Irresistible Butterscotch Cinnamon Pie: A Classic Dessert with a Sweet Twist

Indulge in the nostalgic delight of our **Butterscotch Cinnamon Pie**, a truly exceptional dessert that marries the creamy, rich notes of classic butterscotch pudding with the warm, comforting spice of cinnamon. This isn’t just any pie; it’s an old-fashioned treat reimagined, designed to bring a touch of decadence to any occasion. From its perfectly flaky, golden crust to the smooth, luscious filling that melts in your mouth, every element of this pie is crafted for pure enjoyment. For the ultimate experience, crown each generous slice with a dollop of freshly whipped cream, elevating the flavors and texture to new heights of deliciousness.

This sweet and fragrant Cinnamon Butterscotch Pie recipe is an absolute dream for any dessert lover. Our family has cherished homemade Butterscotch Pie for generations, and this innovative twist, infused with just the right amount of cinnamon, has quickly become a new favorite. The subtle spiciness of cinnamon beautifully complements the deep, caramelized flavor of butterscotch, creating a harmonious blend that is both familiar and exciting. It’s a comforting dessert that’s perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or simply when you’re craving a sweet, satisfying treat.

If you find yourself captivated by the alluring taste of butterscotch, we highly recommend exploring some of our other delightful creations. You’ll surely fall in love with our Butterscotch Pecan Pie, featuring crunchy nuts enveloped in a sweet butterscotch filling, or our chewy Butterscotch Brownies. Don’t forget to try our fluffy Butterscotch Cupcakes for a handheld version of this beloved flavor. Beyond butterscotch, we have an array of other fantastic pie recipes that are sure to please, including the rich Toffee Almond Pie, our incredibly simple Easy Pecan Pie Recipe, and the decadent Chocolate Pecan Pie. Each recipe is designed to bring joy to your kitchen and your taste buds.

Why We Love This Indulgent Pie

• Silky Smooth Butterscotch-Cinnamon Filling. The heart of this pie is its incredibly creamy filling. Infused with a delicate hint of cinnamon, this rich butterscotch mixture possesses a luxurious texture that truly melts in your mouth with every spoonful. It’s a harmonious blend of sweet and spicy, creating an unparalleled sensory experience that will leave you craving more.
• Homemade Quality, Minimal Effort. Achieving a pie that tastes like it came straight from a gourmet bakery doesn’t have to be a daunting task. This custard pie recipe allows you to create impressive, from-scratch results with surprising ease. The simple steps and straightforward ingredients mean you can enjoy a genuinely homemade dessert without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Time-Saving Store-Bought Pie Crust. We understand that life can be busy. That’s why this recipe cleverly utilizes a store-bought pie crust, saving you valuable time and effort. While the filling tastes entirely homemade, the convenience of a pre-made crust ensures that this delightful pie is accessible even on your busiest days, making it a perfect choice for impromptu gatherings or weeknight cravings.

Key Ingredients for Success

Crafting the perfect Butterscotch Cinnamon Pie relies on a few simple yet essential ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is vital for achieving that delectable flavor and texture:

• Premade 9” Pie Crust. To keep this recipe as accessible and quick as possible, we recommend using a good quality store-bought crust. It provides a reliable, flaky base without the extra time commitment of making one from scratch. Ensure it’s unbaked as per the recipe instructions.
• Brown Sugar. This is the star of the butterscotch flavor, contributing deep caramel notes and a lovely richness that white sugar simply can’t replicate. The molasses in brown sugar gives butterscotch its distinctive hue and complex taste. Feel free to use our Homemade Brown Sugar Recipe if you prefer.
• Heavy Cream. For an ultra-creamy, luxurious filling, heavy cream is indispensable. Its high fat content ensures a smooth, decadent texture. Make sure it is cold before using, especially if you plan to whip it for a topping.
• Whole Milk. Whole milk contributes to the pie’s rich, custardy texture. Its higher fat content compared to reduced-fat milk helps create a thicker, more satisfying filling. While you can swap for reduced-fat milk, be aware it might result in a slightly less robust and potentially runnier consistency.
• Ground Cinnamon. This aromatic spice is what elevates this pie from a simple butterscotch to a unique flavor experience. Ground cinnamon enhances the warmth and depth of the butterscotch, adding a delightful, subtle kick that isn’t overpowering.
• Vanilla Extract. Pure vanilla extract is crucial for any dessert. It deepens and rounds out the sweet flavors of the pie. Opt for pure vanilla over imitation for the best, most authentic taste, as it truly makes a difference in the final product.
• Cornstarch. This humble ingredient is key to achieving the perfect pudding consistency. Cornstarch acts as a thickening agent, ensuring your pie filling sets beautifully and maintains its creamy, luscious texture without being overly firm.
• Unsalted Butter. Essential for flavor and texture, unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the pie. It adds richness and helps create that signature smooth, velvety mouthfeel.
• Salt. A pinch of salt is vital in sweet recipes. It doesn’t make the pie salty; instead, it balances and brightens all the other sweet flavors, preventing the pie from tasting overly sugary.

Keep scrolling to the bottom of the post to find the complete ingredient list with precise measurements and detailed instructions in our printable recipe card.

Creative Variations and Simple Substitutions

One of the joys of baking is the ability to customize a recipe to your preferences. Our Butterscotch Cinnamon Pie is wonderfully adaptable, allowing for several delicious variations and substitutions:

• Homemade Pie Crust. If you’re feeling ambitious or simply prefer a completely from-scratch pie, by all means, swap the store-bought crust for a homemade pie crust. The effort will be rewarded with an extra layer of flavor and texture that truly makes the pie your own.
• Light Brown Sugar or Dark Brown Sugar. The type of brown sugar you use can subtly alter the flavor profile. Light brown sugar will yield a milder butterscotch flavor, while dark brown sugar will give a deeper, more robust, and molasses-rich taste. Choose according to your preference for intensity.
• Butterscotch Chips. To amplify the butterscotch flavor even further, consider sprinkling about ½ cup of butterscotch chips on the bottom of the baked pie crust just as it comes out of the oven. The residual heat will slightly melt them, creating an extra layer of butterscotch goodness and a delightful texture.
• Gluten-Free Pie Crust. For those with dietary restrictions, adapting this recipe is simple. Feel free to swap the regular pie crust for a high-quality gluten-free option. Ensure the crust is baked according to its package instructions before adding the filling.
• Nutmeg. Add a dash of nutmeg along with the cinnamon for another layer of warm, inviting spice. Nutmeg pairs beautifully with both butterscotch and cinnamon, enhancing the “old-fashioned” feel of the pie. Start with ¼ teaspoon and adjust to taste.
• Omit the Pie Crust. If you’re looking for a lighter dessert or don’t want to deal with a crust, you can serve this rich pie filling as a standalone pudding. Simply pour the cooled filling into individual ramekins or small dessert bowls, chill thoroughly, and top with whipped cream for a delightful and elegant dessert option.
• Add a Caramel Drizzle. For an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal, drizzle store-bought or homemade caramel sauce over the top of the chilled pie just before serving. The combination of butterscotch, cinnamon, and caramel is truly divine.

How to Make Butterscotch Cinnamon Pie

Creating this delightful Butterscotch Cinnamon Pie is a straightforward process, resulting in a show-stopping dessert that tastes incredibly complex. Follow these steps for success:

Step 1. Prepare Dry Ingredients with Milk. While your pie crust is baking (or cooling), begin preparing the luscious filling. Grab a medium-sized saucepan and combine the brown sugar, cornstarch, salt, cinnamon, and whole milk. Whisk these ingredients together until thoroughly combined and smooth. Place the saucepan over medium-low heat to start the cooking process gently.

Step 2. Thicken the Mixture. Continue whisking the mixture constantly as it heats. This continuous whisking is crucial to prevent lumps and ensure the cornstarch fully integrates and thickens evenly. Heat over medium heat for approximately 10-15 minutes, or until the mixture becomes noticeably thick and coats the back of a spoon. It should resemble a rich pudding.

Step 3. Incorporate Egg Yolks. Once thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat. It’s important to let the mixture cool slightly before adding the eggs. This prevents the egg yolks from scrambling. Once cooled a bit, gradually whisk in your prepared egg yolks. The eggs will add richness and help further stabilize the custard.

Step 4. Add Butter and Vanilla. After the egg yolks are fully incorporated, stir in the unsalted butter and pure vanilla extract. Continue to stir occasionally as the mixture sits for another 5-10 minutes. This resting period allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the filling to reach its final, perfect thick consistency. The butter will melt in and create a glossy finish.

Step 5. Fill the Crust and Cool. Once the filling has reached its desired thickness and all ingredients are combined, carefully pour it into your pre-baked pie shell. Smooth the top with a spatula. It’s crucial to allow the pie to cool completely to room temperature on a wire rack before refrigerating. This gradual cooling prevents condensation and helps the custard set properly.

Step 6. Chill and Serve. Once at room temperature, transfer the pie to the refrigerator. For the best texture and easiest slicing, allow it to chill for at least 2 hours, though overnight is highly preferred. The longer it chills, the firmer and more stable the filling will become. Once perfectly set, slice into generous wedges, serve, and enjoy this incredible homemade dessert.

Expert Tips for the Perfect Pie

• Always Use Real Vanilla Extract. The quality of your vanilla extract significantly impacts the flavor of your pie. Imitation vanilla often contains artificial flavorings that can give your dessert a less authentic and sometimes chemical taste. Investing in pure vanilla extract will ensure a deeper, more rounded, and truly delicious flavor profile.
• Whole Milk for a Richer Filling. For the most luxurious and robust custard, whole milk is highly recommended. Its higher fat content contributes to a creamier, thicker, and more decadent filling. If you use a lower percentage milk (like skim or 1%), you risk a runnier filling that may not set as firmly or offer the same richness.
• Unsalted Butter is Suggested. Using unsalted butter gives you complete control over the salt content in your recipe. This allows you to fine-tune the flavor balance, ensuring the butterscotch is perfectly sweet without being overly salty. If using salted butter, reduce the added salt in the recipe accordingly.
• Cool the Mixture Before Adding Eggs. This is perhaps one of the most critical tips for custard-based pies. If you add egg yolks to a hot mixture, they will scramble instantly, resulting in an unpleasantly lumpy texture. Allow the cooked butterscotch mixture to cool slightly (to about 140-160°F or until you can comfortably touch the pan) before whisking in the egg yolks gradually.
• Refrigerate Before Cutting for Best Results. Patience is a virtue when it comes to setting custard pies. Refrigerating the pie for at least 2 hours, and ideally overnight, allows the filling to completely set and firm up. This not only ensures a beautifully stable slice but also enhances the flavors as they meld together while chilling. Trying to slice it too soon will result in a messy, unset pie.
• Pack the Brown Sugar. When measuring brown sugar, always make sure to pack it firmly into the measuring cup. This ensures you’re using the correct amount for the recipe, which is vital for both the flavor and the texture of your butterscotch filling. Unpacked brown sugar measurements can lead to an inconsistent outcome.
• Serve with Whipped Cream (and a Dash of Cinnamon!). To truly elevate this pie, serve each slice with a generous dollop of freshly made whipped cream. The light, airy cream provides a wonderful contrast to the rich, dense filling. For an extra touch of elegance and flavor, sprinkle a tiny dash of ground cinnamon over the whipped cream just before serving.

Proper Storage for Leftovers

To keep your Butterscotch Cinnamon Pie fresh and delicious, proper storage is key. Any leftover pie should be refrigerated promptly. To protect its delicate texture and prevent it from absorbing refrigerator odors, cover the pie pan tightly with plastic wrap. When stored correctly in the refrigerator, the pie will remain fresh and enjoyable for up to 5 days. For the best taste and consistency, allow refrigerated slices to come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving, if preferred, or enjoy them chilled.

Frequently Asked Questions

Discover More Easy Pie Recipes

If you loved making and eating this Butterscotch Cinnamon Pie, you’re in for a treat! We have a treasure trove of other easy and delicious pie recipes waiting for you to explore. Whether you’re looking for no-bake options, seasonal favorites, or chocolatey delights, our collection has something for everyone. Expand your baking repertoire with these fantastic recipes:

• No Bake Hershey Pie
• Buckeye Pie
• Salted Caramel Pumpkin Pie
• Nutella Pie Recipe
• Cinnamon Pie Recipe
• Mincemeat Pie

We genuinely hope you enjoy creating and savoring this delicious Butterscotch Cinnamon Pie recipe. If you make it, please take a moment to leave a comment and share your experience. Your feedback is incredibly valuable to us, and we love hearing from you! Happy baking!