Apple Butter Pie

Apple butter pie is a delightful dessert that captures the essence of autumn in every bite. This creamy custard pie, made with rich apple butter and sweetened condensed milk, is perfect for gatherings, holidays, or a cozy night in. With its unique flavor reminiscent of sweet brown sugar apples and the comforting texture similar to pumpkin pie, this apple butter pie is a standout choice for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe simplifies the process of creating a delicious homemade pie without complicated techniques.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of apple butter and dark brown sugar provides a deep, flavorful experience that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile Dessert: Serve it warm or chilled; this pie fits perfectly into any seasonal gathering or holiday feast.
• Crowd-Pleaser: With its unique taste and creamy texture, it’s sure to impress friends and family alike.
• Perfect for Fall: Embrace the flavors of apple season with this comforting dessert that celebrates autumn’s bounty.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience. Having everything prepared will make the process quicker and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Food processor
• 9-inch pie dish
• Rolling pin
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Food processor: Essential for quickly combining ingredients for the crust and achieving the perfect texture.
• Pie dish: A sturdy dish ensures even baking and makes serving easy.
• Rolling pin: Helps in rolling out dough evenly for a perfectly shaped crust.

Ingredients

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 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 Pie Crust

1. Cut the cold butter into ½” cubes and place them in the freezer for about 15 minutes while you prepare other ingredients.
2. In a bowl, add about a cup of water with ice cubes and set aside.
3. Add flour and salt to a food processor; pulse once to mix well.
4. Disperse cold butter cubes around flour in the food processor; pulse until they resemble pea-sized pieces.
5. Measure out ⅔ cup of ice-cold water (without ice cubes). Drizzle it through the chute while pulsing until shaggy crumbles form. Add remaining water if needed but do not let it form a ball.
6. Remove dough, split into two pieces, wrap separately in plastic wrap, flatten into discs, and refrigerate for 1-2 hours until firm.

Step 2: Roll Out Dough

1. After chilling, let dough sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to soften slightly.
2. Lightly flour your rolling pin and work surface; roll out one disc until about ⅛ thick and at least 2 inches larger than your pie dish.
3. Carefully transfer dough to pie dish, pressing it into place on bottom and sides; trim edges to be even.

Step 3: Par Bake the Crust

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

Step 4: Prepare Filling

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together apple butter, eggs, dark brown sugar, additional flour, vanilla paste/extract, sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, powdered sugar, ground cinnamon, and vanilla until well combined.

Step 5: Assemble & Bake

1. Pour filling into par-baked crust; smooth top if necessary.
2. Bake in preheated oven at 375℉/190℃ for about 60 minutes or until set but slightly jiggly in center.
3. Allow cooling before serving; top with extra apple butter if desired.

Enjoy your delicious Apple Butter Pie!

How to Serve Apple Butter Pie

Apple butter pie is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in several ways. Each serving suggestion enhances the pie’s rich flavors and creamy texture, making it a perfect treat for any occasion.

With Whipped Cream

• Serve a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream on top for added richness and a light, airy contrast.

A Scoop of Ice Cream

• Pair your slice with vanilla or caramel ice cream to create a warm and cold experience that complements the pie’s sweetness.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• Add a drizzle of caramel sauce over the top for an extra layer of sweetness and a beautiful presentation.

Garnished with Nuts

• Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top for added crunch and nuttiness that balances the creamy filling.

Accompanied by Fresh Fruit

• Serve alongside slices of fresh apples or pears to enhance the apple flavor and provide a refreshing contrast.

How to Perfect Apple Butter Pie

To make your apple butter pie truly exceptional, consider these helpful tips:

• Chill the Dough: Ensure the pie crust is well-chilled before baking to achieve a flaky texture.
• Use Quality Apple Butter: Opt for homemade or high-quality apple butter for the best flavor.
• Check for Doneness: Bake until the filling is set but slightly jiggly in the center for optimal texture.
• Let It Cool Completely: Allow the pie to cool fully before slicing to ensure clean cuts and better presentation.
• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add spices like nutmeg or allspice to enhance the flavor profile.

Best Side Dishes for Apple Butter Pie

Apple butter pie pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its rich taste. Here are some excellent options:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream
   A classic pairing that adds creaminess and contrasts nicely with the warm pie.

2. Honey Roasted Nuts
   Sweet, crunchy nuts provide texture and a hint of sweetness to balance the pie’s richness.

3. Spiced Apples
   Warm spiced apples offer an additional layer of apple flavor through gentle simmering with cinnamon.

4. Cranberry Sauce
   Tart cranberry sauce brings brightness and acidity, cutting through the sweetness of the pie.

5. Pumpkin Bread
   Serve slices of moist pumpkin bread as a complementary fall-inspired treat next to your pie.

6. Cheese Platter
   A selection of mild cheeses can introduce savory elements that pair beautifully with sweet desserts like this one.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making an apple butter pie can be a delightful experience, but some common mistakes can hinder your success.

• Skipping the chilling step – Not chilling your dough can lead to a crust that shrinks while baking. Always refrigerate the dough for at least 1-2 hours.
• Using warm eggs – Room temperature eggs mix better, but if they are too warm, they can affect the texture of the filling. Let them sit out for about 30 minutes before using.
• Overbaking the crust – A burnt crust can ruin your apple butter pie. Keep a close eye on it during the last few minutes of baking to achieve a perfect golden color.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately – Incorrect measurements can drastically change the texture and flavor of your pie. Use a kitchen scale for best results.
• Ignoring the resting time after baking – Cutting into the pie too soon can cause it to collapse. Allow it to rest for at least 2 hours before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container or cover tightly with plastic wrap.
• Apple butter pie will last up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Apple Butter Pie

• Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• The pie can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Apple Butter Pie

• Oven – Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pie on a baking sheet and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave – Heat individual slices on medium power for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop – Place a slice in a non-stick skillet over low heat, covering it with a lid. Warm for about 5 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding apple butter pie.

What is Apple Butter Pie?

Apple butter pie is a creamy custard dessert made with apple butter, sweetened condensed milk, and spices, all baked in a flaky crust.

How do I make my Apple Butter Pie even sweeter?

You can add more brown sugar or use sweetened condensed milk instead of regular milk for added sweetness.

Can I use homemade apple butter?

Yes! Homemade apple butter will enhance the flavor of your apple butter pie even more than store-bought versions.

Is Apple Butter Pie suitable for Thanksgiving?

Absolutely! It’s a unique alternative to traditional pumpkin pie that will impress your guests during Thanksgiving celebrations.

How do I prevent my crust from getting soggy?

Par-baking your crust helps prevent sogginess. Make sure to bake it fully before adding the filling.

Final Thoughts

Apple butter pie is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with spices or toppings like whipped cream or nuts. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a favorite!