Apple Butter Pie

Apple butter pie is a delightful dessert that brings together the rich flavors of sweet spices and creamy textures. This pie isn’t just another dessert on your table; it’s a warm hug for your taste buds. Ideal for fall gatherings or holiday feasts, the combination of smooth apple butter and the buttery spelt crust makes every bite a treat. It’s easy to make yet impressive enough to serve to guests who might think you spent all day in the kitchen. Let’s dive into the wonders of making this comforting apple butter pie.

Apple Butter Pie

A delightful dessert that combines sweet spices and creamy textures with smooth apple butter and a buttery spelt crust, perfect for fall gatherings or holiday feasts.

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Total Time 7 hours hrs 5 minutes mins

Course Dessert, Pie

Cuisine American, Seasonal

Servings 8 servings

Calories 340 kcal

Ingredients

  

Pie Crust

• 1 9-inch spelt pie crust Feel free to use a gluten-free or traditional pastry crust.

Filling Ingredients

• 1.75 cups prepared apple butter Using high-quality apple butter enhances flavor.
• 1 cup heavy cream Ensure it’s at room temperature for easier blending.
• 3 large eggs Also at room temperature.
• 0.5 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon Adjust spice levels per preference.
• 0.5 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 0.25 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
• 1 pinch ground cloves

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Roll out the spelt pie dough to a circle roughly 11 inches wide. Press it gently into a 9-inch pie plate and prick the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbling.
• Place the pie crust in the freezer for 15 minutes.
• Preheat your oven to 375ºF (190ºC) and blind bake the pie shell for about 25 minutes. After baking, reduce the oven temperature to 325ºF (163ºC).

Filling

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the apple butter, heavy cream, eggs, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and cloves until smooth.
• Pour the filling into the prepared pie shell, smoothing out the top with a spatula.

Baking

• Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, until the edges are puffed and the center remains slightly wobbly.
• Cool the pie on a wire rack and refrigerate for at least 6 hours before serving.

Notes

Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream and consider adding a drizzle of caramel or a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra touch. Store uneaten pie in the refrigerator, covered loosely, for 3 to 5 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.

Keyword Apple Butter Pie, Comfort Food, fall dessert, Holiday Recipe, Sweet Pie

Why Make This Recipe

When it comes to seasonal desserts, apple butter pie shines with its unique profile. Not only is it incredibly easy to prepare, but it also fills your home with a cozy aroma, making it an instant favorite.

Most importantly, this pie is perfect for celebrations, from Thanksgiving to simple family dinners. It captures the essence of comforting desserts, providing a taste of nostalgia with every bite.

“This pie was a showstopper at our Thanksgiving dinner! It was the perfect balance of sweetness and spice—the crust was flaky and delicious.”

The convenience of apple butter as a key ingredient allows you to whip up this pie quickly without sacrificing flavor. Plus, it can easily please a crowd, making it a fantastic addition to your recipe repertoire.

Preparing Apple Butter Pie

The process of making apple butter pie is straightforward and reassuringly simple. Each step builds toward an end result that is both beautiful and delicious. Here’s how you’ll create this delightful dessert:

1. Begin by rolling out your prepared spelt pie crust and fitting it into your pie plate.
2. Blind bake the crust to create a solid structure for the filling.
3. Whisk together the filling ingredients until smooth and creamy.
4. Pour your mixture into the baked crust and bake until set.
5. After cooling, allow it to chill in the refrigerator for limited time before serving.

This step-by-step method ensures that everything comes together beautifully, and you will have a stunning dessert ready to impress.

What You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is key to creating the ultimate apple butter pie. This recipe calls for:

• 1 (9-inch) spelt pie crust
• 1-¾ cups prepared apple butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 large eggs
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon coarse kosher salt
• Pinch ground cloves

Feel free to explore alternatives for your spelt crust if you need to accommodate specific dietary restrictions. You can substitute with a gluten-free pie crust or a traditional pastry crust depending on preference.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to prepare the apple butter pie from start to finish:

1. First, roll out the spelt pie dough to a circle roughly 11 inches wide. Press it gently into a 9-inch pie plate and prick the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbling. Place it in the freezer for 15 minutes.
2. Preheat your oven to 375ºF. Blind bake the pie shell for about 25 minutes. After its time in the oven, set it aside and reduce the oven temperature to 325ºF.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the apple butter, heavy cream, eggs, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and cloves. This will create a smooth and creamy filling.
4. Pour the filling into the prepared pie shell, smoothing out the top with a spatula.
5. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, until the edges are puffed and the center remains slightly wobbly.
6. Cool the pie on a wire rack and refrigerate for at least 6 hours before serving.
7. When it’s ready to serve, enhance each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that extra touch of indulgence.

How to Serve

Apple butter pie is versatile and can be served in various delightful ways. A simple slice drizzled with caramel sauce and topped with a scoop of ice cream can elevate it to new heights. Or, you can opt for a light dusting of powdered sugar paired with a steaming cup of chai or coffee.

For a festive approach, consider adding finely chopped nuts to the crust or using a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for a garnish. Whatever your choice, your guests will appreciate the extra effort.

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

Storing your apple butter pie correctly ensures that it remains delicious. Here are some tips for preserving your pie:

1. Store any uneaten pie in the refrigerator, covering it loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days.
2. For longer storage, consider freezing the pie. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and it can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
3. If you freeze individual slices, they can be enjoyed at a moment’s notice, making them perfect for unexpected guests.

Helpful Cooking Tips

1. Choose Quality Apple Butter: Using a homemade or high-quality store-bought apple butter makes all the difference in flavor.
2. Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your eggs and cream are at room temperature for an easier blending process.
3. Spice It Up: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your preference. A little more cinnamon or a hint of ginger can create a different flavor profile.
4. Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on your pie as it finishes baking. The edges should be puffed, while the center remains jiggly but not runny.

Creative Twists

For those looking to mix things up, consider these variations to the classic recipe:

• Nutty Delight: Add finely chopped pecans or walnuts into the filling for added texture and flavor.
• Seasonal Variations: Experiment by incorporating pumpkin puree for an autumn-inspired spin.
• Switch the Crust: Try a graham cracker crust for a buttery, less traditional experience.
• Spiced Apple Swap: Substitute some of the apple butter with applesauce for a lighter option.

FAQs

1. How long does it take to prepare the apple butter pie?
The preparation time is about 30 minutes, while baking takes roughly an hour. Overall, plan for about 7 hours including chilling time.

2. Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it one day in advance and leave it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

3. Is apple butter the same as applesauce?
No, apple butter is denser and sweeter than applesauce, with a smooth, spreadable texture. It enhances the flavor of the pie.

4. Can I freeze apple butter pie?
Yes, freezing is a great option. Ensure it’s well wrapped to preserve freshness, and it can be stored for several months.

5. What’s the best way to enjoy apple butter pie?
Apple butter pie is fantastic served with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, but it can stand alone beautifully as well.

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