This Apple Butter Pie is sweet and creamy, made with smooth apple butter and a buttery crust. Topping it with cinnamon whipped cream makes it even better!
I love serving this pie at family gatherings. Everyone’s smiles say it all. Plus, who doesn’t enjoy a slice of dessert that tastes like a warm hug? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apple Butter: Use smooth apple butter for the best flavor and texture. If you can’t find it, you can substitute with unsweetened applesauce and add a bit of sugar and cinnamon to mimic apple butter’s richness.
Heavy Cream: This gives the filling a creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or even coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
Spices: Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves create that warm flavor. If you’re missing a spice, just adjust the amount of the others – more cinnamon works great!
Powdered Sugar: Use in the whipped cream for sweetness. If you’re avoiding sugar, you could use a sugar substitute, but it may alter the flavor slightly.
How Can I Make a Flaky Pie Crust?
Creating a flaky pie crust may seem tricky but focusing on a few key steps can help. The main thing is to keep your ingredients cold.
- Start by chilling your bowl and utensils if you can.
- Cut the cold butter into the flour until it’s crumbly, which helps the crust stay flaky.
- When adding ice water, do it gradually to avoid wet dough. The goal is just to combine everything.
Also, let the dough rest in the fridge before rolling it out. This helps it relax and makes it easier to work with.
Apple Butter Pie With Cinnamon Whipped Cream
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pie Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 3 to 4 tablespoons ice water
For the Filling:
- 1 1/4 cups apple butter (smooth and unsweetened or mildly sweetened)
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
For the Cinnamon Whipped Cream:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Garnish:
- Ground cinnamon, for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful pie takes about 30 minutes to prep, plus 45-55 minutes to bake, and you should allow a couple of hours for cooling. So, in total, expect about 3 hours from start to enjoying your slice of pie!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pie Crust:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Using a pastry blender or your fingers, cut in the cold butter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, gently mixing until the dough starts to hold together. Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This will help the crust stay flaky.
2. Preheat Oven:
Set your oven to preheat at 350°F (175°C) while the dough chills. This way, it’ll be ready for your pie as soon as you are!
3. Roll Out the Dough:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough until it’s big enough to fit your 9-inch pie dish. Carefully transfer the rolled dough into the dish, trim any excess, and flute the edges for a nice finish.
4. Prepare the Filling:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the apple butter, brown sugar, heavy cream, eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, vanilla, and salt. Mix until it’s smooth and well combined. This filling is where all the delicious flavor comes from!
5. Fill and Bake:
Pour the apple butter mixture into your prepared crust. Bake it in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust edges are lightly golden. Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack for about 2 hours—this helps it set even more!
6. Make the Cinnamon Whipped Cream:
In a chilled mixing bowl, beat the cold heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Keep beating until you see stiff peaks form. This whipped cream will be the perfect fluffy topping for your pie!
7. Serve:
When you’re ready to serve, spoon or pipe the cinnamon whipped cream generously on top of each slice of pie. A light dusting of ground cinnamon on top adds a pretty touch. Slice up the pie and enjoy every cozy bite!
Enjoy this cozy, warmly spiced Apple Butter Pie with the light and fluffy cinnamon whipped cream topping!
Can I Use Store-Bought Pie Crust Instead?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, a store-bought pie crust is a great option. Just follow the package instructions for pre-baking or use it directly in your recipe. It saves time without sacrificing flavor!
Can I Make This Pie Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! This pie can be made a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator, tightly covered, after it’s cooled. When ready to serve, top it with whipped cream just before serving for the freshest taste.
How Long Will Leftovers Last?
Leftover pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Make sure it’s in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Reheat slices in the microwave for a few seconds if you prefer it warm!
Can I Substitute Ingredients?
Certainly! For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream, or use a plant-based apple butter if desired. Similarly, you can switch out brown sugar for coconut sugar or a sugar alternative to suit dietary preferences.
