Forget everything you thought you knew about pumpkin pie. This Apple Butter Pumpkin Pie recipe takes the classic dessert to a whole new level of deliciousness. Imagine the warm, comforting spice of pumpkin pie infused with the sweet and tart tang of homemade apple butter – pure autumn bliss in every bite! This recipe is perfect for beginner bakers, offering a surprisingly easy way to create a show-stopping dessert that will impress your family and friends. It's the ultimate comfort food, ideal for chilly evenings and Thanksgiving feasts. This easy recipe is also a fantastic addition to your collection of healthy meals and quick dinner ideas.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1/4 cup ice water
For the Filling:
- 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
- 1 (12 ounce) jar apple butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions:
Make the Crust:
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Cut in butter: Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add water: Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Don't overmix.
- Chill: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll and bake: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer it to a 9-inch pie plate. Trim and crimp the edges. Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork. You can blind bake the crust (baking it with pie weights for 15 minutes at 375°F) for a crispier bottom, or bake it with the filling.
Make the Filling:
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, apple butter, sugar, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and salt.
- Add wet ingredients: Add the eggs and heavy cream, and whisk until well combined.
- Pour into crust: Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust.
- Bake: Bake for 15 minutes at 425°F (220°C), then reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 40-50 minutes, or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. If the crust is browning too quickly, cover the edges with aluminum foil.
Cooling and Serving:
Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before serving. This allows the filling to set properly and enhances the flavors. Enjoy a slice of this delicious homemade pie!
Tips and Variations:
- Homemade Apple Butter: For the best flavor, use homemade apple butter. However, store-bought works perfectly well too.
- Spice it up: Adjust the spices to your liking. Add a pinch of allspice or cardamom for a more complex flavor profile.
- Garnish: Garnish with whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free pie crust mix or make your own using gluten-free flour blend.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 Fat: Approximately 18-22g Saturated Fat: Approximately 10-12g Cholesterol: Approximately 60-70mg Sodium: Approximately 200-250mg Carbohydrates: Approximately 45-55g Sugar: Approximately 25-30g Protein: Approximately 4-6g
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This apple butter pumpkin pie recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion. The combination of sweet pumpkin and tart apple butter creates a delightful flavor experience that is both comforting and sophisticated. Enjoy this delicious homemade treat and elevate your fall baking game!