Jeff Ruby Butter Pie

The Butter Pie is one of Jeff Ruby’s signature desserts, often praised as the perfect ending to a luxurious steakhouse meal. While the exact origin of the recipe remains a well-kept secret, it is known for its simple ingredients—butter, sugar, eggs, and cream—all blended together to create a silky-smooth, custard-like filling with a beautifully golden-brown top.

Over the years, this classic dessert has become a staple on the menu, often receiving rave reviews from customers who describe it as heavenly, rich, and unforgettable. Many have tried to recreate it at home, but achieving the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and consistency requires attention to detail—something we will cover in this recipe.

What sets Jeff Ruby’s apart is their attention to detail and use of high-quality ingredients, ensuring that every dish—especially their desserts—delivers an unforgettable dining experience. This Butter Pie is no exception, making it a beloved classic that customers return for time and time again.

Now, let’s dive into how you can make this famous Butter Pie in your own kitchen!

Ingredient Notes 

Pie Crust Options:

You have two choices for the crust, depending on your preference and time availability:

Store-Bought Pie Crust – A 9-inch unbaked pie crust from the store is a quick and convenient option. If using a frozen crust, ensure it is fully thawed before baking.

Homemade Pie Crust – A classic, buttery crust made from scratch enhances the pie’s flavor and texture.

Homemade Pie Crust Ingredients:

1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour – Provides structure and flakiness.

½ teaspoon salt – Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.

½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed – Cold butter ensures a flaky crust.

3-4 tablespoons of ice water – Helps bind the dough without making it too wet.

Optional: 1 teaspoon sugar – Adds a slight sweetness to complement the filling.

Tip: Chilling the dough before rolling helps prevent shrinkage and keeps the crust tender.

Filling Ingredients:

A rich and velvety filling made with simple yet indulgent ingredients:

½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened – The key to a smooth, creamy filling with deep buttery flavor.

1 ¼ cups granulated sugar – Sweetens the pie and contributes to its caramelized surface.

3 large eggs – Provide structure and create a custard-like consistency.

¼ cup all-purpose flour – Thickens the filling slightly to prevent it from being too runny.

½ cup heavy cream – Adds richness and a silky texture to the pie.

1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the pie’s flavor with a warm, aromatic sweetness.

Tip: Use room temperature ingredients to ensure a smooth, lump-free filling.

Optional Toppings:

Whipped Cream – Light and airy, balances the pie’s richness.

Fresh Berries – Adds a refreshing contrast to the buttery sweetness.

Caramel Sauce Drizzle – A touch of warm caramel enhances indulgence.

Tip: Serve with vanilla ice cream or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra decadence!

How To Make Jeff Ruby Butter Pie Recipe

Preparing the Pie Crust

If using a store-bought crust: Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes if it’s frozen. Then, place it into a 9-inch pie dish, pressing it gently to fit the edges.

For a homemade crust: Roll out your chilled dough on a floured surface into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer it into the 9-inch pie dish, trimming any excess dough and crimping the edges as desired.

Blind Baking the Crust (Pre-Baking):

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights, dried beans, or uncooked rice.

Bake for 10-12 minutes, then remove the parchment and weights. Bake for another 5 minutes, until the crust looks lightly golden.

Let it cool slightly before adding the filling.

Making the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). This step ensures the pie has a smooth, velvety texture.

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate them into the mixture. This step helps create a light and creamy filling.

Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour, ensuring no lumps remain.

Pour in the heavy cream and vanilla extract, continuing to mix until the filling is completely smooth and well combined.

 Assembling and Baking the Pie

Pour the prepared filling into the pre-baked pie crust, spreading it evenly.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the pie on the center rack.

Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until:

The center is set but still has a slight jiggle.

The top is golden brown and has a slightly crisp crust.

Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool at room temperature for at least 1-2 hours before serving. This allows the filling to set properly.

Serving Tips

Serve the pie at room temperature or slightly chilled for the best texture.

Add a dollop of whipped cream, fresh berries, or a drizzle of caramel for extra flavor.

By following these steps, you’ll have a rich, buttery, and creamy dessert that rivals the iconic Jeff Ruby Butter Pie!

Tips for Success

Making the perfect Jeff Ruby Butter Pie requires attention to detail. Follow these expert tips to ensure a smooth, creamy texture and perfectly set filling every time.

Ingredient Temperature Matters

Use room temperature butter, eggs, and cream.

Cold butter won’t cream properly with the sugar, leading to a grainy texture.

Room temperature eggs mix more easily, preventing curdling.

Heavy cream at room temperature blends more smoothly into the filling.

How to bring ingredients to room temperature quickly:

Butter: Cut into small cubes and let sit for 15-20 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds (be careful not to melt it).

Eggs: Place in a bowl of warm water for 5-10 minutes.

Heavy cream: Leave it out for 10-15 minutes before using.

Master the Mixing Technique

Cream butter and sugar properly – Beat them together for at least 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. This incorporates air, ensuring a delicate, smooth filling.

Do not overmix after adding eggs – Overbeating eggs can create too much air, leading to a dense or rubbery filling. Mix just until combined.

• Fold in dry ingredients gently – When adding flour, mix just until no streaks remain. Overworking the batter can make the pie tough instead of creamy.

Baking Cues: How to Know When the Pie is Done

Golden brown crust – The top should be slightly golden, not too dark.

Slight jiggle in the center – When you gently shake the pie, the edges should be firm while the center wobbles slightly. It will continue to set as it cools.

Knife or toothpick test (optional) – Insert a knife near the center; it should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.

Cooling Process: Prevent Cracks & Set Properly

Allow the pie to cool gradually – Rapid cooling can cause the filling to shrink and crack.

Steps for proper cooling:

Once baked, turn off the oven and crack the oven door for 5-10 minutes.

Transfer the pie to a cooling rack and let it cool to room temperature for at least 1-2 hours.

If refrigerating, cover loosely with plastic wrap and chill for at least 2 hours before serving for the best texture.

Variations to Explore

Want to customize your Jeff Ruby Butter Pie? Try these delicious variations:

1. Flavor Infusions: Add a Boozy Twist

For an adult-friendly version, add a splash of bourbon, rum, or whiskey to the filling for extra depth.

Bourbon Butter Pie – Add 1-2 tablespoons of bourbon for a smoky, caramel-like note.

Rum-Infused Pie – A teaspoon of dark rum enhances the sweetness with a slight molasses-like taste.

2. Nutty Additions: Add Crunch & Flavor

Pecans or Walnuts – Stir in ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts into the filling for a crunchy contrast.

Almond Extract – Replace half of the vanilla extract with ½ teaspoon of almond extract for a subtle nutty flavor.

Toasted Nut Topping – Sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or hazelnuts over the cooled pie before serving.

3. Chocolate Lovers: Make It Extra Decadent

Chocolate Chip Butter Pie – Stir in ½ cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips into the filling before baking.

Chocolate Drizzle – Melt ¼ cup of dark chocolate and drizzle over the cooled pie for a rich touch.

Cocoa-Infused Crust – Add 1-2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to a homemade crust for a hint of chocolate.

Making Jeff Ruby Butter Pie at home is not only easy and rewarding, but it also allows you to enjoy a restaurant-quality dessert whenever you want. The rich, buttery filling and perfectly baked crust make it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Share Your Experience!

I’d love to hear how your Butter Pie turned out!

• Did you try a unique variation?
• Do you have a favorite topping or serving idea?
• Any tips you discovered while baking?

Drop a comment below and share your experience! Your feedback and creativity can inspire others to make their perfect version of this delicious pie. 😊🍰

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