Apple Butter Pie

If you’re looking for a dessert that wraps you up in warmth and nostalgia, then Apple Butter Pie is just the thing! This pie combines the cozy flavors of apple butter with a creamy custard filling, creating a slice of pure delight. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug on a chilly autumn day, perfect for family gatherings or a sweet treat after dinner.

What makes this Apple Butter Pie truly special is its unique blend of flavors and textures. With its creamy filling and flaky crust, it’s reminiscent of pumpkin pie but with the added sweetness of brown sugar apples. Whether you’re serving it during the fall or simply craving something comforting, this pie is sure to make everyone feel at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: Even if you’re not an experienced baker, this pie comes together with simple steps that anyone can follow.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the rich flavors and creamy texture of this delightful dessert.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Thanksgiving, a cozy weekend, or just because, this pie fits right in.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the crust and filling ahead of time, making it a breeze to serve when you’re ready.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of apple butter and spices creates an unforgettable taste that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients for our Apple Butter Pie! Each component plays a vital role in creating that deliciously creamy texture and flavorful filling.

For the Crust

• 3¼ cups all-purpose flour (390g)
• 1 cup + 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (cold 311g)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ⅔ cup ice water (cold 5.3oz)

For the Filling

• 1½ cups apple butter (482g plus a bit extra for topping)
• 3 large eggs (room temperature)
• ¼ cup dark brown sugar (50g)
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla paste or extract
• 14 oz sweetened condensed milk (1 can)
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream (240ml)
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (15g)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla paste or extract

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! You can easily make adjustments based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Add Some Spice: Consider adding nutmeg or ginger to enhance the flavor profile even more.
• Nutty Crust Option: Substitute part of the flour in the crust with ground almonds or walnuts for added texture.
• Fruit Twist: Mix in some chopped cooked apples into the filling for an extra fruity bite.
• Lighter Version: Use low-fat sweetened condensed milk instead to lighten up this delicious dessert.

How to Make Apple Butter Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Cut the cold butter into ½” cubes and place them in the freezer while preparing other ingredients. This step ensures your crust will be flaky! The colder your butter remains during mixing, the better your dough will turn out.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, combine about a cup of water with ice cubes. Set aside. In your food processor, add flour and salt; pulse once to mix. This helps distribute the salt evenly throughout your crust.

Step 3: Incorporate Butter

Disperse those cold butter cubes into the flour mixture. Pulse until you achieve pea-sized pieces that resemble wet sand. This texture is key to getting that perfect flaky crust!

Step 4: Forming the Dough

Drizzle ice-cold water through the chute while pulsing until shaggy crumbles form. Remember not to overwork it; you want it just combined so it holds together without becoming too wet.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Remove your dough from the processor and divide it into two pieces. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap and flatten into discs before refrigerating for at least an hour. Chilling helps relax gluten, making rolling easier later!

Step 6: Roll Out Your Crust

Once chilled, take out one disc and let it sit for about 15 minutes before rolling it out. Lightly flour your surface and rolling pin as you roll out to about ⅛” thick—this will help prevent sticking!

Step 7: Transfer to Pie Dish

Carefully place your rolled-out dough into a pie dish, pressing it into place without stretching. Don’t forget to trim excess dough so you have about an inch overhang—this gives you enough room to crimp beautifully.

Step 8: Par Bake Your Crust

Freeze your prepared crust for 15 minutes, then dock with a fork before lining with parchment paper filled with weights. Par baking sets up your crust nicely so it doesn’t get soggy when adding filling later.

Step 9: Bake and Cool

Bake your crust at 375℉/190℃ for about 20 minutes total—just until it starts turning golden brown! Let it cool on a wire rack while you whip up that delicious filling.

Now you’re ready to fill your baked pie shell with that dreamy apple butter custard mixture! Enjoy every step as you create this delightful treat!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Butter Pie

Making an apple butter pie can be a delightful experience, and with these tips, you’ll ensure that your pie turns out perfectly every time!

• Chill your ingredients: Keeping your butter and water ice-cold helps to create a flaky crust. The colder the fat, the less it will melt during mixing and baking, resulting in a more tender texture.
• Don’t overwork the dough: When mixing your pie crust, it’s important to handle it gently to prevent gluten formation. Overworking the dough can lead to a tough crust instead of a light, flaky one.
• Use high-quality apple butter: Since apple butter is the star of this recipe, using a rich and flavorful option elevates the taste of your pie. Look for apple butter with minimal additives for the best flavor.
• Let your pie cool completely: After baking, allow your pie to cool at room temperature for several hours before slicing. This helps set the filling and makes for cleaner slices.
• Experiment with spices: While cinnamon is traditional, adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice can enhance the flavor profile of your pie, giving it that warm autumn essence.

How to Serve Apple Butter Pie

Serving apple butter pie is all about presentation and enhancing its delicious flavors. Here are some ideas to make your dessert even more inviting!

Garnishes

• Whipped cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a lightness that balances the rich custard filling.
• Caramel drizzle: A drizzle of homemade or store-bought caramel sauce brings an extra layer of sweetness and beautiful visual appeal.
• Chopped nuts: Toasted walnuts or pecans sprinkled on top provide a satisfying crunch that complements the creamy texture.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with the spice in apple butter pie, creating a classic dessert combination that guests love.
• Spiced cider: A warm cup of spiced cider enhances the fall flavors and adds coziness to your dessert table.
• Fresh fruit salad: A light fruit salad with seasonal fruits like pears and pomegranate seeds balances out the richness of the pie while adding color.
• Cheese platter: A selection of mild cheeses like brie or gouda offers a savory contrast to the sweetness of the pie and encourages delightful flavor pairings.

With these serving suggestions and tips, you’re ready to impress friends and family with your scrumptious apple butter pie! Enjoy every moment as you share this delightful treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Apple butter pie is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy its delightful flavors over several days. Whether you’re planning for a gathering or just want a sweet treat on hand, it’s easy to make this pie ahead of time.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the pie to cool completely before storing.
• Cover the pie with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing

• If you’d like to freeze the pie, ensure it’s fully cooled first.
• Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.
• To serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Remove any plastic wrap or foil from the pie.
• Place the pie on a baking sheet and cover it loosely with foil.
• Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you may have about making an apple butter pie!

Can I use store-bought apple butter for this recipe?

Absolutely! Using store-bought apple butter can save you time while still delivering delicious flavor. Just choose a quality brand that you enjoy.

What makes apple butter pie different from traditional apple pie?

Apple butter pie has a smooth custard-like filling made primarily from apple butter, giving it a unique creamy texture compared to traditional apple pie, which typically has chunks of apples.

How should I serve my apple butter pie?

This dessert is delightful on its own but pairs wonderfully with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence!

Can I make this recipe vegan?

You can substitute eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based condensed milk alternatives. However, note that this may alter the taste and texture slightly from the original recipe.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to try this apple butter pie as I am! It’s a comforting dessert that brings warmth and nostalgia to any gathering. Enjoy making this special treat, and I’d love to hear how it turns out for you. Happy baking!