Apple butter pie is a delightful treat that perfectly blends the creamy richness of custard with the warm, spiced flavors of apple butter. This pie not only captures the essence of fall but also offers a unique twist on traditional desserts, making it a must-try for any occasion.
The smooth texture and sweet aroma will fill your kitchen as it bakes, inviting friends and family to gather around the table. With its beautiful golden crust and rich filling, this pie is sure to impress everyone who takes a slice.
Why You'll Love This Apple Butter Pie
Foolproof techniques guarantee perfect results every single time making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs.
Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any occasion.
Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep or entertaining groups effortlessly.
Ingredients for Apple Butter Pie
Here is what you will need to make this delicious Apple Butter Pie:
Ingredients:
– 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)
– 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
Instructions:
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 the mixture until the butter reaches pea-sized pieces and looks slightly textured, almost like wet sand.
5. Measure out ⅔ cup ice cold water (sans ice cubes) and drizzle it through the chute while pulsing (leave one tablespoon remaining). Continue pulsing until the dough just starts to form shaggy crumbles, adding the last tablespoon of water only if the dough looks extra dry. Don’t let the dough turn into a ball in the processor. The dough will easily press together in between your fingers, but should NOT feel wet.
6. Remove the dough, separate into two even pieces, then wrap separately in plastic wrap and flatten into a 1” thick disc. Place in the fridge for 1-2 hours until firm. Only one disc of dough will be used for the recipe. The other can be frozen.
7. Once chilled, remove from the fridge and wait about 15 minutes to take the chill off the dough. This will help you roll out your dough without it cracking. Lightly flour your rolling pin and work surface, then roll out the dough, turning a quarter turn every few rolls to keep it round and even.
8. Roll the dough until it’s about ⅛” thick and is at least 2 inches wider than your pie dish. Continue to lightly flour your surface and pin any time the dough begins to stick.
9. Carefully transfer the dough to a pie dish, pressing it into place on the bottom and sides (there will be overhang), and trim the edges with kitchen shears so they’re even and about 1” wider than the dish.
10. Fold the sides underneath the crust so the fold meets the edge, then crimp.
11. To par bake the crust, freeze the crust for 15 minutes, then dock with a fork all over. Add a piece of parchment paper to the inside and fill completely with pie weights or dried rice/beans.
12. Bake in a preheated 375℉/190℃ oven for 15 minutes, then remove the weights and parchment and bake for another 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack while you prepare the filling.
Servings: 8
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 270 minutes
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Keywords: apple butter, apple pie, apple season, fall pie, fruit butter, homemade pie crust, pie crust, pumpkin pie, thanksgiving
Nutrition Facts: Calories: 703 kcal, Carbs: 99 g, Protein: 13 g, Fat: 29 g, Saturated Fat: 18 g, Cholesterol: 151 mg, Sodium: 492 mg, Fiber: 2 g, Sugar: 55 g
How to Make Apple Butter Pie
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Apple Butter Pie:
Step 1: Prepare Your Dough
Cut your cold butter into half-inch cubes and place them in your freezer for about fifteen minutes while you prepare everything else. Meanwhile, combine approximately one cup of water with some ice cubes in a bowl; this will act as your ice-cold water later on.
Step 2: Mix Flour & Salt
In your food processor, add flour along with kosher salt before pulsing once just enough to incorporate them together evenly without overmixing.
Step 3: Incorporate Butter
Disperse those chilled butter cubes among that flour mixture before pulsing again until it resembles small pea-sized pieces mixed throughout; aim for an appearance akin to slightly textured wet sand.
Step 4: Add Water
Measure out two-thirds cup of that chilly water mixture you prepared earlier—pouring it gently through while continuing to pulse gradually until you see shaggy crumbles forming as opposed to rolling into one solid ball within your device.
Step 5: Chill & Shape Dough
Remove this resulting dough from its bowl; divide it evenly between two portions before wrapping each piece separately using plastic wrap—flattening them slightly into discs before placing them inside your refrigerator for one or two hours.
Step 6: Roll Out Crust
Once adequately chilled after resting time has passed—remove one disc from refrigeration; allow it about fifteen minutes at room temperature so that it’s easier when rolling out without cracking! Lightly dust both surfaces involved—your workspace plus rolling pin—to begin creating an evenly shaped round layer ready for placement over whichever chosen pie dish awaits filling next!
Perfecting Apple Butter Pie Cooking Process
To create a delicious Apple Butter Pie efficiently, it’s important to organize your workspace and gather all ingredients before you start. This streamlined approach not only saves time but also minimizes the chances of forgetting essential components, ensuring a smoother baking experience.
Add Your Touch to Apple Butter Pie
Apple Butter Pie is versatile and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Consider adding spices like nutmeg or cloves for an extra kick. You might also experiment with different crusts, such as graham cracker or almond flour, for a unique texture. Topping the pie with whipped cream or caramel sauce adds a delightful finishing touch as well.

Storing and Reheating Apple Butter Pie
To store your Apple Butter Pie, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it in the refrigerator for up to four days. For longer storage, you can freeze slices in airtight containers for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, reheat individual slices in a microwave or warm the whole pie in the oven at a low temperature until heated through.
Chef's Helpful Tips for Apple Butter Pie
Growing up, my grandmother would make apple butter from scratch each fall, filling our home with that warm, inviting aroma of cinnamon and apples.
FAQs About Apple Butter Pie
What is Apple Butter Pie?
Apple Butter Pie is a rich dessert made primarily from apple butter, which gives it a deep apple flavor while maintaining a creamy texture similar to pumpkin pie. The combination of sweetened condensed milk and eggs creates a custard-like filling that pairs perfectly with a flaky crust.
Can I use homemade apple butter for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade apple butter adds a personal touch and unique flavor profile to your pie. Just ensure that it is well-spiced and has the right consistency for best results. Adjust sugar levels according to your apple butter’s sweetness if necessary.
How can I enhance the flavor of my Apple Butter Pie?
You can enhance the flavor by adding spices such as ground ginger or nutmeg in addition to cinnamon. A splash of bourbon or maple syrup can also elevate the taste profile significantly. Experimenting with different extracts like almond or orange can yield delightful surprises.
Is there a way to make this pie gluten-free?
Yes! You can easily make this Apple Butter Pie gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend in both the crust and filling. Be sure that all other ingredients used are certified gluten-free as well.
Conclusion for Apple Butter Pie
In summary, making an irresistible Apple Butter Pie combines rich flavors with unique textures that celebrate fall’s bounty. This dessert not only satisfies sweet cravings but also evokes cherished memories of autumn gatherings. With simple adjustments and proper care in preparation, you’ll enjoy creating this delightful treat year after year.

Apple Butter Pie
Ingredients
Method
- Cut the cold butter into ½” cubes and place in the freezer for about 15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
- In a bowl, add about a cup of water and a handful of ice cubes and set aside.
- Add the flour and salt to a food processor and pulse once to incorporate the salt.
- Disperse the cold butter cubes around the flour in the food processor, then pulse the mixture until the butter reaches pea-sized pieces and looks slightly textured, almost like wet sand.
- Measure out ⅔ cup ice cold water (sans ice cubes) and drizzle it through the chute while pulsing (leave one tablespoon remaining). Continue pulsing until the dough just starts to form shaggy crumbles, adding the last tablespoon of water only if the dough looks extra dry.
- Remove the dough, separate into two even pieces, then wrap separately in plastic wrap and flatten into a 1” thick disc. Place in the fridge for 1-2 hours until firm.
- Once chilled, remove from the fridge and wait about 15 minutes to take the chill off the dough.
- Lightly flour your rolling pin and work surface, then roll out the dough, turning a quarter turn every few rolls to keep it round and even.
- Roll the dough until it’s about ⅛” thick and is at least 2 inches wider than your pie dish.
- Carefully transfer the dough to a pie dish, pressing it into place on the bottom and sides, and trim the edges with kitchen shears so they’re even and about 1” wider than the dish.
- Fold the sides underneath the crust so the fold meets the edge, then crimp.
- To par bake the crust, freeze the crust for 15 minutes, then dock with a fork all over. Add a piece of parchment paper to the inside and fill completely with pie weights or dried rice/beans.
- Bake in a preheated 375℉/190℃ oven for 15 minutes, then remove the weights and parchment and bake for another 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack while you prepare the filling.



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