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This Apple Butter Pie is smooth, creamy, and full of cozy fall flavor. With sweet apple butter and warm spices in every bite, it’s the perfect easy holiday dessert!

Every year when the air starts to cool and the leaves begin to turn, I start craving all things cozy and spiced, and this Apple Butter Pie is one of my absolute favorites. It’s the kind of pie that makes the whole kitchen smell like fall, and every bite tastes like a hug in dessert form.

I made this one year when I was out of pumpkin puree but had a jar of apple butter sitting in the fridge from a fall festival, and it turned out to be one of the best happy accidents ever. It’s smooth and creamy like pumpkin pie, but with a deeper, tangier apple flavor that feels just a little more special.

Now it’s one of my go-to pies for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or even a random chilly Tuesday when I just want something that tastes like fall. It’s easy, it’s comforting, and it’s made from simple pantry ingredients I almost always have on hand, apple butter, eggs, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla, and a flaky crust.

I love serving it chilled with a big dollop of cinnamon whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. My kids love it warm with vanilla ice cream on top (and honestly, I can’t blame them). It’s one of those pies that looks fancy enough for a holiday table but comes together so easily you can whip it up without breaking a sweat.

If you love pumpkin pie but want to change things up this year, Apple Butter Pie is your cozy, spiced, slightly unexpected new favorite.

What Is Apple Butter Pie?

Apple Butter Pie is a creamy, custard-style pie that uses apple butter as the base instead of pumpkin or sweet potato. The apple butter gives it a rich, spiced flavor and silky smooth texture, thanks to the slow-cooked apples and warm spices.

It bakes up beautifully inside a flaky pie crust, and once cooled, it slices perfectly, tender, flavorful, and just sweet enough. Think of it like pumpkin pie’s cousin, same creamy, custardy texture, but with a bolder apple flavor and a little tang that makes it stand out.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• All the cozy fall flavor – warm spices, apples, and buttery crust.

• Easy to make – just mix, pour, and bake!

• Simple ingredients – all pantry staples, no special trips needed.

• Perfect for holidays – beautiful on Thanksgiving or Christmas dessert tables.

• Versatile – serve chilled, room temp, or with ice cream.

• Crowd-pleasing – tastes familiar but unique enough to wow guests.

When to Serve Apple Butter Pie

• Thanksgiving and Christmas – a cozy twist on classic holiday pies.

• Fall gatherings and potlucks – easy to transport and serve.

• Sunday family dinners – a sweet way to wrap up the weekend.

• Coffee dates or brunch – pairs beautifully with coffee or cider.

• Whenever you crave fall flavors – it’s too good to save for just the holidays.

Ingredients 

• 1 (9-inch) par-baked pie crust – homemade or store-bought works perfectly.

• 2 cups apple butter – the star of the show! Choose one with rich spices and deep apple flavor.

• 4 large eggs – help set the custard filling.

• 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk – adds creaminess and sweetness.

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – rounds out the flavor.

• 2 tablespoons flour – helps thicken the filling so it slices neatly.

How to Make Apple Butter Pie

1. Preheat the oven:
   Set your oven to 350°F and place your par-baked crust on a baking sheet. This helps catch any spills and makes it easier to move in and out of the oven.

2. Make the filling:
   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the apple butter, eggs, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla, and flour until smooth and well combined.

3. Pour and bake:
   Pour the mixture into your prepared crust, smoothing the top. Bake for 35–40 minutes, until the edges are set but the center still has a little jiggle.

4. Cool completely:
   Let the pie cool fully on a wire rack before slicing. It will continue to set as it cools, so resist the urge to cut too soon!

5. Serve:
   Serve at room temperature or chilled, topped with whipped cream or caramel drizzle.

Substitutions

• Pie crust: Use a graham cracker crust or gingersnap crust for extra flavor.

• Vanilla bean paste: If you have it, it adds a lovely rich vanilla note, but extract works fine too.

• Sweetened condensed milk: Swap for evaporated milk plus ½ cup sugar (texture will be softer).

• Apple butter: Try pumpkin butter or pear butter for a fun twist.

Variations

• Streusel Topping: Add a cinnamon-pecan streusel before baking for crunch.

• Mini Pies: Make in mini tart pans or muffin tins for individual servings.

• Cream Cheese Swirl: Drop spoonfuls of sweetened cream cheese into the filling and swirl with a knife before baking.

• Spiced Up: Add extra cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves for stronger spice.

• Whipped Cream Topping: Top with cinnamon whipped cream, caramel drizzle, or even maple syrup.

Tips & Tricks

• Use room temperature ingredients for a smooth, lump-free filling.

• Don’t overbake, a little jiggle in the center means it’ll be perfectly creamy once cooled.

• Shield the crust edges with foil if they start to brown too quickly.

• Cool completely before slicing to get neat, clean slices.

• Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.

FAQs

Can I use homemade apple butter?
Absolutely! Homemade apple butter gives the pie an even richer flavor, just make sure it’s thick and not runny.

Does this pie need to be refrigerated?
Yes, store it in the refrigerator once cooled. It’s delicious chilled!

Can I make it ahead of time?
Definitely. You can bake it a day ahead, refrigerate, and serve cold or bring to room temp before serving.

Can I freeze it?
Yes, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Can I use a store-bought crust?
Yes! Pre-bake it according to package directions before adding the filling.

Serving Ideas

• Serve with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

• Drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra touch of sweetness.

• Pair with coffee, hot cider, or mulled wine.

• Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

• Sprinkle crushed gingersnaps on top before serving for crunch.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Store your Apple Butter Pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Serve cold or let it come to room temperature before enjoying.

To make ahead for holidays, bake the day before, cool completely, and refrigerate. You can even bake it, cool it, and freeze it tightly wrapped for up to 2 months.

 

If pie is your love language, this Apple Butter Pie is just the beginning! From no-bake desserts to holiday classics and creative twists, these other pie recipes are just as irresistible and perfect for any occasion:

• Mock Apple Pie with Ritz Crackers – A vintage classic that tastes just like apple pie without using any apples!

• Copycat Costco Pumpkin Pie – The giant, creamy pumpkin pie you love from Costco, made right at home.

• Pecan Pie Cheesecake – A rich mashup of creamy cheesecake and gooey pecan pie in one show-stopping dessert.

• No Bake Strawberry Pretzel Pie – Sweet, salty, and creamy with a pretzel crust and strawberry topping.

• Sheet Pan Cherry Pie – Classic cherry pie baked in a sheet pan. Perfect for feeding a crowd.

This Apple Butter Pie is the ultimate cozy fall dessert, simple, nostalgic, and bursting with warm spice and apple flavor. It’s one of those recipes that feels homemade and comforting, but comes together so easily it’s practically foolproof.

Whether you serve it for Thanksgiving or just to celebrate sweater weather, it’s sure to become one of your favorite fall pies.