How do I prevent the meringue from shrinking?
Spread meringue on the hot pie filling immediately, ensuring it touches all edges of the crust. This creates a seal and helps prevent shrinkage during baking.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and bake it the morning of serving. Add the marshmallow meringue topping 1–2 hours before serving and bake to golden brown.
What's the difference between this and butterscotch cream pie?
This recipe tops the filling with a marshmallow meringue, while traditional cream pie uses whipped cream. The meringue adds a toasted, fluffy texture.
Why did my meringue weep or brown unevenly?
Weeping occurs if meringue isn't spread on hot filling or if overbaked. Uneven browning happens with oven hot spots—rotate the pie halfway through baking.
Can I use store-bought marshmallow creme instead of homemade?
Yes, the recipe already calls for canned marshmallow creme, which is the standard choice and produces reliable results.