Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie

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Absolutely! Here’s a rich, full-length recipe and story for Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie — a beloved Southern dessert with all the charm and nostalgia you’d expect. This includes a warm introduction, full ingredients and instructions, historical background, benefits, pie formation tips, nutritional info, and even a tribute to the pie’s biggest fans (“lovers”).

🌾 Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie 🥧✨

A Sweet Slice of Southern Comfort

🪕 Introduction

If you’ve ever tasted true Southern hospitality, chances are it came with a slice of warm, homemade pie. Few desserts capture that golden, nostalgic essence quite like Butterscotch Pie — especially when inspired by the legendary Dolly Parton. Rich with caramel notes, buttery smooth, and cradled in a flaky pie crust, this sweet, silky treat is a staple at potlucks, family suppers, and porch swing conversations.

Dolly Parton, known for her big heart and even bigger talent, has always cherished simple, heartfelt recipes from her Tennessee roots — and butterscotch pie holds a special place in Southern kitchens and hearts alike.

📋 Ingredients

For the Filling:

  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
  • 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3 large egg yolks, room temperature
  • 2 cups whole milk, warm
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Optional: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth

For the Pie Shell:

  • 1 9-inch pie crust, baked and cooled
    (Use homemade or store-bought. Blind bake until golden and let cool.)

For the Topping (Optional):

  • Whipped cream or meringue
  • Butterscotch chips or caramel drizzle for garnish

🥣 Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

  1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
  2. Add the brown sugar and stir constantly for 2–3 minutes until the mixture is smooth and bubbling gently.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add the warm milk while whisking to temper the yolks.
  4. Slowly pour the milk mixture into the saucepan, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
  5. Continue cooking over medium-low heat, stirring until the mixture thickens (about 5–8 minutes). It should coat the back of a spoon.
  6. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.

Step 2: Assemble the Pie

  1. Pour the hot butterscotch filling into your pre-baked pie shell.
  2. Smooth the top with a spatula and let cool at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  3. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or until fully set.

Step 3: Top and Serve

  1. Just before serving, top with freshly whipped cream or a layer of toasted meringue.
  2. Garnish with butterscotch chips or caramel drizzle if desired.

🕰️ History of Butterscotch Pie

Butterscotch pie dates back to the late 1800s, likely born in the kitchens of thrifty home cooks who knew how to turn pantry staples into magic. Butterscotch — a mixture of butter and brown sugar — was initially a hard candy. It evolved into sauces and custards, eventually becoming the heart of this beloved pie.

In the South, where sugarcane, dairy, and storytelling run deep, this pie became a symbol of warmth and celebration. Dolly Parton’s affinity for such traditional dishes made butterscotch pie a natural fit for her repertoire.

🌟 Benefits of This Pie

  • Nostalgic Comfort: It evokes feelings of childhood and home.
  • Simple Ingredients: You likely have everything on hand.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for prepping the day before a big gathering.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves a silky, sweet filling and flaky crust.

🥧 Pie Formation Tips

  • Blind Bake the Crust: Prevents sogginess and ensures crispness.
  • Use Whole Milk: For creaminess — don’t substitute skim!
  • Strain the Filling: If you get lumps, run it through a fine sieve before filling the crust.
  • Cool Slowly: Don’t rush the chill — the pie sets best when left undisturbed.

🧠 Nutritional Information (per slice, based on 8 servings)

Nutrient Amount
Calories ~320
Fat 17g
Saturated Fat 9g
Carbohydrates 40g
Sugar 29g
Protein 4g
Fiber <1g
Calcium 10% DV

Note: Nutritional values vary with topping choices and pie crust type.

💕 Lovers of Butterscotch Pie

  • Dolly Parton Fans: Drawn by her down-home charm and love of comfort food.
  • Old-Fashioned Dessert Enthusiasts: Those who love chess pies, sugar cream pies, and banana pudding.
  • Holiday Bakers: Looking for a vintage, make-ahead dessert.
  • Grandmas & Grandkids: Sharing spoonfuls across generations.

📝 Conclusion

Whether served at Sunday dinner or gifted to a neighbor “just because,” Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie is more than a dessert — it’s a warm hug in a crust. With its deep caramel tones and silky texture, it honors the legacy of simple Southern sweets and those who pass them down with love. It’s a pie that sings with heart and soul — just like Dolly.

Would you like a printable recipe card, a visual step-by-step guide, or ideas for butterscotch pie-inspired variations (like mini tarts or milkshakes)?

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