Dolly Parton's Butterscotch Pie: A Rich & Decadent Southern Dessert That’s Bound to Sweeten Any Meal

Indulge in a taste of Southern comfort with this delightful Butterscotch Pie, inspired by the iconic Dolly Parton. With a pecan crust that’s both crunchy and flavorful, and a silky, rich butterscotch filling, this pie is a true crowd-pleaser. Topped with a generous dollop of whipped cream, every bite brings together the perfect balance of textures and sweetness. It’s a dessert you’ll want to bring to every gathering, ensuring you’ll be the star of the show—just like Dolly herself.

Scroll down for the recipe!

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The Inspiration Behind Dolly Parton's Butterscotch Pie

A true Southern classic, this butterscotch pie blends rich flavors with simple ingredients for a dessert that feels both nostalgic and indulgent. Dolly Parton, known for her love of home-cooked meals, created this recipe as a nod to the comfort foods that have been staples in Southern kitchens for generations. The buttery pecan crust complements the smooth butterscotch filling, while the whipped cream topping adds the perfect finishing touch. With just a few ingredients, you can create a show-stopping dessert that’s sure to be a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie

• Unique Pecan Crust: A delicious alternative to traditional pie crusts, the pecan crust adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy filling.
• Silky Butterscotch Filling: The rich, velvety filling brings the classic butterscotch flavor to life in the smoothest way possible.
• Simple Yet Elegant: With a few easy-to-find ingredients, you’ll create a dessert that looks and tastes like a masterpiece.
• Perfect for Holidays: This pie is the perfect addition to any holiday dessert table, and it’s sure to impress even the most discerning guests.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 8 Servings):

• Calories: 375 kcal
• Fat: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Protein: 5g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fiber: 2g

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Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie is delicious on its own, but a dollop of whipped cream makes it even more decadent. For a festive touch, you can sprinkle some extra chopped pecans on top of the whipped cream or drizzle a bit of caramel sauce for added sweetness. This pie pairs beautifully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea, making it a great dessert for after-dinner indulgence or a cozy afternoon treat.

Storage and Reheating Tips

To store the pie, cover it loosely with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When serving leftovers, let the pie sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before slicing to ensure the filling has softened slightly. If you prefer a warm slice, pop it in the oven at 300°F for about 5-7 minutes before serving.

Fun Fact: Dolly Parton’s Love for Baking

Dolly Parton has always been known for her love of home cooking, especially when it comes to baking. In fact, she’s shared that she enjoys making pies for her family and friends whenever she gets the chance. Her recipes, like this butterscotch pie, are a reflection of her Southern roots and the importance of comfort food in bringing people together.

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Cooking Tips

• Cool the Crust: Make sure the pecan crust cools completely before pouring in the butterscotch filling to prevent the filling from seeping into the crust.
• Constant Stirring: When making the filling, be sure to stir constantly to avoid lumps and to ensure a smooth, velvety texture.
• Double Boiler: If you don’t have a double boiler, you can create one by placing a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water—just make sure the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water.

Optional Variations

• Chocolate Drizzle: For an extra touch of indulgence, drizzle melted chocolate over the top of the pie before serving.
• Salted Butterscotch: Add a pinch of sea salt to the filling for a delicious salted butterscotch twist.
• Nut-Free Option: If you’re not a fan of pecans or have a nut allergy, you can substitute the pecan crust with a graham cracker or shortbread crust.

Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 1 ¾ cups chopped pecans
• 3 tablespoons softened butter
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Vegetable oil cooking spray

For the Filling:

• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 egg yolks, beaten
• ¾ cup condensed milk, diluted with ¾ cup water
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• Whipped cream, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly coat a 9- or 10-inch pie plate with vegetable oil cooking spray.
2. Make the Crust: In a small bowl, combine the chopped pecans, softened butter, brown sugar, and salt. Mix thoroughly with a fork until well blended. Press the pecan mixture evenly into the bottom and up the sides of the prepared pie plate. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until fragrant and golden brown. Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool. Reduce the oven temperature to 300°F.
3. Prepare the Filling: In the top of a double boiler over medium-high heat, combine the brown sugar, cornstarch, flour, butter, and salt. Stir continuously to blend the ingredients. Slowly add the beaten egg yolks, stirring constantly to avoid curdling. Gradually incorporate the diluted condensed milk, and continue stirring until the mixture thickens and can coat the back of a spoon smoothly. Once the filling reaches the desired consistency, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Assemble and Bake: Pour the butterscotch filling into the cooled pecan crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Place the pie in the oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the filling is set and firm to the touch.
5. Cool and Serve: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool completely before serving. Top each slice with a generous “Dolly-up” of whipped cream for that extra special touch.

Enjoy this delectable Southern dessert with family and friends!

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Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie is a rich and luscious dessert that combines the crunch of a pecan crust with the smooth, velvety butterscotch filling. It's the kind of pie that makes you want to sit back, relax, and savor every sweet bite. Whether you’re making it for a holiday gathering, a family get-together, or just because, this pie is sure to bring smiles and satisfaction to everyone who takes a forkful.