This vegan apple pie is warm and sweet, filled with juicy apples and a hint of cinnamon, all wrapped in a flaky crust. It’s a classic dessert that’s perfect for any occasion!
Every time I bake this pie, the smell fills my kitchen and makes my mouth water! I love serving it with a scoop of vegan ice cream on top—talk about a crowd-pleaser! 🍏🥧
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is essential for creating a flaky crust. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it includes xanthan gum for better texture.
Vegan Butter: Cold, cubed vegan butter gives the crust its rich flavor and flaky texture. If you don’t have vegan butter, coconut oil can work, but keep it solidified, not melted, when incorporating it into the flour.
Apples: Granny Smith apples are tart and perfect for this pie, but you can mix in other varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter flavor. Aim for a mix of sweet and tart apples to balance the taste.
Brown Sugar: While brown sugar is traditional, you can substitute with coconut sugar or maple syrup for a different flavor profile. Just adjust the liquid content if using maple syrup.
How Do You Make a Flaky Crust?
Making a flaky pie crust is all about keeping your ingredients cold and not overworking the dough. Here are the essential steps:
- Incorporate cold vegan butter into the flour carefully. You want little pea-sized pieces visible for flakiness.
- Don’t overmix when adding in ice water—just enough for the dough to hold together.
- Chilling the dough helps it firm up and makes it easier to roll out without breaking.
Remember, the key to a great crust is patience! Don’t rush the chilling time, as it makes all the difference.
Vegan Apple Pie Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup vegan butter (cold, cubed)
- ¼ cup ice water (add more if needed)
- 1 tbsp sugar
- ½ tsp salt
For the Filling:
- 6 cups peeled, cored, and sliced apples (Granny Smith or your choice)
- ¾ cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp vegan butter (for dotting)
For Finishing:
- 1 tbsp plant-based milk (for brushing)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare and 50-60 minutes to bake. Plus, don’t forget about the chilling time for the dough—make sure to set it aside for at least 1 hour. Overall, you should plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting cooling time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust:
In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold vegan butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This will ensure a flaky crust!
2. Create the Dough:
Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough comes together when pressed. Be careful not to overwork it! Divide the dough in half, shape each part into a disk, wrap them in plastic wrap, and chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour.
3. Make the Filling:
In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Let them sit for a bit so all the sweet flavors mix together nicely!
4. Preheat the Oven:
While your apples are melding, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s nice and hot when your pie is ready!
5. Roll Out the Crust:
On a floured surface, roll out one disk of dough into a circle that is slightly larger than your 9-inch pie dish. Place it in the dish and trim any excess dough around the edges.
6. Assemble the Pie:
Pour the apple filling into the crust, making sure it’s evenly distributed. Dot the filling with bits of vegan butter for added richness.
7. Top It Off:
Roll out the second disk of dough and cover the filling. You can create a lovely lattice pattern or simply put on a full crust. If you choose a full crust, be sure to cut a few slits in the top for steam to escape!
8. Seal the Edges:
Crimp the edges of the pie crust to seal everything in. Give your crust a nice brush with plant-based milk for a lovely golden-brown finish.
9. Bake the Pie:
Pop your pie in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling. If the edges start to brown too quickly, cover them with foil.
10. Cool Down:
Once baked, let the pie cool on a rack for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to set properly. Resist the temptation to slice it right away—it’ll be worth the wait!
11. Serve and Enjoy:
If you like, dust the top with powdered sugar just before serving for a pretty touch. Enjoy your delicious vegan apple pie with a scoop of vegan ice cream or whipped cream!
Happy baking! 🍏🥧
Can I Use Different Apples for the Filling?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples offer a nice tartness, you can mix in sweeter options like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a more balanced flavor. Just aim for a combination of sweet and tart apples for the best taste!
Can I Make This Pie Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it includes xanthan gum, as it helps bind the dough and mimic the texture of traditional flour.
How Do I Store Leftover Pie?
Store any leftover pie in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, pop individual slices in the microwave or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Can I Prepare This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the crust and filling a day in advance. Keep the crust wrapped in plastic in the fridge and the filling in a covered bowl. When you’re ready to bake, simply assemble and pop it in the oven!