If you’re searching for a delightful, comforting dessert that wraps the warm spices of fall into every bite, this Apple Butter Pie Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine tender, cinnamon-kissed apples mingling with luscious apple butter inside a flaky, buttery crust. It’s a cozy, soulful treat that’s easy enough for a weeknight but special enough for holiday gatherings. This pie perfectly balances sweet and spiced flavors with a texture that’s both silky and crisp. Prepare to wow your family and friends with a dessert that practically serves up a hug on a plate!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Apple Butter Pie Recipe is a breeze because it calls for simple, classic ingredients. Each one plays an essential role, from the rich apple butter that adds depth and sweetness, to the warm spices that give the pie its inviting aroma and taste.
- 1 refrigerated pie crust: The flaky base that holds all the delicious filling together and adds buttery crunch.
- 1 cup apple butter: Intensely flavored and perfectly smooth, it infuses the pie with deep apple essence.
- 3 large apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced: The fresh fruit that brings natural sweetness and a tender texture to the filling.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Balances the tartness of the apples and enhances caramelization inside the pie.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: A classic spice that lifts the flavor to cozy, nostalgic heights.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a warm, subtle earthiness that complements the cinnamon beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the filling so it sets just right.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces: Dotting the filling with butter adds richness and a beautiful glossy finish.
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash): Creates a shiny, golden crust with a lovely sheen.
- 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (optional, for topping): Sprinkled on top, it adds a sparkling crunch that makes every bite extra special.
How to Make Apple Butter Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the refrigerated pie crust and gently press it into a 9-inch pie dish. Be sure to trim any excess dough around the edges so you have clean sides to work with. This crust will be the sturdy, buttery vessel for the flavorful filling, so don’t rush this step.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, toss together the thinly sliced apples, apple butter, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour. Make sure every slice is evenly coated with this spiced goodness; this mixture is where the magic unfolds, melding sweet, tart, and warmly spiced notes into an irresistible filling.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
Pour the apple butter mixture into your prepared pie crust, spreading it out evenly so every forkful features that perfect balance of filling. Dot the surface with small pieces of unsalted butter—these little nuggets melt into pools of richness as the pie bakes.
Step 4: Add the Top Crust
Cover the filling with a second pie crust or craft a charming lattice if you’re feeling fancy. Seal the edges by crimping them together with your fingers or a fork to keep everything safely tucked inside.
Step 5: Finish and Bake
Brush the top crust with the beaten egg wash for a golden, glossy finish, then sprinkle with coarse sugar if you want to add that delightful sparkle and crunch. Cut a few small slits in the crust so steam can escape while baking. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes until the crust is beautifully golden and the filling bubbles invitingly. If the edges brown too fast, cover them with foil to prevent burning.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the pie cool for at least one hour. This crucial step allows the filling to set up perfectly so you get neat, satisfying slices instead of a juicy mess. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
How to Serve Apple Butter Pie Recipe
Garnishes
A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream takes this pie to heavenly heights. A sprinkle of cinnamon or a pinch of crushed nuts on top adds texture and a little extra flavor complexity. Fresh apple slices on the side can also brighten the presentation.
Side Dishes
This Apple Butter Pie Recipe shines best as the star of dessert time, but pairing it with a warm cup of spiced tea or fresh brewed coffee creates a perfect autumnal duo. For brunch, serve slices with sharp cheddar cheese—this sweet and savory combo is truly unexpected but undeniably delicious.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this classic pie into mini tarts using small tart pans or muffin tins for personal-sized desserts. You can also bake it in a cast-iron skillet for that rustic look and extra-crispy edges. Serving the pie slightly warmed with a drizzle of caramel sauce adds a gourmet touch that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your leftover apple butter pie tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. It stays fresh for up to 3 days and actually tastes better after the flavors meld a bit.
Freezing
This pie freezes wonderfully! Wrap it completely in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to protect from freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat slices in a preheated 350°F oven for about 15 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid the microwave when possible to keep the crust crisp and flaky. If you want to refresh the crust, a couple minutes under the broiler works like magic — just watch carefully so it doesn’t burn!
FAQs
Can I use homemade pie crust instead of refrigerated?
Absolutely! Homemade crust adds an extra touch of love and freshness. Just make sure to chill it well before rolling to get that perfect flaky texture.
What type of apples are best for this Apple Butter Pie Recipe?
Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work beautifully. They hold their shape and balance the sweetness of the apple butter and sugar wonderfully.
Is it okay to use more apple butter if I want it extra rich?
Yes, you can add a bit more apple butter for heightened flavor, but be cautious not to make the filling too wet. A little extra flour can help keep it balanced.
How do I know when the pie is fully baked?
The crust should be golden brown all over, and you’ll see the filling bubbling through the steam vents—it’s a sure sign that everything is cooked perfectly.
Can I make this pie vegan?
Yes! Use a plant-based pie crust, replace the butter with a vegan alternative, and swap the egg wash for a mixture of plant milk and maple syrup for that golden finish.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Butter Pie Recipe is truly a wonderful celebration of seasonal flavors wrapped in buttery, flaky goodness. Whether it’s a family dinner treat or a festive centerpiece, it’s sure to become a beloved classic in your kitchen. Don’t hesitate—gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create some delicious memories with every bite!
Print
Apple Butter Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This delicious Apple Butter Pie features a flaky refrigerated pie crust filled with a spiced apple and apple butter mixture, enhanced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of sugar. Baked until golden and bubbling, it’s a perfect cozy dessert for fall or any time you crave a comforting sweet treat.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 1 refrigerated pie crust
Filling
- 1 cup apple butter
- 3 large apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Topping
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s at the right temperature for baking the pie evenly.
- Prepare Pie Crust: Roll out the refrigerated pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish, gently pressing it into place and trimming any excess dough around the edges for a neat fit.
- Make Filling: In a large bowl, combine the thinly sliced apples, apple butter, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and all-purpose flour. Toss everything thoroughly until the apple slices are evenly coated with the mixture.
- Assemble Pie: Pour the prepared apple butter filling evenly into the pie crust. Dot the filling with small pieces of unsalted butter to add richness and flavor.
- Add Top Crust: Place a second pie crust over the filling or create a lattice pattern if preferred. Seal the edges by crimping them together securely to prevent filling from leaking during baking.
- Apply Egg Wash and Sugar: Brush the top crust with the beaten egg to give it a glossy finish. Sprinkle coarse sugar over the top crust if you want extra sparkle and a crunchy texture.
- Vent Pie: Cut a few small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape while baking, preventing sogginess in the crust.
- Bake: Bake the pie for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the crust edges start to brown too fast, cover them with foil halfway through baking to avoid burning.
- Cool: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool for at least one hour before slicing. This cooling step helps the filling set properly for clean slices and better flavor.
Notes
- For a more rustic and wholesome pie, try using a whole wheat or oat-based crust.
- Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling for added texture and nutty flavor.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a comforting dessert experience.
- Enhance the apple flavor by adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a splash of apple cider to the filling mixture.
