If you crave a dessert that feels like a warm hug from the inside out, the Apple Butter Pie Recipe is exactly what you need. This pie combines the silky richness of apple butter with a perfectly flaky crust and a cozy blend of spices that capture the essence of autumn in every bite. It’s comforting yet elegant, simple to make but deeply satisfying—perfect for family gatherings or a quiet night in with a cup of tea. Once you try this Apple Butter Pie Recipe, it’s sure to become one of your go-to favorites for fall and beyond.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Apple Butter Pie Recipe lies in its simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create a masterpiece. Each element is carefully chosen to balance flavor, texture, and aroma, making this pie a true standout.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The base for your buttery, flaky crust that holds all the delicious filling.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor of the crust and balances the sweetness of the pie.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed: Adds richness and tenderness to the crust, ensuring a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 3–5 tablespoons ice water: Helps bring the dough together without making it tough.
- 1 cup apple butter: The star ingredient that infuses the pie with deep, spiced apple flavors.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling without overpowering the natural apple taste.
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar: Adds a rich molasses note and moistness to the custard-like filling.
- 3 large eggs: Binds the filling and creates a luscious, creamy texture.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Makes the filling smooth and velvety.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the overall flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Gives the classic spice that pairs perfectly with apples.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Provides a subtle, nutty warmth.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: Adds a hint of aromatic spice for complexity.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and spices in the filling.
How to Make Apple Butter Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by mixing the flour and salt in a medium bowl. Cut in the chilled, cubed butter with a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. This step is essential for that tender, flaky crust everyone loves. Gradually add ice water, a tablespoon at a time, just until the dough holds together. Be careful not to overwork it to keep that perfect crumbly texture. Shape your dough into a disc, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and pop it in the fridge for 30 minutes to chill.
Step 2: Roll Out and Fit the Dough
Once chilled, roll your dough out on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Fit the crust gently into the dish and trim any excess dough hanging over the edges. Use your fingers or a fork to crimp the edges for a charming, rustic look. This creates a beautiful frame for the luscious filling you’ll add next.
Step 3: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Getting the oven hot ahead of time is key to baking the pie evenly, forming a golden crust, and setting the filling just right.
Step 4: Prepare the Pie Filling
In a large bowl, whisk together the apple butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, heavy cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and a pinch of salt. The filling should be perfectly smooth, velvety, and full of those cozy spices that make this Apple Butter Pie Recipe so irresistible.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Pour the luscious filling into the prepared crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Place the pie in your preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. Keep an eye on the edges of your crust—if they start to brown too quickly, cover them loosely with foil. The pie is ready when the center is set but still slightly jiggly, promising a rich and creamy texture once cooled.
Step 6: Cool Completely
Remove your pie from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Cooling allows the filling to set fully, making every slice perfect when you cut into it. Patience here pays off big time in the texture department!
How to Serve Apple Butter Pie Recipe
Garnishes
The simplest garnishes can elevate this pie beautifully. A dollop of freshly whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans add wonderful flavor contrasts and texture. You can even dust a little cinnamon on top for an extra inviting look and aroma.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs wonderfully with warm beverages like spiced chai, hot apple cider, or a cup of freshly brewed coffee. For a more indulgent spread, serve it alongside soft cheese like mascarpone or a mild cheddar to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, slice your Apple Butter Pie and serve it in small, elegant tart portions. Layer slices with thin apple slices and a drizzle of caramel sauce for a dessert that looks as good as it tastes. If you want a rustic touch, top with a lattice crust instead of a full crust—your guests will love the homemade charm.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying what you can, wrap leftover Apple Butter Pie tightly with plastic wrap or foil and keep it in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to four days, maintaining its rich flavors and tender crust.
Freezing
This pie freezes beautifully either before baking or after baking. Wrap it well to prevent freezer burn. If freezing unbaked, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed. If frozen baked, reheat gently in the oven for the best texture.
Reheating
To bring your apple butter pie back to life, warm it in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes. This melts any chilled filling and restores the crust’s flakiness without drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use a store-bought crust for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using a quality store-bought crust can save time and still deliver delicious results. Just make sure to keep an eye on baking times since pre-made crusts can sometimes brown faster.
Is apple butter similar to applesauce?
While they might look alike, apple butter is thicker, spiced, and cooked down longer than applesauce. It has a deep, caramelized flavor perfect for this pie’s rich filling.
Can I make this pie dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the butter in the crust with a plant-based alternative and use coconut cream or another dairy-free cream substitute to maintain the custard’s creaminess.
How can I prevent a soggy bottom crust?
Chilling your dough before baking and using a metal or glass pie dish helps the crust bake evenly. You can also bake the crust briefly before pouring in the filling to keep it crisp.
What spices can I adjust or omit?
Feel free to tweak the cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves according to your taste. If you prefer a milder spice profile, simply reduce the amounts or omit cloves altogether.
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats the homemade warmth and comforting flavors of this Apple Butter Pie Recipe. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, this pie brings together the best of fall’s bounty in one unforgettable dessert. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and share this sweet slice of happiness with those you love. Trust me, your kitchen will smell like heaven, and your heart will thank you!
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Apple Butter Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Apple Butter Pie is a luscious and warmly spiced dessert perfect for fall or any time you crave a cozy, comforting treat. This homemade pie features a tender, flaky crust filled with a silky blend of apple butter, spices, and creamy custard, baked until perfectly set with a golden crust.
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, mix the all-purpose flour and salt thoroughly to combine, ensuring even seasoning in the crust base.
- Cut in Butter: Add the chilled, cubed unsalted butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter evenly distributed.
- Add Ice Water: Gradually pour in 3 to 5 tablespoons of ice water, mixing gently after each addition until the dough just comes together but is not wet or sticky enough to handle well.
- Chill Dough: Shape the dough into a flat disc, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This resting period firms up the butter and hydrates the flour for better texture.
- Roll Out Dough: Remove chilled dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a circle about 12 inches in diameter. Fit this dough into a 9-inch pie dish, carefully pressing it into the corners. Trim excess and crimp the edges decoratively.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it is at the optimal temperature for baking the pie once assembled.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the apple butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, heavy cream, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
- Assemble the Pie: Pour the prepared filling into the chilled pie crust, smoothing the surface evenly with a spatula for uniform baking.
- Bake the Pie: Place the pie on a middle oven rack and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. To prevent over-browning of the crust edges, tent with foil if they brown too quickly. The pie is done when the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack to allow the filling to firm up fully. Serve slices topped with whipped cream or ice cream for added indulgence.
Notes
- For convenience, use a store-bought pie crust to save time.
- Adjust spices according to your preference for more or less warmth.
- Cover crust edges with foil midway through baking to avoid burning.
- Cool completely before slicing to ensure clean cuts and set filling.
- Pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or freshly whipped cream.
