Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Butterscotch Cool Whip Pie is a delightful dessert that combines creamy butterscotch pudding with fluffy Cool Whip in a buttery, crunchy graham cracker crust. The texture is smooth and rich, while the flavor is perfectly sweet, not too overpowering. It’s a crowd-pleaser that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. Plus, it’s a no-bake recipe, making it a great choice for warm weather or whenever you’re short on time but still want to impress your guests with a delicious dessert.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup butter, melted

For the Filling:

1 package (3.4 oz) instant butterscotch pudding mix
1 1/2 cups cold milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Topping:

1 container (8 oz) Cool Whip, thawed

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture is evenly moistened.
Press the crumb mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish to form a crust.
Refrigerate the crust for at least 30 minutes to firm up.

Step 2: Make the Butterscotch Filling
In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant butterscotch pudding mix and cold milk for about 2 minutes until the mixture thickens.
Stir in the vanilla extract and set the pudding aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie
Once the graham cracker crust is firm, spread the butterscotch pudding mixture evenly into the crust.

Step 4: Add the Topping
Spread the Cool Whip evenly over the pudding layer.
Cover the pie and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the pie to set.

Step 5: Serve
Slice the pie into wedges and serve chilled. Enjoy the creamy, delicious butterscotch goodness!

Servings and Timing

Servings: This recipe yields 8 servings.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours (minimum)
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes (if you chill for at least 4 hours)

Variations

Add toppings: Feel free to top the pie with shaved chocolate, crushed toffee bits, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce for added flavor.
Use other pudding flavors: You can switch up the flavor of the pudding by using vanilla, chocolate, or even banana cream pudding for a different twist.
Gluten-free: Make sure to use a gluten-free graham cracker crust if you’re serving this to guests with dietary restrictions.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the Butterscotch Cool Whip Pie in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep it covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Reheating: This pie is served cold, so no reheating is necessary. If you want to soften the Cool Whip topping before serving, you can let the pie sit at room temperature for a few minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use homemade graham cracker crust?

Yes, you can make your own graham cracker crust by combining crushed graham crackers, sugar, and butter. Press it into a pie dish and bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes before refrigerating.

2. Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, it’s better if you make it ahead of time to let it chill and set in the refrigerator. It can be made a day before serving.

3. Can I use whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?

Yes, you can substitute whipped cream for Cool Whip, but it may be a little less stable, so be sure to serve the pie relatively quickly after topping it with whipped cream.

4. Is this pie gluten-free?

The pie as written is not gluten-free due to the graham cracker crust. However, you can make a gluten-free version by using gluten-free graham crackers or a gluten-free pie crust.

5. Can I use a different flavor of pudding?

Yes, you can use different flavors of instant pudding, such as chocolate, vanilla, or banana cream, depending on your preference.

6. How do I make the crust more firm?

Make sure to press the graham cracker mixture firmly into the pie dish. You can also refrigerate the crust for a longer time to help it firm up.

7. Can I freeze this pie?

While the pie can be frozen, it’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated. Freezing may alter the texture of the Cool Whip topping and the crust.

8. How can I make the filling more thick?

To make the filling thicker, you can add slightly less milk when mixing the pudding. The pudding should still set after chilling.

9. What’s the best way to slice the pie?

Use a sharp knife to cut clean slices. If you’re having trouble with sticky Cool Whip, run the knife under hot water before slicing.

10. Can I use a store-bought crust?

Yes, a store-bought graham cracker crust can be used as a convenient alternative to making your own crust.

Conclusion

The Butterscotch Cool Whip Pie is the ultimate no-bake dessert for those who love the rich, smooth flavor of butterscotch combined with a crunchy graham cracker crust. It’s an easy-to-make treat that’s perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight desserts to special celebrations. With its creamy, fluffy texture and sweet, buttery flavor, this pie is sure to be a favorite at your next gathering.