Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie – The Sweet Southern Comfort You Didn’t Know You Needed

If you’re a fan of rich, nostalgic Southern desserts, Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie is a timeless recipe that brings comfort, flavor, and a touch of vintage charm to your table. This luscious pie, filled with velvety butterscotch custard and baked to perfection, is the kind of dessert that makes people say, “Can I have the recipe?”

In this in-depth guide, you’ll not only learn how to make this pie from scratch, but you’ll also discover helpful tips, variations, serving ideas, and the story behind the flavors that make this pie a classic Southern favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Butterscotch Pie

Inspired by Dolly Parton’s Southern roots: Rich, soulful, and deeply comforting.
Simple ingredients: All pantry staples — butter, sugar, eggs, milk, and cornstarch.
Creamy & decadent: The butterscotch filling is silky smooth and full of warm, caramel notes.
Perfect for holidays & family gatherings: A nostalgic treat that everyone loves.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this old-fashioned butterscotch pie, here’s everything you need:

For the Filling:

½ cup unsalted butter – For that rich, buttery flavor base.
1 cup packed brown sugar – Light or dark, depending on how deep you want the flavor.
3 large egg yolks – For structure and creaminess.
¼ cup cornstarch – Acts as a thickener to give the pie its firm but silky texture.
2 cups whole milk – Adds richness and volume.
¼ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – For aroma and depth of flavor.

Optional for Serving:

Whipped cream
Chopped pecans
A drizzle of caramel sauce

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat and Prepare the Pie Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Use a 9-inch pie dish — either with a pre-baked crust or without, depending on how firm you want the base. You can also use a graham cracker crust for a twist.

Make the Butterscotch Custard Filling

Melt the Butter & Sugar

In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter gently. Once fully melted, stir in the brown sugar until well blended and smooth. The sugar should dissolve slightly and form a glossy, rich caramel base.

Whisk the Egg Mixture

In a separate mixing bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the cornstarch until smooth and no lumps remain. Slowly add in the whole milk, whisking constantly to avoid curdling.

Combine & Cook the Custard

Now, slowly pour the egg and milk mixture into the saucepan, whisking as you go. Turn the heat up to medium and cook the mixture, stirring constantly with a silicone whisk or wooden spoon. Within a few minutes, it will begin to thicken. Once it starts to bubble and reaches a pudding-like consistency, remove it from the heat immediately.

Add Final Touches

Stir in the salt and vanilla extract while the mixture is still hot. This will round out the flavor and elevate the butterscotch taste.

Bake the Pie

Pour the hot filling into your prepared pie dish. Smooth the top with a spatula. Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes. The filling should set slightly and form a gentle skin on top.

Let it cool at room temperature for about an hour, then transfer to the fridge to chill completely for at least 3 hours before slicing.

Serving Suggestions

Chilled: This pie is best served cold. The filling firms up and the flavor intensifies.
Topped with Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream or Cool Whip adds lightness to the dense filling.
Garnish Ideas: Sprinkle crushed pecans, chocolate shavings, or sea salt flakes for contrast.

Tips for Success

Use whole milk for maximum creaminess. Skim or low-fat milk will make the custard too thin.
Don’t rush the thickening process — stir constantly and be patient.
Avoid scrambled eggs by tempering the yolks slowly and cooking over medium heat.
Let it cool completely before slicing — it helps the pie hold its shape.

Variations You Can Try

Add a graham cracker crust instead of traditional dough for added texture and a no-bake option.
Use dark brown sugar for deeper molasses notes.
Top with meringue and bake until golden for a Southern-style twist.
Fold in mini chocolate chips just before pouring into the crust for added richness.

Time & Nutritional Info

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Cooling/Chilling Time: 3+ hours
Total Time: About 3.5 hours
Calories: ~300 kcal per slice
Servings: 8

The Southern Story Behind This Dessert

Butterscotch pie is a staple in Southern kitchens, especially around holidays and Sunday dinners. It’s a pie that tells a story — of family, tradition, and simple pleasures. Dolly Parton herself has often celebrated food as a way of bringing people together, and this dessert embodies that spirit.

With its smooth custard, buttery notes, and caramelized sweetness, this pie isn’t just a treat — it’s a piece of Southern heritage.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a Dolly Parton fan, a lover of Southern cooking, or just someone with a sweet tooth, this homemade butterscotch pie is a must-try. It’s easy to make, irresistibly delicious, and perfect for any occasion.