My Apple Butter Pie Journey

Hey fellow nutrition-seekers! Ever since my little Lily was diagnosed with a dairy sensitivity, dinnertime has been…interesting. Let’s just say, my go-to meals needed a serious makeover. That’s when I stumbled upon the magic of Apple Butter Pie.

It was at our annual family fall festival. I saw an old woman with a large, beautiful pie on the table. It had a golden-brown crust, and she offered me a sample. The taste was amazing! The combination of apples, spices, and creamy goodness was simply divine. I knew I needed to make this at home for my family!

I remember thinking, could something so delicious actually be a nutrition win? But guess what? With a few simple tweaks, this Apple Butter Pie quickly became a family favorite that even I felt good about serving. Plus, it uses ingredients I usually have in the pantry – talk about a sanity-saver!

And that’s exactly what I’m here to share with you – the beautiful chaos of creating healthy meals while keeping everyone (including yourself!) happy and well-fed. No judgment here, just practical wisdom from one kitchen warrior to another who believes good nutrition doesn’t have to be complicated! I want to show you how to make a delicious and simple apple butter pie recipe!

This Apple Butter Pie journey has taught me so much about hidden sugars and creative ingredient swaps. I’m so excited to share this family-friendly Apple Butter Pie recipe with you, in the hopes that you can enjoy it as much as we do! It’s amazing served warm or cold, and you’ll have a great apple butter dessert that the whole family will enjoy!

So, grab your aprons, let’s dive into this simple and nutritious Apple Butter Pie adventure together, and discover how you can create your own dinnertime nutrition wins. Let’s get started!

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need

Alright, fellow busy moms, let’s gather our ingredients. Trust me, this Apple Butter Pie ingredient list is simple because busy moms need nutrition without complexity!

1 (14.1 ounce) package refrigerated pie crusts You can find these wholesome ingredients at your regular grocery store.
1 cup apple butter (This Apple Butter Pie proves nutritious doesn’t mean expensive – I often make my own, but store-bought works too!)
1/2 cup heavy cream (No worries if you don’t have heavy cream – I use full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free twist in my Apple Butter Pie)
2 large eggs My family gets extra nutrition when I add a tablespoon of flaxseed meal to this Apple Butter Pie recipe.
1/4 cup granulated sugar Here’s a Apple Butter Pie nutrition hack that changed our family’s health: reduce the sugar and add a touch of maple syrup for extra flavor and nutrients.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves These spices add warmth and depth to our Apple Butter Pie.
Pinch of salt
2 tablespoons butter, melted

See? Nothing too crazy, and totally doable even on the busiest weeknights. Remember, a little prep goes a long way. I often measure out my spices the night before to save time in the morning. Sanity-saving nutrition, right?

Let’s Make it Happen!

Okay, friend, let’s get baking! Here’s where I used to struggle with my Apple Butter Pie – learn from my experience!

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In my busy kitchen, this nutritious Apple Butter Pie usually takes about an hour to bake, so get that oven ready! Perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch!
Gently roll out one of the pie crusts and place it in a 9-inch pie plate. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect – we’re going for delicious, not flawless. Crimp the edges for a rustic look or use a fork to create a pretty pattern.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the apple butter, heavy cream, eggs, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Your Apple Butter Pie should smell nourishing by now.
Pour the apple butter mixture into the prepared pie crust. This is where the magic happens, friend!
Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the filling.
Roll out the second pie crust and cut into strips. Arrange the strips in a lattice pattern over the pie, or cut out shapes with cookie cutters for a fun twist. If you want to try something different, you could also try this apple butter pie recipe with heavy cream and spices].
Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set. Don’t worry if your Apple Butter Pie looks a little wobbly – it will firm up as it cools.
Let the pie cool completely before serving. While your Apple Butter Pie is cooking, take a moment to appreciate nourishing your family!

And there you have it – a simple, nutritious Apple Butter Pie that’s sure to become a family favorite. I promise, even the pickiest eaters will be asking for seconds!

How We Love to Eat This!

The kids devour this nutritious Apple Butter Pie when I serve it with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of granola. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, plus a little extra protein to keep them full and energized. This Apple Butter Pie is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need good nutrition fast!

We also love this Apple Butter Pie for special occasions like Thanksgiving or Christmas. It’s a great alternative to traditional apple pie and always gets rave reviews. One year I ran out of regular pie crust and used a gluten-free crust instead – no one even noticed!

Here are a few other ways we enjoy this Apple Butter Pie:

Warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream: A classic combination that’s always a hit.
Cold with a dollop of whipped cream: Perfect for a light and refreshing dessert.
With a sprinkle of chopped nuts: Adds a little crunch and extra nutrients.

And don’t forget about those leftovers! This Apple Butter Pie is just as delicious the next day, and it makes a great addition to lunchboxes.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

I get it, you’ve got questions! Here are some of the most common ones I hear from fellow busy moms about this Apple Butter Pie:

Is this Apple Butter Pie really nutritious enough for growing kids?

Absolutely! Apples are packed with fiber and vitamins, and the spices add antioxidants. Plus, you can easily sneak in extra nutrients with ingredient swaps like flaxseed meal or whole-wheat flour in the crust. Remember, it’s all about balance and making small changes that add up over time.

What if my picky eater won’t try this healthy Apple Butter Pie?

Ah, the picky eater dilemma! I feel you. Try cutting the Apple Butter Pie into fun shapes with cookie cutters or serving it with a favorite topping like whipped cream or a sprinkle of chocolate chips. Sometimes, presentation is everything! And don’t give up – keep offering it, and eventually, they might surprise you.

Can I meal prep this Apple Butter Pie for busy weeks ahead?

Yes! You can make the Apple Butter Pie filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just assemble and bake when you’re ready to serve. You can also freeze the baked pie for up to 2 months. Just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Can I make this Apple Butter Pie vegan?

Definitely! Use a vegan pie crust, substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk, and replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg).

What kind of apples are best for making apple butter?

Any kind of apples will work, but I prefer a mix of sweet and tart varieties like Honeycrisp, Gala, and Granny Smith. The mix of sweetness and tartness will be sure to please the whole family with this easy apple butter pie!

How do I store the Apple Butter Pie?

You can store your Apple Butter Pie in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Before serving, make sure the homemade apple butter pie is at your desired temperature.

Can I reduce the sugar in this Apple Butter Pie recipe?

Yes! I often reduce the sugar and add a touch of maple syrup or honey for extra flavor and nutrients. You can also use unsweetened apple butter to further reduce the sugar content.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, my friend – a simple, nutritious, and family-approved Apple Butter Pie recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. I hope this recipe inspires you to get creative in the kitchen and find ways to make healthy eating fun and delicious for your family. For inspiration for other great pie recipes, check out Apple Butter Pie Recipe | Tastes of Lizzy T.

Here are a few of my Apple Butter Pie Nutrition Hacks:

Add a tablespoon of flaxseed meal to the filling for extra fiber and omega-3s.
Use whole-wheat flour in the crust for added nutrients.
Reduce the sugar and add a touch of maple syrup or honey.

And here are a few family-tested variations:

My son, Ben, loves it with a sprinkle of chopped walnuts.
My daughter, Lily, prefers it with a dollop of coconut whipped cream.
My husband, Tom, enjoys it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

But most importantly, make it your own! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to find what works best for your family. Maybe next time I’ll try to make some Apple Butter Brie Bites.

Remember, small changes can make a big difference in your family’s health. And with a little planning and creativity, you can create simple, nutritious meals that everyone will enjoy. This Apple Butter Pie reminds me of another family-healthy favorite Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet.

I’m so excited for you to try this Apple Butter Pie and see how much your family loves it. For more simple nutrition ideas for busy families, check out Caramel Apple Cupcakes Recipe. I also recommend you read about this EASY APPLE BUTTER PIE – The Southern Lady Cooks.

Happy baking, and here’s to many dinnertime nutrition wins ahead! I hope you enjoy making your very own delicious Apple Butter Pie!

Apple Butter Pie

Print Recipe

This Apple Butter Pie is a warm and comforting dessert perfect for fall. Creamy apple butter filling is baked in a flaky crust for a delicious slice of autumnal goodness.

Author: Juliette
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 65 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Category: Dessert
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

1 (14.1 ounce) package refrigerated pie crusts
1 1/2 cups apple butter
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 large eggs
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Line a 9-inch pie plate with one pie crust. Crimp the edges.
In a large bowl, whisk together apple butter, heavy cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth.
Pour the apple butter mixture into the prepared pie crust.
Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
Let cool completely before slicing and serving.

Notes

Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.