Apple Butter Pie

Apple butter pie is a delightful dessert that brings together the rich flavors of apple butter and creamy custard. This pie is perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or cozy nights at home. With its smooth texture and sweet taste reminiscent of brown sugar-infused apples, apple butter pie is an irresistible treat for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this delicious pie in no time.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of apple butter and sweetened condensed milk creates a deeply satisfying flavor profile.
• Versatile Dessert: Perfect for Thanksgiving, holiday parties, or as a comforting snack after dinner.
• Impressive Presentation: A beautiful pie that will wow your guests and make any meal feel special.
• Comforting Texture: The creamy custard filling gives it a warm, inviting feel, similar to pumpkin pie.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Food processor
• Rolling pin
• Pie dish
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Food processor: Makes it easy to combine ingredients for the pie crust quickly, ensuring a flaky texture.
• Pie dish: A sturdy dish is essential for holding the filling and supporting the crust during baking.

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 the 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 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.
4. Disperse the cold butter around the flour in the processor; pulse until it resembles pea-sized pieces.
5. Measure out ⅔ cup ice-cold water (sans ice cubes) and drizzle it through while pulsing until shaggy crumbles form.
6. Remove dough, separate into two pieces, wrap each in plastic wrap, flatten into discs, and refrigerate for 1-2 hours.

Step 2: Roll Out the Dough

1. Once chilled, take out one disc from the fridge and let it sit for about 15 minutes.
2. Lightly flour your rolling pin and work surface; roll out dough until it’s about ⅛” thick and larger than your pie dish.
3. Transfer dough to your pie dish, pressing it down on the bottom and sides; trim edges with kitchen shears.
4. Fold edges under crust and crimp them for an attractive finish.

Step 3: Par Bake the Crust

1. Freeze crust for 15 minutes; dock with a fork all over.
2. Line with parchment paper filled with weights or dried rice/beans.
3. Bake in a preheated oven at 375℉/190℃ for 15 minutes; remove weights and parchment, bake another 5 minutes until lightly golden.
4. Transfer crust to wire rack while preparing filling.

Step 4: Make the Filling

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

Step 5: Assemble & Bake

1. Pour filling into cooled crust; spread evenly.
2. Bake at 375℉/190℃ for about 60 minutes until set but slightly jiggly in center.
3. Allow cooling completely before serving; top with extra apple butter if desired.

With this easy-to-follow recipe for apple butter pie, you’re sure to create a dessert that’s both comforting and delicious! Enjoy every slice!

How to Serve Apple Butter Pie

Apple butter pie is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you prefer it warm or chilled, there are plenty of delicious accompaniments to enhance your tasting experience.

Warm with Whipped Cream

• Serve slices of warm apple butter pie topped with freshly whipped cream for a classic touch that adds a creamy sweetness.

A Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream

• Pair your pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream contrasts beautifully with the warm filling, creating a delightful texture combination.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• Add a drizzle of caramel sauce over each slice for an extra layer of flavor. This enhances the sweetness and gives a lovely presentation.

Garnished with Cinnamon Sprinkle

• For an aromatic finish, sprinkle ground cinnamon on top before serving. This simple addition highlights the pie’s spice notes.

Accompanied by Fresh Fruit

• Serve alongside slices of fresh apples or pears. The natural juices from the fruit refresh the palate and complement the richness of the pie.

How to Perfect Apple Butter Pie

Creating the perfect apple butter pie relies on attention to detail and technique. Here are some tips to ensure your pie turns out flawlessly every time.

• Choose quality apple butter: Use homemade or store-bought apple butter made from high-quality apples for the best flavor.
• Chill your dough: Resting the dough in the fridge helps prevent shrinkage during baking and results in a flaky crust.
• Avoid overmixing: When preparing your pie crust, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough dough.
• Bake until set: Ensure your filling is fully set in the center before removing it from the oven; this may require an extra few minutes depending on your oven.
• Let it cool: Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing. This helps firm up the filling for cleaner slices.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust spices like cinnamon or nutmeg according to your taste preferences for personalized flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Apple Butter Pie

Pairing side dishes with apple butter pie can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options that complement its flavors well.

1. Spiced Chai Tea
   A warm cup of spiced chai tea offers comforting flavors that harmonize with the sweetness of the pie.
2. Cranberry Sauce
   The tartness of cranberry sauce balances out the sweet profile of apple butter pie, creating a delightful contrast.
3. Cheese Platter
   Include sharp cheddar or creamy brie on a cheese platter; their savory notes add depth when served alongside dessert.
4. Pumpkin Soup
   A bowl of smooth pumpkin soup provides warmth and a seasonal touch that pairs nicely before indulging in dessert.
5. Roasted Nuts
   A mixture of roasted almonds and walnuts gives a crunchy texture that complements the soft filling of apple butter pie.
6. Fresh Salad
   A light salad with mixed greens and vinaigrette offers freshness, cleansing your palate after each sweet bite.
7. Honey-Glazed Carrots
   Sweet, roasted carrots can provide a unique side that echoes some flavors found within potato dishes often served at fall gatherings.
8. Baked Apples
   For an added apple delight, baked apples seasoned with cinnamon serve as both an homage to the main dish and an elegant side option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making apple butter pie, it’s easy to overlook some details that can affect the final result. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Bold crust preparation: Not chilling the dough long enough can lead to a tough crust. Always chill for at least 1-2 hours or until firm.
• Bold overworking the dough: Mixing the dough too much can make it dense. Handle it gently and stop when it starts to come together.
• Bold incorrect oven temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can alter cooking time and texture. Always preheat your oven properly and use an oven thermometer if needed.
• Bold skipping the pie weights: Forgetting to weigh down your crust can cause it to puff. Use pie weights or dried beans for par-baking.
• Bold undercooking the filling: Not baking long enough may leave the filling runny. Ensure it’s set with a slight jiggle before removing from the oven.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store apple butter pie in an airtight container.
• It will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Apple Butter Pie

• Wrap individual slices or the whole pie tightly in plastic wrap.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Apple Butter Pie

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat for about 15-20 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 30-45 seconds, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Place a slice in a pan over low heat, cover, and warm slowly for about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making apple butter pie that may help clarify your baking process.

What is Apple Butter Pie?

Apple butter pie is a creamy custard dessert made primarily with apple butter, sweetened condensed milk, and eggs, offering a rich flavor reminiscent of autumn.

Can I use homemade apple butter?

Yes! Homemade apple butter enhances the flavor of this pie and allows you to control sweetness and spices according to your taste.

How do I know when my Apple Butter Pie is done?

The pie is done when it’s set around the edges but still has a slight jiggle in the center; it will firm as it cools.

Can I customize my Apple Butter Pie?

Absolutely! Feel free to add spices like nutmeg or ginger, or even mix in chopped nuts or raisins for added texture.

Final Thoughts

Apple butter pie is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it with different spices or toppings, making it perfect for gatherings or cozy nights at home. Give this recipe a try; it’s a delightful way to enjoy seasonal flavors!