Apple Butter Pie

Apple butter pie is a delightful dessert that combines the rich, spiced flavor of apple butter with a creamy custard texture. Perfect for gatherings and special occasions, this pie stands out due to its unique flavor profile reminiscent of sweet brown sugar apples. Whether served at Thanksgiving or enjoyed as a cozy snack, Apple Butter Pie is sure to impress family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of apple butter and sweetened condensed milk creates a uniquely rich taste.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can create this delightful dessert.
• Versatile Dessert: Great for any occasion— from holidays to casual family dinners.
• Comforting Texture: Similar to pumpkin pie, this custard pie offers a warm, comforting feel.
• Homemade Goodness: Using fresh ingredients ensures a homemade touch that elevates the dish.

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: Essential for quickly mixing the crust ingredients and achieving the perfect texture.
• Rolling Pin: Helps roll out the dough evenly for a beautifully shaped pie crust.
• Pie Dish: Holds the filling securely while baking and adds an appealing presentation.
• Mixing Bowls: Useful for combining ingredients efficiently without mess.

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 and 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 it resembles pea-sized pieces.

Step 2: Form the Dough

1. Measure out ⅔ cup ice-cold water (sans ice cubes) and drizzle it through while pulsing until shaggy crumbles form.
2. Remove the dough from the processor, separate it into two pieces, wrap each in plastic wrap, flatten into discs, and refrigerate for 1-2 hours until firm.

Step 3: Roll Out Dough

1. Once chilled, roll out one disc on a lightly floured surface until about ⅛” thick. Ensure it’s at least 2 inches wider than your pie dish.
2. Transfer rolled dough carefully into your pie dish, pressing it into place on bottom and sides.

Step 4: Bake the Crust

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

Step 5: Prepare Filling

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

Step 6: Combine & Bake

1. Pour filling into par-baked crust. Bake in preheated oven at 375℉/190℃ for about 60 minutes or until set in center.
2. Cool on wire rack before serving; top with extra apple butter if desired.

Enjoy your homemade Apple Butter Pie as a comforting treat that captures autumn’s essence!

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 Whipped Cream

• Freshly whipped cream adds a light, airy complement to the creamy pie, balancing the sweetness of the apple butter.

Topped with Crumbled Cookies

• Sprinkle crushed gingersnap or graham cracker cookies on top for an added crunch and a hint of spice.

Served with Vanilla Ice Cream

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream melts beautifully into the warm pie, creating a delicious contrast in temperature and texture.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• A drizzle of rich caramel sauce enhances the sweet flavors of the apple butter, making each bite even more indulgent.

Accompanied by Fresh Fruit

• Serve slices alongside fresh apple or pear slices for a refreshing touch that echoes the pie’s flavors.

How to Perfect Apple Butter Pie

Creating the perfect apple butter pie involves a few simple techniques. Follow these tips to elevate your baking game.

• Use cold ingredients: Using cold butter and water helps create a flaky crust that’s perfectly textured.
• Don’t overwork the dough: Mix just until combined; this prevents tough crusts and keeps it tender.
• Chill the crust: Allowing your crust to chill before rolling makes it easier to handle and reduces cracking.
• Check for doneness: The filling should be set but slightly jiggly in the center when removing from the oven; it will firm up as it cools.
• Let it cool completely: Cooling allows flavors to meld and makes slicing easier without messy edges.

Best Side Dishes for Apple Butter Pie

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

1. Spiced Pecan Salad
   A mixed green salad topped with spiced pecans provides a crunchy contrast to the creamy pie.

2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
   The earthy flavor of roasted Brussels sprouts complements the sweetness of apple butter beautifully.

3. Cinnamon Sugar Almonds
   These sweet and crunchy nuts add a delightful texture and flavor that pairs well with dessert.

4. Caramelized Pears
   Sautéed pears caramelized in brown sugar echo the flavors of apple butter, making them a perfect match.

5. Maple Glazed Carrots
   Sweet maple-glazed carrots add a savory-sweet element that balances out the richness of the pie.

6. Cheese Platter
   A selection of cheeses, such as sharp cheddar or brie, offers a savory counterpoint to the sweet pie.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making apple butter pie can be a delightful experience, but it’s easy to make some common mistakes along the way.

• Boldly skip chilling the dough: Failing to chill your dough can lead to a tough crust. Always refrigerate the dough for at least 1-2 hours before rolling it out.
• Boldly overworking the crust: Overworking the dough can result in a dense crust. Handle it gently and only mix until just combined.
• Boldly ignoring ingredient temperature: Using eggs or butter that are not at room temperature can affect the texture of your filling. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
• Boldly forgetting to par-bake: Skipping the par-baking step may lead to a soggy crust. Par-bake to set the crust before adding your filling.
• Boldly using too much apple butter: Adding more than the recommended amount of apple butter can make your pie overly sweet or runny. Stick to the measured amounts for perfect balance.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Apple Butter Pie

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
• You can freeze apple butter pie for up to 2 months.

Reheating Apple Butter Pie

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Heat on low in a skillet, covered, checking frequently until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding apple butter pie that might help you get the most out of this recipe.

What is Apple Butter Pie?

Apple butter pie is a creamy custard dessert made with apple butter, eggs, and sweetened condensed milk, giving it a unique flavor profile similar to pumpkin pie.

How do I make my pie crust flaky?

To achieve a flaky crust, ensure your butter is cold and handle the dough as little as possible. Chilling it before baking also helps.

Can I use homemade apple butter?

Yes! Homemade apple butter works wonderfully in this recipe and adds an extra layer of flavor. Just make sure it’s smooth for even mixing.

How long does Apple Butter Pie last?

When stored properly, apple butter pie lasts up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator or up to 2 months when frozen.

Can I add spices to my Apple Butter Pie?

Absolutely! You can enhance the flavor by adding spices like nutmeg or allspice according to your taste preferences.

Final Thoughts

Apple butter pie is an enticing dessert that combines creamy custard with rich flavors of spiced apples. Its versatility allows you to customize it with various spices or toppings, making it perfect for any gathering or simply as a treat for yourself. Try this recipe today and enjoy its delightful taste!