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If you’re craving a dessert that captures the warm, cozy flavors of fall in every bite, then this Apple Butter Pie Recipe is exactly what you need. With a luscious, spiced apple butter filling nestled inside a buttery, flaky crust, this pie brings together the comfort of homemade goodness and a delightful twist on classic apple pies. Whether it’s a family gathering or a special treat, this pie will become your go-to favorite for its rich taste and inviting aroma.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Apple Butter Pie Recipe lies in its simple, well-balanced ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the tender crust to the creamy, spiced filling, every item adds texture, flavor, or aroma that makes this pie unforgettable.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the perfect base for a tender, flaky crust.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dough and filling.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed: The key to a rich, flaky pie crust texture.
- 3–5 tablespoons ice water: Helps bind the dough together without melting the butter.
- 1 cup apple butter: The star of the filling, offering deep apple flavor and natural sweetness.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps balance the spices.
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar: Brings a hint of molasses richness to the filling.
- 3 large eggs: Acts as a binding agent for the custard-like filling.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates a luscious, creamy texture in the custard.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the pie’s flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Classic spice that complements apple perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Offers a subtle nutty spice that elevates the filling.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: A touch of bold spice to round out the flavor.
- Pinch of salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies flavors in the filling.
How to Make Apple Butter Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
Start by combining the flour and salt in a medium bowl. Cut in the chilled, cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs — this ensures a flaky texture. Gradually add ice water, just enough to bring the dough together. Shape it into a disc, wrap it tightly, and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes to rest and relax the gluten.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough and Shape the Crust
Once chilled, roll the dough evenly on a floured surface and gently fit it into a 9-inch pie dish. Trim and crimp the edges for that classic, inviting look. This step is crucial for creating a sturdy yet tender base that will hold the luscious filling without sogginess.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking. This temperature will allow the filling to set properly while giving the crust a gorgeous golden-brown finish.
Step 4: Mix the Filling Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the apple butter, granulated and brown sugars, eggs, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and the trio of warm spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. Whisk until smooth and homogenous — this custard base is where all the flavors blend beautifully.
Step 5: Assemble the Pie
Pour the smooth filling into the prepared pie crust and gently smooth the top for an even bake. Taking care during this process ensures a stunning presentation and even cooking.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, keeping an eye on the crust edges to prevent over-browning—cover with foil if needed. The filling should be set but still slightly jiggly in the center, promising a creamy texture once cooled.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack. This step is key to achieving clean slices and ideal texture. Serve with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to add a delightful contrast of creamy coolness.
How to Serve Apple Butter Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh whipped cream is a timeless partner for this pie, offering creamy richness that complements the spiced apple filling. For a touch of elegance, sprinkle some freshly grated nutmeg or cinnamon on top. Toasted pecans or caramel drizzle can add a lovely crunch and extra sweetness.
Side Dishes
Apple Butter Pie pairs wonderfully with a cup of warm chai tea or spiced coffee, enhancing the pie’s aromatic spices. For a brunch or dessert buffet, serve alongside sharp cheddar cheese or a mild sharp cheese plate for a surprising savoury balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual portions in mini tart shells for a charming party presentation. Alternatively, top each slice with a dollop of mascarpone mixed with a hint of honey and lemon zest for a sophisticated twist. Crushed cinnamon graham crackers sprinkled around the plate add texture and flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store in the refrigerator. This pie stays fresh and flavorful for up to 4 days, making it perfect for enjoying a few bites at a time.
Freezing
Apple Butter Pie Recipe also freezes beautifully. Wrap the cooled pie snugly in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing. To preserve quality, consume frozen pie within 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating
Reheat individual slices in a 325°F (160°C) oven for about 10 to 15 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as that can make the crust soggy. Reheating this way revives the pie’s fresh-baked texture and warmth.
FAQs
Can I use a store-bought crust for this Apple Butter Pie Recipe?
Absolutely! Using a store-bought crust is a fantastic time-saver and still yields delicious results. Just ensure it is thawed if frozen and fit it properly into your pie dish before adding the filling.
What type of apple butter is best for this pie?
Choose a smooth, well-spiced apple butter with a balanced sweetness. Homemade or high-quality store-bought apple butter works wonderfully — avoid overly chunky varieties for a silky filling texture.
Can I make this pie vegan or dairy-free?
With a few ingredient swaps, yes. Use vegan butter or coconut oil for the crust, replace heavy cream with coconut cream, and substitute eggs with flax eggs or other egg alternatives. Just be mindful that texture and flavor might vary slightly.
How do I know when the pie is fully baked?
The filling should be mostly set with a slight jiggle in the center when shaken gently. The crust edges should be golden brown. Using foil to shield the edges helps prevent burning during the longer bake time.
Can I prepare this pie a day ahead?
Definitely! The pie can be baked a day ahead and refrigerated. Cooling overnight allows the flavors to meld beautifully and makes slicing easier when ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Butter Pie Recipe is a heartfelt celebration of cozy, comforting flavors that bring a smile with every forkful. With its simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s a dessert that anyone can make and impress with. I promise once you try it, it will quickly become a cherished recipe you’ll want to make again and again. So go ahead, bake this beauty and fill your kitchen with the irresistible scent of autumn in every slice!
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Apple Butter Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Apple Butter Pie is a deliciously spiced dessert featuring a flaky homemade crust filled with a smooth apple butter custard. This comforting pie melds warm autumn spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves with the rich sweetness of apple butter, perfect for cozy gatherings and special occasions.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 3–5 tablespoons ice water
- Or substitute with a store-bought pie crust for convenience
Filling
- 1 cup apple butter
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cut in the chilled, cubed unsalted butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Ice Water: Gradually add 3 to 5 tablespoons of ice water, a little at a time, mixing gently until the dough just comes together.
- Chill the Dough: Shape the dough into a flat disc, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough into a circle large enough to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Transfer it carefully into the pie dish and trim any excess dough. Crimp the edges decoratively.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to preheat at 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the pie.
- Prepare 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 the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the Pie: Pour the filling evenly into the prepared pie crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake the Pie: Place the pie on the middle rack of the oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the center is set and no longer jiggly. If the crust edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil to prevent burning.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Serve the pie warm or at room temperature with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a delicious touch.
Notes
- You can use a store-bought pie crust for convenience, which will save time but may slightly change the texture.
- Cover the crust edges with foil during baking if they start to brown too fast to prevent burning.
- Allow the pie to cool fully before slicing to ensure clean cuts and set filling.
- The pie can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
