Grandma always made this 3 ingredient masterpiece when unexpected guests arrived. It sets up perfectly in the fridge and everyone begs for her secret.

This 3-ingredient butterscotch pudding pie is the kind of simple little masterpiece my own grandma would have whipped up when neighbors dropped by unannounced. It uses pantry-friendly butterscotch pudding mix, whole milk, and a ready graham cracker crust, so you can have it chilling in the fridge in about 10 minutes. The filling sets up glossy and thick in a clear glass pie plate, looking like you fussed much more than you did. It’s perfect for busy families, last-minute company, or those evenings when you just want something sweet without turning on the oven.

Serve this butterscotch pudding pie well-chilled, straight from the fridge, so the filling slices cleanly and holds its shape. It’s lovely on its own, but you can dress it up with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce if you want to make it feel extra special for guests. A hot cup of coffee, tea, or cocoa balances the sweetness nicely, and for kids, a cold glass of milk is just right. If you’re putting together a simple company dessert spread, pair this pie with a bowl of fresh berries or sliced apples to add a little color and freshness to the table.

Servings: 8

2 (3.4 oz each) boxes instant butterscotch pudding mix

Place the prepared graham cracker crust, still in its clear glass pie plate, on a flat surface like your kitchen counter so it’s ready to fill. Make sure the crust is at room temperature and not cracked; this helps the slices come out neatly.

In a large mixing bowl, pour in the cold whole milk. Cold milk is important so the instant pudding sets up quickly and firmly.

Sprinkle the instant butterscotch pudding mix over the milk. Let it sit for just a few seconds so the powder starts to absorb the milk instead of puffing everywhere.

Using a whisk or a hand mixer on low speed, beat the pudding and milk together for 2 minutes, or until the mixture is smooth, thick, and glossy. It should be noticeably thicker than when you started and just beginning to mound on the whisk.

Immediately pour the thickened butterscotch pudding into the graham cracker crust. Use a spatula to spread the filling evenly all the way to the edges, smoothing the top so it looks nice and level.

Gently tap the pie plate on the counter a couple of times to release any air bubbles and help the filling settle into the crust.

Cover the pie loosely with plastic wrap, making sure the wrap does not touch the surface of the pudding to keep it smooth and glossy. If your crust came with a plastic dome, you can use that instead.

Refrigerate the pie for at least 2 to 3 hours, or until the filling is fully set and firm enough to slice cleanly. For best results when you’re expecting guests, make it earlier in the day so it has plenty of chilling time.

When ready to serve, remove the plastic wrap, and use a sharp knife to cut the pie into 8 slices. Wipe the knife between cuts for the neatest slices, especially if the kitchen is warm.

Serve the pie cold, straight from the glass pie plate on your counter or table, and return any leftovers to the refrigerator promptly.

For families with different tastes, you can easily tweak this basic recipe while still keeping it simple. For a lighter texture, gently fold in 1 to 1 1/2 cups of whipped topping after the pudding has thickened, then spoon it into the crust for a fluffier, mousse-like pie. If someone in your house isn’t a big butterscotch fan, you can swap in instant vanilla, chocolate, or banana pudding mix and follow the same directions. For a little crunch, sprinkle the top with crushed graham crackers or toffee bits right before serving. If you need to make it slightly less sweet, use only 2 1/2 cups of milk for a firmer, more intense butterscotch flavor, or serve each slice with fresh berries on the side to balance the richness. To help picky eaters, you can pour some of the pudding mixture into small cups and chill them alongside the pie, so kids can choose between a slice or a cup. For food safety, always use cold, fresh whole milk and check the expiration dates on the milk and pudding mix. Keep the pie refrigerated at 40°F (4°C) or below, and don’t leave it out at room temperature for more than 2 hours (or 1 hour if your kitchen is very warm). Store leftovers covered in the fridge and enjoy within 2 to 3 days for the best texture and flavor.