When apple season arrives we often end up with so many apples in our house we hardly know what to do with them. This Apple Butter Brie Dip is a great way to enjoy the flavors of the season and pair it up with your favorite fall cocktails.

Combining rich, creamy baked brie with the deep spiced sweetness of apple butter, fresh crisp apples and salty prosciutto this dish has all of the cozy fall flavors. It looks like a restaurant-quality centerpiece, yet it takes less than 20 minutes to throw together. Whether you are hosting game day, throwing an autumn dinner party, or simply unwinding on a Friday evening with a glass of wine, this recipe will quickly become your go-to fall snack.

Looking for more apple recipes? Try my Apple Cider Aperol Spritz or Frozen Rum & Apple Cider Ninja Slushi

What is Apple Butter?

Despite what the name suggests, apple butter contains no actual dairy butter! Apple butter is a highly concentrated, deeply caramelized form of applesauce.

To make apple butter, apples are cooked down slowly with warm aromatic spices. Typically it contains cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves along with dark brown sugar or cider. As the mixture simmers over several hours, the natural sugars in the fruit caramelize, turning the sauce a rich mahogany color and creating a thick, velvety, spreadable consistency. It delivers a concentrated punch of autumn flavor that is far less tart and far more complex than standard applesauce.

How to Make Apple Butter

While store-bought apple butter works well for quick prep, making your own at home transforms your kitchen into an autumn sanctuary.

Slow Cooker Apple Butter Method

Prep the Apples: Core and chop about 5 pounds of sweet-tart apples (such as Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Braeburn). You do not need to peel them.
Combine: Place the apples into a slow cooker with 1/2 cup of dark brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, a pinch of allspice, and a splash of apple cider.
Slow Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 10 hours (or overnight) until the apples are dark brown and completely soft.
Purée: Use an immersion blender to purée the mixture until completely smooth.
Thicken: Leave the lid slightly ajar and cook on LOW for another 1 to 2 hours until it reaches a thick, spreadable butter consistency. Cool and store in glass jars.

What is Brie?

Brie is a soft-ripened cheese originating from the Brie region of northern France. Crafted from cow’s milk, it features a pale, soft interior encased in a bloomy, edible white rind produced by beneficial mold (Penicillium camemberti).

Brie is beloved for its mild, buttery, and slightly earthy flavor profile. When heated, the interior melts into a luxuriously gooey, liquid velvet texture while the rind holds the structure together like a natural baking bowl. Its rich, high-fat content makes it the ultimate canvas for sweet and savory toppings alike.

What to Serve with Apple Butter Brie Dip

Because this dip offers a perfect balance of gooey cheese, sweet spread, and savory toppings, you want dippers that provide sturdy structure and texture contrast:

Crusty Artisan Bread: Sliced baguette, toasted crostini, or warm sourdough slices.
Sturdy Crackers: Whole grain, rosemary-sea salt, or water crackers.
Fresh Fruit Slices: Firm apple slices (Granny Smith for extra tartness) or ripe pear wedges.
Pretzels: Salted pretzel crisps or warm pretzel bites add an irresistible salty-sweet crunch.

What Drinks to Pair with It

Pairing the right beverage elevates this happy hour dip into an unforgettable culinary experience:

Dry Hard Cider: Crisp, effervescent apple cider cuts through the rich richness of the melted brie and mirrors the fruit flavors.
White Wine: Dry, acid-forward whites like Chardonnay (lightly oaked or unoaked) or a crisp Riesling complement the rich creaminess without overwhelming it.
Red Wine: A fruit-forward, light-bodied red such as Pinot Noir or Gamay balances the salty prosciutto and spiced apple notes smoothly.
Bourbon Cocktail: An Old Fashioned or an Apple Cider Bourbon Sour pairs wonderfully with the deep, warm spices of the apple butter.

Apple Butter Brie Dip Recipe

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Prep 5

Cook 15

Servings

Ingredients

▢ 1 wheel 8 oz Brie cheese
▢ 4 –6 slices prosciutto chopped
▢ 1/2 medium apple Honeycrisp or Granny Smith, chopped
▢ 1/3 cup approx. 5 tablespoons apple butter
▢ Optional garnishes: Chopped raw walnuts or fresh thyme leaves

Method

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Place the wheel of brie into a small rectangular baking dish (such as a small Staub baker).
Arrange the chopped prosciutto and chopped apples around and slightly over the wheel of brie.
Spoon the apple butter generously over the top of the brie wheel, apples, and prosciutto.
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and soft to the touch, the prosciutto has crisped up in the oven, and the apple butter is warm and bubbling.
Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped walnuts or fresh thyme leaves, if desired. Serve immediately with warm crostini, crackers, or fresh apple slices.

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