Apple Butter Pie with Oat Brown Sugar Crust Recipe

I’ve got to tell you, this Apple Butter Pie with Oat Brown Sugar Crust Recipe is one of those desserts that instantly becomes a family favorite. What makes it so special is that lovely oat and brown sugar crust that isn’t just a base but a texture and flavor experience all on its own. Plus, the filling is quietly rich and spiced just right—it’s like fall wrapped in a pie.

Whether you’re making this for a cozy weekend treat or a holiday gathering, this recipe works its magic every time. When I first tried this pie, I was amazed at how the apple butter filling was both smooth and packed with warm spices, and the oat crust added a rustic touch that kept everyone coming back for seconds. You’re going to love how approachable it is but still feels a bit fancy.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients here work together to create a wonderfully balanced pie, from the crispness of the flour-based crust to the sweetness and spice of the filling. Make sure to pick a good-quality apple butter for the best flavor.

• All-purpose flour: Essential for the crust’s structure and provides a neutral base for the oats and sugars.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with a light golden crust.
• Kosher salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors without making it salty.
• Cold unsalted butter: Key for a flaky pie crust and crumbly topping; keeping it cold ensures lovely texture.
• Cold water: Helps bring the dough together without making it sticky.
• Apple cider vinegar: I discovered this trick to keep the crust tender and flaky—it always works for me.
• Old-fashioned oats: Give the topping that rustic chewiness and nutty note.
• Light brown sugar: Adds moisture and a caramel-like sweetness to the crust topping.
• Ground cinnamon: A warm spice that complements the apple butter beautifully.
• Cold unsalted butter (for topping): Same as crust, it binds the topping together with little buttery bursts.
• Apple butter: The star of this recipe—smooth, spiced, and perfectly sweet.
• Sweetened condensed milk: Gives creaminess and richness to the filling without any fuss.
• Large eggs: Bind the filling and help it set perfectly.
• Pure vanilla extract: Adds depth and a lovely aroma to the filling.
• Ground cloves and ground nutmeg: Warm spices that elevate the flavor profile without overwhelming it.

Variations

I love making this Apple Butter Pie with Oat Brown Sugar Crust Recipe my own depending on the season or mood—you can easily adjust the spices or crust for a personal twist that suits you best.

• Add Nuts: I like adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping for extra crunch and a nutty flavor boost—my family goes crazy for this one.
• Gluten-Free Crust: Using a gluten-free flour blend works wonderfully if you need to avoid gluten; just make sure your oats are certified gluten-free as well.
• Spice it Up: For a little more warmth, try adding a dash of ginger or cardamom to the filling—you’d be surprised how much it elevates the flavors.
• Less Sweet Version: If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the brown sugar in the topping or swap sweetened condensed milk for evaporated milk with a bit of sweetener.

How to Make Apple Butter Pie with Oat Brown Sugar Crust Recipe

Step 1: Crafting the Perfect Oat Brown Sugar Crust

Start by whisking the flour, sugar, and salt together in a large bowl—this keeps the base of your crust evenly seasoned. Then toss in the cold butter cubes and rub them in with your fingers until the butter pieces are about walnut-sized; keeping them coated in flour helps keep that flaky texture once baked. When you add the cold water and apple cider vinegar, add just enough to bring the dough together when squeezed—it should be moist but not sticky. I learned the hard way that adding too much water here can make the crust tough, so go slow and steady.

Step 2: Chill and Roll Out the Dough

Form the dough into a smooth disc, wrap it well, and refrigerate for at least two hours—or even a couple of days if you’re prepping in advance. This resting time is where the magic happens for a tender crust. When you’re ready, let it sit out 5 to 10 minutes to soften slightly, then roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about a 12-inch round. Carefully transfer it to your pie plate, pressing gently to fit, and tuck the edges for an even, pretty rim. Don’t skip chilling the crust again before baking; it really helps prevent shrinking.

Step 3: Blind Bake the Crust

Preheat your oven to 400°F and line the crust with parchment paper filled with pie weights or dry beans to keep it from puffing up. Bake for about 12 to 15 minutes until the edges turn lightly golden. Removing the parchment and weights halfway allows the center to bake through without sogginess. This step is crucial because a fully cooked crust holds the creamy filling beautifully.

Step 4: Prepare the Oat Brown Sugar Topping

While the crust cools slightly, mix oats, brown sugar, flour, granulated sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Rub in the cold butter with your hands until pea-sized clumps form and the mixture holds together when you squeeze it. This topping is my favorite part—those buttery bits become golden and crunchy, adding a delightful finish that’s hard to resist.

Step 5: Mix the Filling and Assemble the Pie

Lower your oven temperature to 375°F. In a large bowl, whisk the apple butter, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, vanilla, and spices until smooth and creamy. Pour this luscious filling into the pre-baked crust, smoothing the surface evenly. Then crumble the oat topping all over the top, making sure to cover the filling generously.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Set

Bake the pie for 35 to 45 minutes until the filling jiggles slightly in the center but looks set around the edges, and the topping has turned a gorgeous golden brown. Let it cool completely to room temperature before refrigerating for at least two hours or overnight—this chilling step really helps the filling firm up so you get perfect slices every time.

How to Serve Apple Butter Pie with Oat Brown Sugar Crust Recipe

Garnishes

I love serving this pie with a dollop of lightly whipped cream just to add a creamy softness to each bite. Sometimes I sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon on top or even a few toasted oats to echo the crust topping. It adds a sweet, rustic vibe that perfectly complements the pie’s flavors.

Side Dishes

This pie pairs amazingly well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside a warm cup of spicy chai tea. For brunch, I like serving it with a simple green salad or roasted nuts for a nice balance between sweet and savory.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners, I’ve tried serving this pie as mini tarts in individual ramekins using the same oat brown sugar crust and filling portioned out. It’s a charming way to make guests feel special and helps with portion control, too. Another fun idea is sprinkling edible gold dust over the topping for a festive sparkle—my kids thought it was magical.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to keep leftover Apple Butter Pie with Oat Brown Sugar Crust Recipe covered tightly in the fridge—it stays fresh and flavorful for up to 4 days. I’ve found that storing it on the middle shelf helps it maintain an even temperature and keeps the crust from getting soggy.

Freezing

If I’m making this in advance for a party, I freeze it before baking and thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. Alternatively, baked pie slices freeze well wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil—perfect for emergency dessert needs!

Reheating

Reheat chilled slices gently in a 300°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes to bring back some warmth without drying out the crust. I avoid the microwave because it can make the crust chewy instead of crisp.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Sharing this Apple Butter Pie with Oat Brown Sugar Crust Recipe feels like passing along a little slice of my kitchen happiness to you. It’s a recipe that’s approachable but yields impressive results, perfect for cozy nights or celebration tables alike. Give it a try—you’ll see how the oat crust and spiced apple butter filling become a comforting combo that everyone asks for again and again. Trust me, once you make this pie, it’ll hold a special spot in your dessert rotation.

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