Creamy spiced apple butter

Apple Butter Pie brings together the best flavors of fall in a creamy custard filling nestled in a flaky crust. This simple six ingredient dessert offers a delightful twist on traditional apple or pumpkin pies with its rich apple butter base, making it a perfect treat for holidays or cozy autumn evenings.

I first made this pie during a chilly weekend and was amazed at how the apple butter added a depth of sweetness that felt homier than pumpkin pie. Now it’s the one dessert everyone asks for around this time of year.

Ingredients

• Refrigerated pie crust: This is the base for your pie and provides a buttery, flaky texture Choose one without additives for best flavor
• Apple butter: Offers a deep, naturally sweet apple flavor Pick a high quality or homemade version for richer taste
• Large eggs: Help set the custard filling while adding richness Use eggs at room temperature for smooth mixing
• Sweetened condensed milk: Adds creaminess and sweetness as a simple alternative to cream If unavailable, combine evaporated milk with a touch of sugar
• Vanilla extract: Enhances flavor with warm, sweet notes Use pure vanilla for best aroma
• All purpose flour: Thickens the custard filling slightly Use fresh flour for best results

Instructions

Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Crust:

Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit Line a 9 inch pie pan with the refrigerated crust and crimp the edges if you like a decorative rim Use a fork to prick holes in the bottom allowing steam to escape and preventing sogginess

Parbake the Crust:

Place parchment paper or foil over the crust and fill with pie weights dried beans or uncooked rice to keep it flat Bake on the middle rack for 10 to 12 minutes until edges just begin to brown Remove the weights and bake the crust another 5 to 7 minutes until the bottom is dry and lightly golden Let the crust cool a bit before adding the filling

Mix the Filling:

In a large bowl whisk together the apple butter eggs sweetened condensed milk vanilla extract and flour Be sure to use room temperature eggs to help everything blend into a smooth custard without lumps

Fill the Pie and Bake:

Pour the filling evenly into the prepared crust smoothing the top with a spatula Bake on the middle rack at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 35 to 40 minutes The pie is done when the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly This ensures a creamy texture once cooled

Cool and Serve:

Remove the pie from the oven and place on a wire rack Allow it to cool completely before slicing so the filling can fully set Serve chilled or at room temperature with whipped cream or caramel drizzle for an extra treat

The apple butter is my favorite part It concentrates the sweet and spiced apple flavor making this pie feel cozy and comforting Every time I bake it the house fills with a warm scent that reminds me of family gatherings and crisp fall afternoons

Storage Tips

Keep the pie covered loosely with plastic wrap or foil once it has cooled to maintain moisture Use an airtight container if you want to store individual slices To freeze the whole pie wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil for best protection against freezer burn Let frozen pie thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating or serving

Ingredient Substitutions

Pumpkin butter can replace apple butter for a different but still luscious fall flavor Try pear butter for a twist with a slightly lighter taste profile Use evaporated milk plus half a cup of sugar if you don't have sweetened condensed milk on hand Homemade pie crust works beautifully here if you prefer making your own just follow your favorite recipe and parbake the crust as described

Serving Suggestions

Serve with whipped cream flavored with cinnamon or nutmeg for added warmth A drizzle of caramel sauce on each slice turns this into a decadent dessert perfect for guests Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic combination that everyone loves

This apple butter pie is simple to make and delivers cozy fall flavor that guests will love. Serve chilled or at room temperature with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel for extra indulgence.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Why is my filling lumpy?

Using room temperature ingredients helps blend the filling smoothly, preventing lumps.

→ How do I know when the pie is done?

The pie is done when the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle, setting more as it cools.

→ What if my crust browns too quickly?

Cover the edges with foil or use a pie shield to protect the crust from over-browning during baking.

→ How can I get clean pie slices?

Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing to achieve neat, well-defined pieces.

→ What are good serving options?

Serve this pie chilled or at room temperature to enjoy its full flavor and creamy texture.

→ How can I vary the topping?

Add a cinnamon-pecan streusel or a caramel drizzle to enhance texture and flavor.