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As the crispness of fall envelops us, the thought of warm, cozy desserts begins to dance in my mind. This year, I’ve found myself captivated by a truly delightful creation—Apple Butter Pie. Imagine the rich, spiced essence of homemade apple butter, nestled in a silky custard-like filling that embraces you like a warm hug on a chilly evening.

I stumbled upon this recipe while searching for a unique spin on the classic apple pie, and let me tell you, it’s become an instant favorite in my kitchen. With its easy preparation and simple ingredients, this pie is not only a wonderful way to showcase the flavors of the season, but it also transforms any gathering into a festive occasion.

The creamy texture, coupled with the nutty goodness of a spelt crust, makes this dessert a standout at any table. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or someone simply looking to elevate your autumn baking game, this Apple Butter Pie is a treat that will leave your friends and family asking for seconds! So roll up your sleeves, and let’s dive into this delightful fall dessert together.

Why is Apple Butter Pie a Must-Try?

Deliciously Unique: This Apple Butter Pie stands out with its luscious, custard-like filling that redefines traditional apple desserts.
Fall Flavor Playground: The rich spices marry beautifully with the apple butter, capturing autumn in every bite.
Simple to Make: Enjoy a straightforward process that requires minimal baking skills, making it a perfect project for all home cooks.
Nutty Crust: The hearty spelt crust offers a delightful contrast, enhancing the overall experience.
Gathering Favorite: Serve it at parties or family dinners, and watch everyone come back for seconds! It’s sure to impress and spark conversations.

Get ready to bring a slice of warmth to your table with this enchanting pie!

Apple Butter Pie Ingredients

For the Filling
• Apple Butter – Provides bold apple flavor; substitute with homemade apple butter for an enhanced taste.
• Eggs – Acts as a binder for the custard filling; essential for structure.
• Cream – Adds creaminess and richness; can replace with whole milk for a lighter option.
• Sugar – Sweetens the filling; substitute with brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
• Spices (e.g., cinnamon, nutmeg) – Enhances the flavor profile; adjust spices to taste, especially if using homemade apple butter.

For the Crust
• Spelt Flour – Creates a hearty, whole-grain crust; substitute with all-purpose flour if a lighter crust is preferred.
• Butter – Adds flavor and flakiness to the crust; use unsalted butter for better control of saltiness.
• Salt – Balances flavors; use kosher salt and adjust amount if using fine salt.

Get ready to make a cozy, delicious apple butter pie that’s perfect for any autumn gathering!

How to Make Apple Butter Pie

Prepare the Crust: Start by blind baking your spelt flour pie crust. Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake until it’s lightly golden, approximately 15-20 minutes, depending on your oven. This gives the crust a great texture.
Make the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the apple butter, eggs, cream, sugar, and your chosen spices (think cinnamon and nutmeg). Mix until smooth—about 2-3 minutes will do. The filling should be creamy without any lumps.
Fill and Bake: Pour your luscious filling into the pre-baked crust. Bake in the same 350°F oven for about 30-35 minutes, until just set, leaving the center slightly wobbly—this gives it that delightful custard texture.
Cool: Remove the pie and let it cool at room temperature. Once it’s cool, refrigerate for at least 6 hours to allow it to firm up perfectly.
Serve: Before serving, consider garnishing your pie with a dollop of maple whipped cream or some decorative pie crust cut-outs for that extra touch of elegance and flavor.

Optional: Dust with a sprinkle of cinnamon before serving for an aromatic finish.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Make Ahead Options

Making the Apple Butter Pie ahead of time is a fantastic way to save precious moments during busy autumn days! You can prepare the spelt crust up to 3 days in advance; simply blind bake it as directed and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. The filling can also be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before pouring it into the crust. Just remember to give it a good stir to re-emulsify before using. When you’re ready to enjoy your pie, pour the filling into the pre-baked crust and bake as instructed. This way, you’ll have a custard-like dessert that’s just as delicious and beautifully creamy, waiting to impress your loved ones!

Apple Butter Pie Variations

Feel free to let your creativity shine by trying these delightful twists on the classic recipe!

Graham Cracker Crust: Swap the spelt crust for a graham cracker crust for a delightful no-bake alternative. This adds a sweet, crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.
Cinnamon Swirl: Before baking, swirl in a spoonful of extra apple butter mixed with cinnamon. This will create beautiful ripples in the filling and intensify the flavor.
Nutty Crunch: Top the pie with chopped walnuts or pecans before baking for a delightful crunch. The nuts add a warm, toasted flavor that complements the custard.
Pumpkin Spice Twist: Mix in a teaspoon of pumpkin spice to the filling for a cozy fall flavor that blends beautifully with the apple butter.
Maple Cream Topping: Instead of traditional whipped cream, use maple-flavored whipped cream for a seasonal sweetness that pairs perfectly with the pie.
Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the pie just before serving for a luscious finish that elevates each slice.
Spicy Heat: For those who enjoy a kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of ginger to the filling for a subtle heat that balances the sweetness.
Fruit Medley: Stir in small chunks of other fall fruits, like pears or cranberries, to the filling for an extra layer of flavor and texture. This adds a festive touch and enhances the fruitiness of the pie.

What to Serve with Apple Butter Pie?

As you savor each slice of this creamy delight, consider these scrumptious accompaniments to create a memorable meal.

Maple Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, this sweet topping adds a delightful contrast to the rich pie.
Pecan Topping: Chopped, toasted pecans lend a lovely crunch and nutty flavor, enhancing the pie’s comforting profile.
Spiced Apple Cider: Warm and aromatic, this beverage pairs beautifully with the spices in the pie, making it a seasonal favorite.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A rich scoop of vanilla ice cream offers a creamy, cool balance to the warm pie, creating a classic combination.
Nutty Granola: A sprinkle of homemade granola adds texture and a wholesome touch, making each bite of pie even more satisfying.

For an extraordinary experience, consider following up with a light salad or savory dish, ensuring your gathering is filled with warmth and joy. Enjoy this seasonal delight!

Expert Tips for Apple Butter Pie

Perfect Crust: Blind bake the spelt crust until just golden to ensure a flaky base. Over-baking can result in a tough texture.
Wobble Check: When baking the filling, keep an eye on the center. It should have a slight wobble for that creamy custard consistency, not fully set.
Taste-Test Apple Butter: If using homemade apple butter, sample it first to adjust spices. A robust apple flavor will elevate your Apple Butter Pie.
Chill Time: Allow the pie to cool completely before refrigerating for at least 6 hours. This helps the flavors meld and the texture firm up.
Garnish Wisely: Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon or maple whipped cream just before serving for an extra delicious touch!

How to Store and Freeze Apple Butter Pie

Refrigerator: Keep the pie tightly covered in the fridge for up to 7 days. This helps maintain its creamy texture and rich flavors.

Freezer: If needed, freeze the pie for up to 3 months. Wrap it in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Serving Tips: Let the pie sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving to enhance its silky, custard-like filling.

Make-Ahead: This Apple Butter Pie is a great candidate for make-ahead planning! Prepare it a day in advance to let the flavors meld perfectly for your gathering.

Apple Butter Pie Recipe FAQs

What kind of apple butter should I use?
I absolutely recommend using homemade apple butter for the most robust flavor, but store-bought works notably well too! Just make sure it’s high-quality, as the apple flavor is central to this pie. If you have a choice, opt for a variety without added sugars for a more natural taste.

How should I store the Apple Butter Pie?
Store your pie tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. This helps to maintain its creamy texture and rich flavors. I often use a cake dome or wrap it well with plastic wrap to prevent it from absorbing other odors in the fridge!

Can I freeze Apple Butter Pie?
Absolutely! You can freeze the pie for up to 3 months. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by foil to protect it from freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving. Let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before enjoying to enhance that silky texture.

How do I ensure my pie filling sets correctly?
Monitoring your pie during the baking process is key! Look for the center to have a slight wobble when it comes out of the oven—this indicates the custard will set perfectly upon cooling. Bake it at 350°F for 30-35 minutes, and if you’re ever in doubt, a toothpick should come out with a little moist filling, not completely clean.

What if I have dietary restrictions?
If anyone in your family has allergies, consider alternatives like using dairy-free cream or a gluten-free crust for this Apple Butter Pie. Additionally, if you’re watching sugar intake, substituting regular sugar for coconut sugar could work well. Always double-check ingredient labels when in doubt!

What toppings work best with Apple Butter Pie?
The more the merrier! I love topping my pie with maple whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon for that extra fall flavor. Alternatively, some crushed nuts or a drizzle of caramel can add delightful texture and sweetness. Feel free to get creative with your garnishes!