As the leaves turn golden and the air grows crisp, I find myself reminiscing about the comforting aromas of fall baking wafting through my kitchen. There’s something magical about creating a dessert that captures the essence of the season, which is why I’m excited to share my Creamy Apple Butter Pie with Cinnamon Whipped Cream. This Thanksgiving-friendly recipe is a heavenly blend of creamy custard and rich apple butter, brought to life with simple ingredients that come together in no time. Not only does it cater perfectly to your holiday gatherings, but its creamy texture and flaky crust also ensure it’s a crowd-pleaser that your loved ones will rave about for days. Curious to learn how to bring this delightful pie to your table? Let’s dive in!
Why is this pie the perfect fall dessert?
Simplicity at Its Core: You only need a handful of straightforward ingredients to create this delightful pie, making it perfect for both novice and seasoned bakers alike.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of creamy apple butter and cinnamon-infused whipped cream offers a rich, comforting taste that captures the essence of fall.
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a classic slice or whip up mini tarts for a personal touch at gatherings; it’s sure to impress!
Time-Saving Delight: This pie comes together quickly, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the company of family and friends rather than stuck in the kitchen.
Crowd Pleaser: It’s a guaranteed hit at Thanksgiving or any cozy gathering, leaving everyone craving that perfect fall dessert. You might also love pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence!
Apple Butter Pie Ingredients
• Get ready to bake with these simple ingredients for an unforgettable fall dessert!
For the Crust
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure for the crust; consider gluten-free flour for a suitable alternative.
- Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and flakiness; using cold butter is key for the perfect texture.
- Kosher Salt – Enhances flavor; sea salt can also be a great choice.
- Ice-Cold Water – Binds the dough without melting the butter; ensure it’s icy for the best results.
For the Filling
- Apple Butter – The star ingredient that brings sweetness and rich flavor; homemade varieties work wonderfully too!
- Large Eggs – Help bind the filling; room temperature eggs ensure even mixing.
- Dark Brown Sugar – Sweetens the filling with a deep, dusky flavor; light brown sugar can be a good substitute.
- All-Purpose Flour – Acts as a thickener; make sure to sift for a smoother texture.
- Vanilla Paste/Extract – Adds a delightful aromatic flavor; almond extract can be an interesting twist.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk – Imparts creaminess and sweetness; evaporated milk serves as a lighter option.
For the Whipped Cream
- Heavy Whipping Cream – The base for your luscious cinnamon whipped cream; coconut cream is a fantastic dairy-free alternative.
- Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the whipped cream; granulated sugar can be used in a pinch.
- Ground Cinnamon – A classic flavor enhancer for whipped cream; nutmeg can add an alternate spice twist.
This delightful collection of ingredients for your Apple Butter Pie with Cinnamon Whipped Cream makes baking a pleasure!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Apple Butter Pie with Cinnamon Whipped Cream
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour and kosher salt. Cut in cold unsalted butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles pea-sized crumbs. Gradually add ice-cold water, stirring until a shaggy dough forms. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1-2 hours. This chilling time is essential for a flaky crust.
Step 2: Pre-Bake the Crust
After chilling, preheat your oven to 375°F. Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to fit your pie plate. Place the dough in the plate, trim the edges, and freeze for 20 minutes. Dock the crust with a fork, line with parchment paper, and fill with pie weights. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the weights and bake for an additional 5 minutes until lightly golden.
Step 3: Make the Filling
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the apple butter, large eggs, dark brown sugar, and all-purpose flour until smooth. Next, slowly incorporate sweetened condensed milk while whisking to ensure a creamy consistency. This filling for the Apple Butter Pie should be well combined before moving on to the next step.
Step 4: Bake the Pie
Lower the oven temperature to 325°F. Pour the filling into the pre-baked pie crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Place the pie on the middle rack of the oven and bake for 30 minutes. To achieve the perfect texture, transfer the pie to the bottom rack and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until it is slightly jiggly but firm.
Step 5: Cool the Pie
Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 3 hours. This cooling period allows the flavors to meld and the filling to set properly, making your Apple Butter Pie even more delightful when it’s time to serve.
Step 6: Prepare Cinnamon Whipped Cream
In a medium mixing bowl, add heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, vanilla, and ground cinnamon. Using an electric mixer, whip the mixture on medium-high speed until soft peaks form, taking care not to over-whip. This light and airy whipped cream is perfect for topping your cooled Apple Butter Pie.
Step 7: Serve the Pie
Once the pie has completely cooled, spread the freshly made cinnamon whipped cream over the top. For an extra touch, swirl in a bit more apple butter for a delightful, vibrant finish. Slice, and savor each delectable bite of your homemade Apple Butter Pie with Cinnamon Whipped Cream!
What to Serve with Creamy Apple Butter Pie with Cinnamon Whipped Cream
There’s nothing quite like the warmth of a gathering where sweet, comforting flavors unite to create unforgettable memories around the table.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla harmonizes with the pie’s richness, adding a delightful contrast that enhances every bite.
- Spiced Cider: The warm spices in apple cider elevate the pie’s flavors, making this pairing perfect for cozy autumn evenings.
- Caramel Drizzle: A swirl of caramel adds a sweet and buttery touch, balancing the pie’s richness with a delightful sticky texture.
- Candied Pecans: These crunchy, sweet treats provide a perfect contrast to the silky pie, introducing a festive crunch to your dessert experience.
- Fresh Whipped Cream: For an extra layer of creaminess, a dollop of plain whipped cream complements the pie’s cinnamon topping beautifully. Always great to have on hand!
- Pumpkin Spice Latte: The warm spices in this coffee drink align harmoniously with the flavors of the pie, making it a seasonal favorite to sip on while enjoying dessert.
Celebrating fall with these delightful pairings ensures a memorable, cozy gathering that highlights the charm of your apple butter pie!
How to Store and Freeze Apple Butter Pie
Room Temperature: Keep the pie lightly covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, allowing the flavors to continue developing.
Fridge: For longer freshness, refrigerate the pie for up to 5 days in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap.
Freezer: If you want to save it for later, freeze the apple butter pie for up to 3 months. Make sure it’s well-wrapped in plastic and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating: To enjoy your pie warm, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating in the oven at 300°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
Make Ahead Options
These Apple Butter Pie with Cinnamon Whipped Cream are ideal for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy your delicious dessert without the last-minute rush. You can prepare the pie crust and filling up to 24 hours in advance; simply refrigerate the crust tightly wrapped in plastic and the filling stored in an airtight container. When ready to bake, pour the filling into the crust and bake as instructed. To ensure the quality remains just as delightful, make the cinnamon whipped cream fresh the day you plan to serve it for the best texture and flavor. This way, you can have a stunning dessert ready while you focus on enjoying your time with family and friends!
Expert Tips for Apple Butter Pie
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and apple butter are at room temperature for optimal blending and a smoother filling.
Prevent Over-Browning: If the edges of the pie crust are browning too quickly, tent it with aluminum foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
Perfect Cooling: Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing to achieve clean, beautiful edges—this is key for your Apple Butter Pie!
Weigh Down the Crust: When pre-baking, use pie weights to prevent the crust from puffing up and losing its shape—this results in that perfect flaky texture.
Whipped Cream Magic: For the lightest whipped cream, avoid over-whipping; stop as soon as soft peaks form! A hint of cinnamon elevates the flavor beautifully.
Apple Butter Pie with Variations
Feel free to get creative and make this pie your own with these delightful twists!
- Mini Pies: Use tartlet pans for individual servings that are perfect for gatherings. They bake just as beautifully and can be decorated uniquely!
- Nutty Crunch: Top with chopped pecans or walnuts for an added crunchy texture. This contrast complements the creamy filling nicely.
- Spiced Twist: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger to the filling for a warm and thoughtful spice that embodies the season even more.
- Dairy-Free Delight: Swap heavy cream for coconut cream to make a luscious dairy-free whipped topping that still captures that creamy essence.
- Syrup Drizzle: Drizzle with maple syrup before serving for an extra touch of sweetness that pairs beautifully with the apple butter flavor.
- Ice Cream Pairing: Serve each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side, creating a wonderful temperature contrast.
- Flavor Infusion: Mix in a teaspoon of almond extract instead of vanilla for a lovely twist that adds depth to the overall flavor profile.
- Chocolate Addition: A sprinkle of mini dark chocolate chips in the filling can add a rich flair that surprises and delights!
Explore these variations to discover your favorite version of this comforting dessert; you can also check out my Apple Cinnamon French toast casserole for another fall treat!
Apple Butter Pie with Cinnamon Whipped Cream Recipe FAQs
What kind of apples are best for making apple butter?
Absolutely! For making apple butter, I recommend using a mix of sweet and tart apples like Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Granny Smith. These varieties provide a lovely depth of flavor and ensure your apple butter has the perfect balance of sweetness. Avoid apples that are mealy or overly soft, as they won’t yield the rich texture you’re looking for.
How should I store my apple butter pie?
Great question! You can store your Apple Butter Pie lightly covered at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, transferring it into the refrigerator is ideal, where it will stay good for up to 5 days in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap. Just remember to allow it to cool completely before storing for the best results!
Can I freeze apple butter pie? If so, how?
Yes, you can! To freeze your pie, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to seal out air and prevent freezer burn. It’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it in a preheated 300°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Enjoy that deliciousness without missing a beat!
What if my pie crust is too soggy?
Not to worry! If you notice your pie crust is soggy after baking, it could be due to excess moisture in the filling or not pre-baking long enough. For the future, ensure that you’re pre-baking the crust until it’s lightly golden and dock it with a fork to allow steam to escape. If sogginess occurs, a quick fix is to pop it back into the oven at a low temperature (around 300°F) for 5-10 minutes to help crisp it up again!
Can I make this pie gluten-free?
Very much so! To make a gluten-free Apple Butter Pie, you can substitute the all-purpose flour in both the crust and filling with a good quality gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that your blend contains a binding agent (like xanthan gum), which helps achieve the right texture. I often use a 1:1 gluten-free flour that works beautifully in baked goods without compromising flavor or consistency. Enjoy your delicious pie while accommodating different dietary preferences!
Irresistible Apple Butter Pie with Cinnamon Whipped Cream
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour and kosher salt. Cut in cold unsalted butter until the mixture resembles pea-sized crumbs. Gradually add ice-cold water, stirring until a shaggy dough forms. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1-2 hours.
- After chilling, preheat your oven to 375°F. Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to fit your pie plate. Place the dough in the plate, trim the edges, and freeze for 20 minutes. Dock the crust with a fork, line with parchment paper, and fill with pie weights. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove weights and bake for an additional 5 minutes until lightly golden.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together apple butter, large eggs, dark brown sugar, and all-purpose flour until smooth. Slowly incorporate sweetened condensed milk while whisking to ensure a creamy consistency.
- Lower the oven temperature to 325°F. Pour the filling into the pre-baked pie crust and bake for 30 minutes. Transfer the pie to the bottom rack and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until slightly jiggly but firm.
- Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 3 hours.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, vanilla, and ground cinnamon. Whip until soft peaks form, being careful not to over-whip.
- Spread the cinnamon whipped cream over the cooled pie. Optionally, swirl in a bit more apple butter before serving.
