This Apple Butter Pie is a delightful dessert that captures the essence of fall in every bite. With its silky-smooth filling and bold apple flavor, it’s perfect for gatherings, holiday dinners, or just a cozy night in. The unique combination of apple butter and spices creates a comforting taste that’s hard to resist. Serve it with Maple Whipped Cream for an extra special touch!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe combines simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it perfect for bakers of all levels.
- Rich Flavor: The apple butter provides a deep, rich taste that stands out among traditional pies.
- Versatile Dessert: Ideal for any occasion—whether it’s Thanksgiving or a dinner party, this pie will impress your guests.
- Whole Grain Crust: Using a spelt pie crust adds a nutty flavor and makes it a healthier option without sacrificing taste.
- Perfectly Spiced: A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves gives this pie its warm and inviting aroma.
Tools and Preparation
To make this Apple Butter Pie successfully, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment ensures everything goes smoothly in the kitchen.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Pie plate
- Rolling pin
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Parchment paper
- Pie weights
- Oven thermometer
Importance of Each Tool
- Pie plate: Provides the ideal shape for your pie and allows even baking.
- Rolling pin: Helps roll out the pie dough evenly to fit your pie plate.
- Mixing bowls: Necessary for combining ingredients without spilling.
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 1 (9-inch) spelt pie crust (see notes below)
For the Filling
- 1-¾ cups (470 grams/17 ounces) prepared apple butter
- 1 cup (226 grams) heavy cream
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup packed (110 grams) brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon coarse kosher salt
- Pinch ground cloves
How to Make Apple Butter Pie
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
- Roll out the pie dough to an 11-inch circle.
- Fit the pastry into a 9-inch pie plate, pressing it into the sides and bottom.
- Crimp the edges as desired.
- Prick the bottom of the dough with a fork to let steam escape during baking.
- Place the pie in the freezer for 15 minutes to chill.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375ºF and place oven racks in the middle and lower positions.
Step 3: Blind Bake the Crust
- Remove the chilled pie shell from the freezer.
- Line with parchment paper and fill with pie weights (dry rice or beans work well).
- Bake for 20 minutes on the lower rack.
- Carefully remove parchment and weights; return crust to oven for an additional 5 minutes.
- Set aside until ready to use; lower oven temperature to 325ºF.
Step 4: Prepare the Filling
- In a large bowl, add all filling ingredients.
- Whisk together until fully combined.
Step 5: Fill and Bake
- Pour filling into the blind-baked pie shell, smoothing into an even layer.
- Bake on middle rack until almost set, about 45-55 minutes; center should be slightly wobbly but outer edges puffed up.
Step 6: Cool and Chill
Transfer pie to wire rack to cool before refrigerating for at least 6 hours until firmed up.
Enjoy your homemade Apple Butter Pie!
How to Serve Apple Butter Pie
Apple Butter Pie is a delightful dessert that brings the essence of fall to your table. Its smooth and rich filling makes it perfect for various serving suggestions.
With Maple Whipped Cream
- Creamy topping: A dollop of maple whipped cream enhances the pie’s flavor with notes of sweetness and depth.
As a Breakfast Treat
- Morning indulgence: Enjoy a slice of Apple Butter Pie alongside your morning coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast option.
Paired with Vanilla Ice Cream
- Classic combo: Serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an irresistible contrast between warm and cold.
With Fresh Fruit
- Fruit addition: Accompany the pie with fresh apple slices or berries to add a refreshing element to each bite.
Drizzled with Caramel Sauce
- Sweet drizzle: A light drizzle of caramel sauce elevates the pie’s sweetness, making it even more decadent.
How to Perfect Apple Butter Pie
Perfecting your Apple Butter Pie takes just a few simple tips to ensure it turns out delicious every time.
Use fresh ingredients: Fresh, high-quality apple butter will enhance the overall flavor and texture of your pie.
Blind bake the crust: This step prevents a soggy bottom and helps achieve a perfectly flaky crust.
Monitor baking time: Keep an eye on the pie as it bakes; the center should be slightly wobbly when you remove it from the oven.
Cool completely before refrigerating: Allowing the pie to cool ensures that it sets properly, creating that perfect custard-like filling.
Best Side Dishes for Apple Butter Pie
Pairing side dishes with Apple Butter Pie can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some delightful options:
- Cheese Platter: A selection of sharp cheeses complements the sweetness of the pie beautifully.
- Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts add crunch and warmth, enhancing the autumn flavors in the pie.
- Chai Tea: The aromatic spices in chai tea pair well with the flavors in Apple Butter Pie, creating a cozy drink option.
- Pumpkin Soup: A small bowl of creamy pumpkin soup offers a savory balance to this sweet dessert.
- Cranberry Sauce: The tartness of cranberry sauce contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the pie, adding complexity.
- Salad with Apples: A fresh salad featuring mixed greens and apple slices provides a refreshing counterpoint to rich flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Apple Butter Pie, it’s easy to make some common errors. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for.
- Not chilling the crust: Failing to chill the pie crust can lead to a soggy bottom. Always freeze your crust for at least 15 minutes before baking.
- Overmixing the filling: Overmixing can incorporate too much air, causing the pie to puff up and crack. Mix just until combined for a smooth texture.
- Skipping the blind bake: Not blind baking can result in a soft crust that won’t hold the filling well. Always pre-bake your crust to ensure it stays firm.
- Ignoring oven temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature might lead to uneven cooking. Use an oven thermometer to verify the correct heat settings.
- Not allowing enough cooling time: Cutting into the pie too early can cause it to fall apart. Let it cool completely before slicing for clean pieces.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Apple Butter Pie in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Apple Butter Pie
- Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating Apple Butter Pie
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Cover with foil and warm for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat for 30-60 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for about 5-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Apple Butter Pie.
How do I make my own apple butter?
You can make apple butter by slowly cooking down apples with sugar and spices until they reach a thick, spreadable consistency.
Can I use store-bought apple butter?
Absolutely! Using store-bought apple butter saves time and still yields delicious results in your Apple Butter Pie.
What can I serve with Apple Butter Pie?
Apple Butter Pie pairs wonderfully with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra sweetness.
Is Apple Butter Pie suitable for freezing?
Yes! You can freeze slices of Apple Butter Pie for up to three months. Just make sure they are well-wrapped.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Butter Pie is not just a delightful dessert; it’s also versatile and easy to customize! Feel free to add nuts or mix spices according to your taste. Give this recipe a try and savor the comforting flavors of fall!
Apple Butter Pie
Apple Butter Pie is the ultimate fall dessert, marrying the rich, complex flavors of spiced apple butter with a buttery spelt crust. Its silky filling and warm spices create a cozy indulgence perfect for holiday gatherings or quiet evenings at home. Topped with a dollop of Maple Whipped Cream or served alongside vanilla ice cream, this pie is sure to impress anyone who takes a bite.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 (9-inch) spelt pie crust
- 1-¾ cups apple butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- Pinch of ground cloves
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Roll out the spelt crust and fit it into a pie plate; chill in the freezer for 15 minutes.
- Blind bake the crust for 25 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 325°F.
- In a bowl, whisk together apple butter, heavy cream, eggs, brown sugar, and spices until smooth.
- Pour filling into blind-baked crust and bake for 45-55 minutes until set but slightly wobbly in the center.
- Cool on a wire rack before refrigerating for at least 6 hours.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (140g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
