Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie

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Experience the sweet charm of Dolly Parton’s beloved Butterscotch Pie—a rich, creamy dessert with a buttery graham cracker crust and smooth, luscious filling. This Southern favorite is perfect for special occasions, family dinners, or anytime you crave a comforting slice of homemade pie.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Rich butterscotch flavor: A perfect balance of sweetness and buttery depth

• Easy graham cracker crust: No rolling dough required

• Silky custard filling: Smooth, thick, and perfectly set

• Iconic recipe: A beloved dessert inspired by Dolly Parton herself

Ingredients Breakdown

For the Crust:

• Graham Cracker Crumbs (1 ½ cups): Creates a crisp, buttery base.

• Granulated Sugar (¼ cup): Sweetens the crust.

• Ground Cinnamon (½ tsp, optional): Adds warm spice notes for depth.

• Unsalted Butter – Melted (½ cup): Binds crumbs and adds richness.

For the Filling:

• Packed Brown Sugar (1 cup): Provides the signature deep, caramel flavor.

• All-Purpose Flour (¼ cup): Thickens the filling to creamy perfection.

• Salt (¼ tsp): Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.

• Whole Milk (2 ½ cups): Makes the filling smooth and creamy.

• Egg Yolks (3 large): Adds richness and helps thicken the custard.

• Unsalted Butter (4 tbsp): Adds silky richness to the filling.

• Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Brings warmth and depth to the butterscotch flavor.

Optional Topping:

• Whipped Cream: Adds a light, fluffy contrast to the rich pie.

Tips and Tricks:

• Don’t skip tempering the eggs—this prevents curdling and ensures smooth custard.

• Use whole milk for the creamiest texture; substitute cream for even richer filling.

• For added flavor, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the whipped cream topping.

• Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Variations and Customizations:

• Salted Butterscotch Pie: Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top for a sweet-salty contrast.

• Nutty Crunch: Add chopped toasted pecans or walnuts to the crust or sprinkle on top.

• Vegan Version: Substitute plant-based milk and vegan butter, and use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening.

Pairing Suggestions:

• Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for extra indulgence.

• Pair with freshly brewed coffee or black tea for a balanced dessert experience.

• Add fresh berries or a raspberry coulis on the side for a fruity twist.

Storage Instructions:

• Keep the pie refrigerated, covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container.

• Consume within 3 days for best freshness and texture.

• Do not freeze, as the custard texture may be compromised.

Popular Questions:

Can I make the crust without graham crackers?

Yes! Use crushed digestive biscuits or shortbread cookies as a delicious alternative.

What if I don’t have ground cinnamon?

It’s optional—omit or replace with a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin spice for variation.

How do I know when the filling is done?

The filling should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon and bubble gently.

Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie

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• Author: easysweetmeal
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie – A silky, Southern-style dream with a buttery graham cracker crust, velvety caramel-butterscotch filling, and a billowy whipped cream crown. Pure comfort in every forkful—just like Dolly’s charm

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1 cup packed brown sugar

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• 2 ½ cups whole milk

• 3 large egg yolks, lightly beaten

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Whipped cream

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch pie dish.

• In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and cinnamon (if using).

• Stir in melted butter until mixture resembles wet sand.

• Press mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of the pie dish.

• Bake crust for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden. Remove and cool.

Step 2: Make the Butterscotch Filling

• In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together brown sugar, flour, and salt.

• Slowly add milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.

• Cook, stirring occasionally, until mixture thickens and begins to boil.

Step 3: Temper the Egg Yolks

• Gradually add a small amount of hot mixture into beaten egg yolks, whisking continuously.

• Slowly pour egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan, whisking constantly.

Step 4: Finish Cooking the Filling

• Cook for another 2–3 minutes, stirring until filling is smooth and thick.

• Remove from heat; stir in butter and vanilla until butter melts and filling is glossy.

Step 5: Assemble the Pie

• Pour filling into cooled graham cracker crust.

• Smooth top with a spatula.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

• Let pie cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

• Refrigerate for at least 3 hours until fully set.

• Top with whipped cream before serving, if desired.

Notes

This Dolly Parton Butterscotch Pie is a nostalgic Southern dessert that blends simplicity with rich, buttery flavor. Perfect for gatherings or a comforting treat, it captures the warmth and sweetness that Dolly’s fans adore.

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• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

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