If you’re a fan of cozy, warmly spiced desserts that fill your kitchen with the scent of autumn, you’re going to adore this Apple Butter Pie Recipe. This pie brings together the rich, deep flavors of smooth apple butter with hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves all wrapped in a buttery, flaky crust. It’s the perfect blend of sweet and spiced comfort food, ideal for sharing with family or friends on chilly evenings or special occasions. Whether you make the crust from scratch or opt for a store-bought base, the luscious filling will have everyone asking for seconds. Let’s dive into how to craft this delightful dessert that’s as inviting as a hug from an old friend.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just the right ingredients is key, and this Apple Butter Pie Recipe keeps it deliciously simple yet packed with flavor. Each element brings something vital: from the tender crust to the creamy, spiced filling.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for your flaky, buttery pie crust that holds everything beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor of the crust without overpowering.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed: Creates a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture for the crust.
- 3–5 tablespoons ice water: Helps bring the dough together without making it tough.
- 1 cup apple butter: The star of the show, giving the pie its deep apple flavor and natural sweetness.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds the perfect amount of sweetness to balance the spices.
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar: Brings a hint of molasses richness that complements the apple butter beautifully.
- 3 large eggs: Bind the filling and provide a creamy, custard-like texture.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Adds richness and smoothness to the filling.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Lifts the flavors with a warm, aromatic note.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The quintessential spice that pairs perfectly with apple.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds subtle warmth and complexity.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: A pinch balances the spices with a hint of earthiness.
- Pinch of salt: Brings out all the sweet and spiced flavors 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 until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs – this ensures a flaky crust. Slowly add ice water, mixing just until the dough holds together. Form it into a disc, wrap tightly, and chill for 30 minutes to relax the gluten and make it easier to roll.
Step 2: Roll Out and Fit the Crust
Once chilled, roll the dough on a lightly floured surface to fit your 9-inch pie dish. Press it gently into the pan, trimming any overhang and crimping the edges to give a classic, rustic look. Pop this in the refrigerator while you preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 3: Mix the 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 until smooth and fully combined. The filling should be creamy and fragrant, full of that warm spice blend that makes this Apple Butter Pie Recipe unforgettable.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Pour the luscious filling into the prepared crust, smoothing out the top with a spatula for even baking. Place the pie on the middle rack of your preheated oven. Bake it for 50 to 60 minutes, keeping an eye on the edges. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, tuck some foil over the edges to protect it while the filling sets fully.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Allow your pie to cool completely on a wire rack so the filling can firm up just right. This gives you those perfect slices loaded with creamy custard and spiced apple butter. Serve it as is or dress it up with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s a slice of autumnal heaven you’ll want to savor every bite of.
How to Serve Apple Butter Pie Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream elevates this pie wonderfully. For an extra touch, sprinkle a little cinnamon on top or dust with powdered sugar to highlight the crust’s beautiful golden tones.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs beautifully with a warm cup of spiced chai or hot apple cider, making it a cozy dessert to wind down after a meal. For brunch, serve alongside crisp bacon or sausage and a fresh fruit salad to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Apple Butter Pie with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a few toasted pecans scattered on top for added texture and decadence. You can also cut mini tart versions using the same filling to offer a delightful individual treat at gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pie should be covered tightly with plastic wrap or foil and stored in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to four days, allowing you to enjoy pie several times over without losing any of its flavor or texture.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, Apple Butter Pie freezes beautifully. Wrap it securely with plastic wrap and then foil before placing it in the freezer. It can be frozen for up to two months without sacrificing taste or texture.
Reheating
To reheat, allow the pie to thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Then warm it in a 325°F (160°C) oven for about 15 minutes to refresh that just-baked feeling. Avoid the microwave to prevent soggy crust and preserve that delightful flakiness.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pie crust for the Apple Butter Pie Recipe?
Absolutely! Using a store-bought crust is a fantastic shortcut that still yields wonderful results. Just make sure to follow the baking instructions carefully to avoid overbaking.
Is apple butter the same as apple sauce?
Not quite. Apple butter is cooked down longer than apple sauce, so it is thicker, darker, and has a more concentrated, caramel-like flavor which is perfect for this pie’s rich filling.
Can I make this pie vegan or dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with a vegan alternative and use coconut cream or almond milk in place of heavy cream. For the eggs, flaxseed or chia egg replacements can work, but the texture might be slightly different.
What type of apples should I use if I want to make homemade apple butter?
A mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Fuji or Gala yields a nicely balanced apple butter. Homemade versions allow you to control sweetness and spice levels precisely.
How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?
Chilling your crust before baking and possibly blind baking it for a few minutes can help create a barrier. Also, keeping an eye on the filling’s moisture and cooking until fully set ensures a crisp crust every time.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Butter Pie Recipe is one of those truly special desserts that feels like a warm embrace. Whether you’re making it for a holiday, a weekend treat, or just because, it’s sure to become a beloved favorite. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and create a pie that will fill your home with unforgettable aromas and your heart with joy.
Print
Apple Butter Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This delicious Apple Butter Pie combines a flaky homemade crust with a rich, spiced apple butter custard filling. Perfectly balanced with warm spices and creamy texture, this pie is an ideal dessert for fall or any special occasion. Easy to prepare from scratch, it yields a classic comfort dessert that pairs wonderfully with whipped cream or ice cream.
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 flour and salt. Cut in the chilled, cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Form the Dough: Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough just comes together.
- Chill the Dough: Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and chill for 30 minutes to firm up the butter and relax the gluten.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Transfer the dough to the dish and trim and crimp the edges to decorate and secure the crust.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) for optimal baking.
- Mix 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 smooth and fully combined.
- Assemble the Pie: Pour the prepared filling into the chilled pie crust, smoothing the surface evenly.
- Bake: Bake the pie for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the center is set and a knife inserted comes out clean. To prevent the crust edges from overbrowning, cover them with foil halfway through baking if necessary.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pie from the oven and cool completely on a wire rack. Serve slices topped with whipped cream or ice cream for an indulgent treat.
Notes
- You can save time by using a store-bought pie crust instead of making your own.
- Cover the edges of your crust with foil if they brown too quickly during baking.
- Allowing the pie to cool completely helps the filling set for cleaner slices.
- Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream to complement the warm spices.
