Rich, buttery, and wonderfully comforting, Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie is an old-fashioned dessert with a deep brown-sugar flavor and a silky, custard-like filling. The combination of melted butter, brown sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla creates a sweet butterscotch flavor inside a flaky pie crust.
It’s simple enough for a weekend dessert but special enough for holidays, family gatherings, and Sunday dinners. Serve each slice with a generous spoonful of whipped cream for the perfect finishing touch.
Ingredients
For the Pie
- 1 (9-inch) unbaked refrigerated pie crust
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For Serving
- Whipped cream, optional
- Extra brown sugar, optional
- Caramel sauce, optional
Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Place the refrigerated pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish. Gently press the crust into the bottom and sides of the dish, then crimp the edges as desired.
2. Prepare the Butterscotch Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and packed brown sugar.
Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Add the heavy cream, lightly beaten eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. Continue whisking gently until everything is incorporated and the filling is smooth.
Avoid vigorously beating the mixture, as you don’t want to incorporate too much air.
3. Fill the Pie Crust
Pour the butterscotch mixture slowly into the unbaked pie crust.
If necessary, gently smooth the surface with a spatula.
4. Bake
Place the pie on the center rack of the preheated oven.
Bake for approximately 45–55 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle when gently moved.
If the crust begins to brown too quickly, loosely cover the edges with aluminum foil during the remaining baking time.
5. Cool Completely
Remove the pie from the oven and place it on a wire rack.
Allow it to cool completely, preferably for 2 hours, before slicing.
The filling will continue to set as it cools, giving you cleaner slices and a creamy, rich texture.
6. Serve
Slice the cooled pie and top each piece with whipped cream if desired.
For an extra indulgent dessert, add a light drizzle of caramel sauce or a small sprinkle of brown sugar before serving.
Helpful Tips
Pack the brown sugar firmly: Properly packed brown sugar provides the rich, molasses-like flavor that makes this pie taste like classic butterscotch.
Use room-temperature eggs: They blend more easily with the butter and cream, resulting in a smoother filling.
Don’t overbake: The center should still have a slight jiggle when the pie is removed from the oven. It will firm up as it cools.
Protect the crust: If the edges become golden before the filling is finished, cover them loosely with foil.
Allow plenty of cooling time: Cutting the pie while it’s still hot can result in a filling that hasn’t fully set.
Serving Suggestions
This pie is delicious on its own, but it pairs beautifully with creamy toppings.
Try serving it with:
- Whipped cream
- Vanilla ice cream
- Caramel sauce
- Chopped pecans
- A sprinkle of flaky sea salt
- A light dusting of cinnamon
For a holiday presentation, top the entire pie with decorative swirls of whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel just before serving.
Storage
Cover the cooled pie tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Keep the pie chilled until you’re ready to serve.
Make-Ahead Instructions
This pie is an excellent make-ahead dessert. Bake it the day before serving and allow it to cool completely before refrigerating.
Add whipped cream and other toppings immediately before serving for the freshest presentation.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 45–55 minutes
Cooling Time: 2 hours
Total Time: Approximately 3 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Category: Pie
Final Thoughts
Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie is a wonderfully simple dessert built around classic ingredients. The melted butter and brown sugar create a rich butterscotch base, while heavy cream gives the filling a smooth, luxurious texture.
Serve a chilled slice with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, and you’ll have an old-fashioned dessert that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends.