Apple Butter Pie

Apple butter pie is a delightful dessert that combines the rich flavors of apple butter with a creamy custard base, all enveloped in a flaky pie crust. This pie is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, holiday celebration, or simply a cozy night in. With its unique taste reminiscent of sweet brown sugar apples, this apple butter pie will surely impress your guests and become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich Flavor: The combination of apple butter and sweetened condensed milk creates a deeply satisfying taste.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, you can whip up this pie without any fuss.
• Versatile Dessert: Perfect for fall gatherings or as a comforting treat year-round.
• Creamy Texture: Enjoy the smooth custard-like filling that pairs beautifully with a crisp crust.
• Impressive Presentation: Serve this pie at any event, and it’s sure to be the star of the table.

Tools and Preparation

To make the apple butter pie, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools to make your baking experience smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Food processor: Quickly combines ingredients for the perfect pie crust without overworking the dough.
• Rolling pin: Helps you achieve an even thickness for the pie crust, ensuring even baking.
• Pie dish: A sturdy dish provides support for your filling while baking and allows easy serving.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Ingredients

To create this delicious apple butter pie, gather these 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 Dough

1. Cut the cold butter into ½” cubes and place 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; 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, then pulse until pea-sized pieces form.

Step 2: Forming the Dough

1. Measure out ⅔ cup ice cold water (remove ice cubes) and drizzle it through the chute while pulsing.
2. Pulse until shaggy crumbles form; add remaining water if needed but do not let it form into a ball.
3. Remove dough from processor, separate into two pieces, wrap in plastic wrap, flatten into discs, and refrigerate for 1–2 hours.

Step 3: Roll Out and Bake Crust

1. After chilling, take one disc from fridge; wait about 15 minutes to soften slightly.
2. Lightly flour your rolling pin and work surface; roll dough out to about ⅛” thick.
3. Transfer dough into a pie dish; trim edges evenly with kitchen shears.

Step 4: Par Bake the Crust

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

Continue following similar structured instructions until you complete your beautiful apple butter pie!

How to Serve Apple Butter Pie

Apple butter pie is a delightful dessert that can be served in various ways to enhance its rich flavors. Pairing it with the right accompaniments can elevate your dining experience and impress your guests.

With Whipped Cream

• Freshly whipped cream adds a light, airy texture that complements the creamy filling of the pie.

With Vanilla Ice Cream

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream brings a sweet and creamy contrast to the spiced flavors in the pie.

With Caramel Sauce

• Drizzling caramel sauce over each slice adds an extra layer of sweetness and richness, making every bite indulgent.

With Crushed Nuts

• Sprinkling crushed nuts like pecans or walnuts on top offers a crunchy texture that balances the smoothness of the pie.

With Fresh Fruit

• Serving apple butter pie with slices of fresh apples or pears enhances its fruity flavor and adds freshness to each bite.

How to Perfect Apple Butter Pie

To ensure your apple butter pie turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill helps prevent cracking when rolling it out.
• Par Bake Properly: Make sure to par bake the crust adequately; this prevents sogginess from the filling.
• Use Room Temperature Eggs: Room temperature eggs blend better, resulting in a smoother custard filling.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix your filling just until combined; overmixing can lead to a less desirable texture.
• Cool Before Serving: Let the pie cool completely before slicing; this helps it set properly for cleaner slices.

Best Side Dishes for Apple Butter Pie

Pairing side dishes with apple butter pie can create a well-rounded meal. Consider serving these options alongside your dessert for a complete experience.

1. Roasted Vegetables
   Roasted seasonal vegetables provide a savory contrast that pairs well with sweet desserts.

2. Cheese Platter
   A selection of cheeses, especially sharp varieties, balances the sweetness while adding complexity to your meal.

3. Mixed Green Salad
   A light salad with vinaigrette dressing offers freshness and cuts through the richness of the pie.

4. Pumpkin Soup
   A warm bowl of pumpkin soup complements fall flavors beautifully and creates a comforting meal experience.

5. Cranberry Sauce
   Tangy cranberry sauce adds acidity that enhances the overall flavor profile when paired with sweet desserts.

6. Spiced Nuts
   Savory spiced nuts make for a great finger food option that guests can enjoy as they savor their pie.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making apple butter pie can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Bold crust preparation: Overworking the dough can lead to a tough crust. Handle the dough gently and only mix until combined.
• Bold using warm ingredients: Using warm eggs or melted butter can alter the texture. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.
• Bold neglecting to chill the dough: Skipping the chilling step can cause the crust to shrink when baking. Always chill the dough for at least 1-2 hours before rolling it out.
• Bold incorrect baking times: Underbaking or overbaking can ruin your pie. Keep an eye on it during the final stages to achieve a perfect custard-like filling.
• Bold omitting pie weights: Not using weights while par-baking can result in a puffed-up crust. Always use weights or dried beans to keep it flat.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover apple butter pie in an airtight container.
• It can last up to 3-5 days in the fridge.

Freezing Apple Butter Pie

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container.
• The pie can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Apple Butter Pie

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place pie slices on a baking sheet and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 30-45 seconds, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Warm pie slices in a skillet over low heat for about 5 minutes, flipping once.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making apple butter pie.

What is Apple Butter Pie?

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

Can I use homemade apple butter?

Yes, homemade apple butter works wonderfully in this recipe. Just ensure it’s smooth and well-seasoned.

How do I know when my pie is done?

The pie is done when the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle. It will firm up as it cools.

Can I customize the spices in Apple Butter Pie?

Absolutely! Feel free to add nutmeg or ginger according to your taste preference for extra flavor.

Final Thoughts

Apple butter pie is not only delicious but also versatile, allowing you to customize it with various spices and toppings. Whether served at gatherings or enjoyed as a cozy dessert at home, this recipe is sure to impress. Give it a try and explore different variations!