Apple Butter Pie is the dreamy, spiced cousin to your classic pumpkin pie, with a silky-smooth texture and a flavor that tastes like autumn itself. Imagine the essence of perfectly stewed apples, cozy cinnamon, and a buttery, flaky crust all wrapped up in every forkful—this pie is my secret weapon for wowing a crowd at any fall or holiday gathering. Whether you serve it chilled or at room temperature, Apple Butter Pie dazzles with its warm spices and inviting aroma, and it comes together in just a few simple steps. Trust me, this is a pie that will instantly win hearts!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Apple Butter Pie is that you only need a handful of pantry staples and some apple butter magic. Each ingredient is chosen to complement the pie’s velvety filling, enhancing everything from creaminess to that irresistible spiced flavor.
- Unbaked 9-inch pie crust: A ready-made (or homemade!) crust serves as the crunchy, flaky base that holds all the luscious filling.
- Apple butter: The star of the show—rich, deeply flavored apple butter brings sweetness, spice, and an ultra-smooth texture.
- Brown sugar (packed): Adds a gentle molasses depth and caramel note that beautifully rounds out the apple flavor.
- Large eggs: Essential for setting the custard and ensuring a sliceable, creamy texture.
- Evaporated milk: Contributes silky richness without overwhelming the delicate apple spices.
- All-purpose flour: Just a little thickens the filling perfectly for those clean pie slices.
- Cinnamon: Infuses the filling with classic warmth—don’t skimp on this spice!
- Nutmeg: Lends a hint of earthy, nutty sweetness and autumn charm.
- Ground ginger: For a light, zesty kick that brightens every bite.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies all the wonderful flavors.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a soft, floral note that ties together fruit and spice.
How to Make Apple Butter Pie
Step 1: Prepare Your Pie Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Place your unbaked pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish and gently press it into the bottom and up the sides. Crimp the edges with your fingers or a fork—have fun with the design; it’s the first thing people will admire!
Step 2: Mix the Apple Butter Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the apple butter, packed brown sugar, and eggs. Whisk until the mixture looks smooth and glossy, ensuring no lumps remain. This is where the magic starts as all those lovely spices swirl together.
Step 3: Add the Rest of the Ingredients
To the same bowl, pour in the evaporated milk, then sprinkle over the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, salt, and vanilla extract. Mix everything until fully combined—you should end up with a velvety, fragrant custard filling.
Step 4: Fill and Bake
Pour your apple butter filling into the prepared pie crust and smooth out the top with a spatula. Slide the pie into the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. It’s ready when the center is set and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. The aroma will be just incredible!
Step 5: Cool and Chill
Once out of the oven, let the pie cool completely at room temperature. For the neatest, most professional slices, pop it in the fridge and chill for at least two hours. The filling will firm up and slice like a dream.
How to Serve Apple Butter Pie
Garnishes
Apple Butter Pie shines brightest when you give it a little finishing touch. I love a cloud of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of smooth vanilla ice cream right on top. For extra sparkle, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar or add a few thin apple slices. Serving a slice with a drizzle of warm caramel sauce is another decadent twist!
Side Dishes
Keep your accompanying dishes simple to let the Apple Butter Pie truly stand out. Light salads with walnuts and apples, spiced pecans, or even a cup of strong coffee or warm cider pair perfectly, enhancing the dessert’s coziness without stealing the spotlight.
Creative Ways to Present
Try making individual Apple Butter Pies by dividing the filling between mini tart shells—a showstopper for holiday dessert tables. For potlucks, bake the pie in a square pan and serve as squares. You can also cut out pastry leaves from pie dough scraps to decorate the top before baking for a rustic, bakery-worthy finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Apple Butter Pie keeps beautifully in the refrigerator. Just wrap it tightly in plastic or cover with foil, and you’ll have great-tasting pie ready for another sweet moment for up to four days.
Freezing
You can freeze whole or sliced Apple Butter Pie—just make sure it has cooled completely first. Wrap the pie (or slices) in several layers of plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
Reheating
To bring out the comforting flavors, gently reheat slices in the oven at 300°F for 10-15 minutes. This keeps the crust flaky while warming the filling just enough to release all the inviting spices. Avoid microwaving if you can, since it can make the crust soggy.
FAQs
Can I use homemade apple butter?
Absolutely! Homemade apple butter will make your Apple Butter Pie even more special—the fresher and more flavorful, the better. Adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of your apple butter.
Do I need to blind-bake the crust?
No need to blind-bake—the filling bakes up thick and creamy without causing the crust to get soggy. Just make sure your crust is well-chilled before you fill it for the best results.
Can I use a different crust (like graham cracker or gluten-free)?
You bet! Graham cracker crust adds delicious crunch and extra sweetness. Gluten-free crusts work too—just follow your preferred recipe or use a store-bought alternative.
How do I know when the pie is done?
The pie is ready when the center is just set and a toothpick comes out mostly clean. If it jiggles slightly but isn’t liquid, you’re good! It will continue to firm up as it cools.
Can I make Apple Butter Pie ahead for a holiday gathering?
Yes—Apple Butter Pie is a make-ahead superstar! Bake it a day in advance, chill, and slice when needed. The flavors actually deepen and improve as it sits.
Final Thoughts
If you want to add a little extra warmth and magic to your dessert table, Apple Butter Pie is the way to go. With its silky filling, golden crust, and gorgeous spices, it’s a dessert that always earns a second (and third!) slice. I hope you’ll give it a try and share it with those you love—happy baking!
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Apple Butter Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of fall with this Apple Butter Pie recipe. A delicious twist on the classic pumpkin pie, this dessert is packed with apple and spice goodness. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy autumn treat.
Ingredients
Crust:
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
Filling:
- 1 cup apple butter
- 3/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Prepare the crust: Place the unbaked pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish and crimp the edges as desired.
- Mix the filling: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the apple butter, brown sugar, and eggs until smooth. Add the evaporated milk, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, salt, and vanilla extract, and mix until fully combined.
- Fill the crust: Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust and smooth the top.
- Bake: Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
- Cool and chill: Let the pie cool completely at room temperature. Chill for at least 2 hours before slicing for clean cuts.
Notes
- This pie is similar in texture to pumpkin pie but has a rich apple and spice flavor.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
- You can make it a day ahead for easy prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
