Butterscotch Pumpkin Cream Pie

Featured in: Desserts

This indulgent dessert features a buttery, golden crust filled with silky pumpkin puree and rich butterscotch custard. Aromatic spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg complement the smooth filling, and it’s topped with clouds of freshly whipped cream for a luscious finish. Thoughtful preparation includes chilling the dough, blind baking, and gentle mixing to achieve the perfect texture. Enjoy chilled, garnished with toasted pecans or butterscotch chips for a festive touch. Ideal for holiday gatherings, this pie pairs beautifully with spiced chai or a glass of tawny port, celebrating seasonal flavors in every bite.

Updated on Thu, 30 Oct 2025 11:53:00 GMT
A decadent butterscotch pumpkin cream pie with whipped cream topping awaits your taste buds.  Save
A decadent butterscotch pumpkin cream pie with whipped cream topping awaits your taste buds. | cheerfulchefs.com

A luscious pie combining silky pumpkin and rich butterscotch custard in a buttery crust, topped with fluffy whipped cream. Perfect for autumn gatherings or holiday tables.

I first made this pie for Thanksgiving and everyone was wowed by the decadent butterscotch flavor layered with the traditional pumpkin. The creamy texture and buttery crust make it an instant favorite at our fall celebrations.

Ingredients

  • Crust: 1 1/4 cups (160 g) all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter (cold and cubed), 3 4 tablespoons ice water
  • Butterscotch Pumpkin Filling: 3/4 cup (150 g) dark brown sugar (packed), 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 2 large eggs, 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream, 1 cup (225 g) pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling), 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Topping: 1 cup (240 ml) heavy whipping cream (cold), 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Prepare the crust:
In a bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing just until the dough comes together. Shape into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Preheat oven:
Set oven to 375°F (190°C).
Roll and chill dough:
Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch (23 cm) pie pan. Transfer and gently press into the pan. Trim and crimp the edges. Chill for 15 minutes.
Blind bake crust:
Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Blind bake for 15 minutes. Remove weights and parchment, bake 8 10 minutes more until lightly golden. Cool slightly.
Make butterscotch:
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt brown sugar and butter, stirring constantly, until bubbly and thickened (about 2 3 minutes). Remove from heat.
Prepare filling:
In a large bowl, whisk together cornstarch, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, salt, and eggs. Slowly whisk in milk and heavy cream. Whisk in pumpkin purée and vanilla. Gradually whisk in the warm butterscotch mixture.
Bake pie:
Pour filling into the pre-baked crust. Bake for 35 40 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center jiggles slightly. Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate at least 2 hours until fully set.
Prepare topping:
Whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form. Spread or pipe over the chilled pie.
Serve:
Slice and serve chilled.
Enjoy a slice of butterscotch pumpkin cream pie, perfect for cozy fall celebrations.  Save
Enjoy a slice of butterscotch pumpkin cream pie, perfect for cozy fall celebrations. | cheerfulchefs.com

Every year my family requests this pie for our fall harvest dinner and I love watching everyone sneak extra slices after dessert.

Required Tools

Mixing bowls, pastry cutter or fork, rolling pin, 9-inch (23 cm) pie pan, parchment paper & pie weights, saucepan, whisk, electric mixer

Allergen Information

Contains: Wheat (gluten), milk, eggs. May have traces of nuts if optional toppings are used. Always check ingredient labels.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 420, Total Fat: 27 g, Carbohydrates: 42 g, Protein: 5 g

A beautifully presented butterscotch pumpkin cream pie, ideal for holiday dessert tables. Save
A beautifully presented butterscotch pumpkin cream pie, ideal for holiday dessert tables. | cheerfulchefs.com

This pie is sure to be a showstopper on your holiday table. Enjoy every silky, spiced bite!

Recipe FAQs

How do you prevent a soggy crust?

Blind bake the crust using parchment and pie weights before adding the filling to ensure a crisp texture.

Can I use canned pumpkin puree?

Yes, canned pumpkin puree works well. Just avoid varieties with added spices or sweeteners.

What is the best way to whip cream for topping?

Use cold, heavy whipping cream and beat on medium speed until soft peaks form, then add sugar and vanilla.

How do I know when the filling is set?

Bake until the edges are firm and the center jiggles slightly. Chill for several hours to fully set.

Are there shortcuts for the crust?

Substitute a ready-made graham cracker crust for convenience, though homemade yields best flavor.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, prepare and chill the pie a day in advance. Add whipped topping just before serving for freshness.

Butterscotch Pumpkin Cream Pie

Pumpkin and butterscotch custard nestled in a buttery crust, finished with whipped cream. Perfect for festive tables.

Prep Time
30 minutes
Cook Time
55 minutes
Overall Time
85 minutes
Creator Ruby Smiles

Recipe Type Desserts

Skill Level Medium

Cuisine Background American

Portions 8 Serves

Dietary Preferences Vegetarian-Friendly

What You’ll Need

Crust

01 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 1/2 teaspoon salt
03 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
04 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
05 3 to 4 tablespoons ice water

Butterscotch Pumpkin Filling

01 3/4 cup dark brown sugar, packed
02 1/4 cup unsalted butter
03 1 tablespoon cornstarch
04 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
05 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
06 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
07 1/4 teaspoon salt
08 2 large eggs
09 1 cup whole milk
10 1/2 cup heavy cream
11 1 cup pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
12 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Topping

01 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
02 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
03 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 01

Prepare pastry: In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and sugar. Incorporate cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until dough forms. Shape into a disk, wrap with plastic, and chill for at least 1 hour.

Step 02

Preheat oven: Set oven temperature to 375°F (190°C).

Step 03

Roll and shape dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to fit a 9-inch pie pan. Transfer and gently press into the pan, trimming excess and crimping edges. Chill pan for 15 minutes.

Step 04

Blind bake crust: Line unbaked pastry with parchment paper, fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes. Remove weights and parchment, bake an additional 8 to 10 minutes until lightly golden. Allow to cool slightly.

Step 05

Prepare butterscotch: Melt brown sugar and butter in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring continuously until mixture is bubbly and thickened, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat.

Step 06

Mix custard base: In a large bowl, whisk together cornstarch, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, salt, and eggs. Add milk and heavy cream gradually while whisking. Incorporate pumpkin purée and vanilla extract. Whisk in the warm butterscotch mixture slowly to avoid curdling.

Step 07

Bake filling: Pour prepared filling into prebaked crust. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until edges are set and center remains slightly jiggly. Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow setting.

Step 08

Whip topping: With an electric mixer, beat heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form. Spread or pipe over chilled dessert.

Step 09

Slice and serve: Cut into portions and serve chilled.

Tools You’ll Need

  • Mixing bowls
  • Pastry cutter or fork
  • Rolling pin
  • 9-inch pie pan
  • Parchment paper and pie weights or dried beans
  • Saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Electric mixer

Potential Allergens

Inspect ingredients for specific allergens and contact a professional for concerns.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), milk, eggs. May contain traces of nuts if optional toppings are used.

Nutritional Details (Per Serving)

Provided as supportive info; always cross-check with your healthcare provider.
  • Calories: 420
  • Fats: 27 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 42 grams
  • Proteins: 5 grams