Apple Butter Pie Recipe

If you love cozy autumn flavors and the aroma of baked apples and spice, this Apple Butter Pie is about to become your new favorite treat. Packed with all the classic fall goodness—think velvety apple butter, cinnamon, and a lusciously creamy filling nestled inside a flaky pastry crust—this pie strikes the perfect balance between comforting nostalgia and something delightfully new. Ideal for entertaining, holidays, or just a sweet slice after dinner, this recipe is easy enough for any baking level. One bite of Apple Butter Pie and you’ll be hooked!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making a fantastic Apple Butter Pie is all about smart ingredient choices. Each one brings something special to the party: eggs give richness, apple butter infuses deep orchard flavor, cornstarch gently thickens, and cinnamon wakes up your senses. Don’t underestimate the magic of a homemade or even a store-bought pie crust as the base—it makes all the other flavors shine.

• 2 large eggs: Eggs give the pie a delicate structure while making the filling extra creamy.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar: This bit of sweetness perfectly balances the tart apple flavors and spice.
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Cornstarch is key for thickening and helps the pie slice cleanly.
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon: Cinnamon gives that signature warm, spicy aroma every Apple Butter Pie needs.
• 1/2 cup apple butter: This concentrated spread is the soul of the pie—choose a good-quality or homemade apple butter for maximum apple flavor.
• 2 cups whole milk: Whole milk makes the filling rich and silky; you can substitute with 2% in a pinch, but expect a slightly lighter texture.
• Unbaked pastry for 1 (9-inch) pie crust: Use your favorite homemade or store-bought crust—just make sure it’s ready to roll out and press into your pan.
• Cooking spray: A quick spritz ensures your pie comes out of the pan without sticking.

How to Make Apple Butter Pie

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375ºF. Getting your oven nice and hot right from the beginning ensures the pie bakes evenly and the crust crisps up beautifully. Set your rack to the bottom third of the oven; this helps get a golden brown bottom crust—no soggy pies here!

Step 2: Mix the Filling Ingredients

Crack the eggs into a medium bowl and give them a thorough beating until smooth. Next, sprinkle in the sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and your apple butter. Whisk everything together until it’s luxuriously smooth and the apple butter is fully combined—you want every bite of filling to sing with autumn flavor.

Step 3: Add the Milk

Stream the whole milk into your bowl and whisk again. Don’t rush—keep whisking until the mixture is silky and uniform. This step is what gives Apple Butter Pie its irresistible custardy base.

Step 4: Prepare the Pie Crust

Lightly spray a 9-inch pie pan with cooking spray so your slices come out without a hitch. Gently press your pie pastry into the pan, smoothing out any air bubbles and carefully fluting the edges for that classic bakery look.

Step 5: Pour and Mix the Filling

Slowly pour the gorgeous apple butter filling into your prepared crust. Once it’s in, give it a gentle stir with a spoon to ensure every last bit of cinnamon and apple butter is evenly blended. This tiny extra step guarantees no bland, unspiced pockets!

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Set your pie on the bottom rack of the oven and bake for 60–65 minutes. Watch for the filling to look mostly set, except for the very center, which will still have a gentle ‘jiggle’. Insert a knife—it should come out almost clean, just like a classic pumpkin pie.

Step 7: Cool on a Wire Rack

Patience pays off! Let your Apple Butter Pie cool completely on a wire rack. This resting period helps the filling firm up, so your slices will be clean and beautifully smooth. Slicing too soon will leave you with runny pieces—resist the temptation!

Step 8: Chill and Store

Once your pie has completely cooled, wrap it and store in the refrigerator. The flavors will deepen as it sits, making each slice more irresistible.

How to Serve Apple Butter Pie

Garnishes

Dress up your Apple Butter Pie with a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a pretty finish, try a drizzle of warm caramel sauce or a light dusting of cinnamon on top. A few thinly sliced fresh apples or a sprinkle of toasted pecans add lovely color and crunch.

Side Dishes

Keep it simple and let your pie shine! Serve alongside hot apple cider, coffee, or a comforting mug of chai. If you’re hosting a bigger event, a beverage bar with mulled wine or warm spiced tea makes a dreamy pairing with the pie’s sweet-spiced flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

Embrace the festive spirit by baking individual Apple Butter Pie tartlets for a party, or cut out leaf shapes from leftover crust to decorate the edges before baking. For an extra special touch, serve each slice on vintage plates and add a sprig of fresh thyme or mint. Your pie will look as good as it tastes!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Apple Butter Pie stores beautifully in the fridge. Just wrap the leftover pie tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer individual slices to an airtight container. It will keep fresh and delicious for up to four days—a perfect make-ahead dessert!

Freezing

If you’d like to save Apple Butter Pie for a future treat, wrap the fully cooled pie or individual slices in plastic and a layer of foil, then freeze. It will maintain its flavor for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving to preserve its smooth texture.

Reheating

For that fresh-from-the-oven experience, reheat slices on a baking sheet in a 300ºF oven for about 10 minutes. You can also microwave individual pieces, but keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. Top with whipped cream or ice cream after warming for the ultimate comfort dessert.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought apple butter?

Absolutely! Store-bought apple butter works perfectly in this recipe, but if you have a homemade batch on hand, it will intensify that lovely apple flavor even more.

Is it possible to make Apple Butter Pie gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute a gluten-free pie crust. The filling itself is naturally gluten-free, so you won’t need to modify anything else for a gluten-sensitive guest.

Can I substitute the whole milk?

You can use 2% milk in a pinch, though the filling will be slightly less rich. Non-dairy milks like oat or almond can work for a lighter, vegan-friendly pie, but the texture and taste may change a bit.

How do I know when the pie is finished baking?

Look for a mostly set pie with a slight jiggle in the center. Insert a sharp knife—it should come out nearly clean. Don’t worry if the center isn’t completely firm; it will finish setting as the pie cools.

Can I make the pie ahead of time?

Yes! Apple Butter Pie actually improves in flavor after chilling for a few hours or overnight, making it an outstanding make-ahead choice for holidays or gatherings.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about the first bite of Apple Butter Pie—it’s creamy, comforting, and brimming with nostalgic flavor. No matter the occasion, this pie is sure to bring smiles and requests for seconds. Treat yourself and your favorite people to a slice soon!

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