Fall is a season that fills the heart and home with warmth, laughter, and the rich aroma of baking. The combination of earthy pumpkin, sweet apple butter, and warm spices creates the perfect dessert for any fall celebration. This Rustic Apple Butter Pumpkin Pie combines two beloved flavors—pumpkin and apple—into one irresistible pie topped with a nutty, cinnamon crumble.
Whether you’re baking for Thanksgiving, a cozy dinner, or just to enjoy with a hot cup of cider, this pie is guaranteed to be a hit. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and brings the rustic charm of homemade desserts right to your table.
Why You’ll Love This Rustic Apple Butter Pumpkin Pie
- Fall in a Bite: The mix of pumpkin purée and apple butter, combined with warm spices, is the perfect fall flavor fusion.
- Unique Yet Classic: A delicious twist on traditional pumpkin pie that feels both familiar and exciting.
- Easy and Beginner-Friendly: Simple instructions with straightforward ingredients make this pie great for any skill level.
- Delightful Texture: A creamy, smooth filling paired with a crunchy pecan topping creates a beautiful contrast in every bite.
- Crowd Favorite: Perfect for family gatherings, holiday feasts, or as a treat on a crisp fall evening.
Ingredients
For the Pie Filling
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Pre-made or homemade pie crust | 1 (9-inch) |
| Large eggs (room temperature) | 3 |
| Pumpkin purée | 1 cup |
| Apple butter | 1 cup |
| Granulated sugar | ½ cup |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground cinnamon | 2 teaspoons |
| Ground ginger | ½ teaspoon |
| Nutmeg | 1 dash |
| Half-and-half | ¾ cup |
For the Pecan Topping
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | ¾ cup |
| Brown sugar | ¼ cup |
| Additional brown sugar | 1 tablespoon |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | ¼ teaspoon |
| Unsalted butter (cold) | 4 tablespoons (cubed) |
| Pecans (chopped) | ½ cup |
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pie Crust
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- If using a pre-made pie crust, unroll it and press it into a 9-inch pie pan. Smooth it into place, ensuring no air bubbles.
- Trim any excess dough hanging over the edges, then crimp or decorate the rim as you like. Set the prepared crust aside.
Step 2: Make the Pumpkin and Apple Butter Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 3 large eggs until smooth.
- Add the pumpkin purée, apple butter, and granulated sugar. Mix well until the ingredients are fully combined.
- Sprinkle in the salt, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and a dash of nutmeg. Stir to evenly distribute the spices.
- Gradually pour in the half-and-half while whisking continuously. Mix until the filling is smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Fill the Crust and Bake the Pie
- Carefully pour the pumpkin and apple butter filling into the prepared pie crust. Use a spatula to spread it evenly and ensure it’s level.
- Place the pie on the center rack of the preheated oven.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the filling is set but still slightly jiggles in the center when you gently shake the pan.
- Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool slightly while you prepare the pecan topping.
Step 4: Prepare the Pecan Topping
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, additional brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mix until well blended.
- Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture.
- Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the chopped pecans, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the topping.
Step 5: Add the Topping and Finish Baking
- Sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over the cooled pie filling, covering the entire surface.
- Return the pie to the oven and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crisp.
- Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely before serving.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Once the pie has cooled, slice it into generous portions and serve.
- Pair with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra treat.
Tips for the Perfect Rustic Apple Butter Pumpkin Pie
- Use Fresh Spices: Fresh cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg provide the best flavor. Check your spice cabinet for freshness before starting.
- Keep the Butter Cold: For the topping, cold butter is key to achieving a crumbly, crisp texture.
- Cool Completely: Let the pie cool fully before slicing to ensure the filling sets perfectly.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the pie a day in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator and bring it to room temperature before serving.
- Customize the Topping: Try adding oats or swapping pecans for walnuts for a twist on the classic topping.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an approximate breakdown per slice (serving size: 1/8 of the pie):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 41g |
| Fat | 14g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Sugar | 25g |
| Fiber | 3g |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned purée?
Yes, you can! Simply roast and purée fresh pumpkin until smooth. You’ll need about 1 cup for this recipe.
2. What is apple butter, and can I make it at home?
Apple butter is a thick, spiced apple spread made by slow-cooking apples, sugar, and spices. You can make it at home, or use store-bought for convenience.
3. Can I freeze the pie?
Yes! You can freeze the baked pie for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
4. How do I know when the pie is done baking?
The filling should be mostly set but still jiggle slightly in the center. It will firm up as it cools.
5. Can I substitute the pecans in the topping?
Absolutely. Walnuts, almonds, or even shredded coconut make great alternatives.
6. How should I store leftover pie?
Store any leftover pie in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover it with plastic wrap or foil to keep it fresh.
Final Thoughts
This Rustic Apple Butter Pumpkin Pie is the ultimate seasonal dessert, combining the best flavors of fall into one decadent pie. The smooth, creamy filling paired with a crunchy, spiced pecan topping makes it a showstopper for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving, hosting a fall dinner party, or simply treating yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.
Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let the warm, cozy flavors of this pie bring a little rustic charm to your table. Happy baking!
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Rustic Apple Butter Pumpkin Pie: A Seasonal Delight
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
Celebrate fall with this Rustic Apple Butter Pumpkin Pie! It combines creamy pumpkin purée, sweet apple butter, and warm spices in a flaky crust, topped with a crunchy pecan crumble. Perfect for holidays, family dinners, or cozy evenings, this pie is a seasonal delight everyone will love.
Ingredients
For the Pie Filling:
- 1 pre-made or homemade 9-inch pie crust
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup pumpkin purée
- 1 cup apple butter
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 dash nutmeg
- ¾ cup half-and-half
For the Pecan Topping:
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon additional brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ½ cup chopped pecans
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pie Crust
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the pre-made or homemade pie crust into a 9-inch pie pan. Smooth it into place, ensuring no air bubbles.
- Trim any excess dough around the edges and crimp or decorate the rim to your preference. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Pumpkin and Apple Butter Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs until smooth.
- Add the pumpkin purée, apple butter, and sugar. Mix well until fully combined.
- Sprinkle in the salt, cinnamon, ground ginger, and a dash of nutmeg. Stir to evenly combine the spices.
- Gradually pour in the half-and-half while whisking continuously. The mixture should be smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Bake the Pie Filling
- Pour the pumpkin and apple butter mixture into the prepared pie crust. Spread it evenly with a spatula to ensure a level surface.
- Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the filling is mostly set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the pecan topping.
Step 4: Make the Pecan Topping
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, additional brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mix well.
- Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the chopped pecans until evenly distributed throughout the topping.
Step 5: Add the Topping and Finish Baking
- Evenly sprinkle the pecan topping over the slightly cooled pie, covering the surface completely.
- Return the pie to the oven and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crisp.
- Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool completely before slicing.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Once the pie has cooled, slice it into generous portions.
- Serve each slice with whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra treat.
Notes
- Spice Adjustment: If you love stronger spices, feel free to add a pinch more nutmeg or ginger.
- Pie Crust Tip: Keep your pie crust chilled before baking to ensure a flaky texture.
- Cool Completely: Letting the pie cool fully before serving helps the filling set properly.
- Make Ahead: This pie can be baked a day in advance. Simply store it covered in the fridge and bring it to room temperature before serving.
- Customization: Swap out pecans for walnuts, or add a handful of oats to the topping for extra texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
