Description
Apple butter pie is a heartwarming dessert that captures the essence of fall in every bite. This pie features a rich and spiced filling made from apple butter, which gives it a smooth, custard-like texture and a deep apple flavor. Encased in a flaky, buttery crust, this pie offers a delightful combination of sweetness and warmth, enhanced by spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Whether served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or chilled with a dollop of whipped cream, apple butter pie is the perfect way to celebrate autumn and brings a cozy comfort to any gathering. This delightful dessert is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a nostalgic reminder of the joys of the season.
Ingredients
For the Pie Crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The base of the crust, providing structure.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor of the crust.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed: For a flaky texture.
- 4–5 tablespoons ice water: Helps bind the dough together without warming it up.
For the Apple Butter Filling:
- 2 cups apple butter: The star of the pie, providing sweetness and spice.
- 2 large eggs: Binds the filling and adds richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth.
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Complements the apple flavor with its aromatic spice.
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger: Provides a subtle zing to the filling.
Instructions
STEP 1: MAKE THE PIE CRUST
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the chilled, cubed butter. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Ice Water: Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough begins to come together. Be careful not to overmix.
- Chill the Dough: Form the dough into a ball, flatten it into a disk, and wrap it in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps it relax and prevents shrinking during baking.
STEP 2: PREHEAT THE OVEN
While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the pie bakes evenly and develops a golden crust.
STEP 3: ROLL OUT THE DOUGH
Once the dough is chilled, remove it from the refrigerator. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to fit a 9-inch pie pan. Aim for a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
STEP 4: FIT THE CRUST INTO THE PAN
Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to the pie pan, pressing it gently into the edges. Trim any excess dough hanging over the edges and crimp the edges as desired. Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork to prevent bubbling.
STEP 5: PREBAKE THE CRUST
To prevent a soggy bottom, pre-bake the crust for about 10 minutes. Remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
STEP 6: MAKE THE FILLING
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the apple butter, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and creamy.
STEP 7: FILL THE CRUST
Pour the apple butter filling into the pre-baked crust, spreading it evenly. The filling should come just below the rim of the crust.
STEP 8: BAKE
Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges of the crust are golden brown. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
STEP 9: COOL AND SERVE
Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This cooling period allows the filling to firm up, making it easier to cut neat slices.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Baking Time: 45 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Protein: 3g