Creamy Apple Butter Pie

Apple Butter Pie is a creamy, spiced dessert that brings the flavors of fall into a flaky, buttery crust. It blends the deep sweetness of apple butter with a custard-like filling that is both smooth and comforting. This pie is perfect for holiday gatherings or any time you want a cozy seasonal treat that stands out from traditional pumpkin or apple pies.

I first made this pie after discovering a jar of apple butter in my pantry and have since baked it for every fall celebration. The rich texture and warm flavors always draw compliments and requests for seconds.

Ingredients

• Refrigerated pie crust: provides a flaky, buttery base you can also use a ginger snap or gingerbread crust for extra warmth
• Apple butter: the star ingredient that adds sweetness and depth look for high-quality, smooth apple butter without chunks for the best filling texture
• Large eggs: help set the custard filling and add richness use fresh, room temperature eggs for easier mixing
• Sweetened condensed milk: gives a creamy texture and sweet flavor if unavailable, combine evaporated milk with sugar as a substitute
• Vanilla extract: enhances and rounds out the flavors pure vanilla extract is best for the most authentic taste
• Allpurpose flour: lightly thickens the filling to ensure it holds together use unbleached for a more natural flavor

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Position a rack in the middle for even baking. Prepare a 9inch pie pan by lining it with the refrigerated pie crust. Crimp the edges neatly as you like and prick the bottom with a fork to prevent air bubbles.

Parbake the Crust:

Line the pie crust with parchment paper or foil, then fill it with pie weights, dry beans, or uncooked rice to keep it from puffing up. Bake on the middle rack for about 10 to 12 minutes. Carefully remove the paper and weights, then bake for an additional 5 to 7 minutes until the bottom of the crust looks dry and a light golden color.

Prepare the Filling:

While the crust cools slightly, whisk the apple butter, eggs, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla, and flour together in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly until the custard is smooth and creamy with no lumps.

Fill and Bake the Pie:

Pour the filling evenly into the parbaked crust, smoothing the top gently with a spatula. Bake again at 350 degrees Fahrenheit on the middle rack for 35 to 40 minutes. The pie is done when the edges are set and the center still has a slight jiggle to it.

Cool Before Serving:

Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack. Cooling helps the filling to fully set, making it easier to slice into neat pieces.

This pie’s apple butter really steals the show for me. It’s like a little jar of autumn sunshine that transforms the custard base into something memorable. One year I brought this pie to a family potluck, and it disappeared within minutes, sparking everyone to ask for the recipe which I happily shared.

Storage Tips

Store leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days to keep the crust from getting soggy. This pie also freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, freeze for up to three months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap apple butter for pumpkin or pear butter for a twist on flavors that still pairs well with the spices in this pie. If you cannot find sweetened condensed milk, mixing evaporated milk with a half cup of sugar can work as a creamy, though slightly softer, alternative.

Serving Suggestions

Serve slices with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of cinnamon ice cream for an indulgent finish. A drizzle of caramel sauce adds extra warmth and richness. This pie shines at holiday tables but also makes an impressive dessert for casual dinners.

This Apple Butter Pie delivers cozy fall flavors with minimal fuss, perfect for holidays or weeknight treats. Serve chilled or warm with a scoop of ice cream for extra indulgence.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Why is my filling lumpy?

Lumps can form if ingredients are not at room temperature before mixing, affecting smoothness.

→ How do I know when it's done baking?

The pie should have a slight jiggle in the center but be set around the edges to avoid overbaking.

→ What if the crust browns too quickly?

Cover the crust edges with foil or a pie shield to prevent excessive browning during baking.

→ How can I get clean slices?

Let the dessert cool completely and set before slicing to achieve neat, defined pieces.

→ What is the best way to serve this dish?

It can be served chilled or at room temperature, both highlighting its creamy and spiced flavors.

→ Can the crust be frozen before baking?

Yes, thaw frozen crust, prick it, and parbake at 375°F for 10–15 minutes until light golden.