1. Prep the Pie Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out the pie crust and place it in a 9-inch pie dish. Crimp the edges and prick the bottom with a fork.
3. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden. Let it cool completely.

2. Make the Butterscotch Filling

1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the brown sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
2. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth.
3. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil (about 5-7 minutes).
4. In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Gradually whisk in about 1/2 cup of the hot milk mixture to temper the yolks.
5. Pour the tempered yolks back into the saucepan and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until thickened.
6. Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract.
7. Pour the filling into the cooled pie crust.

3. Make the Meringue Topping

1. In a large bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form.
2. Gradually add the granulated sugar, beating until stiff, glossy peaks form.
3. Spread the meringue over the butterscotch filling, sealing the edges.

4. Bake and Serve

1. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the meringue is golden brown.
2. Let the pie cool completely before slicing.
3. Serve and enjoy a slice of Southern comfort!

Tips for Success

• Use Fresh Eggs: For the best meringue, use room-temperature egg whites.
• Don’t Overcook the Filling: Remove it from the heat as soon as it thickens to avoid curdling.
• Customize the Topping: Skip the meringue and top with whipped cream instead.
• Store Properly: Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Serving Suggestions

This pie is perfect for:

• Holiday Desserts: Serve at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter.
• Family Gatherings: Pair with coffee or tea for a sweet treat.
• Potlucks: Transport it in a pie carrier for easy sharing.
• Weekend Treats: Because you deserve a slice of sweetness!

Final Thoughts

This Dolly Parton’s Butterscotch Pie is a rich, creamy, and nostalgic dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and sure to impress. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out in the comments below!