Apple Butter Pie

Apple butter pie is a delightful dessert that brings the flavors of fall right to your table. With its creamy custard texture and rich taste of apple butter, this pie is perfect for any occasion, from Thanksgiving celebrations to cozy family gatherings. Its unique flavor profile, reminiscent of sweet brown sugar apples, makes it a standout choice for apple lovers everywhere!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make – With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, you can whip up this pie without any hassle.
• Flavorful Twist – Enjoy the delicious blend of apple butter and sweetened condensed milk for a unique dessert experience.
• Versatile Dessert – Serve warm or chilled; this pie fits perfectly into any seasonal menu.
• Perfect for Sharing – The recipe yields eight generous slices, making it ideal for gatherings and celebrations.
• Customizable Topping – Add your favorite toppings like whipped cream or extra apple butter for an extra layer of flavor.

Tools and Preparation

Gathering the right tools will make the process smooth and enjoyable. Here’s what you need to prepare your kitchen.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Food processor
• Rolling pin
• Pie dish
• Parchment paper
• Pie weights or dried beans/rice

Importance of Each Tool

• Food processor – Streamlines mixing the pie crust, ensuring a flaky texture without much effort.
• Rolling pin – Helps achieve an even thickness in your dough, which is crucial for a perfect crust.
• Pie dish – Provides the right shape and depth for your pie, allowing even baking.

Ingredients

To create your Apple Butter Pie, gather the following 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 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 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 and set aside.
3. Add the flour and salt to a food processor and pulse once to incorporate the salt.

Step 2: Mix Ingredients

1. Disperse the cold butter cubes around the flour in the food processor.
2. Pulse until the mixture resembles pea-sized pieces and looks slightly textured.
3. Measure out ⅔ cup ice-cold water (sans ice cubes) and drizzle through the chute while pulsing until shaggy crumbles form.

Step 3: Form and Chill Dough

1. Remove dough from food processor, separate into two even pieces, wrap in plastic wrap, and flatten into 1” thick discs.
2. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours until firm; only one disc will be used in this recipe.

Step 4: Roll Out Dough

1. Once chilled, let dough sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before rolling.
2. Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin; roll out dough until it’s about ⅛” thick.

Step 5: Transfer to Pie Dish

1. Carefully transfer rolled dough to your pie dish, pressing it into place on bottom and sides.
2. Trim edges with kitchen shears so they’re even; fold sides underneath crust then crimp.

Step 6: Par Bake Crust

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

Now you’re ready to fill your crust with delicious apple buttery goodness! Follow along with further instructions to complete your Apple Butter Pie masterpiece.

How to Serve Apple Butter Pie

Apple Butter Pie is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you serve it at a gathering or simply treat yourself, these serving suggestions will enhance your pie experience.

With Whipped Cream

• Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top for a rich and creamy contrast to the pie’s flavors.

Accompanied by Vanilla Ice Cream

• Serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat that melts beautifully into the pie.

Topped with Extra Apple Butter

• Drizzle some additional apple butter on each slice before serving to intensify the apple flavor and add sweetness.

Garnished with Cinnamon Sugar

• Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top for an extra layer of flavor that complements the spices in the pie.

Served with Fresh Fruit

• Pair your pie with slices of fresh apples or pears to add a refreshing crunch and balance the richness of the dessert.

How to Perfect Apple Butter Pie

To achieve the best results when making your Apple Butter Pie, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Cold Ingredients: Ensure all your ingredients, especially butter and water, are cold. This will help create a flaky crust.
• Don’t Overwork the Dough: Mix just until the dough holds together. Overworking can lead to a tough crust.
• Chill the Dough: Allowing your dough to chill helps it relax, making it easier to roll out without cracking.
• Check Doneness Carefully: The filling should be set but slightly jiggly in the center when you take it out of the oven; it will continue cooking as it cools.
• Let It Cool Completely: For best slicing, let your pie cool completely before cutting into it. This ensures clean slices and better presentation.

Best Side Dishes for Apple Butter Pie

Apple Butter Pie pairs well with various side dishes that can complement its flavors. Here are some great options to consider when planning your meal.

1. Crispy Salad: A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the sweet pie.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted vegetables like carrots and Brussels sprouts can add savory notes that balance the dessert.
3. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses, especially sharp varieties, can create an interesting flavor profile alongside the sweet pie.
4. Pumpkin Soup: A warm bowl of pumpkin soup serves as a cozy starter and complements the autumn flavors in your pie.
5. Baked Apples: These can echo the apple flavors in the pie while adding warmth and spice to your table.
6. Spiced Nuts: A bowl of spiced nuts provides crunchy texture and a hint of saltiness that contrasts nicely with sweetness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making apple butter pie can be straightforward, but certain common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Avoiding these pitfalls will enhance your pie-making experience.

• Boldly overmixing the crust: When combining your ingredients for the pie crust, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough texture instead of a tender, flaky crust.
• Boldly skipping the chilling step: Allowing the dough to chill is crucial. Skipping this step may result in a crust that shrinks or cracks during baking. Always refrigerate the dough before rolling it out.
• Boldly using warm ingredients: Ensure all ingredients are at the right temperature, particularly the butter and eggs. Using warm ingredients can affect how well your filling sets and how flaky your crust becomes.
• Boldly neglecting to dock the crust: Docking your pie crust with a fork prevents bubbles from forming as it bakes. This simple step helps create an even surface for your filling.
• Boldly underestimating baking time: Keep an eye on your pie as it bakes. If it’s not firm in the center when you take it out, give it a bit more time in the oven to prevent a runny filling.
• Boldly omitting flavor additions: Don’t skip spices like cinnamon or vanilla in the filling. These add depth and enhance the overall flavor of your apple butter pie.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Apple butter pie will last for up to 4 days when properly stored.

Freezing Apple Butter Pie

• You can freeze slices of apple butter pie wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer-safe container.
• It will maintain its quality for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Apple Butter Pie

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pie on a baking sheet and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 30 seconds to 1 minute, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid. Warm gently for about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making apple butter pie that might help you out.

What is Apple Butter Pie?

Apple butter pie is a creamy custard dessert that combines rich apple butter with sweetened condensed milk, creating a luscious filling reminiscent of pumpkin pie.

Can I use homemade apple butter?

Yes! Homemade apple butter works perfectly in this recipe and adds a personal touch to your dessert.

How do I make my own pie crust for Apple Butter Pie?

You can easily make homemade pie crust using all-purpose flour, cold unsalted butter, ice water, and a pinch of salt—just follow our instructions above!

Can I substitute other flavors into Apple Butter Pie?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different spices or flavored extracts such as nutmeg or almond extract for added variety.

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

The pie is done when it’s set around the edges but still slightly jiggly in the center. It will continue setting as it cools down.

Final Thoughts

Apple butter pie is an irresistible dessert that combines creamy texture with rich flavors. Its versatility allows you to customize it effortlessly by adding spices or different flavorings. Whether enjoyed during fall gatherings or any time of year, this delightful pie is sure to impress family and friends. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!