There’s something deeply comforting about a pie that warms the heart and fills the home with the sweet aroma of butterscotch. Grandma’s Butterscotch Pie has been a cherished recipe in our family, passed down through generations. Each bite reminds us of family gatherings, laughter around the kitchen table, and the love that fills every corner of a Southern home.
Why make this recipe?
This pie is more than just a dessert; it’s a piece of our family’s history. It transports you to the sun-dappled kitchens of yesteryear, where the clinking of mismatched china echoes tales of love and tradition. The creamy, decadent filling dances on your tongue, while the buttery crust cradles it all together. It’s a sweet reminder that the best things in life are often made with simple, loving hands and a little bit of patience.
How to make Grandma’s Butterscotch Pie
To make this delightful pie, you’ll need to gather the following ingredients:
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large egg yolks, beaten
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (9 inch) pie crust, baked
Directions:
- Gather all your ingredients with joy, just as Grandma would have done.
- Preheat your oven to a cozy 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
- In the top part of a double boiler, combine the milk, brown sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Place it over simmering water, stirring constantly. You’ll want to cook this mixture until it begins to thicken—about 20 minutes, but oh, how worth it!
- Once it thickens, whisk in the beaten egg yolks. Continue cooking and stirring until the filling is luxuriously thick.
- Remove the filling from the heat and gently stir in the butter and vanilla, letting the warm flavors mingle beautifully.
- Pour this golden filling into your freshly baked pie crust, spreading it evenly.
- Place it in the preheated oven and bake until the top gets that lovely golden kiss—about 5 minutes.
How to serve Grandma’s Butterscotch Pie
There’s something magical about serving this pie after Sunday dinner. Slice it into generous pieces and let your friends and family marvel at the silky butterscotch filling nestled in that flaky crust. A dollop of freshly whipped cream on top makes it an absolute showstopper. If you’re feeling extra festive, sprinkle a little grated chocolate or a few pecans for a delightful crunch.
How to store Grandma’s Butterscotch Pie
After the last crumb has been savored, store any leftovers in the fridge, covering the pie with plastic wrap to keep it fresh. It tastes just as heavenly the next day—if there’s any left!
Tips to make Grandma’s Butterscotch Pie
- Make sure you whisk constantly while cooking the filling to avoid lumps and ensure a silky-smooth texture.
- For an extra rich flavor, you can use whole milk instead of low-fat.
- If you’re short on time, you can use a pre-made pie crust, but we all know nothing beats that homemade touch.
Variations
While Grandma’s recipe is a gem on its own, you could take it up a notch by adding a touch of sea salt on the top for a salted butterscotch version or even infusing the milk with a hint of bourbon for a Southern twist.
FAQs
1. Can I freeze Grandma’s Butterscotch Pie?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the pie before baking. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking.
2. Is it necessary to use a double boiler?
Using a double boiler is ideal, but if you don’t have one, you can create a makeshift boiler by placing a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water.
3. How can I make the crust from scratch?
Grandma always said that a good pie crust starts with cold butter and chilled water. Combine flour, salt, and butter, then mix in the water until a dough forms. Roll it out and fit it into your pie pan before baking.
Conclusion
There’s a unique kind of magic that happens when we share dishes like Grandma’s Butterscotch Pie with our loved ones. It’s about more than the pie—it’s about the stories we tell and the memories we make while savoring every bite together. To explore more delightful variations on this cherished classic, check out this recipe on Allrecipes or try Grandma Brown’s Butterscotch Pie for another nostalgic twist on this Southern favorite at St. Pete Foodies. So, grab your loved ones and get to baking—there’s nothing quite like sharing the gift of good food with a side of love!
Butterscotch Pie
Ingredients
Method
- Gather all your ingredients with joy, just as Grandma would have done.
- Preheat your oven to a cozy 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
- In the top part of a double boiler, combine the milk, brown sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Place it over simmering water, stirring constantly until it thickens, about 20 minutes.
- Once it thickens, whisk in the beaten egg yolks, and continue cooking and stirring until the filling is luxuriously thick.
- Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla, letting the warm flavors mingle.
- Pour the filling into your freshly baked pie crust, spreading it evenly.
- Place it in the preheated oven and bake until the top is golden, about 5 minutes.