Rich, creamy, and undeniably nostalgic, Butterscotch Pie is a classic dessert that brings warmth and elegance to any table. This vintage-style pie features a luscious brown sugar custard filling nestled in a flaky pie crust and topped with a billowy cloud of golden meringue. The deep, caramel-like flavor of butterscotch—achieved by cooking butter and brown sugar together—is both comforting and sophisticated, making this pie perfect for holidays, Sunday dinners, or anytime you want to impress with a homemade dessert.

Despite its decadent flavor and silky-smooth texture, Butterscotch Pie is surprisingly simple to prepare. The ingredients are humble—milk, butter, flour, and eggs—but they come together to create something truly special. The meringue topping not only adds visual appeal but also offers a light, sweet contrast to the richness of the filling. Whether you serve it warm, chilled, or at room temperature, this pie is guaranteed to delight both seasoned bakers and dessert lovers alike. It’s a beautiful way to showcase old-fashioned flavor with a timeless touch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Classic Flavor – The rich butterscotch filling delivers deep caramel notes without being overly sweet.
Velvety Texture – Creamy custard and airy meringue make for a perfect bite every time.
Homemade Comfort – A nostalgic dessert that tastes like it came straight from grandma’s kitchen.
Impressive Presentation – The golden meringue topping makes it a showstopper on any dessert table.
Budget-Friendly – Uses basic pantry ingredients while delivering gourmet results.

Ingredients

Pie

Dough for a single-crust pie
Butter
All-purpose flour
Brown sugar
Whole milk
Salt
Egg yolks
Vanilla extract

Meringue

Egg whites
Granulated sugar
Cream of tartar (optional)

Variations

Salted Butterscotch: Add a pinch of sea salt to the filling for a salted caramel twist.
Butterscotch-Banana Pie: Layer sliced bananas on the crust before adding the filling.
Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle toasted pecans or walnuts on top of the meringue before baking.
Whipped Cream Topping: Substitute meringue with whipped cream for a simpler finish.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free pie crust and substitute flour with cornstarch in the filling.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Roll out the pie dough and fit it into a 9-inch pie pan. Prick the bottom with a fork, line with parchment and pie weights, and bake at 375°F (190°C) until golden. Let cool.

Step 2: Make the Butterscotch Filling

In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes. Add brown sugar, whisking until smooth. Slowly add milk, continuing to whisk until thickened. Stir in salt.

Step 3: Temper the Egg Yolks

In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Slowly add a small amount of the hot filling to the yolks while whisking constantly. Then pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan and cook for 2–3 more minutes.

Step 4: Add Vanilla

Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Pour the warm filling into the cooled pie crust.

Step 5: Prepare the Meringue

Beat the egg whites until foamy, then gradually add sugar (and cream of tartar if using) until stiff peaks form.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake

Spread the meringue over the warm filling, sealing the edges. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, or until the meringue is golden.

Step 7: Cool

Allow the pie to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use room temperature eggs for better volume in the meringue.
Stir constantly when making the filling to avoid lumps or scorching.
Make sure to “seal” the meringue to the crust edges to prevent shrinking.
Chill the pie fully before slicing for the cleanest cuts.
Use a serrated knife dipped in hot water for neater slices.

How to Serve

Serve Butterscotch Pie chilled or at room temperature. It’s perfect as-is or with a light dusting of nutmeg or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Pair it with coffee or a glass of milk for a cozy dessert moment. It also makes a beautiful finale for holiday meals or Sunday dinners.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover and refrigerate the pie for up to 3 days. Avoid covering the meringue with plastic wrap directly; use a pie dome or tented foil.

Freezing

This pie is not ideal for freezing, as the custard and meringue textures will change. It’s best enjoyed fresh.

Reheating

Do not reheat. Butterscotch Pie is meant to be served cold or at room temperature.

FAQs

1. Can I use a store-bought pie crust?

Yes, a pre-baked store-bought crust works fine for convenience.

2. Is butterscotch the same as caramel?

Not quite—caramel is made with white sugar, while butterscotch uses brown sugar and butter for a deeper, richer flavor.

3. Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the filling a day ahead and store it separately. Reheat gently before assembling.

4. Why is my meringue weeping?

Weeping can happen due to undercooked meringue or excess moisture. Be sure to spread meringue over hot filling and bake properly.

5. Can I use light brown sugar instead of dark?

Yes, but dark brown sugar gives a more intense flavor.

6. What if I don’t have cream of tartar?

Cream of tartar stabilizes meringue but is optional. A small splash of lemon juice can be used instead.

7. Can I use cornstarch instead of flour?

Yes, cornstarch can thicken the filling, just use slightly less.

8. How long does the pie need to chill?

At least 2 hours to fully set and allow for clean slices.

9. How do I keep the meringue from shrinking?

Make sure it touches and seals the edges of the crust before baking.

10. Can I use whole eggs instead of yolks?

No, yolks are needed for the custard texture. Save the whites for the meringue.

Conclusion

Butterscotch Pie is the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves creamy, rich, and nostalgic sweets. With its caramelized flavor, silky texture, and airy meringue crown, it’s as beautiful as it is delicious. While it looks impressive, the steps are simple and approachable, even for beginner bakers. Whether for the holidays or just a cozy night in, this pie is a timeless treat that will have everyone asking for seconds.