Apple Butter Pie Recipe

Posted on May 14, 2025

Looking for a cozy dessert that’s creamy, spiced just right, and bursting with apple flavor? This Apple Butter Pie is a hidden gem that’s easy to whip up and perfect for fall (or any time you crave those warm cinnamon vibes). With a smooth custard-like texture and rich apple butter flavor, it’s like a hug in pie form. Whether you’re hosting friends, heading to a potluck, or just want a sweet treat with your coffee, this pie has you covered.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love Apple Butter Pie

This Apple Butter Pie is a game-changer! It brings all the cozy comfort of apple pie without the hassle of slicing apples or making a double crust. With a rich, velvety filling that’s packed with warm spices and deep apple flavor, it’s the ultimate shortcut to fall dessert perfection. Plus, it’s made with pantry staples—think eggs, sugar, and apple butter—so there’s a good chance you already have everything on hand.

Ingredients

This pie keeps it simple, using just a handful of kitchen staples to create that dreamy, spiced apple flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 (9-inch) unbaked pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
1 cup apple butter
3 large eggs
1/2 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
Pinch of salt

Optional toppings:

Whipped cream
A sprinkle of cinnamon or chopped pecans

Instructions

This Apple Butter Pie is wonderfully simple—just mix, pour, and bake! Follow these steps for a smooth, delicious result every time:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place your unbaked pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish and crimp the edges if desired.
Make the filling: In a large bowl, whisk together the apple butter, eggs, brown sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth and fully combined.
Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust. Smooth the top with a spatula if needed.
Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean. If the edges of the crust brown too quickly, cover them loosely with foil.
Cool completely on a wire rack. The pie will continue to set as it cools.
Serve as-is or topped with whipped cream, a dash of cinnamon, or chopped nuts for extra flair!

Servings and Timing

This pie is perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself (we won’t judge!). It yields about 8 slices, making it ideal for small gatherings, holiday dinners, or a cozy weekend dessert.

Here’s how the timing breaks down:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 45–50 minutes
Cooling Time: 1–2 hours
Total Time: Around 2 hours, mostly hands-off

Tips and Variations

Want to make this Apple Butter Pie your own? Here are a few easy twists and helpful tips:

No heavy cream? Substitute with half-and-half or even evaporated milk.
Crust options: Try a graham cracker or gingersnap crust for a fun twist.
Make it dairy-free: Use full-fat coconut milk in place of cream for a subtle tropical touch.
Boost the spice: Add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice for extra warmth.
Top it off: Serve with vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of caramel, or chopped toasted pecans for added crunch.
Make mini pies: Use muffin tins and smaller crust rounds to create single-serve versions—just reduce bake time to 20–25 minutes.

Storage

Have leftovers (or planning ahead)? This pie stores beautifully!

Refrigerator: Cover the cooled pie with plastic wrap or foil and store in the fridge for up to 4–5 days. It tastes even better the next day!
Freezer: You can freeze Apple Butter Pie, too! Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating: Enjoy cold, or warm slices in the microwave for about 20 seconds if you prefer it cozy.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is apple butter, exactly?
Apple butter is a thick, spiced apple spread made by slow-cooking apples with sugar and spices until it’s deeply caramelized. It’s smoother and more concentrated than applesauce.

2. Can I make this pie without a crust?
Yes! For a crustless version, pour the filling into a greased pie dish and bake as directed. It’ll turn out like a custard—still delicious!

3. Can I use homemade apple butter?
Absolutely! Homemade apple butter works great and adds even more flavor. Just make sure it’s thick and well-spiced.

4. Is this pie overly sweet?
Nope! It’s gently sweet with a nice balance of spices. If you prefer less sweetness, you can reduce the brown sugar to 1/3 cup.

5. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! It actually tastes better after chilling for a few hours or overnight. Just store it in the fridge until ready to serve.

6. How do I know when it’s done baking?
The pie should be set around the edges with a slight jiggle in the center. A toothpick or knife inserted near the center should come out mostly clean.

7. Can I use a store-bought crust?
Definitely! Store-bought crust makes this recipe super quick and easy. Just roll it into your pie dish and you’re good to go.

Conclusion

If you’re craving something cozy, simple, and full of fall flavor, this Apple Butter Pie is calling your name. It’s a fuss-free dessert that delivers big flavor with minimal effort—and it’s sure to become a seasonal favorite in your home. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just need a sweet pick-me-up, this pie brings all the warm, spiced comfort you love in every bite.

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