Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie

This Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie is a delightful dessert that will impress your family and friends. The combination of rich butterscotch flavors and a fluffy meringue creates a unique treat perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a holiday gathering, a birthday celebration, or just a sweet indulgence after dinner, this pie is sure to be the star of the dessert table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Decadent Flavor: The rich butterscotch flavor paired with creamy meringue creates an unforgettable taste experience.
• Family Favorite: This pie has all the elements to become a cherished recipe passed down through generations.
• Versatile Dessert: Perfect for holidays, parties, or cozy nights at home, it fits any occasion beautifully.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can create this impressive pie.
• Showstopper Presentation: The golden-brown meringue topping adds an elegant touch that makes it visually stunning.

Tools and Preparation

Before you begin crafting your Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie, gather the necessary tools to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Saucepan
• Whisk
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Pie dish

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients efficiently without spills.
• Saucepan: Ideal for cooking your butterscotch filling evenly over medium heat.
• Electric mixer: Makes whipping egg whites easy and ensures you achieve perfect meringue peaks.

Ingredients

For the Pie 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 Topping

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

How to Make Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Butterscotch Filling

In a saucepan over medium heat, carefully combine brown sugar, flour, and salt. The slow cooking process is crucial for developing rich butterscotch flavor.

Step 2: Add Milk

Gradually stir in milk while whisking constantly. This helps prevent lumps from forming. Cooking slowly ensures a smooth, creamy texture that’s essential for the pie.

Step 3: Incorporate Butter

Add butter into the mixture and continue stirring until it melts completely. The butter adds richness to the butterscotch flavor.

Step 4: Temper Egg Yolks

To temper the egg yolks, slowly pour a small amount of the hot mixture into them while stirring constantly. This prevents scrambling and ensures a silky filling.

Step 5: Cook Mixture Again

Pour the tempered yolks back into the saucepan. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes while stirring until thickened to a pudding-like consistency.

Step 6: Add Vanilla Extract

Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. This adds an aromatic touch to enhance the butterscotch flavor.

Step 7: Pour into Crust

Pour the filling into your pre-baked pie crust. Allow it to cool slightly as you prepare the meringue topping.

Step 8: Make Meringue

Beat egg whites with cream of tartar in a clean bowl using an electric mixer. Start at low speed before increasing.

Step 9: Add Sugar Gradually

Once soft peaks form in your meringue, slowly add granulated sugar while continuing to beat until stiff peaks form that hold their shape.

Step 10: Spread Meringue on Filling

Spread the meringue over the cooled butterscotch filling. Ensure it touches the crust edges to prevent shrinking during baking.

Step 11: Bake

Place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 12–15 minutes or until golden-brown on top.

Enjoy every bite of this delightful Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie, perfect for any dessert lover!

How to Serve Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie

Serving Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie is a delightful experience, as this pie pairs well with various accompaniments. Here are some creative serving suggestions that enhance its rich butterscotch flavor.

With Whipped Cream

• Lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a fluffy texture that complements the creamy filling of the pie.

A Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream

• The cold, creamy vanilla ice cream creates a delightful contrast to the warm butterscotch filling, making each bite irresistible.

Drizzled Caramel Sauce

• A drizzle of caramel sauce over each slice elevates the dessert with an extra touch of sweetness and a beautiful presentation.

Fresh Fruits

• Slices of fresh bananas or strawberries provide a fruity freshness that balances the richness of the pie.

Nuts for Crunch

• Toasted pecans or walnuts sprinkled on top add a satisfying crunch and enhance the pie’s flavor profile.

Coffee or Tea Pairing

• Serving the pie with a cup of coffee or tea can complement its sweetness and make for a cozy dessert experience.

How to Perfect Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie

Perfecting Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie takes practice and attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results.

• Use fresh ingredients: Always choose fresh eggs and quality butter for richer flavors in your pie.
• Avoid lumps: Whisk the filling continuously while cooking to prevent lumps from forming in your butterscotch mixture.
• Be patient with meringue: Take your time when beating egg whites; rushing can lead to a less stable meringue.
• Cool before serving: Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing to ensure clean cuts and better texture.
• Store properly: Keep leftovers in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.
• Experiment with flavors: Try adding different extracts like almond or coconut for unique variations on this classic recipe.

Best Side Dishes for Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie

When enjoying Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie, pairing it with side dishes can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Coffee Cake: A light coffee cake is perfect for breakfast or brunch alongside your pie.
2. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances the sweetness of the pie beautifully.
3. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses provides a savory contrast that complements the sweet flavors.
4. Chocolate Mousse: Rich chocolate mousse adds depth and decadence when served alongside the butterscotch pie.
5. Pecan Sandies: These buttery cookies offer a nutty crunch that harmonizes well with the pie’s texture.
6. Savory Biscuits: Flaky biscuits can be an unexpected yet delightful addition that rounds out your meal nicely.
7. Milkshakes: A creamy milkshake makes for a fun and indulgent pairing with dessert.
8. Tea Cookies: Lightly sweetened tea cookies provide a delicate finish that complements any slice of pie.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie can be a breeze, but there are some common mistakes that can lead to less-than-perfect results.

• Overheating the filling: Cooking the filling too quickly can cause it to become lumpy. Always cook over medium heat and stir constantly for a smooth texture.
• Skipping the tempering process: Pouring hot filling directly into egg yolks can scramble them. Always add a small amount of the mixture to the yolks first, stirring continuously.
• Not pre-baking the crust: A soggy crust is not ideal. Ensure your pie crust is fully pre-baked before adding the butterscotch filling.
• Underbeating the meringue: Soft peaks won’t hold up well during baking. Beat the egg whites until they form stiff, glossy peaks for best results.
• Failing to secure the meringue: Leaving gaps between the meringue and crust allows it to shrink. Spread meringue right to the edges of the crust.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
• Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie can last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• It’s best enjoyed chilled, so keep it cold until serving.

Freezing Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing quality.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 30 seconds intervals, checking frequently until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Place a slice in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently for about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie special?

Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie combines rich flavors with a light meringue topping, creating a delightful contrast in textures.

Can I use store-bought pie crust?

Yes, using a store-bought pie crust can save time. Just make sure it’s pre-baked before adding your butterscotch filling.

How do I fix a lumpy filling?

If your filling turns lumpy during cooking, you can strain it through a fine mesh sieve after cooking for a smoother texture.

Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie a day in advance. Just store it properly in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

What’s the best way to serve this pie?

Serve chilled or at room temperature with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream on top for an extra treat!

Final Thoughts

Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie is an irresistible classic that brings comfort and joy with every bite. Its creamy filling and fluffy meringue make it perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize this recipe by adding nuts or spices according to your taste preferences!