Decadent Butterscotch Pecan Pie: A Gooey, Buttery, and Flaky Holiday Masterpiece

Indulge in the rich and unforgettable flavor of our Butterscotch Pecan Pie. This luxurious dessert takes the beloved classic pecan pie to a new level with a luscious, gooey butterscotch filling, an abundance of buttery, crunchy pecans, all nestled within a perfectly flaky crust. It’s truly the ultimate holiday dessert, guaranteed to be the star of your Thanksgiving or Christmas table, or any special occasion that calls for something extraordinary.

This Butterscotch Pecan Pie is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures. It’s a rich and decadent twist on the classic Pecan Pie Recipe, seamlessly blending a sweet, caramel-like butterscotch filling with the satisfying crunch of toasted pecans. The foundation of this exquisite treat is a delicate, flaky, and buttery pie crust that perfectly complements the rich interior. This easy-to-follow pie recipe is a showstopper, making it ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any gathering where you want to impress your guests with an indulgent and unforgettable dessert.

The unique combination of butterscotch’s deep caramel notes and the earthy flavor of pecans creates a harmonious balance that is both familiar and exciting. Each bite delivers a delightful mix of sweet, nutty, and buttery sensations, making this butterscotch pecan pie an instant holiday favorite. If you’re a fan of pecan desserts, you might also enjoy our Texas Pecan Pie, Pecan Pie Cheesecake Recipe, or Pecan Pie Cookies for more irresistible treats.

Why We Love This Recipe

• Rich flavor combination – This pie offers an unparalleled taste experience. The sweet, buttery, and slightly salty notes of butterscotch perfectly intertwine with the earthy, rich flavor of pecans. This pairing creates a depth of flavor that is both comforting and sophisticated, making it a standout dessert that satisfies even the most discerning palates. It’s a harmonious blend that feels both familiar and excitingly new, elevating the traditional pecan pie to an extraordinary level.
• Easy to make – Don’t let its decadent appearance fool you; this pie is surprisingly simple to prepare. Using readily available pantry ingredients and requiring just a few straightforward steps, it’s an approachable recipe for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned pros. The process is designed to be hassle-free, allowing you to create a stunning dessert without unnecessary stress or complex techniques.
• Flaky, buttery crust – The foundation of any great pie is its crust, and this recipe delivers. A tender, flaky, and rich buttery crust provides the ideal textural contrast to the gooey filling. It’s the perfect vessel for the butterscotch and pecans, adding another layer of flavor and a satisfying crispness to every single bite. Whether you use a homemade or store-bought crust, ensure it’s of good quality for the best results.
• Holiday-ready – With its beautiful golden-brown top, glistening filling, and festive aroma, this pie is a show-stopping dessert that naturally belongs on any holiday spread. It’s perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings, Christmas dinners, or any special occasion where you want to serve something truly memorable. Its impressive presentation makes it feel incredibly special and celebratory.
• Make-ahead friendly – Reduce holiday stress by preparing this pie in advance. This butterscotch pecan pie sets beautifully and maintains its exquisite texture and flavor for days after baking. You can easily bake it a day or even two ahead of time, allowing you more flexibility for entertaining and ensuring you have a perfect dessert ready to go when guests arrive. Simply cover and store as directed, then bring it to room temperature or gently warm it before serving.

Ingredients

Crafting the perfect Butterscotch Pecan Pie starts with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that rich, gooey, and irresistibly delicious result.

• Butterscotch Chips – These are the heart of our pie’s unique flavor. Opt for a high-quality brand of butterscotch chips to ensure a smooth melt and a rich, authentic caramel-like taste. They provide the signature sweetness and depth that truly defines this dessert.
• Butter – Melted butter contributes essential richness and helps create the luxuriously gooey texture of the filling. We recommend using unsalted butter, as it allows you to control the overall saltiness of the pie, ensuring it perfectly balances with the sweetness of the butterscotch.
• Eggs – Eggs act as the crucial binder for the filling, giving the pie its characteristic custard-like consistency when baked. Ensure they are lightly beaten before incorporating them into the mixture for a smooth, uniform texture.
• Light Corn Syrup – This ingredient is indispensable for achieving a beautifully smooth, glossy filling that sets up perfectly without becoming grainy. It adds sweetness while also preventing sugar crystallization, resulting in that delightful, slightly chewy texture.
• Vanilla Extract – A touch of pure vanilla extract enhances all the other flavors in the pie, adding a warm, aromatic depth that rounds out the sweetness of the butterscotch. Always choose pure vanilla over imitation for the best taste.
• Pecans – The star of the show alongside the butterscotch! Pecan halves are ideal for presentation, creating a stunning visual on top of the pie and ensuring a satisfying crunch in every slice. However, a mix of halves and pieces works perfectly fine if that’s what you have on hand. Consider lightly toasting them for an even deeper, nuttier flavor.
• Pie Crust – An unbaked pie crust is required since the filling bakes directly in it. You have the flexibility to use our simple 3 Ingredient Pie Crust Recipe for a homemade touch, or opt for a store-bought crust for ultimate convenience. Either way, make sure it’s a 9-inch crust to accommodate the filling.

For a complete list of ingredients with precise measurements and the full recipe, please scroll to the bottom of the post to see the detailed recipe card.

Variations

While the classic Butterscotch Pecan Pie is absolutely divine, there are many ways to customize it and add your own creative twist. Experiment with these variations to find your new favorite!

• Chocolate Butterscotch Pecan Pie – For an even richer and more indulgent experience, try adding ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the filling. The chocolate melts into the butterscotch, creating a marbled effect and a complex flavor profile that chocoholics will adore. It’s a perfect blend of sweet and slightly bitter notes.
• Dark Corn Syrup – If you prefer a deeper, more robust flavor with hints of molasses, swap out the light corn syrup for dark corn syrup. This will give your pie a darker color and a more intense, old-fashioned sweetness that can be particularly appealing during the cooler months.
• Salted Caramel Drizzle – Elevate your baked pie with a generous drizzle of homemade or store-bought salted caramel sauce. The touch of salt perfectly cuts through the sweetness of the butterscotch, creating an addictive sweet and salty dynamic that makes the pie feel even more gourmet.
• Mini Pecan Pies – Perfect for parties, holiday buffets, or individual servings, transform this recipe into mini pies. Simply use muffin tins lined with mini pie crusts. Adjust the baking time, as smaller pies will cook much faster, typically around 20-30 minutes. These bite-sized treats are always a hit!
• Nut Mix – Don’t be afraid to branch out from just pecans. Replace some of the pecans with other complementary nuts like walnuts, hazelnuts, or even a blend of all three. Walnuts offer a slightly more bitter, earthy note, while hazelnuts bring a delicate, buttery sweetness, creating a unique and delicious flavor combination.
• Spiced Butterscotch Pecan Pie – Introduce a touch of warmth by adding 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg and cloves to the filling mixture. These spices will enhance the holiday flavor profile beautifully.

Step By Step Instructions

Creating this delicious Butterscotch Pecan Pie is easier than you think. Follow these detailed steps to achieve a perfectly gooey and nutty dessert.

Step 1 – Prepare the Butterscotch Base. Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). In a large, microwave-safe bowl (or a double boiler for a stovetop method), combine the butterscotch chips and melted butter. Heat in 30-second intervals in the microwave, stirring thoroughly after each interval, until the chips are completely melted and smoothly combined with the butter. This ensures a consistent and lump-free butterscotch base for your filling.

Step 2 – Create the Gooey Filling. Allow the melted butterscotch mixture to cool slightly to prevent the eggs from cooking prematurely. Once it’s just warm, whisk in the light corn syrup, lightly beaten eggs, and vanilla extract until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth. Ensure there are no streaks and the filling has a uniform color and consistency. This step forms the rich, custard-like base of your pie.

Step 3 – Add the Pecans. Gently stir the pecan halves into the butterscotch filling. Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture so that every slice of pie gets a generous amount of crunchy pecans. If desired, reserve a small handful of pecan halves to arrange decoratively on top of the pie before baking.

Step 4 – Pour, Bake, and Cool. Carefully pour the pecan-butterscotch filling into your unbaked 9-inch pie crust. Transfer the pie to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 50-60 minutes. The pie is done when the edges of the filling are set and lightly browned, but the center still has a slight jiggle. This indicates that it’s perfectly cooked and will firm up as it cools. Remove the pie from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling process is crucial for the filling to fully set, which will take at least 2 hours. Once cooled, your delicious Butterscotch Pecan Pie is ready to slice, serve, and enjoy!

Expert Tips

Achieving a perfect Butterscotch Pecan Pie is all about the details. These expert tips will help ensure your pie is a showstopper every time:

• Toast the pecans – This simple step makes a world of difference in flavor. Lightly toasting your pecans before adding them to the filling significantly enhances their natural nutty flavor and adds an extra layer of crunch. You can toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, or spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes. Watch them closely to prevent burning.
• Use room temperature eggs – This is a crucial tip for a smooth and well-incorporated filling. Room temperature eggs mix more evenly with the butterscotch and corn syrup mixture, creating a homogenous custard-like filling. Cold eggs can cause the mixture to seize or curdle during baking, leading to an inconsistent texture.
• Prevent over-browning – Pecan pies, especially with their sugary filling and crust, can brown quickly. To prevent the edges of your pie crust from burning before the filling is fully cooked, cover them with aluminum foil or a reusable pie shield about halfway through the baking process. Remove the shield for the last 10-15 minutes if you want the very center to brown slightly.
• Check for doneness – Knowing when your pie is perfectly baked is key. The pie is ready when the filling is set around the edges and appears firm, but the very center (about a 2-inch circle) still has a slight jiggle when gently shaken. Don’t overbake, as this can lead to a dry, crumbly filling. The residual heat will continue to cook the center as it cools.
• Cool completely before slicing – Patience is a virtue when it comes to pecan pie! It’s absolutely essential to allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack for at least 2 hours, or even longer. This crucial step allows the gooey butterscotch filling to fully set, ensuring you get clean, neat, and impressive slices without the filling oozing out.
• Make ahead – This pie is an excellent candidate for advance preparation, making your holiday cooking much less stressful. You can bake this pie a day or two in advance. Once completely cooled, cover it loosely with plastic wrap or foil and store it at room temperature until you’re ready to serve.
• Avoid over-mixing the filling – Once you’ve whisked in the eggs, corn syrup, and vanilla, gently fold in the pecans. Over-mixing can incorporate too much air, which might lead to cracks on the pie surface during baking.

Serving Suggestions

While Butterscotch Pecan Pie is absolutely delicious on its own, a few additions can take it from fantastic to truly unforgettable. Here are some of our favorite ways to serve this decadent dessert:

• Whipped Cream. A generous dollop of freshly made or store-bought whipped cream is a classic pairing. The light, airy cream provides a wonderful contrast to the rich, dense pie filling. You can even infuse your homemade whipped cream with a touch of vanilla, bourbon, or even a hint of maple syrup for an extra special touch.
• Vanilla Ice Cream. Serving each warm slice with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream is pure bliss. The cold, melting ice cream creates a delightful temperature contrast and adds a layer of creamy texture that complements the gooey filling and crunchy pecans. While we adore No Churn Vanilla Ice Cream, feel free to use your favorite flavor – butter pecan or even a coffee-flavored ice cream would be exquisite!
• Butterscotch Drizzle or Sauce. If you’re feeling extra decadent, an additional drizzle of warm butterscotch sauce over the top of each slice amplifies the pie’s signature flavor. It adds a beautiful sheen and an extra layer of gooey sweetness that is truly luxurious.
• Butterscotch Chips. For an added boost of butterscotch flavor and a slight textural variation, sprinkle a few extra butterscotch chips on top of the pie just before serving, or even over a dollop of whipped cream. They’ll soften slightly from the pie’s warmth.
• Nuts. Enhance the nutty goodness by sprinkling some freshly crushed or chopped pecans on top. For an even more impressive presentation, you can dollop whipped cream onto each slice and then lightly sprinkle the chopped nuts over the cream. A light toast on these additional nuts will bring out their flavor even more.
• A Sprinkle of Sea Salt: A tiny pinch of flaky sea salt sprinkled over the top of the pie just before serving can beautifully balance the sweetness and highlight the caramel notes of the butterscotch.

Storage

Proper storage is key to keeping your Butterscotch Pecan Pie fresh and delicious for as long as possible. Here’s how to store it, whether you plan to enjoy it within a day or save it for later:

Room Temperature – After the pie has completely cooled on a wire rack (which is essential for the filling to set), you can store it at room temperature for up to 2 days. To do so, cover the pie loosely with foil or plastic wrap to protect it from drying out and external elements. It’s best kept in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Refrigerator – For extended freshness and to maintain its optimal texture, especially in warmer climates, it’s best to store the pie in the refrigerator. Once cooled, place the pie inside an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then a layer of aluminum foil. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 4–5 days. For the best flavor and texture, allow the pie to sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before serving, or gently warm individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds.

Freezer – Yes, you can freeze Butterscotch Pecan Pie! This is a fantastic option for making it well in advance or for saving leftovers. Once the pie is fully cooled, wrap it tightly in several layers of plastic wrap, ensuring no air can get in. Then, wrap it again in a layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil. You can freeze the entire pie for up to 2 months. To thaw, simply unwrap the frozen pie and let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator. You can then let it come to room temperature or warm it slightly before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Easy Pie Recipes

If you loved making this Butterscotch Pecan Pie, you’re sure to enjoy these other simple yet delicious pie recipes that are perfect for any occasion:

• Pumpkin Pie Recipe
• Cinnamon Roll Pie Recipe
• Sweet Potato Pecan Pie
• Pecan Pie Recipe
• Butterscotch Pie

More Pecan Desserts

Can’t get enough of pecans? Explore these other delightful pecan-centric desserts that are perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings:

• Butter Pecan Cheesecake
• Air Fryer Candied Pecans
• Pecan Pie Ice Cream Recipe
• Pecan Pie Bars
• Paula Deen Pecan Pie Recipe
• Chocolate Pecan Pie

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