Apple Butter Pie

Apple butter pie is a delightful dessert that brings the warm, comforting flavors of fall right to your table. This creamy custard pie, enriched with rich apple butter and sweetened condensed milk, offers a luscious texture reminiscent of pumpkin pie, but with a unique twist of sweet brown sugar apples. Perfect for any occasion—from family gatherings to holiday celebrations—this apple butter pie is sure to impress your guests and become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of apple butter and dark brown sugar creates a rich taste that’s both comforting and indulgent.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can master this delicious pie.
• Versatile Dessert: Serve it warm or chilled; it pairs beautifully with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Seasonal Appeal: This pie captures the essence of fall, making it perfect for Thanksgiving or autumn gatherings.
• Homemade Crust: The flaky homemade crust adds an extra touch of love and care, elevating this dessert to a new level.

Tools and Preparation

To create the perfect apple butter pie, you’ll need some essential tools. These will help ensure your baking process goes smoothly and efficiently.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Food processor
• Mixing bowls
• Rolling pin
• Pie dish
• Parchment paper
• Pie weights or dried beans

Importance of Each Tool

• Food processor: This tool makes mixing the dough quick and easy, ensuring a consistent texture without overworking it.
• Rolling pin: A good rolling pin helps you achieve an even thickness for your pie crust, preventing cracks during baking.
• Pie dish: Using a quality pie dish ensures even cooking and allows for easy serving once the pie is baked.

Ingredients

For the 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 them 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. In a food processor, add the flour and salt, pulsing once to incorporate.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

1. Disperse the cold butter cubes around the flour in the food processor.
2. Pulse until the mixture resembles pea-sized pieces that look slightly textured.

Step 3: Add Water

1. Measure out ⅔ cup ice-cold water (removing ice cubes).
2. Drizzle it through the chute while pulsing until shaggy crumbles form, adding more water only if necessary.

Step 4: Chill Dough

1. Remove dough from the processor, separate into two pieces, wrap in plastic wrap, and flatten into discs.
2. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours until firm; one disc will be used now while the other can be frozen.

Step 5: Roll Out Dough

1. After chilling, remove from fridge; let sit for 15 minutes to soften slightly.
2. Lightly flour your rolling pin and surface; roll out dough until about ⅛” thick.

Step 6: Transfer Dough

1. Carefully place rolled dough into a pie dish, pressing gently against bottom and sides.
2. Trim excess dough to create an even edge about 1” wider than the dish.

Step 7: Prepare for Baking

1. Fold edges underneath crust so they meet at the edge; crimp as desired.
2. Freeze crust for 15 minutes, then dock with a fork all over; line with parchment paper filled with weights.

Step 8: Par Bake Crust

1. Bake in preheated oven at 375℉/190℃ for 15 minutes; remove weights and parchment after that time.
2. Bake for another 5 minutes until lightly golden; transfer to wire rack while preparing filling.

Now that you have everything ready, follow these instructions carefully to bake your delicious Apple Butter Pie!

How to Serve Apple Butter Pie

Apple butter pie is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your experience with this sweet treat.

With Whipped Cream

• Top each slice with freshly whipped cream for a light and airy contrast to the rich custard filling.

A Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream

• The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with the warm spices in the apple butter pie, making it a comforting choice.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• Add a touch of sweetness by drizzling caramel sauce over the pie. This adds an extra layer of flavor that complements the apple butter.

Garnished with Cinnamon

• Sprinkle ground cinnamon on top of each slice for an aromatic finish that enhances the pie’s flavor profile.

Served Warm or Chilled

• Enjoy this pie either warm from the oven or chilled after refrigerating—each way offers a unique taste experience.

How to Perfect Apple Butter Pie

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

• Chill Your Ingredients: Use cold butter and ice water for your crust. This helps create a flakier texture.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix just until combined to prevent a tough crust. The dough should have small chunks of butter visible.
• Pre-Bake the Crust: Par-baking ensures your crust doesn’t become soggy when filled with custard.
• Use Room Temperature Eggs: Bringing eggs to room temperature helps them incorporate better into the filling, resulting in a smoother texture.
• Allow to Cool Before Serving: Letting your pie cool completely helps it set properly and makes slicing easier.
• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust spices like cinnamon or nutmeg in your filling for a personal touch.

Best Side Dishes for Apple Butter Pie

Pairing side dishes with apple butter pie can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some fantastic options to consider.

1. Spiced Nuts
   A mix of roasted almonds, pecans, and walnuts seasoned with cinnamon adds a crunchy and savory balance.

2. Fruit Salad
   A fresh fruit salad featuring apples, pears, and berries provides a refreshing contrast to the rich pie.

3. Cheese Platter
   Serve slices alongside sharp cheddar or creamy brie for a delightful sweet-and-savory combination.

4. Pumpkin Soup
   A warm bowl of pumpkin soup can serve as a comforting starter that pairs well with the flavors in your dessert.

5. Ginger Cookies
   These spicy cookies offer an additional sweet treat that echoes the flavors found in apple butter.

6. Coffee or Tea
   A hot beverage enhances the enjoyment of apple butter pie, making it perfect for cozy gatherings or afternoon tea.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making apple butter pie can be fun, but it’s easy to make common mistakes. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping the chilling step – Not chilling the pie dough can lead to a crust that shrinks during baking. Always refrigerate your dough for at least 1-2 hours to maintain its shape.

• Overworking the dough – Mixing the dough too much will make it tough instead of flaky. Handle it gently and only pulse until it just comes together.

• Not measuring ingredients accurately – Using incorrect measurements can affect the pie’s texture and taste. Always use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision.

• Forgetting to par bake the crust – Neglecting this step can cause a soggy bottom. Make sure to par bake your crust until it’s lightly golden before adding the filling.

• Ignoring room temperature eggs – Using cold eggs can prevent the filling from emulsifying properly. Let your eggs sit out for about 30 minutes before using them.

• Not allowing the pie to cool completely – Cutting into a warm pie can result in a messy slice. Allow it to cool on a wire rack for several hours before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• item Store apple butter pie in an airtight container.
• item It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• item Make sure to cover any exposed edges of the pie with plastic wrap.

Freezing Apple Butter Pie

• item Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
• item It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• item Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating Apple Butter Pie

• Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm the pie for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave – Heat individual slices on medium power for about 30-60 seconds, checking periodically.
• Stovetop – Place slices in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common queries about apple butter pie:

What is Apple Butter Pie?

Apple butter pie is a creamy custard dessert made primarily with apple butter and sweetened condensed milk, offering a unique flavor reminiscent of sweet brown sugar apples.

How do I make my own apple butter?

You can make homemade apple butter by slow-cooking apples with sugar and spices until they break down into a smooth spreadable consistency.

Can I substitute ingredients in Apple Butter Pie?

Yes! You can replace heavy cream with coconut cream or use alternative sweeteners if desired. Just ensure any substitutions maintain similar textures.

How long does Apple Butter Pie last?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, apple butter pie will remain fresh for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze Apple Butter Pie?

Absolutely! You can freeze it wrapped tightly for up to 2 months; just remember to thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.

Final Thoughts

Apple butter pie is not only delicious but also versatile, making it perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize flavors by adding spices or toppings like whipped cream or nuts. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a delightful dessert that will impress your family and friends!