This Apple Butter Pie is a cozy treat, filled with rich apple flavor and a hint of spice. The buttery crust adds a nice crunch, making every bite enjoyable.
And let’s not forget the cinnamon whipped cream on top—it’s like a warm hug for your taste buds! I love serving this pie warm, letting the flavors shine through. It’s perfect for sharing with friends!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: I recommend using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples for their balance of tartness and sweetness. If those aren’t available, Fuji or Braeburn apples work great too. Just remember to stick with firm apples for the best texture!
Apple Butter: Look for good quality apple butter; this adds depth to the flavor. If you don’t have any, chunky applesauce could work in a pinch, but it won’t be as rich. Homemade apple butter is also a fun option if you’re up for making it!
Cornstarch: This ingredient helps thicken the filling. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, arrowroot powder can be a nice alternative. Just use the same amount as you would cornstarch.
Cinnamon: It’s vital to the pie’s flavor! If you’re a fan of warm spices, trying adding a pinch of ginger or cardamom for a little twist. You can adjust to your taste preference!
How Do I Make Sure My Pie Crust is Perfect?
Getting a perfectly flaky pie crust can be tricky, but it’s so worth the effort! Here are some tips:
- Keep your ingredients cold. Chilled butter and water help create a flaky texture.
- Don’t overwork the dough. Mix just until combined to keep it tender.
- Chill the rolled-out dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent shrinkage.
These small steps can make a huge difference in how your crust turns out!
Apple Butter Pie With Cinnamon Whipped Cream
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Apple Butter Filling:
- 6 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1 cup apple butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Crust:
- 1 double pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
For the Cinnamon Whipped Cream:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, chilled
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Apple Butter Pie takes about 20 minutes of preparation time and then about 45-55 minutes of baking. After baking, allow the pie to cool for at least 2 hours to set. Including chill time for the whipped cream, you’ll need about 3 hours total, but it’s so easy and worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s hot and ready for your pie!
2. Prepare the Pie Crust:
Roll out one half of your pie dough and place it into a 9-inch pie dish. Make sure to fit it snugly and trim any excess dough from the edges. Set this prepared crust aside while you make the filling.
3. Make the Apple Butter Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine your thinly sliced apples with apple butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, salt, and lemon juice. Stir gently to coat all the apple slices evenly, ensuring the sweet spices are mixed well throughout.
4. Fill the Pie Crust:
Carefully pour the apple butter mixture into the prepared pie crust. Spread it out evenly so the apples are well distributed.
5. Top the Pie:
Roll out the second half of your pie dough. You can either lay it on whole with some slits for ventilation or create a decorative lattice top. Make sure to seal the edges of the crust by pinching them together, creating a lovely crimped pattern.
6. Bake the Pie:
Place your pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake it in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the filling is bubbly and the crust turns a lovely golden brown.
7. Let It Cool:
Once baked, carefully take the pie out of the oven and let it cool for at least 2 hours. This allows the filling to set perfectly, making it easier to slice later.
8. Make the Cinnamon Whipped Cream:
In a chilled mixing bowl, whisk the heavy cream until it starts to thicken. Add the powdered sugar, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Keep whipping until stiff peaks form, creating a rich, fluffy topping.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the pie has cooled, slice it up and serve it with a generous dollop of your homemade cinnamon whipped cream on top. Optionally, you can sprinkle a little extra cinnamon for garnish. Enjoy this comforting dessert warm or at room temperature!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great choices, you can also use Fuji or Braeburn apples. Just aim for firm apples to ensure the best texture in your pie.
What If I Don’t Have Apple Butter?
No worries! If you don’t have apple butter, you can substitute it with chunky applesauce. Keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different and less rich than using apple butter.
How Do I Store Leftover Pie?
To store leftovers, cover the pie with plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to store it longer, refrigerate for up to a week. Just reheat slices in the microwave or enjoy them cold!
Can I Make This Pie Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Make the pie a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just whip up the cinnamon whipped cream fresh right before serving for the best taste!