Description
Indulge in the creamy, dreamy delight of Butterscotch Heaven Pie. This no-bake dessert features a buttery graham cracker crust, a luscious butterscotch filling, and a cloud of whipped cream, all drizzled with caramel. It’s easy to make, perfect for any occasion, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. With its rich butterscotch flavor and satisfying texture, this pie is truly heavenly!
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons (3 oz) unsalted butter, melted
For the Butterscotch Filling:
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant butterscotch pudding mix
- 1½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 1½ cups whipped cream (or Cool Whip)
- ¼ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Optional: chopped peanuts or pecans, maraschino cherries
Preparation:
Step 1: Make the Crust
In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix well until all the crumbs are moistened. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie plate. You can use the bottom of a measuring cup to help press the crumbs evenly. Place the crust in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Prepare the Butterscotch Filling
In a large bowl, whisk together the instant butterscotch pudding mix, whole milk, and heavy cream until the mixture begins to thicken. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, brown sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy. This ensures there are no lumps in your filling.
Gently fold the cream cheese mixture into the butterscotch pudding mixture until fully incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture.
Step 3: Fill the Crust
Pour the butterscotch filling into the prepared graham cracker crust. Use a spatula to smooth the top, ensuring an even layer.
Step 4: Chill
Cover the pie with plastic wrap, pressing it lightly against the surface of the filling to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the filling to set completely.
Step 5: Add the Topping
Once the filling is firm, remove the pie from the refrigerator. Spread the whipped cream (or Cool Whip) evenly over the top of the pie. Drizzle with caramel sauce.
If desired, garnish with chopped peanuts or pecans and maraschino cherries for an extra touch of elegance and flavor.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- No-Bake Simplicity: Perfect for hot days or when you want a quick and easy dessert.
- Rich Butterscotch Flavor: The combination of butterscotch pudding, brown sugar, and cream cheese creates an irresistible taste.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable with different toppings and variations to suit your preferences.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This pie can be made a day in advance, making it ideal for entertaining.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve chilled, directly from the refrigerator.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
- Offer alongside a cup of hot coffee or tea to complement the sweet flavors.
Tips:
- Crust Perfection: For a sturdier crust, bake the graham cracker crust at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes before filling. Let it cool completely before adding the filling.
- Cream Cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Topping Variations: Experiment with different toppings such as toffee bits, chocolate shavings, or a sprinkle of sea salt.
- Caramel Sauce: For a richer caramel flavor, make your own homemade caramel sauce.
- Chill Time: Don’t rush the chilling process! The longer the pie chills, the better the filling will set.
Preparation Time:
- 15 minutes
Cook Time:
- 0 minutes (no baking required!)
Total Time:
- 15 minutes (plus 4 hours chilling time)
Nutrition Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
- Calories: Approximately 350-400 per slice
- Protein: 4-5 grams per slice
- Sodium: 200-250mg per slice
Conclusion
Butterscotch Heaven Pie is a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Its creamy texture, rich butterscotch flavor, and customizable toppings make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re looking for a simple treat to satisfy your sweet tooth or an impressive dessert to share with friends and family, this pie is sure to bring a little bit of heaven to your table. Enjoy!
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use a different type of crust?
A: Absolutely! While the graham cracker crust provides a classic flavor and texture, you can easily substitute it with an Oreo crust, shortbread crust, or even a pre-made pie crust for added convenience.
Q2: Can I make this pie dairy-free?
A: Yes, you can adapt this recipe to be dairy-free by using dairy-free graham crackers, almond milk or soy milk, and dairy-free whipped topping. Look for dairy-free cream cheese alternatives as well.
Q3: What if I don’t have heavy cream?
A: If you don’t have heavy cream on hand, you can use half-and-half or more whole milk, but the filling may not be as rich and creamy.
Q4: Can I add other flavors to the filling?
A: Certainly! Consider adding a tablespoon of bourbon for a boozy twist, a pinch of sea salt to enhance the butterscotch flavor, or a swirl of peanut butter for a butterscotch-peanut butter combination.
Q5: How long does the pie last in the refrigerator?
A: This pie will last in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to cover it well with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other flavors.
