Old Fashioned Butterscotch Meringue Pie
A nostalgic dessert featuring a rich butterscotch filling topped with fluffy meringue, perfect for sweet tooths and family gatherings craving classic American flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine brown sugar, flour, and salt in a medium saucepan; gradually stir in milk.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture comes to a boil and is thickened.
- Boil for 1 minute; remove from heat.
- Slowly stir into egg substitutes, about 1/2 cup of hot mixture; then slowly stir back into remaining mixture in the saucepan.
- Cook, stirring constantly, over low heat for 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat.
- Stir in margarine, vanilla, and maple flavoring.
- Pour the filling into the baked pie shell.
- Prepare meringue by beating egg whites with cream of tartar and sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Spread meringue over the filling, sealing to edges of the pie.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes until meringue is golden.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, use fresh eggs instead of substitutes for the meringue. If you're looking for a lower-calorie option, consider using a sugar substitute for the filling. Ensure that your mixing bowl is grease-free when beating egg whites to achieve the best peaks. For added depth, try incorporating a touch of sea salt into the meringue for a balance of sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of this Butterscotch Meringue Pie chilled, paired with a scoop of French Vanilla Ice Cream for a delightful contrast. It also makes a stunning centerpiece for dessert tables at gatherings. Consider serving it alongside fresh berries to add a refreshing touch and balance the sweetness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator covered with plastic wrap to prevent the meringue from becoming soggy. It is best to consume within 1-2 days for optimal texture. If reheating, do so in a low oven to maintain the integrity of the meringue, avoiding the microwave, which can make it chewy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old Fashioned Butterscotch Meringue Pie contains roughly 392 calories, with 8g protein, 84g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1032mg per serving (45% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular sugar instead of brown sugar in the filling?
Yes, you can substitute regular granulated sugar for brown sugar; however, using brown sugar gives the pie a richer flavor and deeper color. If you choose to make this substitution, consider adding a bit of molasses for a hint of that classic butterscotch taste.
What can I use instead of egg substitutes in the filling?
If you prefer not to use egg substitutes, you can use 3 large eggs instead, ensuring to temper them with the hot mixture to prevent scrambling. This will give you a richer filling and enhance the overall flavor and texture of your pie.
How can I prevent my meringue from weeping?
To prevent meringue from weeping, be sure to spread it over a hot filling and seal it well to the edges of the pie crust. Additionally, avoid over-beating the egg whites, and consider adding a bit of cornstarch to stabilize the meringue, which can help maintain its texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).