No-Bake Butterscotch Pie: A Silky, Sweet Slice of Pure Indulgence

This No-Bake Butterscotch Pie is the kind of dessert that turns heads and earns recipe requests after the first bite. With its ultra-smooth, caramel-like filling and buttery graham cracker crust, it’s a nostalgic treat with an elegant twist. And best of all? There’s no need to turn on your oven. It’s easy, rich, and ready to chill in the fridge while you handle the rest of your day.

This pie is perfect for holidays, potlucks, or casual weekends when you want to serve something sweet and impressive without the fuss. The creamy butterscotch filling is made from scratch using pantry staples and layered into a crumbly crust before being topped with whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce for the ultimate finish.

Ingredients

For the Crust
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/3 cup melted butter
2 tablespoons sugar

For the Filling
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups whole milk
3 large egg yolks
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon maple syrup (optional for depth)

Toppings
Whipped cream
Caramel drizzle
Crushed graham crackers (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Stir until evenly moistened. Press the mixture firmly into a 9-inch pie dish. Refrigerate while preparing the filling.

Step 2: In a medium saucepan, whisk together brown sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Slowly whisk in the milk until smooth. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and bubbles—about 6–8 minutes.

Step 3: In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks. Temper by slowly adding a bit of the hot mixture to the yolks while whisking, then pour everything back into the saucepan. Cook for 2 more minutes, stirring continuously.

Step 4: Remove from heat. Stir in butter, vanilla, and maple syrup if using. Mix until the butter is fully melted and the filling is smooth and glossy.

Step 5: Pour the filling into the prepared crust. Smooth the top and cover loosely with plastic wrap, pressing it gently onto the surface to prevent skin from forming. Chill for at least 4 hours or until set.

Step 6: Before serving, top with whipped cream, a caramel drizzle, and a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers.

Notes

You can swap the graham cracker crust for a shortbread or chocolate cookie base for a different flavor. For a firmer pie, chill overnight. To make it extra fancy, pipe the whipped cream into rosettes before topping. This pie stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Details

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 8 slices
Cuisine: American
Course: Dessert, Pie

Conclusion

No-Bake Butterscotch Pie is proof that luxurious desserts don’t have to be complicated. With its rich, pudding-like filling and golden crust, every bite is pure comfort. It’s the kind of pie that brings back sweet memories and creates new ones around the table. Whether you’re serving it for a special celebration or just because, this dessert is sure to become a beloved favorite in your recipe rotation.