When it comes to desserts, not much can rival a classic like butterscotch pie. The flavor of butterscotch gives me a feeling of instant nostalgia and warmth, but this time I wanted to give it a fun, modern twist. Just like my peanut butter pie in a bag, I decided to make butterscotch pie served in a bag of mini Nilla wafers! This playful presentation makes for a delicious treat that’s easy enough for a weeknight, but also perfect for parties, picnics, or just indulging at home.
Butterscotch pie is a rich and creamy dessert, traditionally made with a luscious filling in a flaky pie crust. The buttery, caramel-like flavor profile of butterscotch is irresistible, making it a holiday favorite of many in my extended family. I have even shared my family-favorite butterscotch cake with you, and it’s a dessert you simply must try soon!
As much as I love a classic dessert made from scratch, I’m also a big fan of shortcuts. This dessert has a couple shortcuts, including a twist on a traditional pie crust with the use of mini Nilla wafers. These crunchy cookies add the textural contrast to the creamy filling of butterscotch pie. When you serve the pie filling in a bag of mini cookies, you create a dessert experience that’s both cute and convenient.
Another shortcut is the pie filling! We are creating this decadent filling with a box of butterscotch pudding. It’s so easy, but oh-so-delicious.
This butterscotch pie in a bag of mini Nilla wafers is perfect for casual get-togethers, fall parties around the fire pit or an outdoor movie, or even for a tailgating treat. The combination of creamy filling and crunchy cookies makes it memorable!
Ingredients
- Instant Butterscotch Pudding – Such an easy shortcut.
- Milk – Use whole milk, 2%, or even oat milk or other substitutes.
- Mini Nilla Wafers – Substitute with bags of teddy grahams or mini chessman cookies if you prefer.
- Toffee Bits – These are buttery and rich, with a rich nutty flavor that adds another layer of delicious butterscotch to this dessert.
- Butterscotch Chips – These give more delicious flavor and texture to the pie in a bag.
- Whipped Cream – You know I love my homemade whipped cream, but you can take a shortcut with canned whipped cream of course.
Tips from my Test Kitchen
Enhance the Butterscotch Flavor: Add a splash of vanilla extract and a pinch of sea salt to deepen the flavor. The salt helps balance the sweetness of the butterscotch, too!
Make Ahead: Make the butterscotch pudding filling up to 48 hours ahead of time and store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Serve and Enjoy: For a fun presentation, top with a dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of butterscotch sauce.
Topping Variations
Mix the toppings up for even more fun! Try adding sprinkles, sauces, nuts and whipped cream variations.
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In a medium mixing bowl or stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, add pudding mix and milk. On medium-low speed, whisk together 2 minutes until thick, then let stand 2 minutes.
1 ounce instant butterscotch pudding, 1 cup milk
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Scoop ½ cup into each nilla wafer bag.
4 ounces Mini Nilla Wafers
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Top with toffee bits, butterscotch chips and whipped cream. Serve with a spoon and enjoy!
½ cup toffee bits, ½ cup butterscotch chips, whipped cream
- Instead of Nilla wafer cookies, try mini bags of graham crackers or chessman cookies.
- Infuse the butterscotch pudding filling with an alcohol or liqueur like bourbon, rum, or espresso for an adult twist.
- Make the pudding filling up to 48 hours in advance. If you have leftovers, store the filling separately in the refrigerator.
Topping Variations
- Top your pudding with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
- Butterscotch pairs beautifully with flavors like chocolate, pecans, or coconut.
Calories: 432kcal | Carbohydrates: 69g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 36mg | Sodium: 305mg | Potassium: 135mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 53g | Vitamin A: 478IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 86mg | Iron: 0.02mg
Estimated nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is not guaranteed.
