If you’re craving a warm, comforting dessert that feels like a cozy hug in pie form, you’re going to adore this Apple Butter Pie Recipe. It’s a luscious blend of spiced apple butter and creamy filling nestled in a flaky homemade crust that melts in your mouth. Each bite bursts with the perfect harmony of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, making it an irresistible seasonal treat that’s bound to become a family favorite. Whether you’re sharing it at a holiday gathering or simply treating yourself after a long day, this Apple Butter Pie Recipe brings joy and warmth to every occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is all it takes to craft this unforgettable pie. Each component plays a crucial role—from the tender crust providing buttery crunch, to the rich apple butter filling delivering fragrant spice and sweet depth.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for your pie crust, creating that perfect flaky texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness in both the crust and filling.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed: Adds richness and flakiness to the crust.
- 3–5 tablespoons ice water: Helps the dough come together without melting the butter—key for a tender crust.
- 1 cup apple butter: The star ingredient, packed with concentrated apple flavor and spices.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Provides sweetness to balance the spices and apple butter.
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar: Adds deep caramel notes and moisture to the filling.
- 3 large eggs: Bind the filling, adding creamy richness and structure.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates a luscious, custard-like texture that holds everything together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall warmth and sweetness of the pie.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Classic spice that pairs effortlessly with apples.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds depth and a hint of earthy warmth.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: Provides a subtle touch of bold spice.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the flavors and rounds out the filling perfection.
How to Make Apple Butter Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
Begin by combining the flour and salt in a medium bowl. Cut in the chilled, cubed butter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs with pea-sized bits of butter. This technique is crucial because those butter pockets create a flaky, tender crust. Then, slowly add ice water, just enough for the dough to come together when pressed—avoid adding too much to keep it light. Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and pop it in the fridge for 30 minutes to relax the gluten and firm up the butter.
Step 2: Roll and Fit the Crust
Once chilled, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Gently transfer it to the dish, trimming excess dough around the edges and crimping them for a beautiful finish. This crust is the cozy bed that will hold your luscious apple butter filling perfectly.
Step 3: Preheat Your Oven
While your crust chills again briefly in the pie dish, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is perfect for baking the custard-like filling while keeping the crust golden and crisp.
Step 4: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, whisk together the apple butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and the warming spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, plus a pinch of salt. Keep whisking until everything is completely smooth, making sure the flavors meld beautifully for that signature Apple Butter Pie Recipe taste.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Pour the creamy filling into your prepared crust, smoothing the surface. Pop the pie in the oven and bake for about 50 to 60 minutes. Keep an eye on the crust edges; if they start browning too quickly, cover them with foil strips to prevent burning. You’ll know it’s done when the center is set and slightly jiggly but not liquid.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Let your pie cool completely on a wire rack. This resting period lets the filling firm up just right, making slicing cleaner and the eating experience truly delightful. Serve slightly chilled or at room temperature—either way, it’s pure magic.
How to Serve Apple Butter Pie Recipe
Garnishes
A dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream turns this pie into a decadent dessert experience. A sprinkle of cinnamon over the topping adds an inviting aroma and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
Apple Butter Pie pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai tea. For a festive meal, consider serving slices alongside roasted pork or turkey to complement the pie’s warm spices.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming touch, serve individual mini pies using the same filling in small tart shells. Or, for gatherings, drizzle warm caramel sauce over each slice to impress your guests with an extra layer of indulgence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Apple Butter Pie Recipe, cover leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store them in the refrigerator. The pie maintains its flavor and texture beautifully for 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for planned treats.
Freezing
If you want to save some pie for later, wrap it well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. It can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing its delicious character. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Gently warm slices in a low oven (around 300°F) for 10 to 15 minutes to revive that fresh-baked feeling. Avoid microwaving as it can make the crust soggy, and we want every bite crispy and perfect.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pie crust instead of making my own?
Absolutely! Using a store-bought crust is a convenient shortcut and still results in a delicious pie. Just ensure it’s fully thawed before filling and baking.
Is apple butter the same as applesauce?
Not quite. Apple butter is cooked down much longer and spiced, creating a thicker, richer, and more intensely flavored spread than applesauce. This makes it ideal for pies like this recipe.
Can I make this pie dairy-free?
You can swap the butter in the crust for a dairy-free alternative and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Keep in mind the texture might vary slightly, but the flavor is sure to delight.
What is the best way to prevent the crust edges from burning?
Cover the edges with foil or use a pie shield as soon as the crust starts to brown too much. This protects those delicate edges while the filling finishes baking perfectly.
Can I prepare the filling a day ahead?
Yes! Preparing the filling a day in advance can deepen the flavors. Just whisk it again before pouring into the crust and baking as usual.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about sharing a homemade Apple Butter Pie Recipe with people you love. It’s easy to make, packed with warm spices, and perfect for any season that calls for comfort food. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience the cozy magic baked into every slice.
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Apple Butter Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Apple Butter Pie combines a flaky homemade pie crust with a smooth, spiced apple butter filling, perfect for autumn dessert cravings. The creamy custard filling, enhanced with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, bakes into a luscious pie that pairs beautifully 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 all-purpose flour and salt. Cut in the chilled cubed butter using a pastry cutter or fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Ice Water: Gradually add 3 to 5 tablespoons of ice water, stirring gently, just until the dough starts to come together, avoiding overmixing.
- Chill the Dough: Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll the chilled dough into a circle to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Transfer the dough to the dish, press into place, trim and crimp the edges neatly.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the pie.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 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 evenly combined.
- Assemble the Pie: Pour the spiced apple butter filling into the prepared pie crust, smoothing the surface with a spatula.
- Bake: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes until the filling is set in the center. To prevent over-browning, cover the crust edges with foil if they brown too quickly during baking.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy it as is or topped with whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for extra indulgence.
Notes
- For convenience, you may use a store-bought pie crust instead of making your own.
- Ensure the butter and water are cold to achieve a flaky crust.
- Cover the edges of the crust with foil halfway through baking if they begin to brown too quickly.
- Allow the pie to cool fully; this helps the filling to set properly and slice cleanly.
- Serve warm or at room temperature with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for the best experience.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
