Dolly Parton is an American icon known for her beautiful voice, philanthropic work, and Southern charm. But did you know she’s also known for her delicious homemade recipes? One of her most beloved dishes is Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie, a creamy, rich dessert that brings together the sweetness of butterscotch and the perfect pie crust. Whether you’re an experienced baker or someone who enjoys trying out new recipes, this dessert is guaranteed to impress.
In this detailed guide, we’ll take you step by step through the process of making Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie from scratch. From preparing the crust to creating the smooth butterscotch filling, you’ll have everything you need to make this delicious dessert. Ready to learn how to make this iconic pie? Let’s get started!
Ingredients for Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie
Essential Ingredients:
Here’s everything you need to make Dolly Parton’s famous butterscotch pie:
- 1 pre-made pie crust (or homemade, if you prefer)
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/2 cups whole milk
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for finishing)
These ingredients come together to create a rich and creamy filling that’s perfectly complemented by a buttery pie crust. You can choose to use a pre-made crust for convenience, or go the extra mile and make your own for a fresher taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie
Prepare the Pie Crust
The first step in making Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie is to prepare your pie crust. You can use a pre-made crust, which is perfectly fine and will save you time, or you can make your own from scratch if you prefer. Here’s how to prepare the crust:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- If using a pre-made crust, simply place it into a pie dish and bake it for about 10 minutes, or until golden brown. This will ensure your crust is crisp and ready for the filling.
- If making your own crust, roll out your dough, place it in the pie dish, and bake according to your recipe instructions. You can either bake it fully or partially depending on your preference, but a fully baked crust will help keep the filling from making it soggy.
Let the crust cool completely before adding the filling. While your crust is cooling, you can start preparing the butterscotch filling.
Prepare the Butterscotch Filling
Now it’s time to make the rich, creamy butterscotch filling. This step takes a bit of attention, but it’s well worth it. The filling should be smooth and thick—don’t worry if it seems a bit too runny at first; it will thicken as it cools.
- Melt the butter: In a medium saucepan, melt 1/2 cup of butter over medium heat. Stir it occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add the brown sugar, flour, and salt: Once the butter has melted, add 1 cup of packed brown sugar, 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour, and 1/8 teaspoon of salt to the saucepan. Stir constantly to create a smooth mixture. This will help the pie filling set up nicely once it cools.
- Whisk in the milk: Slowly add 2 1/2 cups of whole milk to the mixture while stirring to avoid lumps. Continue cooking the mixture, stirring regularly, until it thickens, which will take about 5-7 minutes.
- Temper the egg yolks: In a separate bowl, whisk together the 3 large egg yolks. Gradually add a small amount of the hot mixture into the egg yolks, whisking continuously to avoid scrambling the eggs. Once tempered, slowly pour the egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan.
- Cook the filling: Return the saucepan to low heat and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until the filling has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Add vanilla: Once the mixture has thickened, remove it from the heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
At this point, the filling should be thick, smooth, and creamy. Allow it to cool slightly before pouring it into the pie crust.
Assemble and Bake the Pie
Now that the filling is ready, it’s time to assemble the pie.
- Pour the filling into the cooled pie crust: Once the pie crust has cooled completely, pour the butterscotch filling into the crust, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure it’s evenly distributed.
- Chill the pie: Place the pie in the fridge to set for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the filling to firm up and develop its full flavor.
You can top the pie with freshly whipped cream or a sprinkle of toasted coconut before serving to add extra flavor and texture.
Tips for Perfecting Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie
Baking Tips
- Pie Crust: If you’re using a store-bought crust, make sure to bake it until it’s golden brown. This will help keep it from getting soggy when the filling is added.
- Filling Consistency: If the filling isn’t thickening as quickly as you’d like, let it cook a bit longer, stirring continuously to prevent it from burning.
- Chill for Best Results: Allowing the pie to set overnight helps the filling firm up, making it easier to slice.
Variations and Customizations
Want to add your personal touch? Here are a few ways you can modify Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie:
- Crust Variation: For a different flavor, use a graham cracker crust or a shortbread crust instead of a traditional pie crust. These variations add a delightful crunch and flavor to the pie.
- Toppings: While whipped cream is a traditional topping, you can also add caramel sauce, a sprinkle of chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts), or even a handful of chocolate shavings for a fun twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dolly Parton’s favorite pie?
Dolly Parton has mentioned that her favorite pie is butterscotch pie. She loves the rich, creamy filling and buttery crust, which has become a staple in her home. This pie is one of her go-to desserts, often shared with friends and family.
What happens if you use Butterscotch Pie in the Toriel fight?
In Undertale, using Butterscotch Pie during the Toriel fight heals you. When you give the pie to Toriel, it plays a sentimental role, symbolizing her care for the player. The pie restores a significant amount of HP, and its inclusion in the game adds a meaningful, personal touch from Toriel.
Are Dolly Parton pies good?
Yes, Dolly Parton’s pies are incredibly popular! People love her recipes, including the famous butterscotch pie, because they deliver rich flavors and a comforting homemade feel. Dolly’s pies reflect her Southern roots and offer a perfect balance of sweetness, making them a hit at any event.
Does Butterscotch Pie need to be refrigerated?
Yes, Butterscotch Pie should be refrigerated to maintain its creamy texture and freshness. After assembling the pie, place it in the fridge to chill for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This ensures that the filling sets properly and gives the pie the best consistency.
Final Thoughts
There you have it! With Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie recipe, you’re now ready to create a classic Southern dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a holiday, a family gathering, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, this pie will impress everyone who tries it. With its rich, creamy filling and buttery crust, it’s a pie that brings comfort and joy with every bite. Enjoy making this delightful dessert and sharing it with those you love!
More
If you’re loving the rich, caramelized flavors of Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie, you might want to explore other delicious Southern desserts. For more homemade pie inspiration, check out these Strawberry Cheesecake Bars, a creamy and fruity treat that pairs beautifully with butterscotch flavors. If you’re looking for another twist on classic sweets, try this Pickle Pie Pizza—a unique combination of sweet and tangy flavors.
For those interested in traditional Southern pies, you’ll love reading about Dolly Parton’s favorite comfort foods, which include classic dishes like chess pie and pecan pie. Speaking of pecan pie, if you’re curious about variations, check out this take on pecan pie with condensed milk. If you’d like to perfect your pie crust technique, King Arthur Baking offers an excellent guide.
For even more inspiration, explore Quickly Taste for easy-to-follow recipes or visit Southern Living for authentic Southern baking ideas. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or indulging in a homemade treat, these resources will help you create something truly delicious. Happy baking!
Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie
Equipment
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Pie Dish
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 1 pre-made pie crust or homemade
Butterscotch Filling
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 2 1/2 cups whole milk
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter for finishing
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the pre-made pie crust into a pie dish and bake for about 10 minutes, or until golden brown. Let it cool completely.
- In a saucepan, melt 1/2 cup butter over medium heat.
- Add brown sugar, flour, and salt. Stir continuously to create a smooth mixture.
- Slowly whisk in whole milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until thickened (5-7 minutes).
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Gradually add a small amount of the hot mixture to temper the eggs, then slowly pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring continuously until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Pour the butterscotch filling into the cooled pie crust and smooth the top.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to set.
- Serve chilled, optionally topped with whipped cream or toasted coconut.