Bake the Pie Crust
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line the pie crust with parchment paper or aluminum foil and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the weights and parchment paper and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown. Let the crust cool while you prepare the filling.
Make the Butterscotch Filling
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and cook, stirring frequently, until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is smooth (about 2 minutes). Gradually add the heavy cream, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes.
Temper the Egg Yolks
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and cornstarch. Slowly ladle a small amount of the hot butterscotch mixture into the egg yolks while whisking constantly to temper the eggs. Once combined, slowly pour the egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan, whisking continuously.
Cook the Filling
Continue to cook the filling over low heat, whisking constantly, until it thickens and reaches a pudding-like consistency (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
Assemble the Pie
Pour the butterscotch filling into the cooled pie crust. Smooth the top with a spatula and let it cool to room temperature. Once it has cooled, refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours or until the filling is fully set.
Whip the Cream
In a chilled mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Spread the whipped cream over the top of the chilled pie.
Serve and Enjoy
Slice the pie into wedges and serve chilled. For an extra touch, you can sprinkle some caramelized nuts or toffee bits on top before serving.
Tips for Serving and Storing
Serving:
This pie is rich and creamy, making it perfect on its own, but you can also pair it with a cup of coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence. The whipped cream topping adds a nice, light contrast to the rich filling, enhancing the flavor and texture.
Storing:
Keep the pie refrigerated in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Make sure to store it in a cool place to maintain its creamy texture.
Make-ahead:
You can prepare the pie crust and filling a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, just whip up the cream and top the pie.
Variants
Nutty Butterscotch Pie:
Add crushed toasted pecans or walnuts to the filling for a delightful nutty flavor. You can also sprinkle chopped nuts on top with the whipped cream for added crunch.
Chocolate Butterscotch Pie:
For a chocolate twist, melt 4 oz of dark chocolate and mix it into the butterscotch filling before pouring it into the pie crust. This creates a beautiful layer of rich chocolate flavor under the butterscotch.
Vegan Butterscotch Pie:
Substitute the dairy ingredients with coconut milk and vegan butter, and use egg replacers to make the filling vegan-friendly. Coconut cream can be used in place of the heavy cream topping.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make the pie crust ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the pie crust a day ahead. Just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
Can I use store-bought pie crust?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, a pre-made pie crust can save you time without compromising the taste.
How do I know when the butterscotch filling is thick enough?
The filling should have a pudding-like consistency. When it coats the back of a spoon and holds its shape, it’s ready to pour into the crust.
What can I use if I don’t have heavy cream for the topping?
You can substitute heavy cream with whipped coconut cream or use a dairy-free whipped topping if you prefer a non-dairy version.
Can I freeze butterscotch pie?
Yes, you can freeze the pie without the whipped cream topping. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving and add the whipped cream topping right before serving.
Conclusion
This creamy homemade butterscotch pie is a dessert that brings a touch of nostalgia and comfort to any gathering. With its rich, velvety butterscotch filling and a buttery, flaky crust, it’s a showstopper that’s surprisingly easy to make. Whether you stick with the classic recipe or add your own creative twist, this pie is sure to become a beloved dessert in your household. Enjoy it with family and friends, and savor every decadent bite!
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