Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie
Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie
Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie brings a taste of nostalgia to your table. This delightful dessert is not just a treat; it’s a warm embrace captured in sweet, creamy layers topped with fluffy meringue. Inspired by the beloved country music icon herself, this recipe blends comfort and bliss, perfect for gatherings, special occasions, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth. Let’s dive into all the delicious details!
Why You’ll Love It
One of the most compelling reasons you’ll adore Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie is its rich flavor profile. The combination of brown sugar and creamy milk intertwines to create a luscious filling that bursts with warmth and sweetness with every bite. This dessert excels not only in taste but also in the emotional connection it fosters. Many people can recall fond memories of family gatherings or holiday celebrations, with this pie being the centerpiece, evoking feelings of happiness and togetherness.
Moreover, this pie is surprisingly easy to prepare. Whether you are a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, the instructions are straightforward enough to carry you through without overwhelming complexity. Each step is a joy in itself, allowing you to appreciate the art of baking. Plus, as it bakes, your home fills with a delightful aroma, making the anticipation even sweeter.
Let’s not forget about the aesthetics! A beautifully baked meringue topping creates an impressive visual that will surely wow your guests. This pie offers a perfect balance between creamy and airy textures, making it not just a treat for your taste buds but also a feast for your eyes.
Lastly, this dessert is versatile. It can be served warm, at room temperature, or chilled, adapting perfectly to your preference or seasonal changes. It fits in at any occasion, whether a holiday feast, a summer picnic, or a simple weeknight dinner. It’s truly a dessert that brings people together and creates joyful moments, much like the songs of Dolly Parton herself.
Ingredients
To create Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 pre-made pie crust (or homemade, if you prefer)
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups milk
- 3 egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 egg whites
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 6 tablespoons granulated sugar
The core components of this pie lay a foundation of traditional baking elements. You start with a crust that can either be store-bought or crafted from scratch, offering flexibility based on your preferences or time constraints. The sweet muse of the pie lies in the brown sugar, exuding a depth of flavor that standard white sugar cannot replicate. Flour and salt thicken the filling, ensuring it sets perfectly while enhancing the overall taste. Milk is essential for that creamy consistency that makes each slice of pie a delight.
For extra richness and a hint of nostalgia, we incorporate egg yolks into the filling. The warmth of vanilla extract not only elevates the flavors but also provides a lovely aroma. For the meringue topping, egg whites are whipped to fluffy perfection, accented by granulated sugar and cream of tartar, sealing the pie with a light and airy finish.
How to Make Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie
Step 1
Begin your baking journey by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). If you’re using a store-bought pie crust, head on over to the package instructions for pre-baking. This step is vital to ensure your pie crust turns out crisp and flaky. If you decide to go the homemade route, mix together flour, butter, and a pinch of salt to create a simple crust. Once you’ve prepared your crust, place it in a pie pan and pop it into the oven to bake until lightly golden. This usually takes about 10 minutes. Allow it to cool completely while you work on the pie filling.
Step 2
Next, grab a medium saucepan for crafting the butterscotch filling. Start by whisking together the brown sugar, flour, and salt in the saucepan to eliminate any lumps. Then, gradually add in the milk, whisking as you go to achieve a smooth consistency. Turn on your stovetop to medium heat and stir continuously. It’s crucial to pay attention here; you want the mixture to thicken and come to a gentle boil. Once it reaches this point, remove it from the heat.
Step 3
Now comes the delicate part: integrating the egg yolks. First, temper the yolks by whisking them in a bowl. To prevent them from scrambling when added to the hot filling, gradually pour in a few spoonfuls of the filling into the egg yolks while whisking continuously. This step warms the yolks gently. Once you’ve added enough of the hot mixture, transfer the yolks back into the saucepan with the remaining filling. Stir in your vanilla extract at this stage. Return the saucepan to the stove over low heat and continue cooking until the mixture has thickened significantly, resembling pudding.
Step 4
With your filling complete, it’s time to make the meringue topping. In a clean mixing bowl, beat the egg whites until they become frothy. At this point, add the cream of tartar. Continue to beat the egg whites until soft peaks form, then gradually add in the granulated sugar. Beat until the mixture achieves stiff peaks, ensuring the meringue will hold its shape. Spread the meringue over the cooled butterscotch filling as evenly as possible, making sure to seal the edges to prevent shrinkage during baking. Finally, return the pie to the oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 12-15 minutes, or until the meringue appears beautifully golden brown.
Directions
To prepare Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie, first, pre-bake the pie crust according to the package instructions, or make your own crust by mixing flour, butter, and a pinch of salt. Once your crust is prepped and cooled, move on to create the butterscotch filling. In a saucepan, whisk together the brown sugar, flour, and salt. Gradually add the milk while whisking to achieve a smooth mixture. Heat this over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and comes to a gentle boil. After it reaches that texture, remove it from the heat to cool slightly.
Next, temper the egg yolks with the hot filling by whisking them in a bowl and gradually adding in some of the hot mixture. Once warmed, return this mixture back to the saucepan, stirring constantly to incorporate it. After you’ve stirred in the vanilla extract and allowed it to thicken further, set it aside to cool. Now, for the meringue topping: in a clean bowl, whip the egg whites with cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar until stiff peaks develop. Spread the meringue over the cooled filling, and ensure the meringue is sealed to prevent shrinking. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
Helpful Notes
When preparing Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie, here are a few notes to keep in mind for the best results. First, always ensure that your pie crust is fully cooled before adding in the butterscotch filling. If it’s even slightly warm, the heat can affect the texture of your filling. Second, when tempering the egg yolks, patience is key. Pouring the hot filling too quickly into the yolks can result in scrambled eggs instead of a smooth filling. Additionally, if you find your meringue not holding peaks, it may be due to traces of fat or yolk contaminating the egg whites. Using a glass or stainless steel bowl for whipping can help eliminate this issue.
Lastly, if you have any leftovers, you can always refrigerate the pie, but be mindful—the meringue might weep slightly. If that happens, it won’t affect the flavor, just the presentation. Enjoy the pie fresh for the best texture, but don’t fear leftovers!
Storage & Reheating Tips
Storing Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie should be done with care. Ideally, you want to enjoy this dessert within 2-3 days for optimal freshness. If you plan to store leftovers, simply cover the pie gently with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This preserves the meringue’s texture while preventing drying out or cross-flavoring with other stored foods in the fridge. Place the covered pie in the refrigerator—you want it to be cool but avoid freezing, as freezing can drastically affect the integrity of the meringue and overall pie texture.
When it comes to reheating, it’s best to do so in the oven at a low temperature. Heating the pie in the microwave can lead to a chewy meringue, while gently warming it in an oven can help to maintain the fluffy texture. Cover the pie loosely with aluminum foil to prevent direct heat from browning or hardening the meringue further. You can serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent twist or enjoy it cold.
FAQs
How do I know when my pie is done baking?
The pie is finished when the meringue is golden brown. It should appear fluffy and slightly crisp on the outside while remaining soft inside.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and pie crust a day in advance. However, add the meringue topping just before baking and serving to ensure it retains its texture.
Can I use a different type of sugar for the filling?
You can substitute brown sugar with light or dark sugars, but be aware that light brown sugar will yield a milder flavor, whereas dark brown will produce a more robust one!
What can I use instead of a homemade crust?
A pre-made graham cracker crust or even a chocolate cookie crust can make for a delicious variation if you don’t want to make a pastry crust.
How long should I let the pie cool before serving?
Allow the pie to cool for at least one hour before slicing. This cooling period will ensure that the filling sets properly, making for cleaner slices.
Is this pie suitable for freezing?
While the filling can technically be frozen, it’s not advisable to freeze the meringue. If you must freeze, consider freezing just the filling and prepare fresh meringue when you’re ready to serve.
What’s the best way to slice the pie?
Use a sharp knife to slice through the meringue and filling. For cleaner cuts, dip the knife in warm water and wipe it dry before each slice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie is more than just a dessert; it’s a delightful experience that beckons you to gather around the table and savor the moment with loved ones. With its layers of creamy butterscotch and airy meringue, this pie exemplifies comfort food at its finest. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or simply to indulge in a home-cooked treat, this recipe is bound to bring joy and happiness. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let this iconic pie, inspired by the great Dolly Parton, become a cherished part of your culinary repertoire. Try it out today and let the sweet memories unfold!
Butterscotch Pie
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- If using a store-bought pie crust, follow package instructions for pre-baking. For homemade, mix flour, butter, and a pinch of salt, then bake until lightly golden, about 10 minutes.
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together brown sugar, flour, and salt.
- Gradually add milk while whisking to achieve a smooth mixture and heat over medium heat, stirring continuously until thickened and gently boiling.
- Remove from heat and temper the egg yolks by whisking them in a bowl and slowly adding some hot filling to avoid scrambling.
- Return the yolks to the saucepan, stir in vanilla, and continue cooking over low heat until thickened.
- In a clean bowl, beat egg whites until frothy, then add cream of tartar and continue until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add granulated sugar and beat until stiff peaks form.
- Spread meringue over the cooled filling, sealing the edges.
- Return pie to the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the meringue is golden brown.
