If comfort food had a crown, I’d place it right on top of Butterscotch Heaven Pie. This dreamy little number layers a buttery graham cracker crust with a silky butterscotch cream filling, then finishes with a fluffy cloud of whipped cream and caramel drizzle. The name says it all—it’s like spooning into a slice of heaven.
What I love most? It’s surprisingly easy, but tastes like you snuck into a fancy bakery. Whether you’re bringing dessert to Thanksgiving, a casual potluck, or just celebrating making it through another Tuesday, this pie is your golden ticket.
And let’s be honest: sometimes we don’t want complicated, three-page recipes with 12 bowls to wash. We want quick, comforting, and just a little indulgent. That’s exactly what this pie delivers.
So grab your pie dish and let’s make some sweet magic!
Why You’ll Love This Butterscotch Heaven Pie
- Easy elegance: Only 30 minutes of hands-on prep, then the fridge does the rest.
- Family favorite: Butterscotch is nostalgic, and the silky filling makes everyone swoon.
- Make-ahead magic: Perfect for holidays or busy weeks.
- Balanced sweetness: Rich butterscotch paired with a light, fluffy topping.
- Crowd-pleaser: This pie disappears faster than you can say “save me a slice.”
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Butterscotch Filling:
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant butterscotch pudding mix
- 1½ cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 1½ cups whipped cream or Cool Whip
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
Make the Crust
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter in a medium bowl.
- Press into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie dish.
- Bake 8–10 minutes. Cool completely.
Prepare the Filling
- Beat softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Add pudding mix, milk, cream, brown sugar, and vanilla.
- Whip until thick and creamy, 2–3 minutes.
Assemble the Pie
- Pour filling into cooled crust. Spread evenly.
- Top with whipped cream or Cool Whip.
- Drizzle generously with caramel sauce.
Chill & Serve
- Refrigerate at least 3 hours (overnight is best). Slice and enjoy!
Melania’s Tips for Perfect Butterscotch Heaven Pie
- Use room-temperature cream cheese for a silky filling.
- If you’re team homemade, whip heavy cream with a little powdered sugar instead of Cool Whip.
- Toasted pecans on top = chef’s kiss.
- A drizzle pattern with caramel sauce looks fancy without extra effort.
Bake It With the Littles
This pie is totally kid-helper friendly!
- Let them press the crust into the pan with (clean) little hands.
- Give them the whisk to help with the pudding mixture.
- Hand over a spoon and let them swirl the caramel topping like edible art.
It’s messy, it’s fun, and it’s memory-making in every sticky-fingered moment.
Meal-Prep Magic
- Make ahead: Pie can be assembled a day in advance.
- Storage: Keeps 3–4 days covered in the fridge.
- Freezing: Wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Healthier Swaps Without Losing the Magic
- Use reduced-fat cream cheese and whipped topping.
- Swap in a sugar-free pudding mix for fewer carbs.
- Try a honey-sweetened caramel sauce for a lighter drizzle.
- Graham cracker crust? Go half graham, half oats for a rustic twist.
Leftover Remix
If by some miracle you have leftovers:
- Butterscotch Parfaits: Layer pie filling with crushed cookies in glasses.
- Milkshake Upgrade: Blend a slice with vanilla ice cream and milk.
- Breakfast Sneak: Crumble pie over Greek yogurt (I won’t tell).
Gift It Like a Pro
Slice pie into wedges, place each piece in a parchment-lined bakery box, and tie with twine. Add a tiny tag that says: “Open in case of sweet emergency.”
Perfect for new neighbors, new parents, or anyone needing a little sugar hug.
FAQs
Can I use cook-and-serve pudding instead of instant?
Stick to instant—it thickens faster and keeps the filling creamy, not runny.
What’s the best caramel sauce to use?
Homemade is always divine, but a good-quality jar from the store works beautifully (Bon Appétit has a great homemade caramel recipe).
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust.
How long should it chill?
Minimum 3 hours, but overnight gives the best texture.
Final Thought
Butterscotch Heaven Pie is proof that sometimes the simplest desserts bring the biggest smiles. With a buttery crust, silky filling, and caramel-kissed topping, it’s like a hug in pie form. Whether you whip it up for your family, share it at a gathering, or sneak a slice at midnight (no judgment), this recipe will always deliver comfort and joy.
PrintButterscotch Heaven Pie
A creamy, dreamy Butterscotch Heaven Pie with a buttery graham cracker crust, luscious butterscotch filling, whipped topping, and a caramel drizzle.
- Total Time: 30 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- For the Butterscotch Filling:
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant butterscotch pudding mix
- 1½ cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Topping:
- 1½ cups whipped cream or Cool Whip
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Make the Crust: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until fully moistened. Press into a 9-inch pie dish. Bake 8–10 minutes. Cool completely.
- Prepare the Filling: Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add pudding mix, milk, cream, brown sugar, and vanilla. Whip 2–3 minutes until thick and creamy.
- Assemble the Pie: Pour filling into cooled crust. Spread evenly.
- Top it Off: Dollop or pipe whipped cream/Cool Whip on top. Drizzle with caramel sauce.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate at least 3 hours or overnight until set. Slice and serve chilled.
Notes
- For extra flavor, toast the graham cracker crust slightly longer before filling.
- Homemade whipped cream will give the pie a fresher taste compared to Cool Whip.
- Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake/Chilled
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: butterscotch pie, caramel pie, creamy dessert
