Grandma’s Secret Homestyle Pioneer Woman Butterscotch Pie Recipe

Butterscotch pie emerges as a velvety symphony of sweetness that captures hearts with its luxurious charm.

Caramel undertones waltz through layers of silky filling, creating a dance of pure comfort.

Butter and brown sugar weave magic into every gossamer-light bite.

Decades of family gatherings echo in this nostalgic dessert’s golden embrace.

Delicate pastry cradles a filling so luscious it almost defies description.

Each forkful whispers stories of grandmothers’ kitchens and Sunday afternoon treats.

You’ll want to savor every dreamy spoonful of this irresistible confection that promises pure culinary bliss.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 404 kcal

Servings: 8

Get These Ready for Pioneer Woman Butterscotch Pie

• Egg Yolks: Choose fresh, room-temperature eggs from free-range chickens for richer flavor.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: Select high-fat content cream for silky, luxurious texture.

• Brown Sugar: Pick moist, dark brown sugar for deeper caramel undertones.
• Cornstarch: Use fresh, lumps-free cornstarch for smooth thickening.
• Salt: Select fine sea salt for balanced seasoning.

• Whole Milk: Opt for full-fat milk to enhance creaminess and richness.
• Butter: Choose unsalted, high-quality butter for pure, clean taste.
• Egg Whites: Select fresh, room-temperature eggs for stable meringue.
• Granulated Sugar: Use fine, pure white sugar for glossy meringue peaks.

Helpful Gear for Making Pioneer Woman Butterscotch Pie

• Whisk: Medium-sized, sturdy tool for blending ingredients smoothly.
• Heat-resistant bowl: Medium-sized container for mixing egg yolks and cream.
• Heavy-bottomed pot: Essential for even heat distribution and preventing burning.
• Kitchen thermometer: Precise tool to check filling temperature accurately.
• Large mixing bowl: Spacious container for beating egg whites.
• Electric mixer or hand beater: Perfect for creating fluffy meringue peaks.
• Wire rack: Helps pie cool evenly and prevents bottom from getting soggy.
• Pre-baked pie crust: Prepared base for filling.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensure accurate ingredient quantities.
• Spatula: Useful for spreading meringue and scraping bowls.

Cooking Directions for Pioneer Woman Butterscotch Pie

• Whisk Creamy Foundation

Blend egg yolks and heavy cream in a heat-resistant bowl until silky smooth, creating a luxurious base for your dessert.

• Build Flavor Base

Combine dry ingredients in a sturdy pot, mixing brown sugar, cornstarch, and salt to create a rich starting point for your pie filling.

• Develop Liquid Mixture

Gently introduce whole milk into dry ingredients, stirring until perfectly blended. Add cubed butter to enhance depth of flavor.

• Transform Mixture

Heat pot over medium-high flame, stirring constantly. Cook until mixture boils and transforms into a thick, creamy consistency. Reduce heat and continue cooking to intensify flavors.

• Merge Egg Components

Carefully introduce hot mixture into egg blend, gently warming without creating scrambled eggs. This delicate process ensures a smooth, velvety texture.

• Finalize Filling

Return combined mixture to heat, stirring continuously until it reaches a perfect bubbling point and desired thickness. Monitor temperature to achieve ideal consistency.

• Prepare Pie Base

Pour thickened filling into pre-baked crust, allowing it to settle and cool slightly at room temperature.

• Craft Fluffy Topping

Whip egg whites to soft peaks, gradually incorporating sugar until mixture becomes glossy and forms stiff, cloud-like peaks. This creates a stunning meringue crown.

• Bake and Brown

Top pie with meringue, spreading to cover completely. Slide into a preheated oven and bake until topping turns golden brown and slightly crisp. Allow pie to cool thoroughly before serving for the ultimate taste experience.

Helpful Suggestions for Pioneer Woman Butterscotch Pie

• Cream Consistency Trick: Whisk egg yolks and cream extra carefully to achieve a silky, lump-free base that ensures a smooth custard texture.
• Temperature Control Technique: Use a digital thermometer for precise heat management, preventing egg scrambling and achieving perfect custard thickness.
• Flavor Enhancement Hack: Experiment with adding vanilla extract, bourbon, or cinnamon to the custard mixture for a personalized flavor profile that elevates the traditional pie.
• Meringue Mastery Method: Ensure egg whites are at room temperature and use a clean, grease-free bowl to create maximum volume and glossy peaks for a stunning meringue topping.

Pairing Ideas for Pioneer Woman Butterscotch Pie

• Garnish with Chocolate Shavings: Sprinkle delicate dark chocolate curls over the meringue for an elegant, rich touch that adds visual appeal and extra flavor complexity.
• Pair with Fresh Berries: Serve alongside a small bowl of ripe strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries to complement the creamy pie filling and provide a fresh, tangy contrast.
• Chill for Perfect Texture: Refrigerate the pie for 1-2 hours before serving to help the filling set completely and enhance the smooth, silky consistency of the dessert.
• Add Whipped Cream Accent: Top each slice with a light dollop of freshly whipped cream to introduce an additional layer of creamy indulgence that balances the meringue's sweetness.

Make-Ahead Tips for Pioneer Woman Butterscotch Pie

• Meal Planning & Storage Advice
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Bake this meringue pie up to 2 days before serving, storing covered in refrigerator to maintain fresh texture and delicate flavor profile.
• Smart Refrigeration Technique: Store leftover pie slices in airtight container, keeping chilled for maximum 3 days to preserve meringue's delicate structure and prevent weeping.
• Freezing Caution: Avoid freezing meringue pie, as egg whites lose stability and topping will separate during thawing, compromising taste and presentation.
• Room Temperature Tips: Allow pie to rest at ambient temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to enhance flavor development and soften filling's consistency.

Silky Pioneer Woman Butterscotch Pie Recipe

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• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Butterscotch pie from the Pioneer Woman combines rich caramel notes with silky custard in a flaky crust. Hearty southern comfort shines through each creamy slice, inviting friends and family to savor classic dessert perfection.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk
• 1⅓ cups (293 g) light brown sugar, packed
• 1 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
• 4 large egg yolks
• 3 large egg whites
• 6 tbsps (42 g) cornstarch
• ¼ cup (60 ml) heavy whipping cream
• ¼ cup (57 g) unsalted butter, cubed
• ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp kosher salt

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Instructions

1. Custard Preparation: Whisk egg yolks and heavy cream in a heat-resistant bowl until silky and uniform, setting aside for later use.
2. Sugar and Dry Ingredient Blend: In a sturdy pot, combine brown sugar, cornstarch, and salt, whisking thoroughly to eliminate potential lumps.
3. Liquid Integration: Slowly introduce whole milk into dry ingredients, stirring continuously to create a smooth liquid, then fully incorporate cubed butter.
4. Heating and Thickening: Position pot over medium-high heat, stirring vigilantly to prevent scorching. Allow mixture to reach boiling point and thicken substantially, approximately 5 minutes, then reduce heat to medium-low and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
5. Egg Tempering: Carefully introduce small quantities of hot mixture into egg yolk blend, gently raising temperature without curdling. Transfer tempered eggs back to original pot, mixing thoroughly.
6. Final Cooking: Return pot to medium heat, stirring persistently until mixture reaches 190° to 200°F (88° to 93°C), ensuring a rich, smooth consistency.
7. Filling and Crust: Gently pour thickened filling into pre-baked pie crust, allowing it to settle for 10 minutes at room temperature.
8. Meringue Creation: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Using a mixer, whip egg whites until soft peaks form, then gradually incorporate granulated sugar, beating until stiff, glossy peaks emerge.
9. Topping and Baking: Spread meringue across cooled filling with decorative swirls, then bake for approximately 10 minutes until golden-brown.
10. Cooling and Setting: Remove from oven and cool completely on a wire rack for three hours, enabling filling to set and flavors to meld.

Notes

• Prevent Lumps Carefully: Whisk brown sugar, cornstarch, and salt thoroughly to eliminate any potential clumps, ensuring a smooth custard base.
• Temperature Control Matters: Use a reliable kitchen thermometer to monitor the mixture’s temperature, aiming for 190° to 200°F to achieve the perfect filling consistency.
• Temper Eggs Gently: Slowly incorporate hot mixture into egg yolks by adding small amounts at a time, preventing curdling and maintaining a silky texture.
• Meringue Perfection Technique: Gradually add sugar while beating egg whites to create stiff, glossy peaks that will provide a beautiful golden-brown topping when baked.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 404
• Sugar: 40 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 186 mg