Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie

If you’re looking for a dessert that warms your heart and fills your home with the sweetest aroma, then look no further! Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie is a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a festive family gathering, this pie will surely become a cherished favorite. Its rich butterscotch filling paired with light, airy meringue creates a wonderful balance of flavors and textures. Trust me, once you try this pie, you’ll be coming back for seconds!

This recipe is not only delicious but also straightforward, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels. So let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into making this unforgettable dessert together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic Comfort: This pie brings back nostalgic memories with its traditional butterscotch flavor. It’s like a warm hug in dessert form!
• Easy to Follow: With simple instructions, even novice bakers can whip up this stunning pie without stress.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone from kids to grandparents will be clamoring for a slice. It’s the kind of dessert that sparks joy around the dinner table.
• Make Ahead: This pie can be made in advance, so it’s perfect for meal prep or special occasions when you want to save time.
• Versatile Delight: Perfect as a sweet end to any meal or as an indulgent afternoon treat with tea or coffee.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients that are likely already in your pantry. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need:

For the Butterscotch Filling

• 1 pre-baked pie crust (9-inch)
• 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 4 egg yolks, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Meringue

• 4 egg whites
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 5 tablespoons granulated sugar

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! You can easily tweak it to suit your taste or pantry staples. Here are some fun variations to consider:

• Add Flavor: Consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra depth of flavor in the filling.
• Chocolate Twist: Mix in some cocoa powder to create a chocolate butterscotch pie that’s sure to impress any chocolate lover.
• Top it Off: Experiment with different toppings such as crushed nuts or shredded coconut sprinkled on top of the meringue before baking.
• Fruit Infusion: Layer sliced bananas or fresh berries under the meringue for a fruity surprise in every bite.

How to Make Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

In a saucepan over medium heat, carefully combine brown sugar, flour, and salt. This slow cooking process is vital because it helps develop that rich butterscotch flavor we all love.

Step 2: Add Milk Gradually

Gradually stir in the milk while whisking constantly. This will ensure there are no lumps and gives us that smooth texture essential for our pie.

Step 3: Melt in Butter

Once combined, add butter and continue stirring until it melts completely. The butter adds richness and depth to our butterscotch flavor.

Step 4: Temper the Egg Yolks

Now it’s time to temper those egg yolks! Slowly pour a small amount of the hot mixture into them while stirring constantly. This prevents scrambling and ensures our filling stays silky smooth.

Step 5: Cook Until Thickened

Pour the tempered yolks back into the saucepan and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until thickened to a pudding-like consistency. Stirring constantly here is key!

Step 6: Stir in Vanilla

Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract for that aromatic touch that elevates our butterscotch even more.

Step 7: Pour into Crust

Pour the filling into your pre-baked pie crust and allow it to cool slightly while you prepare the meringue.

Step 8: Make the Meringue

In a clean bowl, beat together egg whites and cream of tartar starting at low speed and gradually increasing. This step is crucial for creating that fluffy texture!

Step 9: Sweeten It Up

Once soft peaks form, slowly add sugar while continuing to beat until you achieve stiff, glossy peaks that hold their shape beautifully.

Step 10: Spread Over Filling

Spread the meringue over your cooled butterscotch filling, making sure it touches the crust edges to avoid shrinking during baking.

Step 11: Bake to Perfection

Bake your pie in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye out for that beautiful golden-brown color on top—it’s what makes this pie truly stunning!

Now all that’s left is to let it cool before serving! Enjoy each delicious bite of Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie with friends and family!

Pro Tips for Making Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie

Creating the perfect butterscotch pie is easier with a few helpful tips!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh eggs and quality butter can make a significant difference in flavor and texture, enhancing the overall experience of your pie.
• Whisk constantly while cooking: This prevents lumps from forming in your filling. A smooth, cohesive mixture is key to achieving that creamy butterscotch consistency.
• Don’t rush the meringue: Beating egg whites requires patience. Gradually increasing the speed allows for better aeration, resulting in a light and fluffy meringue that holds its shape beautifully.
• Let the pie cool before serving: Allowing the pie to set for at least an hour after baking helps the filling firm up, making it easier to slice and serve without a mess.
• Store properly: If you have leftovers (which is rare!), cover them gently with plastic wrap. This prevents the meringue from weeping and ensures your pie stays fresh for days.

How to Serve Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie

Serving Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie can be just as delightful as making it! Here are a few ideas to present this sweet treat beautifully at your gathering.

Garnishes

• Whipped cream: A dollop of homemade whipped cream on top adds extra creaminess and balances the sweetness of the pie.
• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some toasted pecans or walnuts on top for added crunch and flavor contrast.
• Chocolate shavings: Grate some dark chocolate over the meringue to introduce a touch of richness that complements the butterscotch perfectly.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pie. The natural sweetness will enhance your dessert experience.
• Vanilla ice cream: Serve slices of pie alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent pairing that melts deliciously into each bite.
• Coffee or tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea can balance out the sweetness, providing a comforting end to your meal.
• Cheese platter: Offer a selection of mild cheeses; their savory notes create an interesting flavor dynamic when enjoyed with sweet desserts like this pie.

Enjoy diving into this delightful recipe, and remember—every slice tells a story!

Make Ahead and Storage

Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie is a fantastic choice for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy its deliciousness even days later. With proper storage, you can savor this creamy dessert at your convenience.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover pie in the refrigerator.
• Cover the pie with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh.
• Consume within 3-4 days for the best quality.

Freezing

• If you’d like to freeze, slice the pie first for easier servings later.
• Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag.
• The pie can be frozen for up to 2 months; just remember to label it with the date!

Reheating

• For best results, thaw frozen slices in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheat individual slices in a microwave on low power until warmed through, about 20-30 seconds.
• Alternatively, reheat slices in an oven set to 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie.

Can I make Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute eggs with a commercial egg replacer or a mixture of flaxseed meal and water. This will alter the texture slightly but still yield a delicious result.

What makes Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie special?

This pie combines rich butterscotch flavor with a light, fluffy meringue topping, creating a delightful contrast that’s comforting and nostalgic. It’s sure to be a hit at any gathering!

How do I prevent the meringue from shrinking on my Butterscotch Pie?

To prevent shrinking, ensure that your meringue touches the edges of the crust when spreading it over the filling. This creates a seal that helps keep it from pulling away during baking.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie as much as I do! This recipe is not just delicious but also brings warmth and sweetness to any occasion. Enjoy the process of baking and sharing this delightful treat with family and friends. Happy baking!