Apple Butter Pie

Apple butter pie is a delicious dessert that combines the rich flavors of apple butter with a creamy custard filling, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply treating yourself to something sweet, this pie stands out with its unique taste and smooth texture. It’s like a cozy hug in dessert form, showcasing the warmth of autumn flavors in each slice.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, you can whip up this pie without any fuss.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of apple butter and sweetened condensed milk creates a rich, satisfying taste.
• Versatile Dessert: Perfect for holidays, parties, or casual dinners, this pie fits any occasion.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Its unique flavor profile appeals to both kids and adults alike.
• Make Ahead Option: Prepare it in advance and chill for easy serving later.

Tools and Preparation

To create your apple butter pie, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right tools makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Food processor
• Rolling pin
• Pie dish
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Food processor: This tool speeds up the dough-making process, ensuring a perfectly flaky crust.
• Rolling pin: It helps roll out the dough evenly, which is crucial for a nice crust that bakes uniformly.
• Pie dish: A proper dish ensures even baking and helps maintain the shape of your pie.

Ingredients

Apple butter pie is a delicious, creamy custard pie made with flavorful apple butter and sweetened condensed milk, all nestled into a flaky pie crust. It has the texture of pumpkin pie but the flavor of sweet brown sugar apples!

For the Pie Crust:

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

For the Filling:

• 1½ cups apple butter (482g; plus a bit extra for the 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

How to Make Apple Butter Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Cut the cold butter into ½” cubes and place them in the freezer for about 15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
2. In a bowl, add about a cup of water and a handful of ice cubes and set aside.
3. Add the flour and salt to a food processor and pulse once to incorporate the salt.
4. Disperse the cold butter cubes around the flour in the food processor. Pulse until the butter reaches pea-sized pieces.

Step 2: Forming the Dough

1. Measure out ⅔ cup ice-cold water (sans ice cubes) and drizzle it through the chute while pulsing until shaggy crumbles form.
2. Remove the dough from the food processor and separate it into two even pieces. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, flattening them into discs before refrigerating for 1-2 hours.

Step 3: Rolling Out Dough

1. Once chilled, remove one disc from the fridge; let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes.
2. Lightly flour your rolling pin and work surface; roll out dough until it’s about ⅛” thick.
3. Transfer rolled dough to a pie dish; trim excess edges as necessary.

Step 4: Par Bake Crust

1. Freeze crust for 15 minutes then dock with a fork all over; add parchment paper with weights or dried beans on top.
2. Bake in preheated oven at 375℉/190℃ for 15 minutes; remove weights and parchment and bake another 5 minutes until lightly golden.

Now you’re ready to fill your beautifully baked crust with that rich apple butter mixture!

How to Serve Apple Butter Pie

Apple butter pie is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Serving it creatively enhances the overall experience and brings out its rich flavors.

A La Mode

• Serve warm apple butter pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The creaminess of the ice cream pairs perfectly with the spiced apple flavor.

Whipped Cream

• Top slices of apple butter pie with freshly whipped cream for a light and airy addition. You can sweeten the cream with a little powdered sugar for extra sweetness.

Caramel Sauce Drizzle

• Drizzle warm caramel sauce over each slice before serving. The sweet, buttery taste of caramel complements the pie’s flavors beautifully.

Fresh Fruit Garnish

• Add fresh slices of apples or pears on the side for a refreshing contrast. This adds both color and texture to your dessert plate.

Nut Topping

• Sprinkle chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts on top of the whipped cream for added crunch and flavor. It’s an excellent way to enhance the pie’s rustic feel.

How to Perfect Apple Butter Pie

Achieving the perfect apple butter pie requires attention to detail and some helpful tips.

• Chill Your Dough: Ensure your pie crust dough is well-chilled before rolling it out. This prevents it from cracking and helps maintain its flaky texture.

• Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality apple butter and fresh eggs. These ingredients significantly enhance the flavor of your pie.

• Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on your pie while it bakes to avoid overcooking. A perfectly baked apple butter pie will have a slight jiggle in the center when you remove it from the oven.

• Let It Cool: Allow your pie to cool completely before slicing. This helps set the filling, making it easier to cut neat slices.

• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add spices like nutmeg or allspice to customize your flavor profile beyond just cinnamon.

Best Side Dishes for Apple Butter Pie

Pairing side dishes with apple butter pie can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that adds creaminess and balances the spiced flavors of the pie.
2. Fresh Fruit Salad: Combining seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast and cleanses the palate between bites.
3. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses, especially sharp cheddar, pairs nicely with sweet desserts, adding complexity.
4. Spiced Nuts: Roasted nuts seasoned with cinnamon or other spices offer a crunchy texture that complements the softness of the pie.
5. Ginger Cookies: These provide a spicy kick that echoes the flavors in apple butter while adding crunch.
6. Hot Tea or Coffee: A warm beverage enhances relaxation while providing a cozy complement to your sweet treat.
7. Caramelized Pears: Sautéed pears in butter and brown sugar create a deliciously sweet side that pairs wonderfully with apple flavors.
8. Pecan Tartlets: Mini pecan tarts serve as an additional sweet treat, providing different textures alongside your slice of apple butter pie.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making apple butter pie can be a delightful experience, but there are a few common mistakes that can affect the outcome.

• Boldly overworking the dough: When making your pie crust, avoid overmixing or kneading the dough. This will lead to a tough texture instead of a flaky crust. Mix just until combined.

• Ignoring the chilling time: Skipping the chilling step for your pie crust can result in shrinkage during baking. Always allow the dough to chill properly before rolling it out.

• Using warm butter: If you use softened butter instead of cold butter for your crust, it will impact the texture. Make sure to keep your butter chilled until you are ready to use it.

• Not par-baking the crust: Failing to par-bake your crust can lead to a soggy bottom once filled with custard. Always follow the par-baking instructions for best results.

• Underestimating cooling time: Cutting into your pie too soon can ruin its structure. Allow it to cool completely before slicing for cleaner pieces and better flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Best consumed within 3–4 days for optimal flavor and freshness.

Freezing Apple Butter Pie

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
• Can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating Apple Butter Pie

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 15–20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 30–60 seconds or until hot.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making apple butter pie:

What is Apple Butter Pie?

Apple Butter Pie is a creamy custard dessert made with apple butter, giving it a rich flavor reminiscent of sweet brown sugar apples.

How do I make my pie crust flakier?

To achieve a flakier crust, ensure that you use very cold ingredients and handle the dough as little as possible while mixing.

Can I use homemade apple butter?

Absolutely! Homemade apple butter will add a personal touch and unique flavor profile to your pie.

How long does Apple Butter Pie last in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, apple butter pie will last about 3–4 days in the refrigerator.

Final Thoughts

Apple butter pie is not just a delightful dessert; it’s also versatile and perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize it with spices or toppings that suit your taste. Try this recipe today and enjoy every creamy bite!