One bite of Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie takes me straight to the heart of Southern comfort. This classic dessert features a luscious butterscotch filling nestled beneath a pillowy meringue, evoking memories of family gatherings filled with laughter and love. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and indulgence, making it a quick yet impressive addition to any dessert table. Not only is it a crowd-pleaser that will charm both friends and family, but it also transforms humble ingredients into a slice of nostalgia that warms the soul. Curious about how to create this delightful Southern treat in your own kitchen? Let’s dive into the sweet world of Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie!

What Makes Butterscotch Pie So Special?

Nostalgic Comfort: One bite of this classic pie transports you to family gatherings filled with warmth and laughter.
Easy to Master: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can conquer this delightful dessert.
Irresistible Flavors: The creamy butterscotch filling paired with a light, airy meringue creates a flavor sensation that’s hard to resist.
Customizable Delight: Feel free to add a sprinkle of sea salt for a trendy twist or incorporate pecans for that extra crunch!
Southern Staple: This pie embodies the spirit of Southern hospitality, making it a must-have for any special occasion or casual get-together. You might also enjoy it alongside a slice of Cheddar Bay Pie for a complete Southern feast!

Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie Ingredients

• Celebrate Southern sweetness with these essential ingredients.

For the Crust

Pie Crust – A pre-made or homemade crust forms the base, ensuring a delightful crunch with every slice.

For the Butterscotch Filling

Brown Sugar – Provides a deep, rich sweetness; consider using dark brown sugar for added complexity.
Unsalted Butter – Adds creamy richness; be sure to use quality butter for the best flavor.
Egg Yolks – Crucial for a silky texture in the filling; don’t forget to separate them carefully to avoid any whites sneaking in!

For the Meringue Topping

Egg Whites – Essential for that airy lift; remember that fresh eggs beat up fluffier than older ones.
Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the meringue while helping achieve those beautiful, stiff peaks; gradually add to avoid any graininess.
Cream of Tartar – Stabilizes the egg whites; don’t skip this step for a perfect finish!

Create this Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie for a delightful taste of Southern tradition that your family will cherish!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out your pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch pie plate, trimming any excess. Prick the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbling, then bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until it turns golden brown. Once baked, set the crust aside to cool completely in the pan.

Step 2: Make the Butterscotch Filling
In a medium saucepan over low to medium heat, combine the brown sugar and butter, stirring until melted and bubbly. Gradually whisk in the egg yolks, blending smoothly as you cook for about 3-5 minutes. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens to a silky consistency that coats the back of a spoon, typically around 10-15 minutes, then remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 3: Prepare the Meringue
In a clean mixing bowl, beat the egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form, about 2-3 minutes. Gradually add the granulated sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while continuing to beat until the mixture becomes glossy and forms stiff peaks, which should take about 6-8 minutes. This meringue will provide a beautiful contrast to the butterscotch filling in your Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie
Once the butterscotch filling has cooled a bit, pour it into the prepared pie crust. Spread it evenly with a spatula for a smooth surface. Then, carefully spoon the meringue on top, using the spatula to create peaks and swirls, while sealing the edges to prevent shrinkage during baking. This impressive meringue topping is what makes Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie truly special.

Step 5: Bake the Pie
Place the assembled pie in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. Keep a close eye on it, as you’ll want to bake it until the meringue turns a beautiful golden brown. The meringue should be lightly toasted and set but not burnt, ensuring the perfect finish for your Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie.

Step 6: Cool Completely
After baking, remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool at room temperature for at least 2 hours. This cooling time helps the flavors meld together and the filling to set perfectly. Serve your pie chilled or at room temperature, and watch as it becomes a beloved dessert at any gathering.

Make Ahead Options

Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie is ideal for meal prep, saving you time and effort during busy weeknights! You can prepare the pie crust and butterscotch filling up to 24 hours in advance. Simply bake the crust, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container. For the filling, cool it completely, then refrigerate in a separate container. When you’re ready to serve, beat the meringue and spread it over the filling, then bake the pie for 10-15 minutes until the meringue is golden brown. This method ensures that your pie retains its delightful texture and flavor, giving you restaurant-quality results with minimal last-minute effort!

What to Serve with Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie

Nothing finishes off a delightful meal quite like the sweet comfort of Southern flavors.

Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla pairs beautifully with the rich butterscotch, creating a dreamy dessert experience.
Fresh Berries: Serve with a medley of tart berries to balance the sweetness and add a refreshing burst of flavor. Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries would be ideal.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds an indulgent touch and enhances the pie’s softness, making each bite even more irresistible.
Nutty Gingersnap Cookies: The spiciness of gingersnap cookies complements the sweetness of the pie, providing a delightful crunch. Serve crumbled on top for added texture!
Sweet Tea: A glass of classic Southern sweet tea adds a refreshing element, perfectly balancing the richness of the dessert.
Chocolate Sauce Drizzle: For those with a serious sweet tooth, a drizzle of chocolate sauce brings an exciting depth of flavor that enhances the butterscotch filling.
Pecan Pie Bars: Serve a slice of pecan pie bars on the side to deepen the Southern dessert experience with a variety of textures and flavors.

Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie Variations

Feel free to give your Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie a personal touch that reflects your family’s tastes!

Salted Caramel Twist: Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the meringue for a delicious contrast that enhances the sweet flavor.
Nutty Crust: Incorporate chopped pecans into the pie crust for a delightful crunch and deeper flavor that complements the butterscotch.
Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the finished pie to add a rich layer of decadence that beautifully contrasts with the butterscotch filling.
Coconut Cream: Fold in toasted coconut flakes to the meringue for a tropical flair that brings sunshine to your dessert table.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon to the filling to create a subtle warmth that elevates the overall flavor profile.
Lemon Zest: Brighten the filling with a teaspoon of lemon zest for a refreshing twist that balances the sweetness of the butterscotch.
Peanut Butter Blend: Swirl in peanut butter into the filling before setting for a creamy, nutty twist that’s irresistible for nut lovers.
Vanilla Bean Infusion: Substitute vanilla extract with fresh vanilla beans to enhance the aromatic notes of the pie. For a flavor boost, consider pairing it with a slice of Cheddar Bay Pie for a delightful Southern meal!

Storage Tips for Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie

Room Temperature: Store leftovers loosely covered at room temperature for up to 1 day to keep the crust from getting soggy.

Fridge: For optimal freshness, refrigerate your pie in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This helps maintain the creamy butterscotch filling and fluffy meringue.

Freezer: Avoid freezing Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie, as the texture of the meringue can become grainy and lose its lightness when thawed.

Reheating: If desired, serve chilled or allow it to come to room temperature for an hour before enjoying. This enhances the flavors and provides a delightful experience.

Expert Tips for Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie

Crust Perfection: Ensure your pie crust is fully cooled before adding the filling; a warm crust can cause the filling to become runny.
Sugar Selection: While brown sugar is key for the filling, using dark brown sugar brings a deeper flavor profile; choose wisely for the best Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie experience.
Avoiding Scrambled Eggs: When incorporating egg yolks into the filling, add them slowly to the warm mixture and whisk continuously to prevent scrambling.
Meringue Tips: Beat your egg whites in a clean, dry bowl without any traces of fat; this ensures the best volume for a light meringue topping.
Baking Vigilance: Keep a close eye on the meringue while it bakes; the golden brown color indicates perfection, but it can shift to burnt quickly if overlooked.

Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the best brown sugar for the filling?
When selecting brown sugar, opt for dark brown sugar for a more robust flavor. It contains more molasses than light brown sugar, imparting a deeper sweetness to your filling. If you’re looking for a lighter taste, light brown sugar will also work beautifully in Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie!

How should I store my Butterscotch Pie?
To keep your pie fresh, store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. You may also leave it loosely covered at room temperature for one day if you plan to enjoy it soon. Remember, keeping it covered helps preserve the meringue from becoming soggy!

Can I freeze Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie?
It’s best to avoid freezing this pie. The meringue can lose its airy texture and become grainy when thawed, which can compromise the delightful experience of this dessert. If you must save it, consider freezing individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to a month, but be mindful of the texture change!

What should I do if my meringue isn’t forming stiff peaks?
Absolutely! Start by checking that your bowls and beaters are completely clean and free of grease. If your egg whites aren’t whipping up, ensure they are fresh and at room temperature. If they still aren’t cooperating, consider adding a pinch of cream of tartar to stabilize your meringue. Beat until the mixture becomes glossy and stiff peaks form.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can definitely adjust the recipe to be dairy-free! For the butterscotch filling, substitute unsalted butter with a dairy-free butter alternative. When it comes to the meringue, you can use egg whites just as usual, and the pie will still set beautifully!

What toppings can I add to enhance my Butterscotch Pie?
The more the merrier! I often sprinkle a bit of sea salt over the meringue for a salted caramel twist that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness. You could also add chopped pecans to the filling or as a garnish for an added crunch. Enjoy personalizing this classic Southern treat!