As the crisp autumn air settles in, I find myself yearning for something cozy and comforting to fill my kitchen with warmth. That’s when this Easy Apple Butter Pie first caught my eye. While rummaging through my pantry, I discovered a jar of homemade apple butter—a delightful find that sparked the inspiration for this recipe. With its silky custard filling kissed by warm spices, balanced by a crunchy crumble topping, this pie is the perfect twist on traditional autumn desserts.
More than just a beautiful centerpiece for your table, this pie effortlessly combines the rich flavors of fall into a single, easy-to-make treat that will leave your guests clamoring for seconds. If you’re looking to break the routine from the usual apple or pumpkin pie, let me guide you into the enchanting world of apple butter as we create a memorable dessert that speaks to the heart of home cooking.
Why Choose Apple Butter Pie for Fall?
Baking this Apple Butter Pie will become a beloved tradition in your home!
- Cozy Fall Flavor: Embrace the essence of autumn with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, creating a nostalgic taste.
- Unique Dessert: This pie offers a delightful twist away from typical pumpkin or apple pies, making it a standout choice at gatherings.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll feel like a pro in the kitchen, even on busy days.
- Crowd-Winning Appeal: Its beautiful appearance and heavenly taste will impress your guests and friends, ensuring everyone leaves with a smile.
- Versatile Variations: Feel free to experiment with different butters or toppings, allowing you to tailor this pie to your family’s preferences.
Apple Butter Pie Ingredients
• Gather these essentials for a delightful twist on a classic dessert!
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For the Crust
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All-purpose flour – Forms the structure for your pie crust; keep some extra on hand for dusting.
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Granulated sugar – Adds a hint of sweetness; brown sugar works for a deeper flavor.
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Kosher salt – Enhances every bite’s flavor profile.
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Cold unsalted butter – Ensures richness and flakiness; the colder the better!
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Cold water – Binds the crust ingredients together smoothly.
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Apple cider vinegar – Promotes flakiness in the crust.
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For the Filling
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Eggs – Act as a cohesive agent for the filling, keeping it beautifully together.
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Sweetened condensed milk – Creates that creamy custard texture you’ll crave.
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Apple butter – The star ingredient, delivering that rich, warm apple flavor—essential for this apple butter pie!
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Pure vanilla extract – Adds depth and warmth to your filling.
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Spices (ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground nutmeg) – Infuse your pie with the cozy tastes of fall.
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For the Topping
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Old-fashioned oats – Provide delightful texture and a crunchy topping.
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Light brown sugar – Sweetens the crumble and enhances the crumble’s caramel notes.
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Additional flour – Helps in achieving the perfect crumble consistency.
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Melted butter – Combines with other ingredients to create that irresistible crunch.
How to Make Apple Butter Pie
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Prep Crust: In a large bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add cold water and vinegar, mixing until a dough forms.
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Pre-bake Crust: Roll out the dough on a floured surface and fit it into a pie pan. Blind bake for 15-20 minutes at 350°F until lightly golden brown. This helps ensure a crisp base.
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Make Filling: In another bowl, whisk together the apple butter, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, vanilla, and spices. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined, showcasing those beautiful spices.
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Assemble Pie: Pour the luscious apple butter filling into the pre-baked crust, spreading it evenly to ensure a creamy texture throughout the pie.
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Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, combine oats, brown sugar, additional flour, and melted butter until crumbly. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the filled pie, creating that delightful crunch on top.
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Bake: Bake the pie at 350°F for an additional 30-40 minutes until the filling is set and the topping is golden brown. Let the pie cool before slicing to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Optional: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an added indulgence.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Apple Butter Pie
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Room Temperature: Store the pie at room temperature for up to 2 hours after baking. If not consumed immediately, refrigerate to maintain freshness.
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Fridge: Keep leftover Apple Butter Pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This will help preserve its delightful flavors and creamy texture.
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Freezer: To freeze, wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months; defrost in the fridge overnight before serving.
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Reheating: Reheat individual slices in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or microwave for 30-60 seconds until warmed through.
Variations & Substitutions for Apple Butter Pie
Feel free to tailor this delightful pie to suit your taste buds and dietary needs!
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Pumpkin Butter: Swap the apple butter for pumpkin butter to evoke the flavor of autumn in a new way. It’s a delicious alternative that offers a slightly spiced twist!
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Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream instead of sweetened condensed milk for a rich, creamy filling that’s entirely dairy-free. This version brings a tropical twist!
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Nutty Crumble: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping for an extra layer of crunch and flavor. Nuts elevate the texture wonderfully, creating a delightful contrast.
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Spice Swap: Experiment with different spice combinations, such as cardamom or allspice, instead of traditional cinnamon and nutmeg for a unique flavor profile. Each spice infuses the pie with its own warm notes.
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Gluten-Free Crust: Use a gluten-free flour blend for the crust to make it accessible for those with gluten sensitivities. Ensure you add a binder, like xanthan gum, to maintain structure.
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Coconut Sugar: Substitute granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a healthier, caramel-like sweetness that’s perfect for the crumble topping. It complements the filling beautifully!
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Fruit Add-In: Incorporate diced apples or pears into the filling for added texture and a burst of fresh fruit flavor. It adds more dimension to the pie’s sumptuous filling.
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Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the pie before serving for an indulgent finish. It offers a decadent sweetness that will wow your guests!
What to Serve with Apple Butter Pie?
Creating a warm and inviting meal to accompany this delightful pie can enhance your dining experience.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melts delightfully into the warm pie, perfectly balancing the spices.
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Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, a dollop of freshly whipped cream offers a soft texture that complements the pie’s crunchy topping beautifully.
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Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel sauce adds a sweet, sticky richness that elevates each slice to a new level of indulgence.
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Spiced Apple Cider: Enjoy a warm glass of spiced apple cider; its cinnamon notes harmonize beautifully with the pie’s flavors.
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Pecan Salad: A light salad with pecans and dried cranberries provides a refreshing crunch that balances the pie’s sweetness while adding a fall-inspired twist.
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Pumpkin Soup: The cozy, savory notes of pumpkin soup offer a comforting start to your meal, perfectly pairing with the sweet and spiced flavors of the pie.
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Chocolate Coffee: A steaming cup of rich chocolate coffee serves as a decadent drink choice, enhancing the dessert experience with its robust flavors.
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Chai Latte: A warm chai latte with hints of spice and creaminess can mirror the pie’s flavor profile, bridging the sweet and spicy notes.
Make Ahead Options
These Apple Butter Pie delights are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the pie crust up to 24 hours in advance, wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerating to maintain its freshness. The filling can also be mixed up to 3 days ahead; simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge to prevent any browning. When you’re ready to serve, pour the filling into the pre-baked crust and prepare the crumbly topping right before baking. This step ensures that the topping remains crunchy and the pie tastes just as delicious as when freshly made—perfect for an easy dessert on a busy weeknight!
Expert Tips for Apple Butter Pie
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Chill Your Ingredients: Make sure your butter and water are very cold; this helps create a flaky crust by preventing the butter from melting into the flour.
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Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix the crust ingredients just until combined; overworking the dough can result in a tough crust instead of a tender one.
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Blind Bake Thoroughly: Ensuring the crust is lightly golden before adding the filling helps prevent a soggy bottom in your apple butter pie.
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Cool Before Serving: Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing; this ensures the filling sets properly and enhances beautiful presentation.
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Quality Matters: Opt for high-quality apple butter for a richer flavor that will elevate your pie and impress your guests.
Apple Butter Pie Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best apple butter for my pie?
Absolutely! When selecting apple butter, look for a brand that lists only apples and spices on the ingredients label, with no added preservatives or artificial flavors. If you have a local farmer’s market, homemade or local varieties often pack the most flavor and freshness.
How should I store leftover Apple Butter Pie?
To keep your pie fresh, cover it securely and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to seal it well to prevent it from absorbing any odors. I often use plastic wrap over the pie dish and then place it in a larger airtight container.
Can Apple Butter Pie be frozen?
Absolutely! To freeze, wrap slices or the whole pie tightly in plastic wrap, making sure there are no air pockets. Then, wrap it in aluminum foil. This way, it can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, place it in the fridge overnight to thaw, and then reheat in the oven for about 10-15 minutes at 350°F for that freshly baked taste.
What should I do if my crust turns out tough?
Very good question! If your crust is tough, it might be a result of overmixing the dough. To avoid this next time, mix just until combined and avoid overworking it. Also, make sure to keep your butter and water cold, which helps to create a flaky texture. If you ever find yourself with leftover dough, no worries! You can use it for mini pies or cookies.
Can I use homemade apple butter instead of store-bought?
Yes! Using homemade apple butter is a fantastic choice that often provides richer flavor and less added sugar. Just ensure it has a smooth consistency. If your homemade apple butter isn’t sweetened, you may want to adjust the sugar in the recipe slightly for desired sweetness.
Is this pie suitable for guests with allergies?
This pie does contain common allergens like eggs and dairy (from the sweetened condensed milk). If you’re catering to guests with dietary restrictions, consider a dairy-free condensed milk substitution and an egg replacer for a vegan option. Always double-check the labels for your ingredients to ensure they meet dietary needs!
Heavenly Apple Butter Pie with Irresistible Crunch Topping
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prep Crust: In a large bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add cold water and vinegar, mixing until a dough forms.
- Pre-bake Crust: Roll out the dough on a floured surface and fit it into a pie pan. Blind bake for 15-20 minutes at 350°F until lightly golden brown.
- Make Filling: In another bowl, whisk together the apple butter, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, vanilla, and spices. Stir until smooth and well combined.
- Assemble Pie: Pour the apple butter filling into the pre-baked crust, spreading it evenly.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, combine oats, brown sugar, additional flour, and melted butter until crumbly. Sprinkle this mixture over the filled pie.
- Bake: Bake the pie at 350°F for an additional 30-40 minutes until the filling is set and the topping is golden brown.