Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie is more than just a dessert—it’s a symbol of Southern comfort and Dolly’s passion for food and family. This decadent pie combines the rich, buttery flavor of butterscotch with the crunch of a pecan crust, creating a dessert that is as delightful as Dolly herself. It’s a perfect treat for family gatherings, special occasions, or just when you’re craving a slice of comfort.
For a detailed recipe and expert baking tips, check out Taste of Home’s guide to Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie. This recipe provides all the steps needed to recreate this iconic dessert in your own kitchen.
Dolly Parton’s Culinary Influence
Dolly Parton isn’t just a legendary country singer and philanthropist; she’s also deeply rooted in the culinary traditions of her Tennessee upbringing. Her love for food has been evident throughout her career, and it’s reflected in her family recipes and contributions to Southern cooking. Dolly has often spoken about the joy of cooking for her loved ones and how her kitchen is a place of comfort and love.
One of Dolly’s most popular culinary creations is her Butterscotch Pie. This pie isn’t just a favorite because of its sweet, creamy filling; it also reflects Dolly’s love for homemade desserts. If you want to explore more about her Southern-inspired recipes and the stories behind them, be sure to visit Guideposts for a closer look at Dolly’s kitchen.
In addition to her butterscotch pie, Dolly has shared several other recipes in her cookbooks and has spoken about the importance of maintaining traditional Southern cuisine in the modern age. She has become a voice for Southern hospitality—a warm, welcoming way of life that extends beyond the food itself.
The History of Butterscotch Pie
Butterscotch pie has a rich and interesting history in American cuisine, with variations across different regions. The origins of the pie can be traced back to the early 19th century when butterscotch—a mixture of brown sugar, butter, and cream—was used to create a simple, yet indulgent flavor. While the specific origin of butterscotch pie is unclear, it is believed to have emerged in New England, where it became a regional favorite.
What makes this pie stand out is its combination of buttery richness and smooth texture. The pie filling is typically made from brown sugar, butter, and eggs, cooked to perfection to create a velvety, luscious filling. It’s then placed in a crunchy crust, often made from graham cracker crumbs or pecans, which adds a satisfying contrast to the creamy filling.
Dolly Parton’s version of butterscotch pie adds her signature Southern twist. She uses a pecan crust instead of the traditional graham cracker crust, which enhances the flavor and texture of the pie. The warmth and sweetness of the filling combined with the crunchy pecans makes for a truly indulgent dessert.
For more on Dolly’s frozen pie offerings and how they compare to her homemade versions, check out The Kitchn’s review of Dolly’s pies.
Ingredients for Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie
Making Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie is a straightforward process, but it requires the right ingredients to achieve that signature smooth filling and flaky pecan crust. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:
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For the Pecan Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup finely chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons sugar
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For the Butterscotch Filling:
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups milk (whole or almond milk)
- 4 egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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For the Topping:
- 1 cup whipped cream, optional for garnish
By using these simple ingredients, you can create a pie that perfectly balances sweetness, creaminess, and a crunchy texture from the pecans.
Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie
Now that you have all your ingredients, let’s break down the process of making this delicious pie. Follow these step-by-step instructions to recreate Dolly’s Butterscotch Pie in your own kitchen.
1. Prepare the Pecan Crust
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, chopped pecans, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until everything is evenly coated.
- Press the mixture into a pie dish, covering the bottom and sides of the dish. Bake for about 10 minutes or until the crust is lightly golden. Set aside to cool.
2. Make the Butterscotch Filling
- In a saucepan, whisk together the brown sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add the milk while stirring to prevent lumps.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat. Stir constantly to avoid burning the sugar.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks until smooth. Slowly add some of the hot sugar mixture into the egg yolks to temper them.
- Pour the tempered egg yolks back into the saucepan, stirring constantly. Continue cooking for about 2-3 minutes or until the mixture thickens.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract. The filling should be smooth and creamy.
3. Assemble the Pie
- Pour the butterscotch filling into the cooled pecan crust. Use a spatula to smooth out the top.
- Allow the pie to cool to room temperature. Then, refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set the filling.
4. Serve and Enjoy
- Once the pie is set, you can garnish it with whipped cream or extra toasted pecans for added texture and flavor.
- Slice and serve, and enjoy the rich, creamy goodness of Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie.
Serving Suggestions
Dolly’s Butterscotch Pie can be enjoyed as the perfect end to any meal. Here are some tips to make your pie even more special:
- Garnishing Ideas: Top with a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of toasted pecans, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgence.
- Pairing Suggestions: This pie pairs wonderfully with a glass of cold milk, coffee, or even a warm apple cider. You can also serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I store Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie?
Store the pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to cover it to prevent it from absorbing any odors in the fridge.
Can I make this pie gluten-free?
Yes! You can easily make this butterscotch pie gluten-free by using gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or using a nut-based crust instead. Additionally, ensure that your other ingredients, like the cornstarch, are gluten-free.
Can I freeze the pie?
Yes, this pie can be frozen for up to one month. To freeze, wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then place it in the freezer. Let it thaw in the fridge before serving.
Can I use a store-bought crust instead?
Certainly! If you’re in a pinch, you can use a store-bought graham cracker crust or even a pre-made pecan crust to save time. However, making your own crust will add extra flavor and texture to the pie.
Conclusion
Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie is a delightful dessert that brings together the best of Southern comfort and homemade goodness. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or just for a weekend treat, this pie will surely impress your friends and family. With its rich, buttery filling, crunchy pecan crust, and whipped cream topping, Dolly’s pie is a recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite in no time.
So, gather your ingredients, follow the recipe, and experience the magic of Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie—a pie that’s full of love, flavor, and a touch of Dolly’s charm.
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Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie is a rich, buttery, and creamy dessert with a crunchy pecan crust. A perfect Southern treat that embodies comfort and homemade goodness.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup finely chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups milk (whole or almond milk)
- 4 egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whipped cream (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Combine graham cracker crumbs, chopped pecans, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl. Mix well and press into a pie dish.
- Bake crust for 10 minutes or until lightly golden. Set aside to cool.
- In a saucepan, whisk brown sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add milk while stirring to prevent lumps.
- Heat mixture over medium heat until it gently boils, stirring constantly.
- In a separate bowl, beat egg yolks. Slowly add some of the hot sugar mixture to temper the eggs.
- Pour the tempered eggs back into the saucepan, stirring continuously until thickened.
- Remove from heat, then stir in butter and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour the filling into the cooled pecan crust and smooth the top.
- Let pie cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Garnish with whipped cream before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, drizzle caramel sauce or sprinkle additional toasted pecans on top.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: butterscotch pie, Dolly Parton, Southern dessert, pecan crust