When the crisp autumn air starts to weave through the trees and the scent of spices fills my kitchen, it can only mean one thing—it’s time to whip up a delightful Apple Butter Pie. I discovered this cozy dessert while reminiscing about family gatherings where laughter mingled with the sweet aroma of baked treats. The moment I took my first taste, I was hooked; the luscious blend of apple butter, cinnamon, and nutmeg transports me to fall days filled with warmth and joy.
This pie is not just a feast for the taste buds; it’s an easy crowd-pleaser that can elevate any dinner table without the stress usually associated with baking. With a smooth filling that balances sweet and spice, and a crust that holds it all beautifully, every slice reveals the care and love that goes into homemade cooking. So gather your ingredients and let’s create a centerpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds. Your journey to baking this enchanting Apple Butter Pie begins now!
Why is Apple Butter Pie a Must-Try?
Comforting Taste: This pie brings the warmth of fall into every bite, blending the rich flavors of apple butter, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can shine.
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: It’s a perfect dessert for gatherings, sure to impress family and friends.
Versatile Base: Serve it warm with whipped cream or chilled for a refreshing finish.
Time Well Spent: The longer chilling time allows flavors to meld, creating a truly memorable treat.
Make sure to check out my tips for homemade desserts to elevate your baking game!
Apple Butter Pie Ingredients
• Gather these essentials for a delightful treat!
For the Pie Crust
- Spelt pie crust – offers a nutty flavor and is a healthier alternative to traditional crusts.
For the Filling
- Prepared apple butter – the star of the show, providing rich apple flavor and natural sweetness.
- Heavy cream – adds a lush creaminess to balance the spices.
- Large eggs – they help bind the filling and create a smooth texture.
- Brown sugar – brings a deep, caramel-like sweetness that complements the apple butter.
- Ground cinnamon – for that classic fall flavor that warms the soul.
- Freshly grated nutmeg – a pinch enhances the aromatic profile beautifully.
- Coarse kosher salt – just a touch to elevate the sweet and spice harmony.
- Ground cloves – adds a warm, subtle depth that rounds out the flavor.
Feel free to use my tips to make this Apple Butter Pie a cherished family favorite!
How to Make Apple Butter Pie
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Roll Out the dough: Roll out your spelt pie crust to an 11-inch circle, then gently fit it into a 9-inch pie plate. Press the pastry into the sides and bottom, crimp the edges, and prick the bottom with a fork to let out steam. This creates a perfect base for your delicious filling! Place the pie in the freezer for 15 minutes to firm it up.
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Preheat the oven: While the crust chills, preheat your oven to 375ºF. Position the oven racks in the middle and lower slots for even baking.
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Prepare the Shell: Remove the pie crust from the freezer. Line it with parchment paper and fill with pie weights, pushing them gently to the edges to keep the crust from puffing up while baking.
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Bake the crust: Bake the crust on the lower rack for 20 minutes, then remove the parchment and weights, returning it to the oven for an additional 5 minutes. This blind-baking process ensures a crispy base! Set aside until ready to use, and lower the oven temperature to 325ºF.
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Mix the filling: In a large bowl, combine all your filling ingredients: prepared apple butter, heavy cream, eggs, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, kosher salt, and cloves. Whisk together until fully combined and smooth—this builds the lovely, rich flavor of the pie.
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Pour the filling: Carefully pour the luscious mixture into your blind-baked pie shell, smoothing it into an even layer. It’s time to fill your home with that wonderful baking aroma!
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Bake the pie: Place the pie on the middle rack and bake until almost set, about 45-55 minutes. Look for the outer edges to puff up while the center is still slightly wobbly. It should reach a temperature above 180ºF, indicating it’s perfectly done.
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Cool Down: Transfer the pie to a wire rack and allow it to cool. Then, cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours to let the flavors meld and the filling firm up beautifully.
Optional: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Apple Butter Pie?
This scrumptious dessert is only the beginning of your beautiful autumn feast. Pair it with these delightful accompaniments for a truly memorable meal.
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Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light, airy touch that complements the pie’s dense filling perfectly.
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Cinnamon-Spiced Coffee: The warm notes of cinnamon in your cup will echo the flavors of the pie, making each bite even more comforting.
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Chilled Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy, sweet ice cream contrasts beautifully with the spiced apple filling, offering a classic pairing everyone loves.
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Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel over the pie enhances its sweetness while adding an indulgent touch that’s hard to resist.
Imagine your Apple Butter Pie served warm, with all these delicious additions surrounding it. Each element enhances the cozy, festive spirit of your dining experience.
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Cheddar Cheese Slices: For an unexpected twist, serve with sharp cheddar cheese, which provides a delightful balance of savory and sweet.
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Spiced Apple Cider: A warm cup of spiced apple cider not only ties in the apple theme but also warms the soul on a chilly evening.
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Pumpkin Spice Muffins: As a delightful side, fluffy pumpkin muffins echo fall spices and round out your dessert course beautifully.
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Pecan Pie Bars: For a dessert duo, pair with pecan pie bars for added texture and a nutty richness that complements the apple butter.
Apple Butter Pie Variations
Customize your apple butter pie to suit your taste and dietary needs—get creative in the kitchen!
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Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free pie crust blend to enjoy the same delicious flavors without gluten. It’s a great option for those sensitive to wheat.
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Vegan: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water. This gives you a rich filling that’s completely plant-based.
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Sugar-Free: Swap brown sugar with your favorite sugar substitute like monk fruit sweetener for a lower-calorie version without sacrificing sweetness.
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Extra Spiced: Enhance the flavor with a dash of cardamom or ginger for an aromatic twist that dances on your palate.
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Nutty Crunch: Incorporate finely chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the filling for added texture and a delightful crunch with every bite.
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Fruity Twist: Mix in some chopped fresh or dried fruits such as cranberries or raisins for an unexpected burst of flavor that complements the apple butter beautifully.
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Chocolate Drizzle: Top the cooled pie with a light drizzle of melted chocolate to elevate the dessert into a decadent treat that chocolate lovers won’t resist.
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Caramel Swirl: Before baking, swirl some caramel sauce into the filling for a luxurious touch that adds richness and sweetness to this classic pie.
Feel free to mix and match these variations to create your signature apple butter pie that family and friends will rave about!
Make Ahead Options
These Apple Butter Pies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the spelt pie crust up to 24 hours in advance by refrigerating it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap to maintain its freshness and prevent drying out. Additionally, the filling can be mixed and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; just be sure to cover it securely to lock in those rich flavors. When you’re ready to finish, pour the chilled filling into the pre-baked crust and bake as directed. This way, you can enjoy a cozy, homemade dessert with minimal effort after a busy day!
How to Store and Freeze Apple Butter Pie
Fridge: Store the pie in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Cover it loosely with plastic wrap to prevent any moisture loss while chilling.
Freezer: If you want to keep your Apple Butter Pie longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can last in the freezer for up to 3 months!
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat individual slices in the microwave or enjoy chilled for a refreshing treat.
Room Temperature: If left out, the pie can sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours, perfect for serving at gatherings!
Expert Tips for Apple Butter Pie
- Chill the Crust: Keep the crust in the freezer longer if it feels warm; this prevents shrinkage during baking.
- Check for Doneness: Use a thermometer to ensure the pie reaches 180ºF for a perfectly set filling—do not rely solely on time.
- Whisk Well: Ensure all ingredients are fully combined to avoid a lumpy texture in your Apple Butter Pie filling.
- Cooling Time: Allow the pie to cool completely before refrigerating; this helps maintain the structure and flavor.
- Adjust Sweetness: If using homemade apple butter, taste it first! You may want to adjust the brown sugar depending on your preference.
Apple Butter Pie Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best apple butter?
Absolutely! When selecting apple butter, look for products that use high-quality apples and have a rich, deep color. A jar that lists apples as the first ingredient and contains no preservatives is ideal. If you’re making your own, choose apples that have a good balance of sweetness and tartness, such as Fuji or Honeycrisp.
What’s the best way to store Apple Butter Pie?
To keep your pie fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cover it loosely with plastic wrap to maintain moisture while keeping it cool. If you need to keep it longer, continue to the next question for freezing instructions!
Can I freeze Apple Butter Pie?
Definitely! To freeze your Apple Butter Pie, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be safely stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating or serving.
What if my pie crust shrinks during baking?
Very common! To prevent shrinking, ensure you chill your pie crust in the freezer for at least 15 minutes before baking it. If it shrinks despite this, you can gently press it back down after it comes out of the oven while it’s still warm. Hope that helps!
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can! Substitute the spelt pie crust with a gluten-free pie crust made from almond flour or a store-bought gluten-free crust. Just be sure to follow the baking instructions on the packaging, as they may differ slightly.
Is this pie safe for pets?
I often hear this question! Apple butter can contain spices like nutmeg that may not be safe for pets. Always keep human food away from pets, and if you’re considering sharing, ensure it’s plain and free of those ingredients to keep your furry friends safe.
Irresistible Apple Butter Pie Recipe for Cozy Nights
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Roll out your spelt pie crust to an 11-inch circle, then gently fit it into a 9-inch pie plate. Press the pastry into the sides and bottom, crimp the edges, and prick the bottom with a fork. Place the pie in the freezer for 15 minutes to firm it up.
- While the crust chills, preheat your oven to 375ºF. Position the oven racks in the middle and lower slots for even baking.
- Remove the pie crust from the freezer. Line it with parchment paper and fill with pie weights, pushing them gently to the edges to keep the crust from puffing up while baking.
- Bake the crust on the lower rack for 20 minutes, then remove the parchment and weights, returning it to the oven for an additional 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine prepared apple butter, heavy cream, eggs, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, kosher salt, and cloves. Whisk together until fully combined and smooth.
- Carefully pour the filling mixture into your blind-baked pie shell, smoothing it into an even layer.
- Place the pie on the middle rack and bake until almost set, about 45-55 minutes.
- Transfer the pie to a wire rack and allow it to cool. Then, cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours to let the flavors meld.