27/04/2026
Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie
Ingredients
Flaky Crust:
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cubed
3-4 Tbsp ice-cold water
Butterscotch Filling:
1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/2 tsp salt
2 1/2 cups whole milk
3 large egg yolks, lightly beaten
4 Tbsp unsalted butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
Topping:
1/2 cup chopped pecans
Caramel sauce, for drizzling
Instructions
Prepare the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Cut the cold, cubed unsalted butter into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingers until it resembles coarse, pea-sized crumbs. Drizzle in the ice-cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, gently tossing until the dough just begins to hold together. Form it into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Blind Bake the Crust: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish, crimping the edges. Prick the bottom with a fork, line the crust with parchment paper, and fill with pie weights (or dried beans). Bake for 15 minutes, remove the weights and parchment, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until golden brown. Let the crust cool completely.
Cook the Filling Base: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the light brown sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually whisk in the whole milk until smooth. Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture begins to simmer and thicken (about 5-7 minutes).
Temper the Egg Yolks: Take about 1/2 cup of the hot brown sugar mixture and slowly drizzle it into the bowl with the lightly beaten egg yolks, whisking vigorously to temper the eggs so they don't scramble.
Finish the Filling: Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the rest of the filling. Continue to cook and stir constantly over medium heat for another 2 minutes until the filling is thick and pudding-like. Remove from heat, then gently stir in the unsalted butter and vanilla extract until completely melted and smooth.
Assemble and Chill: Pour the warm butterscotch filling into your pre-baked and cooled pie crust. To prevent a skin from forming, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the warm filling. Chill the pie in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or until completely firm and set.
Garnish: Just before slicing and serving, sprinkle the center of the pie with chopped pecans and drizzle generously with caramel sauce to match the photo