Indulge in the comforting embrace of a classic American dessert, reimagined for the modern palate: our **Irresistible Vegan Apple Pie**. This delectable treat offers everything you cherish about traditional apple pie – a warm, spiced fruit filling, cradled in a golden, impossibly flaky crust – all crafted with wholesome, plant-based ingredients. Whether you’re celebrating the Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas, or simply craving a taste of home, this recipe delivers a sublime experience that’s both easy to create and universally loved. Prepare to impress with a pie that’s not just delicious, but also dairy-free, egg-free, and easily adaptable for gluten-free diets, ensuring everyone at your table can enjoy a slice of pure joy.
Why You’ll Adore This Vegan Apple Pie Recipe
Our vegan apple pie isn’t just a substitute; it’s a revelation. We’ve taken the essence of what makes apple pie a beloved dessert and enhanced it with mindful ingredients, creating a dish that stands proudly on its own. Here’s why this recipe will quickly become a cherished favorite:
Classic Comfort, Elevated for Everyone
The magic of apple pie lies in its timeless appeal, and this vegan rendition captures every bit of that beloved tradition. Imagine biting into **warm, tender apple slices, generously coated in a sweet, aromatic cinnamon-spiced syrup**, all encased within a **buttery, crisp, and wonderfully flaky pie crust**. It’s the quintessential comfort food experience, but designed to be inclusive, ensuring that those following a vegan, dairy-free, or egg-free diet can savor every delightful morsel without compromise. The balance of sweet and tart, combined with the intoxicating aroma of cinnamon baking, will transport you straight to culinary heaven.
Surprisingly Simple, Hugely Rewarding Homemade Baking
Don’t let the idea of a homemade pie crust seem daunting. We understand that baking from scratch can sometimes feel intimidating, but this recipe is designed to guide you through each step with ease. The effort involved in creating your own crust is **absolutely worth every moment**, yielding a texture and flavor far superior to any store-bought alternative. Plus, there’s an undeniable sense of accomplishment and the ultimate bragging rights that come with serving a magnificent, perfectly baked pie you crafted yourself. Our detailed instructions make the process accessible, even for novice bakers, turning a potentially complex task into a joyful kitchen adventure.
Dietary Inclusive & Delightfully Versatile
Beyond being completely vegan – meaning it’s inherently dairy-free and egg-free – this apple pie recipe offers remarkable flexibility for various dietary needs. If you’re looking to cater to gluten sensitivities, you can **easily make it gluten-free** by simply swapping out the all-purpose flour for your preferred gluten-free all-purpose baking blend. This adaptability makes it the ideal dessert for potlucks, family gatherings, and holiday feasts, allowing you to share a truly delicious and wholesome treat with a wider audience, free from common allergens without sacrificing an ounce of flavor or texture.
Expert Tips for a Flawless Vegan Apple Pie
Achieving the perfect apple pie involves a few key techniques and ingredient choices. Drawing on years of baking experience, these expert tips will help you elevate your pie from great to absolutely extraordinary:
Selecting Your Apples: The Foundation of Flavor and Texture
For an apple pie that truly shines, I wholeheartedly recommend using **Granny Smith apples**. Their firm texture holds up beautifully to the high heat of baking, preventing the filling from becoming mushy. Crucially, their inherent tartness provides a wonderful counterpoint to the sweetness of the sugar and spices, creating a perfectly balanced flavor profile that’s never cloyingly sweet. While you can certainly experiment with other apple varieties like Honeycrisp for a sweeter profile or Braeburn for a slightly softer texture, Granny Smiths consistently deliver superior results for classic apple pie. The choice to peel your apples or not is entirely personal; unpeeled apples add a rustic charm and extra fiber, while peeled apples offer a smoother, more refined texture.
The Secret to a Perfectly Crisp Bottom Crust
One of the most common pie frustrations is a soggy bottom crust. To combat excess moisture from the apple filling and ensure your bottom crust remains beautifully crisp, I suggest a simple yet effective trick: a **light sprinkle of all-purpose flour on the bottom pie crust** just before adding your apple filling. This thin layer of flour acts as a barrier, absorbing any released juices during baking. Alternatively, you can lightly brush the bottom crust with a thin layer of vegan egg wash (made from plant milk and a touch of cornstarch) or even a very thin layer of melted vegan butter before sprinkling the flour for added protection. This small step makes a significant difference in preventing a ‘wet’ pie experience.
Mastering the Vents and Crust Design for Optimal Results
Whether you opt for an intricate lattice crust or a traditional full top crust, creating **vent holes is absolutely essential** for an amazing vegan apple pie. These vents allow built-up steam to escape during baking, preventing the crust from puffing up excessively or, worse, cracking due to pressure. Additionally, proper venting allows the crust to settle gracefully as the apples soften and shrink, eliminating unsightly air pockets or gaps between the crust and the filling. You can achieve this by either slicing several small slits in the top crust with a sharp knife or using a fork to poke a decorative pattern of small holes. For a more artistic touch, consider using small cookie cutters to create delightful shapes like leaves or stars on your top crust, which serve as both beautiful ventilation and charming decoration.
The Anatomy of a Perfect Vegan Pie Crust
A truly exceptional apple pie begins with an exceptional crust. Our recipe uses vegetable shortening to achieve that characteristic flakiness and tender texture that makes a pie crust so irresistible, without any dairy. The key is to keep your ingredients very cold – especially the shortening and water – and to handle the dough as little as possible. This prevents the shortening from melting prematurely, ensuring distinct layers form during baking for that coveted flaky result. Don’t be afraid to chill the dough multiple times if it becomes too warm or sticky; patience here is a virtue that pays off in delicious dividends.
Mastering the Vegan Apple Pie Filling
The heart of any apple pie is its filling. Our vegan apple pie filling is a harmonious blend of crisp apples, warm spices, and a rich, buttery sauce. Pre-cooking a portion of the filling on the stovetop helps to soften the apples slightly and allows the flavors to meld beautifully, preventing a watery filling and ensuring the apples are perfectly tender when the pie is baked. The vegan butter and flour create a smooth, thick sauce that coats every apple slice, guaranteeing a luscious texture that contrasts wonderfully with the flaky crust. Don’t rush this step; allowing the flavors to develop is crucial for a truly remarkable pie.
Serving Suggestions for Your Delectable Vegan Apple Pie
While our vegan apple pie is an absolute star on its own, pairing it with complementary toppings can elevate the dessert experience even further. Serve your warm pie with a scoop of premium vanilla bean vegan ice cream for a classic combination of hot and cold, creamy and crisp. For an extra touch of decadence, a dollop of homemade vegan whipped cream or a drizzle of dairy-free caramel sauce makes for a truly unforgettable treat. A simple dusting of powdered sugar can also add an elegant finish. This pie is also magnificent for breakfast the next day, perhaps alongside a cup of coffee or tea.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
This vegan apple pie tastes best when enjoyed fresh and warm from the oven, but leftovers are equally delightful. To store your baked pie, cover it loosely with plastic wrap or foil and keep it at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate the pie for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply place individual slices in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, or warm the entire pie in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. For make-ahead convenience, you can prepare the pie crust dough up to 2 days in advance, storing it wrapped tightly in the refrigerator. The apple filling can also be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated in an airtight container, ready to be assembled when you are. You can even freeze an unbaked pie! Assemble the pie, wrap it tightly in several layers of plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding about 20-30 minutes to the baking time and covering edges with a pie shield to prevent overbrowning.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vegan Apple Pie
- Can I use different types of sugar? Yes, you can. While brown sugar adds a lovely depth of flavor and moisture, granulated white sugar can also be used for a slightly less rich filling. Just ensure your chosen sugar is certified vegan, as some granulated sugars are processed with bone char.
- What if my dough is too sticky or too dry? If the dough is too sticky, add a very small amount of flour (1 teaspoon at a time) and gently knead until it’s more manageable. If it’s too dry and crumbly, add a tiny bit more ice water (½ teaspoon at a time) until it just comes together. Remember, less is more to avoid overworking the dough.
- How do I know when my pie is fully baked? Look for a deeply golden-brown crust and bubbling juices around the vents in the center of the pie. If you insert an instant-read thermometer into the center of the filling (avoiding the crust), it should register around 200°F (93°C).
- Can I add other spices to the filling? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with a pinch of nutmeg, allspice, or ground ginger for additional warmth and complexity in your apple pie filling.
Be Sure To Check Out These Other Amazing Pie & Dessert Recipes!
- Paleo Pecan Pie: A rich and nutty delight, perfect for those seeking a grain-free twist on a classic.
- Paleo Pumpkin Pie: Creamy, spiced, and gluten-free, this pie is a holiday staple for a reason.
- Classic Fried Apples: A quick and comforting side dish or dessert, celebrating the simple joy of cooked apples.
- Healthy Vegan Chocolate Truffles: Decadent and easy to make, these truffles are a perfect bite-sized treat.
- Vegan Key Lime Pie: Zesty, creamy, and refreshing – a tropical escape in every bite.
- Vegan Pecan Pie: Another incredible plant-based option for the pecan lovers, rich with sweet, gooey filling.
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Classic Vegan Apple Pie
Cheryl Malik
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Ingredients
For the Bottom Pie Crust
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour spooned & leveled, see Notes
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar see Notes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup vegetable shortening cold, cut into cubes
- 4 tablespoons cold water plus 1 additional tablespoon if needed
For the Vegan Apple Pie Filling
- 10 cups ¼-inch-thick apple slices approximately 8 large Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, sliced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅔ packed cup brown sugar light or dark; or ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup vegan butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour spooned & leveled, see Notes
- ¼ cup water
For the Top Pie Crust
- almond milk or plant-based milk of choice, enough to brush on pie crust
- turbinado sugar or brown sugar, or white sugar; enough to sprinkle onto pie crust
Equipment
- 2 large mixing bowls
- pastry cutter or fork
- flat work surface
- flour for work surface
- Rolling Pin
- 9-inch pie dish
- Plastic Wrap
- Refrigerator
- Oven
- Large saucepan
- stovetop
- whisk
- Silicone spatula
- pastry wheel or sharp knife, to cut pie crust; optional
- pastry brush optional
- large baking sheet
- Pie Shield optional
Instructions
For the Bottom Pie Crust
- Combine 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon salt in a large mixing bowl. Whisk these dry ingredients together until thoroughly blended.
- Add 1 cup cold vegetable shortening, cut into cubes, to the mixing bowl. Use a pastry cutter or a fork to cut the shortening into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs, with shortening pieces approximately the size of small peas.
- Gradually add 4 tablespoons cold water to the flour mixture. Mix the ingredients gently until a cohesive ball of dough begins to form. If the mixture appears too dry, incorporate an **additional 1 tablespoon of cold water** incrementally. Note: Be cautious not to overmix the dough. Stop mixing as soon as the dough comes together to ensure a flaky crust.
- Optional: For best results, wrap the dough securely in plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours, before proceeding to roll it out. This chilling period helps the gluten relax and the shortening firm up, making the dough easier to handle.
- Lightly flour a clean, flat work surface. Transfer the chilled dough to this surface and divide it into two equal halves. Tightly wrap one half of the dough in plastic wrap and return it to the refrigerator until it’s needed for the top crust.
- Using a rolling pin, roll out the first half of the dough into a large circular shape, approximately ⅛-inch to ¼-inch thick and about 12 inches in diameter. Note: If the dough becomes too warm and difficult to work with, place it in the refrigerator or freezer for 10 to 15 minutes as needed to firm it up and make it more pliable.
- Carefully transfer the rolled dough circle into your 9-inch pie plate. Gently press the dough into the bottom and up the sides of the pie plate to ensure it is securely in place. Patch any small holes or tears as necessary, and flute the edges of the crust for a decorative finish, if desired. Once you are satisfied with the crust, place the pie plate in the refrigerator to chill the dough until you are ready for baking.
For the Vegan Apple Pie Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 10 cups of ¼-inch-thick apple slices (from approximately 8 large Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced), 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ⅔ packed cup brown sugar. Toss the apple slices thoroughly until they are fully coated in the fragrant cinnamon-sugar mixture, then set the bowl aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Place a large saucepan on your stovetop over medium heat. Add ½ cup vegan butter to the saucepan and allow it to melt completely, ensuring it doesn’t brown.
- Once the butter has fully melted, add ¼ cup all-purpose flour to the saucepan. Whisk these ingredients together continuously until a smooth paste, or roux, has formed. Cook this paste for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it becomes lightly fragrant, indicating the flour has cooked out.
- Pour ¼ cup water into the saucepan and whisk it into the paste until fully incorporated and smooth. Immediately add the entire apple mixture from the mixing bowl into the pan. Stir all the ingredients together thoroughly until the apples are well coated with the buttery, spiced sauce.
- Continue to simmer the mixture over medium heat for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apple slices begin to soften slightly and the sauce has thickened to a luscious consistency. Once the apples have reached the desired tenderness, remove the saucepan from the heat and set it aside to cool slightly.
To Assemble and Bake the Apple Pie
- Preheat your oven to 425° Fahrenheit (220°C).
- Retrieve the prepared pie plate with the chilled bottom crust from the refrigerator. Spoon the cooled apple filling mixture evenly into the crust, gently packing the apples together tightly and mounding them slightly high in the center to fill the pie crust completely.
- Take the remaining dough ball from the refrigerator. Lightly flour your flat work surface, then transfer the dough to the floured surface. Use a rolling pin to roll the dough out into a large circle, approximately ⅛-inch thick and about 14 inches in diameter, for the top crust. Note: As before, if the dough becomes too warm, chill it in the fridge or freezer for 10 to 15 minutes to make it easier to handle.
- Carefully lift the rolled dough circle and place it over the apple filling, ensuring it covers the filling entirely. Alternatively, for a more decorative finish, slice the dough into even strips and arrange them over the apple filling to create a beautiful lattice pattern. If using a full dough circle, remember to cut several vent slits or poke small vent holes into the top pie crust after covering the filling; these are crucial for steam to escape during baking.
- Once you are satisfied with the top pie crust’s appearance and sealing, very lightly brush the surface with almond milk (or your plant-based milk of choice). Then, generously sprinkle turbinado sugar over the crust for a sparkling, golden finish.
- Place the assembled pie plate onto a large baking sheet (to catch any potential drips) and then carefully transfer the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake the pie for 25 minutes at 425° Fahrenheit (220°C).
- After the initial 25 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 375° Fahrenheit (190°C) without removing the pie from the oven. If you notice the edges of the pie crust are browning too quickly, gently place a pie shield or strips of aluminum foil over the edges to prevent over-browning.
- Continue to bake the pie at 375° Fahrenheit (190°C) for an additional 35 to 40 minutes, or until the pie filling is visibly bubbling around the edges of the crust, indicating it is thoroughly cooked. For precision, you can optionally insert an instant-read thermometer into the center of the pie filling (avoiding the crust) – the internal temperature of the filling should reach 200° Fahrenheit (93°C) when the pie is perfectly ready.
Notes
- Spoon & Level Method for Flour: To ensure the most accurate measurement of flour, please do not directly scoop your measuring cup into the flour container. Instead, use a spoon to lightly transfer flour into your measuring cup until it is overflowing. Then, use the back of a straight knife or spoon to level off the top of the flour, sweeping away any excess until it is perfectly even with the rim of the cup. This method prevents compacting the flour and ensures a lighter, more consistent crust.
- Keeping it Vegan: It’s important to use a sugar that has not been processed with bone char, a common practice for some granulated white sugars. Look for sugars explicitly labeled “vegan,” “unbleached,” “organic,” or “raw” to ensure they align with vegan principles. Brown sugar is often a safer bet, but always check the label.
- Making it Gluten-Free: To effortlessly convert this recipe into a gluten-free delight, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure your chosen blend is formulated for baking and contains xanthan gum, or add ½ teaspoon of xanthan gum per cup of flour if your blend does not include it, to maintain proper structure and texture.
Nutrition Information
The number of total servings shown is an approximation. The actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values provided are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients or variations. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands, types of ingredients used, and preparation methods.
To accurately determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe (excluding the weight of the container), then divide this total weight by your desired number of servings. The result will be the precise weight of one individual serving.