Brown Butter Apple Pie Recipe

If you’re looking for a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a cool evening, you absolutely have to try this Brown Butter Apple Pie. The rich, nutty flavor of the browned butter elevates the classic apple pie into something truly special, making every bite silky, buttery, and decidedly unforgettable. This pie combines tender apple slices with a perfectly flaky crust, all tied together with the wonderful aroma and depth that only browned butter can provide. It’s comfort food at its best, and once you taste this, your apple pie game will never be the same.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Brown Butter Apple Pie plays an important role—from the buttery, flaky crust to the spiced, tender apple filling. The beauty lies in the simplicity of these elements coming together to create that iconic balance of flavor, texture, and color.

• All-purpose flour: The foundation for a tender and flaky pie crust, providing the perfect structure.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a golden crust.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors, bringing out the best in each ingredient.
• Unsalted butter (cold and cubed): Key to a flaky crust; keeping it cold ensures those delightful layers.
• Ice water: Just enough moisture to bring the dough together without making it tough.
• Apples (peeled, cored, and sliced): The star of the filling—choose tart varieties for a nice balance.
• Unsalted butter (browned): Infuses the filling with a rich, nutty flavor that’s simply irresistible.
• Brown sugar: Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness that complements the apples perfectly.
• Lemon juice: Brightens the flavors and keeps the apples from browning.
• Cinnamon and nutmeg: Warm spices that bring classic apple pie comfort.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the filling so it’s luscious without being runny.
• Egg (beaten): Creates a beautiful golden, shiny crust surface.
• Coarse sugar: Sprinkled on top for a sparkling, crunchy finish.

How to Make Brown Butter Apple Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

Begin by combining your dry ingredients—flour, sugar, and salt—in a large bowl. Then, cut in the cold, cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The cold butter bits will create those irresistibly flaky layers in your crust. Gradually add ice water, mixing gently until the dough just comes together. Divide the dough into two disks, wrap them up tight, and chill for at least one hour. This resting time lets the gluten relax, which is so important for a tender crust.

Step 2: Brown the Butter

This step is where the magic happens. Melt your butter over medium heat and watch it transform into a deep golden brown with a heavenly nutty aroma. Keep a close eye to avoid burning it. Once browned, give it a little time to cool before adding it to your filling. This simple technique adds incredible depth and richness to the pie that’s hard to beat.

Step 3: Make the Filling

In a large bowl, toss your peeled and sliced apples with the browned butter, both sugars, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch. Each component enhances the apples—sweetness from the sugars, aromatic warmth from the spices, and the perfect firmness thanks to the cornstarch. Toss everything gently but thoroughly to ensure every apple slice is lovingly coated.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out one of the chilled dough disks on a lightly floured surface and carefully place it into a 9-inch pie pan. Pour your luscious apple filling inside and evenly distribute it. Roll out the second dough disk and cut it into strips for a classic lattice top. Weaving the lattice may take a little patience, but the golden, patterned crust it produces is worth every second. Brush the top with beaten egg for that inviting glossy sheen and sprinkle with coarse sugar for a sparkling finish.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pop the pie into the oven and bake for 50 to 55 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the filling bubbles up delightfully. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes to prevent over-browning. Allow your Brown Butter Apple Pie to cool before slicing—this ensures the filling sets beautifully and makes for easier serving.

How to Serve Brown Butter Apple Pie

Garnishes

While the pie shines all on its own, a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream can take your experience to the next level. Sprinkle some finely chopped toasted pecans or a light dusting of extra cinnamon on top for an added crunch and warmth that pairs perfectly with the nutty browned butter flavor.

Side Dishes

Brown Butter Apple Pie pairs wonderfully with simple, cozy accompaniments. Consider serving it alongside a hot cup of fresh brewed coffee, spiced chai, or a robust black tea to complement the pie’s warmth and sweetness. For an indulgent dessert, a drizzle of caramel sauce or a side of sharp cheddar cheese can create a delightful contrast that’s surprisingly delicious.

Creative Ways to Present

Why stop at the traditional pie plate? For a fun twist, bake this filling in mini tart pans for individual servings or even as hand pies perfect for picnics or potlucks. Another gorgeous presentation involves layering warm apple filling with crumbled pie crust and a drizzle of brown butter sauce in clear glasses for a rustic trifle-style dessert that showcases every luscious layer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, your Brown Butter Apple Pie can be covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. Keeping it chilled helps maintain the filling’s thickness and the crust’s delightful texture.

Freezing

This pie freezes beautifully, making it a fantastic dessert you can prepare ahead. Wrap the fully assembled but unbaked pie tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the pie overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.

Reheating

To bring back that freshly baked warmth, reheat slices of your Brown Butter Apple Pie in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes. This method helps crisp the crust again while warming the filling just right. Microwaving is an option for a quick fix but can soften the crust too much.

FAQs

Can I use different types of apples for this pie?

Absolutely! A mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji works best to give your pie a balanced flavor and varied texture. Just make sure the apples are firm enough to hold their shape when baked.

What if I don’t have cornstarch?

You can substitute cornstarch with an equal amount of flour or arrowroot powder to thicken the filling. Each thickener has slightly different properties, but they all help prevent your pie from being too runny.

How important is browning the butter?

Browning the butter is key to this recipe because it adds a deep, nutty flavor that transforms the ordinary apple pie into something outstanding. It’s worth taking the little extra time to do it right—it truly elevates the entire dish.

Can I make the crust gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Be sure to follow the package recommendations for pie crusts, as the texture may vary. Chilling the dough well is even more critical with gluten-free flours to keep everything manageable.

Is it okay to prepare the pie the day before baking?

Definitely! Preparing your Brown Butter Apple Pie a day ahead allows the flavors to meld nicely. Just keep it covered and refrigerated until you’re ready to bake it fresh, which helps the crust stay crisp and the filling vibrant.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about a Brown Butter Apple Pie that brings a homey, sophisticated touch to a time-honored classic. Whether it’s a holiday dessert or just a treat to brighten your day, this pie is guaranteed to impress with its rich flavors and inviting aroma. Don’t hesitate to make one yourself—you’ll gain a new favorite recipe that friends and family will ask for again and again!

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