner:

Versatile

Perfect for Sunday dinners, holidays, or even a spontaneous sweet tooth craving. You can dress it up with a fancy crust design or keep it rustic and homey—it always shines.

Budget-Friendly

No fancy or hard-to-find ingredients here. You probably already have most of what you need in your pantry. That’s the beauty of old-school desserts—they work magic with the basics.

Quick and Easy

No need to fear the stovetop! The steps are simple and straightforward, and I’ll walk you through it like we’re baking side-by-side in the kitchen.

Customizable

Want to add a splash of bourbon or top it with pecans? Go for it. You can give it your own personal twist or keep it classic.

Crowd-Pleasing

This pie is a guaranteed conversation starter. One bite and people will be asking for the recipe before they’ve even finished their slice.

Ingredients in Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie

Here’s the beauty of this pie—it’s built on pantry staples, yet the result tastes like it came from a high-end Southern bakery. Let’s break it down:

Brown Sugar

This is where the magic starts. Brown sugar gives the filling that deep, molasses-kissed flavor that defines a good butterscotch.

Cornstarch

Helps thicken the custard so it sets up beautifully once chilled. It’s the unsung hero that keeps every slice nice and tidy.

Whole Milk

Adds richness and creaminess, creating a custard that’s smooth as silk. You want that melt-in-your-mouth texture, and milk makes it happen.

Egg Yolks

Give the pie body and richness. They also help the custard firm up without being too heavy.

Butter

It adds that luxurious, velvety finish to the filling. When stirred in at the end, it takes the butterscotch to next-level delicious.

Vanilla Extract

A splash of vanilla rounds out the flavor and makes everything taste warmer, cozier, and just a little more like a hug.

Salt

Just a pinch brings balance and makes all the sweet, buttery flavors pop. Don’t skip it!

Prebaked Pie Crust

Whether you make your own or use store-bought, you’ll need a crisp, golden pie shell ready to hold all that butterscotch love.

Whipped Cream (Optional but Glorious)

For topping! A soft, fluffy crown of whipped cream adds a cool, airy contrast to the rich filling.

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

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Equipment

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F if you’re baking your pie crust from scratch. You want that golden, flaky base to be ready for all the creamy filling.

Combine Ingredients

In a saucepan, whisk together brown sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Slowly whisk in the milk until smooth. This is your custard base, and it’s about to get real cozy.

Prepare Your Cooking Vessel

Use a medium-sized, heavy-bottomed saucepan to cook your filling. This ensures even heating and prevents scorching on the bottom.

Assemble the Dish

Heat your mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until it begins to bubble and thicken. Once thick, temper the egg yolks by adding a bit of the hot mixture to them, then stir the yolks back into the pan. Continue cooking until the filling is silky and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Cook to Perfection

Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla. Pour the warm filling into the prebaked crust and smooth the top.

Finishing Touches

Let the pie cool slightly, then refrigerate until set—about 4 hours. Once chilled and firm, you can add a generous layer of whipped cream on top, if you like.

Serve and Enjoy

Slice and serve chilled or at room temp, with a smile. Every bite is rich, sweet, and full of heart.

How to Serve Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie

This pie can hold its own as the star of the dessert table, but here are some ideas to make your serving experience extra special:

Coffee or Tea

The sweetness of the pie pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or a soothing black tea.

Vanilla Ice Cream

A small scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side is dreamy—cold, creamy, and oh-so-luxurious.

Toasted Nuts

Sprinkle a handful of toasted pecans or walnuts on top for texture and a nutty twist.

Chocolate Drizzle

Feeling indulgent? A light drizzle of dark chocolate sauce can add an elegant finish.

As a Standalone

This pie really doesn’t need much else. It’s rich, flavorful, and deeply satisfying all on its own.

Additional Tips

Prep Ahead

You can make the crust and filling a day ahead. Just keep the whipped cream off until right before serving for the freshest look.

Spice It Up

A pinch of cinnamon or a touch of nutmeg in the filling adds a lovely warm note that’s perfect for fall.

Dietary Adjustments

Substitute dairy-free milk and butter for a plant-based version. Use a gluten-free pie crust if needed.

Storage Tips

Store leftover pie covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen as it rests!

Double the Batch

Making two pies is just as easy as one—and trust me, nobody will be mad about extra pie.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use store-bought pie crust?
A1: Definitely! A good-quality store-bought crust works beautifully and saves time.

Q2: Can I make this pie ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can prepare the entire pie a day in advance and keep it chilled until serving.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Cover the pie with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Q4: Can I freeze this pie?
A4: You can freeze it without the whipped cream topping. Wrap it well and freeze for up to 1 month.

Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this pie?
A5: This pie is best served cold or at room temp, but if you like it warm, heat slices gently in the microwave.

Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Absolutely. Just be sure to have two crusts ready and adjust your saucepan size if doubling the filling.

Q7: Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?
A7: Yes, with a gluten-free crust and careful ingredient checks, it can easily be gluten-free.

Q8: What side dishes go well with this dessert?
A8: It’s great following a hearty meal like roast chicken or pot roast—classic, cozy comfort fare.

Q9: How can I make this dish healthier?
A9: Use low-fat milk, reduce the sugar slightly, or top with a light whipped topping instead of cream.

Q10: What’s the best cookware to use for this recipe?
A10: A heavy-bottomed saucepan is key for making a smooth, lump-free custard.

Conclusion

If pie could sing, Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie would be a chart-topper. It’s rich, creamy, and full of nostalgic charm—the kind of dessert that brings people together and leaves them glowing. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want to treat yourself, this pie delivers big flavor with classic comfort.

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