Apple Butter Pie Recipe

If you’re searching for a dessert that wraps you in a warm hug of autumn flavors, this Apple Butter Pie Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. Combining the deep, spiced sweetness of apple butter with a silky custard nestled in a flaky homemade crust, it’s a comforting marvel that’s both elegant and incredibly easy to make. Each bite bursts with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, creating a symphony of cozy spice notes that dance perfectly with the smooth texture. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or a quiet night in, this pie is sure to become your new favorite fall indulgence.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients for this Apple Butter Pie Recipe is refreshingly straightforward. Each component plays a vital role, from the flaky crust that provides the perfect buttery crunch, to the luscious filling that boasts a balance of sweet and spice. Together, they create a pie that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat.

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for our flaky pie crust, it creates a tender yet sturdy base for the filling.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Just enough to enhance the flour’s flavor and balance the sweetness of the filling.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed: Key for flaky, melt-in-your-mouth crust layers—keep it cold for best results.
• 3–5 tablespoons ice water: Helps bring the dough together without warming the butter, ensuring a crisp crust.
• 1 cup apple butter: The star of the recipe, packed with deep apple flavor and spices that elevate every slice.
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds bright sweetness that balances the spices in the filling perfectly.
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar: Brings a rich, caramel note that complements the apple butter beautifully.
• 3 large eggs: These bind the filling together creating a smooth, custardy texture.
• 1 cup heavy cream: Provides luscious creaminess and richness to the filling.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the pie’s flavor profile.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The classic fall spice that pairs perfectly with apples.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: A little goes a long way in bringing cozy spice notes.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: Offers an aromatic punch that rounds out the spices.
• Pinch of salt: Enhances and balances the sweetness of the filling.

How to Make Apple Butter Pie Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Start by mixing the all-purpose flour and salt in a medium bowl. This simple mixture forms the foundation for a crust that is flaky and tender yet sturdy enough to hold your filling.

Step 2: Cut in the Butter

Next, cut the chilled, cubed butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. The bits of butter throughout the dough are what create the pie’s signature flakiness, so keep the butter cold and work quickly.

Step 3: Add Ice Water

Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing just until the dough begins to come together. Avoid overworking the dough to keep it from becoming tough.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Form the dough into a smooth disc, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This resting time helps relax the gluten, making the dough easier to roll and less likely to shrink during baking.

Step 5: Roll Out the Dough and Prepare the Pie Dish

On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough out into a circle about 12 inches wide. Carefully transfer it to a 9-inch pie dish, pressing it gently into the sides, then trim and crimp the edges for a polished look.

Step 6: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). A properly preheated oven ensures the crust starts baking immediately, helping it stay flaky and crisp.

Step 7: Make the Filling

In a large bowl, whisk together apple butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, heavy cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and a pinch of salt until silky smooth and evenly combined. This harmonious mixture is where the magic of the Apple Butter Pie Recipe really shines.

Step 8: Assemble and Bake the Pie

Pour the luscious filling into your prepared crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake the pie in your preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the center is set and the crust is golden brown. If the crust edges brown too quickly, tent them with foil to prevent burning.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Once out of the oven, let the pie cool completely on a wire rack. The filling will firm up, making it easier to slice and enjoy. This step is key to achieving that perfect custardy texture the Apple Butter Pie Recipe promises.

How to Serve Apple Butter Pie Recipe

Garnishes

Elevate your Apple Butter Pie Recipe with a dollop of whipped cream or a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. Sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or finely chopped toasted nuts on top to add a delightful crunch and extra warmth.

Side Dishes

This pie pairs wonderfully with hot beverages like spiced cider or a smooth cup of coffee. For a cozy fall gathering, serve alongside roasted nuts or a light salad featuring arugula and dried cranberries to balance the sweetness of the dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming presentation, serve individual mini versions of this Apple Butter Pie Recipe in ramekins, topped with caramel drizzle or a cinnamon sugar crust. You can also slice the pie into bars and garnish each with a slice of fresh apple for a rustic yet elegant look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover pie covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy that wonderful flavor without any rush.

Freezing

This Apple Butter Pie Recipe also freezes beautifully. Wrap the cooled pie well with plastic wrap and then foil before placing it in the freezer. It will keep for up to 2 months and thawing overnight in the fridge is best before serving.

Reheating

To reheat, place a slice or the whole pie in a 325°F (165°C) oven for about 15–20 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible; the oven helps preserve the flaky crust and creamy filling texture perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pie crust instead of making my own?

Absolutely! While homemade crust adds a personal touch to the Apple Butter Pie Recipe, using a good-quality store-bought crust saves time and still yields delicious results.

What is the difference between apple butter and regular apple sauce?

Apple butter is cooked longer than applesauce, resulting in a thicker texture and concentrated flavors with added spices, giving this pie its distinct rich and spiced profile.

Can I make this pie vegan or dairy-free?

To make a vegan or dairy-free version, substitute butter with plant-based margarine and use a non-dairy cream alternative like coconut cream. Replace eggs with cornstarch or flaxseed meal for binding in the filling.

Why does the pie sometimes have a soggy bottom?

To prevent a soggy bottom, ensure your crust is well-chilled before baking and consider pre-baking (blind baking) the crust for 10 minutes. Also, using a metal or glass pie dish can help conduct heat more evenly.

Can I make this pie ahead of time for a party?

Yes! You can prepare and bake the pie a day ahead. Store it covered in the fridge and allow it to come to room temperature or gently warm before serving for the best experience.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about this Apple Butter Pie Recipe that feels like a warm embrace on a cool day. Its perfect balance of spiced sweetness and creamy texture wrapped in a flaky crust is simply irresistible. I can’t recommend it enough for your next bake — it’s a slice of comfort that welcomes you home every time.

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