Introduction
This Apple Butter Pie with Quilt Top Crust was an absolute hit with my family over the weekend. The rich apple butter filling paired with the buttery, flaky quilt top crust was a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds. The charming quilt design not only brought a touch of nostalgia but also made it an elegant centerpiece for our fall gathering. Everyone had seconds, and a few even asked for the recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Apple Butter Pie with Quilt Top Crust
Classic Fall Flavors The spiced apple butter filling offers a cozy, autumnal flavor reminiscent of traditional Pennsylvania Dutch recipes.
Unique Presentation The quilt top crust adds a decorative and artistic touch, making it a standout dessert for any occasion.
Simple Ingredients With a combination of pantry staples and apple butter, this pie is straightforward to make yet delivers impressive results.
Customizable Use store-bought or homemade pie dough based on your preference and time constraints.
Perfect for Gatherings This pie is an excellent addition to fall celebrations, Thanksgiving tables, or any dessert menu.
Ingredients
For the Quilt Top Crust
3/4 cup all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled, plus more for 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
Instructions
Prepare the Quilt Top Crust
In a bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in butter using 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 extra tablespoon of water if necessary. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap, press into a disc, and refrigerate for 1 hour.
Bake the Quilt Top Crust
Preheat the oven to 400°F and 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 triangles on the prepared baking sheet and freeze for 15 minutes. Cover with another sheet of parchment and a second baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes on the middle rack. 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.
Prepare the Pie Crust
Reduce oven temperature to 375°F and line a baking sheet with foil. Roll the dough to a 12-inch circle and fit it 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.
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 the filling into the cooled pie crust.
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.
Assemble the Pie
Before serving, arrange the baked crust triangles on top of the pie in a quilt-like pattern.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 8 slices
Calories per Serving ~310
Preparation Time
Prep Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 45 minutes
How to Serve
Serve the pie chilled or at room temperature
Pair with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream
Dust with powdered sugar for an extra decorative touch
Additional Tips
Homemade Apple Butter Enhance the flavor by using homemade apple butter if available
Uniform Triangles Use a ruler to measure and cut the quilt crust triangles for a professional look
Pie Weights Use dried beans or rice as an alternative to traditional pie weights
Storage Store the pie in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
Reheating Warm slices in the oven at 300°F for a fresh-out-of-the-oven experience
FAQ Section
Can I use store-bought pie dough for this recipe?
Yes, store-bought dough works perfectly if you’re short on time.
What can I substitute for half-and-half?
Use an equal mix of milk and heavy cream as a substitute.
Can I make the quilt top crust ahead of time?
Absolutely! Bake the crust triangles up to 2 days in advance and store them in an airtight container.
How do I prevent the crust from shrinking?
Freezing the crust before baking helps maintain its shape.
Can I use different spices in the filling?
Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking; cinnamon or nutmeg would be great additions.
What if my filling cracks while baking?
Slight cracks are normal, but you can reduce the baking time to avoid overcooking.
Can I make this pie gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free pie crust and gluten-free flour for the quilt top crust.
What is the best way to cut clean slices?
Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for neat slices.
Can I freeze this pie?
The baked pie can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Is this pie suitable for vegans?
With substitutions for the eggs, butter, and half-and-half, you can adapt the recipe for a vegan diet.
Enjoy this Apple Butter Pie with Quilt Top Crust—a dessert that’s as comforting as it is stunning!