If you are craving a dessert that’s comfort in every bite, you have to try this Apple Butter Pie Recipe. It brings together a luscious blend of spiced apple butter and creamy custard nestled in a flaky spelt crust that’s both hearty and tender. It’s a pie that feels like a warm hug on a cool day, full of rich autumn flavors that cozy up your kitchen and your taste buds. Once you make this Apple Butter Pie Recipe, it’s sure to become one of your all-time favorites to bake and share.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up image shows a white bowl filled with light brown batter that has a smooth, slightly bubbly texture. A woman's hand is holding a small metal whisk, stirring the batter gently on the right side of the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, adding a clean and bright background to the scene. The batter surface reflects soft light, showing its creamy consistency. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These simple yet essential ingredients come together to create the perfect harmony of flavors and textures in this Apple Butter Pie Recipe. Each one plays a key role, whether it’s the flaky pie crust for structure, the apple butter for deep, spiced sweetness, or the eggs and cream that form a smooth, custardy filling.

1 (9-inch) spelt pie crust: A whole-grain alternative that adds nuttiness and delicate flakiness to the base.
1-¾ cups (470 grams) prepared apple butter: The star ingredient delivering rich, spiced apple flavor with a silky texture.
1 cup (226 grams) heavy cream: Provides luscious creaminess and helps the custard set perfectly.
3 large eggs: The binder that creates a smooth and firm custard filling.
½ cup packed (110 grams) brown sugar: Adds a warmly sweet depth and slight molasses undertone.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses the pie with classic fall spice aroma and flavor.
½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg: Offers a subtle nutty warmth that complements the apples.
¼ teaspoon coarse kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the pie’s flavors.
Pinch ground cloves: A little goes a long way in boosting the warming spices.

How to Make Apple Butter Pie Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Chill the Pie Crust

Roll your spelt pie dough to an 11-inch circle and gently place it into a 9-inch pie plate, pressing it evenly against the bottom and sides. Crimp the edges to your liking, then prick the bottom thoroughly with a fork to let steam escape during baking. Slide the pie crust into the freezer for 15 minutes; chilling is crucial because it helps keep the crust flaky and prevents shrinking during the initial bake.

Step 2: Blind Bake the Pie Shell

Preheat your oven to 375ºF and position racks in the middle and lower sections. Once chilled, line the pie shell with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or an alternative like dry rice or lentils, pushing these to the edges for even weight distribution. Bake on the lower rack for 20 minutes to set the bottom, then remove the weights and parchment, and bake for 5 more minutes. This method ensures a crisp crust that won’t get soggy under the filling. Remember to lower the oven temperature to 325ºF after this step.

Step 3: Make the Filling

In a large bowl, whisk together the apple butter, heavy cream, eggs, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and cloves until everything is fully combined and smooth. This mixture will create the custard-like filling that is rich in apple flavor with just the right hint of spice, perfectly balanced between creamy sweetness and aromatic warm notes.

Step 4: Fill and Bake the Pie

Pour your luscious filling gently into the pre-baked pie shell and smooth the surface with a spatula. Place the pie on the oven’s middle rack and bake for 45-55 minutes. You’ll want to look for the edges puffing up and becoming firm while the center remains slightly wobbly — an indicator that it’s gently setting to creamy perfection. The pie is done when its internal temperature surpasses 180ºF. This careful baking ensures the custard is cooked but still tender and silky.

Step 5: Cool and Chill

Once baked, transfer the Apple Butter Pie Recipe to a wire rack to cool to room temperature. Then, pop it into the refrigerator for at least 6 hours or overnight to allow the filling to fully firm up. This chilling step is key to achieving clean, beautiful slices and a perfectly set custard texture that melts in your mouth.

How to Serve Apple Butter Pie Recipe

The image shows a pumpkin pie in a white pie plate with a crimped golden-brown crust forming a wavy edge around the pie. The filling is smooth and deep orange-brown with subtle spiral ridges on the surface. On one side of the pie, there are ten small, light beige pastry leaf shapes arranged in a semi-circle, adding a decorative touch. The pie is placed on a surface with a white marbled texture, and a light brown and white striped cloth is partly visible in the top right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a simple yet stunning finish, top each slice with a dollop of freshly whipped cream spiked with a touch of vanilla or cinnamon. If you’re feeling adventurous, a handful of toasted pecans or a sprinkle of ground cinnamon right before serving adds extra crunch and warmth. Fresh apple slices or a light drizzle of caramel sauce also complement the pie’s flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

This Apple Butter Pie Recipe pairs wonderfully with cozy drinks like hot apple cider or a caramel latte. If you want to serve it alongside other foods, think simple and fresh — a crisp green salad with a citrus vinaigrette or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream balances the richness and adds textural contrast on your dessert plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this pie warm with a scoop of cinnamon ice cream for an indulgent treat, or slice it into smaller portions for a buffet or potluck. You could also cut cubes of the pie and skewer them with fruit and nuts on a dessert board to make apple butter pie bites, perfect for gatherings where people love to sample a variety of flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The pie keeps well for about 3 to 4 days, and chilling actually helps the flavors meld even more, making every subsequent slice taste better.

Freezing

You can freeze the whole pie or individual slices by wrapping them carefully in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Frozen pie slices stay delicious for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To warm up your Apple Butter Pie Recipe slices, place them on a baking sheet and heat in a 350ºF oven for about 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, microwave slices on medium power for short bursts (20-30 seconds) to avoid overheating and drying out the custard filling.

FAQs

Can I use a store-bought pie crust for this Apple Butter Pie Recipe?

Absolutely! While a homemade spelt crust adds wonderful flavor and texture, a good-quality store-bought crust works just fine and saves time. Just be sure to blind bake it properly to avoid sogginess.

Is apple butter different from apple sauce, and can I substitute?

Apple butter is thicker and more concentrated with spices compared to apple sauce. Substituting with apple sauce may result in a looser filling and less intense flavor, so it’s best to use apple butter for the classic taste of this recipe.

What does blind baking mean, and why is it important here?

Blind baking is pre-baking the pie crust before adding the filling. It’s essential for custard-style pies like this one to prevent the crust from becoming soggy and to ensure a crisp, fully baked base that supports the filling.

How do I know when the pie is done baking?

The pie is ready when the outer edges have puffed up and set, but the center still has a slight wobble. If you have a kitchen thermometer, the internal temperature should be just over 180ºF for perfect custard doneness.

Can I add extra spices or ingredients to customize this Apple Butter Pie Recipe?

Definitely! Feel free to tweak the spices by adding more cinnamon, a dash of ginger, or even a handful of toasted walnuts for crunch. Just be mindful not to overpower the smooth apple butter flavor that makes this pie special.

Final Thoughts

Making this Apple Butter Pie Recipe is such a rewarding experience — from the inviting aroma as it bakes to the cozy warmth of each forkful. It’s a dessert that showcases apple butter in a truly special way, perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring on your own. Give it a try soon; your pie-loving heart will thank you!