No-Bake Butterscotch Pie Recipe

Dreamy No-Bake Butterscotch Pie Recipe: Sweet Bliss Awaits!

Butterscotch magic swirls through this no-bake pie like a creamy dream waiting to happen.

Cool kitchen tricks make dessert preparation feel like child’s play.

Sweet memories of grandmother’s classic recipes inspired this simplified approach.

Rich caramel notes dance across a silky smooth filling that melts in you mouth.

Minimal ingredients mean maximum flavor without complicated steps.

Crisp graham cracker crust provides the perfect foundation for luscious butterscotch goodness.

This delightful treat comes together faster than you can imagine.

Whip up this irresistible pie and watch smiles bloom around the table.

Butterscotch Pie That Requires Zero Baking

  • Simple no-bake method makes this pie a breeze for home bakers of all skill levels.
  • Prepare the entire dessert in under 30 minutes of active cooking time, with just 4-5 hours chilling time for perfect results.
  • Rich butterscotch flavor and creamy texture appeal to both kids and adults, making it an ideal dessert for family gatherings or weekend celebrations.
  • Impressive enough for special occasions yet easy enough for casual get-togethers, this pie works perfectly for potlucks, holiday parties, or weekend dessert cravings.

Simple Ingredients for Butterscotch Pie Magic

Crust Ingredients:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs, Sugar, Butter: Classic base with rich, sweet flavor and buttery binding that creates a sturdy, delicious foundation for the pie.
Filling Ingredients:
  • Brown Sugar: Provides deep caramel-like butterscotch flavor, key to the dessert's signature taste.
  • Cornstarch: Natural thickening agent that helps create smooth, stable pie filling.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor complexity and balances sweetness.
  • Milk: Creamy liquid base that supports filling consistency.
  • Egg Yolks: Adds richness, helps thicken filling, and provides silky texture.
  • Butter: Contributes luxurious flavor and helps create glossy, smooth filling.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic background note that complements butterscotch.
Topping Ingredients:
  • Whipped Cream: Light, airy topping that provides contrast to rich butterscotch filling.
  • Butterscotch Chips: Optional garnish that adds extra crunch and intensifies butterscotch flavor.

How to Whip Up No-Bake Butterscotch Pie

Step 1: Create Crunchy Cracker Base

Grab graham crackers and crush them into fine crumbs. Mix crumbs with sugar and melted butter until thoroughly blended. Press the mixture firmly into a 9-inch pie pan, ensuring an even layer across bottom and sides. Use fingertips or spoon back to compact the crumbs tightly. Slide the crust into refrigerator for half an hour to firm up.

Step 2: Craft Silky Butterscotch Filling

Combine brown sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a saucepan. Slowly introduce milk while whisking until completely smooth. Heat mixture over medium flame, stirring continuously until thickened and bubbling gently.

Separate egg yolks into a separate bowl. Carefully stream about half cup of hot butterscotch into yolks, whisking rapidly to prevent scrambling. Pour tempered yolk mixture back into saucepan, continuing to whisk. Bring to boil once more and cook for two additional minutes.

Remove from heat and fold in:
  • Butter
  • Vanilla extract

Stir until butter melts completely and mixture looks glossy. Allow filling to cool for 10-15 minutes.

Step 3: Assemble Dreamy Pie

Pour slightly cooled filling into prepared crust. Smooth surface with spatula until perfectly level. Let pie rest at room temperature briefly before transferring to refrigerator. Chill for minimum four hours or overnight for optimal setting.

Step 4: Crown with Fluffy Topping

Just before serving, blanket pie with generous layer of whipped cream. Sprinkle butterscotch chips on top for extra crunch and sweetness.

Butterscotch Tips to Get It Silky and Smooth

  • Chill Crust Completely: Refrigerate the graham cracker crust for at least 30 minutes to create a firm, crisp base that won't crumble when slicing the pie.
  • Temper Eggs Carefully: Slowly add hot butterscotch mixture to egg yolks while whisking constantly to prevent scrambling and ensure a smooth, creamy filling.
  • Control Cooking Temperature: Stir the butterscotch filling continuously over medium heat to avoid burning and achieve the perfect thick, glossy consistency.
  • Maximize Flavor Depth: Let the butterscotch filling cool for 10-15 minutes before pouring into the crust to allow flavors to develop and prevent a runny texture.
  • Patience for Perfect Set: Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours or overnight to ensure the filling sets completely and achieves the ideal slice-able texture.

Storage Tips to Keep Pie Fresh Longer

  • Store the no-bake butterscotch pie in an airtight container or cover tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
  • Wrap the pie securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Since this is a chilled dessert, avoid using microwave or oven. Let the pie sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly.
  • Always serve chilled for the best texture and flavor. Consume within 4 days for optimal taste and freshness.

Treats That Go with Butterscotch Pie

  • Smooth bourbon's rich, smoky notes complement the butterscotch's deep sweetness, creating a luxurious flavor harmony.
  • Sprinkle crushed, lightly toasted pecans over the whipped cream to add delightful crunch and nutty undertones that enhance the butterscotch profile.
  • The creamy, aromatic coffee balances the pie's richness while its subtle vanilla notes create a perfect dessert companion.
  • Add a scoop of salted caramel ice cream to intensify the butterscotch experience, providing a cool, creamy contrast to the pie's smooth filling.

Flavor Enhancements for Butterscotch

  • Gluten-Free Crust Variation: Replace graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs. Mix with melted butter and sugar, creating a crunchy alternative for those avoiding wheat.
  • Vegan Butterscotch Adaptation: Swap dairy milk with coconut milk, use cornstarch as egg replacement, and substitute butter with coconut oil. Select plant-based whipped cream topping for a complete dairy-free experience.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Use sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener in crust and filling. Reduce overall sugar content while maintaining the classic butterscotch flavor profile.
  • Salted Caramel Transformation: Sprinkle sea salt over the whipped cream and add a drizzle of caramel sauce. This variation enhances the butterscotch flavor with a sophisticated salty-sweet combination.
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No-Bake Butterscotch Pie Recipe

No-Bake Butterscotch Pie Recipe


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4.6 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Silky butterscotch pie delivers creamy indulgence without turning on the oven. Rich caramel notes and smooth custard create a delightful dessert that entices with each luxurious spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale

Filling Ingredients:

  • 1 package (3.4 ounces / 96 grams) butterscotch instant pudding mix
  • 2 cups (480 milliliters) cold whole milk
  • ½ cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream, whipped to soft peaks

Topping Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Garnish Ingredients (Optional):

  • Butterscotch chips
  • Shaved chocolate

Instructions

  1. Craft a textured foundation by blending graham cracker crumbs with sugar and melted butter until uniformly crumbly.
  2. Press the mixture firmly into a 9-inch pie pan, creating an even layer that covers the bottom and sides completely. Use fingertips or a spoon to compact the crumbs tightly.
  3. Refrigerate the crust for approximately 30 minutes to solidify its structure.
  4. In a saucepan, whisk brown sugar, cornstarch, and salt until thoroughly integrated.
  5. Slowly incorporate milk, stirring continuously to create a smooth, lump-free mixture.
  6. Heat the mixture over medium temperature, maintaining constant stirring until it thickens and initiates gentle bubbling, which typically takes 5-7 minutes.
  7. Separately, whisk egg yolks in a small bowl. Carefully stream about half a cup of hot butterscotch mixture into the yolks, whisking vigorously to prevent curdling.
  8. Reintroduce the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan, stirring consistently.
  9. Return to a boil and continue cooking for an additional two minutes to ensure proper thickening.
  10. Remove from heat and fold in butter and vanilla extract until the mixture achieves a silky, uniform consistency.
  11. Allow the filling to cool for 10-15 minutes, maintaining a lukewarm temperature.
  12. Gently pour the cooled filling into the prepared graham cracker crust, using a spatula to create a smooth, even surface.
  13. Let the pie rest at room temperature briefly before transferring to the refrigerator.
  14. Chill for a minimum of 4 hours, preferably overnight, to achieve optimal filling set.
  15. Prior to serving, embellish with a lavish layer of whipped cream and optional butterscotch chips for enhanced visual appeal and flavor complexity.

Notes

  • Ensure graham cracker crumbs are finely ground for a smooth, compact crust that holds together perfectly.
  • When tempering eggs, pour hot mixture slowly and whisk continuously to prevent scrambling and create a silky butterscotch filling.
  • Chill pie thoroughly to achieve a firm, sliceable texture that won’t fall apart when serving.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute graham cracker crumbs with crushed gluten-free cookies or almond meal.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 340
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 250 mg
  • Fat: 23 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Daves Miller

Daves Miller

Contributing Chef & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • American Southern cuisine with a modern twist.
  • Instruction in culinary fundamentals and advanced techniques.
  • Development of recipes that highlight seasonal and local produce.​
  • Mastery of artisanal bread and pastry techniques, from laminated doughs to decorative sugar artistry.

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, Kentucky

  • Degree: Associate of Science Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Specialized in cooking techniques and culinary sciences, hands‑on externships, professional kitchen lab training, and career preparation for restaurants, entrepreneurship, and global culinary opportunities.

White Mountains Community College, Berlin, New Hampshire

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Arts degree
  • Focus: Specialized in comprehensive baking and pastry arts, including bread making, artisan breads, cake decorating and design, chocolates, confections, and decorative centerpieces; product development and baking theory; and career preparation for baker and pastry chef roles in many places.

Daves is the friendly face guiding you through flavorful, fuss-free recipes at Picture Perfect Meals. 

He studied culinary arts at Sullivan University and embraced Baking and Pastry Arts at White Mountains Community College. Daves specializes in comforting meals with vibrant flavors, highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients.

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