Name: Butterscotch Heaven Pie
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 4 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 graham cracker crust (store-bought or homemade); 1 (3.4 oz) package instant butterscotch pudding mix; 2 cups cold milk; 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened; ½ cup powdered sugar; 1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping (Cool Whip), thawed; Optional: ¼ cup butterscotch chips or crushed toffee bits for garnish

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Butterscotch Heaven Pie is a rich, creamy, and ultra-decadent dessert that lives up to its name. With a buttery graham cracker crust, a smooth butterscotch filling, and fluffy whipped topping, this pie is layered perfection. I love how each bite melts in my mouth with that deep, caramel-like sweetness that makes butterscotch so irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how simple and satisfying this pie is. It’s a no-bake (or minimal-bake, if I make the crust myself) dessert that’s both comforting and elegant. The butterscotch filling is silky and nostalgic, and the whipped topping adds just the right amount of lightness. It’s the kind of pie I make when I want something sweet, smooth, and impressive without too much fuss.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Graham cracker crust (store-bought or homemade)
Instant butterscotch pudding mix
Cold milk
Cream cheese, softened
Powdered sugar
Whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
Optional: butterscotch chips or crushed toffee bits for topping

Directions

If I’m making the crust, I mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and press it into a pie dish, then bake it at 350°F (175°C) for 8 minutes. I let it cool completely.
I prepare the butterscotch pudding by whisking the mix with cold milk until thickened, then set it aside.
In another bowl, I beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth.
I fold in half of the whipped topping to the cream cheese mixture to create a creamy layer.
I spread the cream cheese layer over the crust, followed by the butterscotch pudding.
I top the pie with the remaining whipped topping and smooth it out.
I refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until fully set.
Just before serving, I sprinkle butterscotch chips or crushed toffee bits on top for an extra sweet crunch.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes one 9-inch pie, serving 8 to 10 people. It takes about 20 minutes to assemble and at least 4 hours to chill — I usually make it a day ahead so it’s ready to go.

Variations

Sometimes I add a chocolate layer between the crust and the cream cheese layer for a twist. For a nutty variation, I sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top. I’ve also made it with a shortbread crust or a chocolate cookie crust for a richer base.

storage/reheating

I store this pie in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 4 days. Since it’s chilled and contains dairy, I don’t leave it out too long. It’s not suitable for freezing, as the texture may change when thawed.

FAQs

Can I use cook-and-serve pudding instead of instant?

Yes, but I let it cool fully before adding it to the pie. I’ve done this when I want a more traditional, cooked flavor.

Do I need to bake the graham cracker crust?

If I use a store-bought crust, I skip baking. For homemade, I bake it briefly to help it set — but I’ve also made it no-bake and just chilled it longer.

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?

Absolutely. I’ve used fresh whipped cream and it gives the pie a more natural flavor — just make sure it’s stabilized so it holds up in the fridge.

Is this pie very sweet?

It’s definitely on the sweeter side, thanks to the butterscotch and cream cheese combo. I sometimes reduce the powdered sugar slightly if I want it a bit milder.

Can I make this pie gluten-free?

Yes, I use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust and double-check that my pudding mix is gluten-free.

Conclusion

Butterscotch Heaven Pie is one of those crowd-pleasing desserts that always delivers. It’s creamy, dreamy, and full of rich butterscotch flavor, layered with love in every bite. Whether I’m making it for a potluck, holiday, or just because, it’s a sweet slice of comfort that never disappoints.