Apple Butter Pie with Quilt Top Crust

Introduction

When I first made this Apple Butter Pie with Quilt Top Crust, I was looking for a unique dessert that would be perfect for the fall. The combination of spiced apple butter and the quilt top crust is both comforting and visually stunning. I have to say, it quickly became a family favorite. The rich, velvety apple butter filling pairs perfectly with the crispy, slightly sweet quilt top crust, making each bite a delicious experience. My family couldn’t get enough of it, and I was impressed with how easy it was to make, especially the quilt top crust which added such a beautiful finishing touch. It’s the kind of pie that’s perfect for a holiday dessert table or just a cozy fall afternoon.

Why You’ll Love Apple Butter Pie with Quilt Top Crust

This Apple Butter Pie with Quilt Top Crust is not just another pie; it’s a showstopper that combines rich flavors with a beautiful presentation. Here’s why you’ll love it:

• Unique Flavor: The apple butter filling is the star of this pie. Its smooth texture and spiced flavor make it different from traditional apple pie, and it’s packed with comforting fall spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
• Beautiful Quilt Top: The quilt top crust is not only a fun twist on a classic pie but also adds an extra layer of crispy, flaky texture that makes every bite a delight.
• Easy to Make: While it looks impressive, this pie is surprisingly easy to make. The quilt top crust is simple to assemble, and the filling comes together in no time.
• Perfect for Fall: With the rich flavor of apples and the warmth of spices, this pie is the ultimate fall dessert. Whether it’s for Thanksgiving, a harvest celebration, or a family gathering, it’s sure to impress.
• Versatile: You can serve this pie with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce to make it even more decadent.

Ingredients

For the Quilt Top Crust:

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled, plus more for the work surface
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 2 tablespoons ice water

For the Crust:

• 1/2 recipe Basic Pie Dough or store-bought crust

For the Filling:

• 1 1/2 cups sweetened spiced apple butter
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature, lightly beaten
• 1/2 teaspoon apple pie spice
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/3 cup half-and-half

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Quilt Top Crust:
   In a bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and sugar.
   Cut in the butter with a pastry blender or two forks until the mixture resembles coarse meal with pea-sized pieces.
   Add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. Add an additional tablespoon of water if needed.
   Wrap the dough in plastic wrap, press it into a disc, and refrigerate for 1 hour.
2. Bake the Quilt Top Crust:
   Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
   Roll the dough to 1/8-inch thickness on a floured surface. Cut out 6 (2×2-inch) squares and cut each square diagonally to form 12 triangles.
   Place the triangles on the prepared baking sheet and freeze for 15 minutes. Cover with another sheet of parchment and a second baking sheet.
   Bake on the middle rack for 10 minutes. Remove the top baking sheet and parchment, then bake until golden brown, removing pieces as they brown (3–8 minutes). Cool on a wire rack.
3. Prepare the Pie Crust:
   Reduce oven temperature to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with foil. Roll dough to a 12-inch circle, fit into a 9-inch pie plate, trim excess, fold edges, and crimp.
   Freeze for 20 minutes. Line the crust with foil or parchment and fill with pie weights.
   Bake on the bottom rack for 25 minutes. Remove foil and weights, prick the bottom with a fork, and bake until golden and dry (8–10 minutes). Cool completely on a wire rack.
4. Make the Filling:
   Whisk together apple butter, brown sugar, eggs, apple pie spice, vanilla, and salt.
   Gradually whisk in half-and-half until smooth.
   Pour filling into the cooled pie crust.
5. Bake the Pie:
   Bake on the middle rack for 30–35 minutes, until the edges are set (the center may jiggle slightly).
   Cool completely on a wire rack.
6. Assemble the Pie:
   Before serving, arrange the baked crust triangles on top of the pie in a quilt-like pattern.
   Serve and enjoy this beautiful, flavorful pie!

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Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 8
• Calories per serving: 350
• Sugar: 35g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 55mg

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Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (including cooling)
• Total Time: 2 hours (including cooling)

How to Serve

• With Whipped Cream: Top with freshly whipped cream for a light, sweet finish.
• With Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the spiced apple butter filling perfectly.
• With Caramel Sauce: Drizzle with warm caramel sauce for an extra layer of decadence.
• Serve as a Holiday Dessert: This pie is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion. Its beautiful presentation and delicious flavor make it the perfect centerpiece dessert.
• Enjoy with a Hot Beverage: Pair with hot cider, chai, or your favorite tea for a cozy treat.

Additional Tips

1. Make It Ahead: You can prepare the pie a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Reheat before serving for best results.
2. Customize the Topping: If you prefer a more intricate design, you can cut out more shapes from the quilt top crust and create a lattice design.
3. Use Store-bought Apple Butter: If you’re short on time, store-bought apple butter works perfectly for this recipe.
4. Spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of apple pie spice or add extra cinnamon for a more intense flavor.
5. Freezing the Crust: Freezing the crust and quilt top dough before baking ensures that the crust doesn’t shrink during baking.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use a different crust?
   Yes, you can use any type of pie crust that you prefer, whether homemade or store-bought. However, the quilt top adds a special touch!
2. Can I substitute the half-and-half?
   Yes, you can use heavy cream for a richer filling or milk for a lighter alternative.
3. Can I add nuts to the filling?
   Yes, adding chopped pecans or walnuts would give this pie a nice texture and flavor.
4. How do I store leftovers?
   Store leftover pie in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the pie for up to a month.
5. Can I make the quilt top crust ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the quilt top crust in advance and store it in the freezer until you’re ready to bake.
6. What type of apples should I use for the filling?
   Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Braeburn for the best texture and flavor in the filling.
7. Can I use homemade apple butter?
   Yes, homemade apple butter will work perfectly in this recipe and add a personal touch.
8. Can I freeze the pie before baking?
   Yes, you can freeze the pie before baking, but make sure to bake it directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
9. Can I use a smaller pie dish?
   If using a smaller pie dish, you may need to adjust the baking time and potentially reduce the amount of filling.
10. Can I serve this pie warm?
    Yes, this pie can be served warm, but it’s best when it has had time to cool completely so the filling can set properly.

Conclusion

This Apple Butter Pie with Quilt Top Crust is a perfect combination of flavors and textures—rich, spiced apple butter filling, crispy quilt top crust, and warm spices. It’s not only a treat for the taste buds but also a beautiful dessert that will impress anyone who sees it. Whether for a holiday gathering, a family dinner, or a cozy night at home, this pie is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy every bite of this comforting, delicious fall treat!

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