If you’re craving a dessert that’s both comforting and irresistibly rich, then Grandma Brown’s Butterscotch Pie Recipe is exactly what you need to try. This vintage favorite brings together the deep, caramelized notes of brown butter and brown sugar with a smooth, custard-like filling nestled inside a flaky baked pie crust. Every spoonful is pure nostalgia, capturing the essence of cozy family gatherings and homemade love. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking to impress your friends with a timeless treat, this pie promises to be a star at any table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Grandma Brown’s Butterscotch Pie Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, combining to create a luscious texture and a punch of buttery sweetness that is absolutely unforgettable.
- 1/2 cup butter: Browning the butter adds a nutty depth that transforms the flavor.
- 1 cup brown sugar: Provides the essential caramel richness and sweetness.
- 1 1/4 cup milk: Adds creaminess and helps achieve the perfect custard-like consistency.
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour: Acts as a gentle thickening agent for a silky texture.
- 2 large egg yolks: Give the pie its rich, velvety structure and golden color.
- 1/2 tsp vanilla: Brings warmth and a hint of aromatic balance.
- 1 baked pie crust: The buttery, flaky base that holds everything together beautifully.
- Whipping cream: The perfect topping for a light, airy finish.
How to Make Grandma Brown’s Butterscotch Pie Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Butter
Start by melting the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Keep a close eye as it melts and watch for it to turn a beautiful golden brown with a nutty aroma. This browning step is absolutely essential—it sets the flavor foundation for the entire pie and makes it truly special.
Step 2: Combine Brown Sugar and Milk
Once the butter has browned, stir in the brown sugar and milk. Mixing these ingredients together over gentle heat helps dissolve the sugar and meld the flavors, creating a rich, luscious base for your butterscotch filling.
Step 3: Add the Flour and Egg Yolks
In a separate bowl, combine the flour and egg yolks until smooth, then slowly whisk this mixture into the skillet. This step is key to thickening the filling while keeping it silky, so be sure to stir constantly to avoid lumps and ensure perfect texture.
Step 4: Cook Until Thick
Keep the mixture cooking on medium heat, stirring often, until it thickens to a custard-like consistency. This usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of a spoon beautifully and is rich and creamy.
Step 5: Add Vanilla
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. This simple addition elevates the flavor profile, adding a gentle sweetness and warm aroma that complements the butterscotch perfectly.
Step 6: Pour into Pie Shell and Top with Whipping Cream
Pour your luscious butterscotch filling into the pre-baked pie crust, smoothing the surface with a spatula. Generously dollop or pipe whipped cream on top for that classic touch of lightness and creaminess—an absolute match made in heaven.
Step 7: Refrigerate
Place the pie in the refrigerator and allow it to chill for several hours or overnight. This step ensures the filling sets fully, so slicing will be clean and the flavors have time to meld into perfection.
How to Serve Grandma Brown’s Butterscotch Pie Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of flaky sea salt or some toasted chopped pecans on top of the whipped cream adds texture and a surprising kick that complements the sweet custard. A light dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg can also warm up the spice notes beautifully.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh berries to cut through the richness. A cup of strong coffee or black tea alongside offers a delightful contrast and rounds out the dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a wow factor, serve individual slices topped with caramel drizzle and a sprig of mint or recreate mini butterscotch tartlets using the same filling recipe in smaller crusts. Layered parfaits using pie filling and whipped cream in clear glasses make cute and casual desserts for parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Grandma Brown’s Butterscotch Pie Recipe keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover the pie with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to preserve freshness and prevent it from absorbing other fridge odors.
Freezing
While the custard filling is best fresh, you can freeze the assembled pie (without whipped cream) for up to 1 month. Wrap it tightly in foil and plastic wrap, then thaw overnight in the fridge before serving. Add fresh whipped cream after thawing for the best texture.
Reheating
Because this pie is custard-based, it’s ideal served chilled. If you prefer a slightly warmer slice, let the pie sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes rather than reheating which might affect the texture of the custard.
FAQs
Can I use a homemade pie crust for this recipe?
Absolutely! A homemade crust adds a personal touch and even more buttery flavor. Just make sure it’s fully baked and cooled before adding the butterscotch filling to keep your pie from becoming soggy.
Is it possible to make this pie dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a dairy-free milk like almond or oat milk. The texture might be slightly different, but the rich butterscotch taste can still shine through beautifully.
Why is browning the butter so important?
Browning the butter develops deep, nutty flavors that give this pie its signature taste. Skipping this step would result in a less complex, more one-dimensional butterscotch filling.
Can I use egg whites instead of yolks?
The egg yolks are crucial for the pie’s creamy, custard texture and rich color. Using egg whites would not achieve the same thickness or flavor, so it’s best to stick with yolks for authenticity.
How long should the pie chill before serving?
For optimal slicing and flavor, chilling the pie for at least 4 hours is recommended, but overnight chilling is even better. This allows the filling to set nicely and makes serving neater and easier.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never made Grandma Brown’s Butterscotch Pie Recipe before, you’re in for such a treat. It’s a dish that brings warmth and nostalgia with every luscious bite, making it perfect for special occasions or simply indulging your sweet tooth at home. Trust me, once you taste this butterscotch wonder, it will quickly become one of your favorite pies to bake and share. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and make a slice of comfort that’s worthy of the name Grandma Brown!
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Grandma Brown’s Butterscotch Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes plus chilling time
- Yield: 8 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Grandma Brown’s Butterscotch Pie is a classic, rich dessert featuring a flavorful brown butter and brown sugar custard filling set in a baked pie crust. Topped with fluffy whipped cream, this pie offers a creamy texture and deep, caramel-like butterscotch flavor, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tbsp all purpose flour
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Pie Base and Topping
- 1 baked pie crust (9 inch)
- Whipping cream, for topping
Instructions
- Brown Butter: In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and cook until it turns a light golden brown color with a nutty aroma. This step is crucial to develop the signature butterscotch flavor of the pie.
- Add Brown Sugar and Milk: Stir in the brown sugar until dissolved, then gradually add the milk, mixing continuously to combine the ingredients smoothly.
- Combine Thickening Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all purpose flour and egg yolks until smooth. Slowly add this mixture to the skillet, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
- Cook Until Thick: Continue cooking the custard over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Add Vanilla: Remove the custard from heat and stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor depth.
- Assemble the Pie: Pour the hot butterscotch filling into the pre-baked pie crust, spreading evenly.
- Chill and Serve: Allow the pie to cool, then refrigerate until fully set. Before serving, top with a generous amount of whipping cream for a light, airy finish.
Notes
- Brown the butter carefully to avoid burning, as this impacts the pie’s flavor.
- Use fresh eggs for the best custard texture.
- The pie must be refrigerated to set properly; chilling for at least 4 hours is recommended.
- For a richer filling, substitute whole milk with half-and-half or cream.
- Whipping cream can be sweetened with a bit of powdered sugar and vanilla if desired.
