Making A Vegan Apple Pie Is Not That Different from a Traditional Pie
In this day and age, we have a lot of things to think about when we are socializing at food events. There are so many different types of diets, food preferences, allergies, gluten-free options, and vegan choices. You pretty much need to send out a notice to guests to find out what they can and cannot eat. I do a lot of vegan cooking with my personal preference not to consume too much dairy, and making a vegan apple pie is one of those simple yet satisfying alternatives that everyone can enjoy. The great thing about this recipe is that it's not much different from making a traditional apple pie, but it’s completely plant-based and just as delicious.
Did You Know?
The Allure of Vegan Apple Pie: Vegan apple pie offers the same warmth and comfort as the traditional version, with a few plant-based twists. The pie features a golden-brown, flaky crust made from vegan butter or coconut oil, which provides a rich texture that crumbles perfectly with each bite. The apple filling, made with fresh, crisp apples, delivers a tender yet slightly firm texture, enhanced by a blend of cinnamon and other warm spices. The filling is sweet and slightly tart, providing a perfect balance of flavors. Visually, the pie is a treat with its beautifully browned crust and the glossy, spiced apple filling peeking through the lattice or top crust. Each slice showcases the contrast between the golden crust and the warm, spiced apple filling, making it a feast for the eyes and the palate.
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup vegan butter or coconut oil, chilled and cut into small pieces
- 6-8 tablespoons ice water
For the Apple Filling:
- 6 cups thinly sliced apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Assembly:
- 1 tablespoon almond milk (for brushing)
- 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (for sprinkling, optional)
Instructions:
Prepare the Crust: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
Personal Tip: If you prefer a slightly sweeter crust, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of sugar to the flour mixture.
Add the chilled vegan butter or coconut oil to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Personal Tip: Working quickly ensures that the fat stays cold, which is essential for a flaky crust. If the mixture starts to warm up, pop it in the fridge for a few minutes.
Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together.
Personal Tip: The dough should just hold together when pressed. Avoid adding too much water to prevent a tough crust.
Divide the dough into two equal parts, flatten into disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Personal Tip: Resting the dough allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to roll out later.
Prepare the Apple Filling: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Toss until the apples are evenly coated.
Personal Tip: Let the apple mixture sit for 10-15 minutes to release some of the juices, which helps to create a more flavorful filling.
Assemble the Pie: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Roll out one disk of dough on a floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Transfer the dough to the pie dish and trim the edges.
Personal Tip: Roll the dough from the center outwards to ensure an even thickness, which prevents cracking.
Pour the apple filling into the crust, spreading it out evenly.
Personal Tip: Mound the apples slightly in the center to ensure an even distribution as they cook down.
Roll out the second disk of dough and place it over the filling. Trim and crimp the edges to seal. Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape or create a simple lattice top.
Personal Tip: If making a lattice top, use a ruler to cut even strips for a more professional look.
Brush the top crust with almond milk and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.
Personal Tip: The almond milk helps the crust achieve a beautiful golden color, while the sugar adds a bit of sparkle and crunch.
Bake the Pie: Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Personal Tip: Place a baking sheet under the pie to catch any drips and prevent a messy oven.
Allow the pie to cool for at least 2 hours before slicing and serving.
Personal Tip: Cooling the pie fully allows the filling to set, making it easier to slice cleanly.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving): Calories: 350, Fat: 18g, Saturated Fat: 9g, Carbohydrates: 48g, Fiber: 3g, Sugars: 20g, Protein: 3g
Kitchen Tips, Great Ideas, How to Save Money
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Bulk Buying: Purchase flour, sugar, and spices in bulk. These staples have a long shelf life and can be used in various recipes, reducing the cost per unit.
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Homemade Vegan Butter: If vegan butter is expensive, consider making your own using a blend of plant-based oils and ingredients at home. This can be more cost-effective and allows you to control the ingredients.
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Reusable Baking Tools: Invest in reusable silicone baking mats and pie dishes. These tools are environmentally friendly and save money over time compared to disposable options.
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Energy Efficiency: Preheat your oven only when you are ready to bake, and bake multiple items at once if possible. This saves on energy costs and makes your baking process more efficient.
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Smart Storage: Store any leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for several days, providing a convenient and delicious dessert throughout the week.
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Ingredient Substitutions: If vegan butter is unavailable or too expensive, use a mix of coconut oil and a small amount of plant-based milk for the crust. This can provide a similar texture and flavor.
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Flavor Enhancements: Experiment with adding different flavors to the apple filling, such as a splash of bourbon or a hint of ginger, to add a unique twist to your pie.
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DIY Vanilla Extract: Make your own vanilla extract by soaking vanilla beans in vodka. This homemade extract is more cost-effective and provides a rich flavor for your desserts.
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Learning and Sharing: Join online vegan baking communities for more recipe ideas and tips. Sharing your own experiences can also help others and foster a sense of community.
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Creative Decorations: Use cookie cutters to create fun shapes from the top crust or use a lattice design to enhance the visual appeal of your pie.
What Kinds Of Apples Are Best for Apple Pies?
Choosing the right apples is crucial for making a delicious apple pie. Some apples hold their shape well when baked, while others can turn to mush. For the perfect pie, you want a balance of tart and sweet flavors with a texture that remains slightly firm after baking.
Granny Smith apples are a classic choice for apple pie. They are tart, firm, and hold up well in the oven, providing a nice contrast to the sweetness of the filling.
Honeycrisp apples are another excellent option. They are sweet, juicy, and maintain their crisp texture even after baking, making them a favorite for many bakers.
Braeburn apples offer a balance of sweet and tart flavors with a firm texture, making them ideal for pies. They also have a natural spiciness that complements the warm spices typically used in apple pie.
Golden Delicious apples are sweeter and softer, but when mixed with firmer varieties like Granny Smith, they create a balanced pie with both soft and firm textures.
Jonagold and Fuji apples are also great choices, offering a sweet flavor and a firm texture that holds up well during baking.
For the best results, try mixing different apple varieties to get a range of flavors and textures in your pie. This approach can make your apple pie more complex and enjoyable, with each bite offering a slightly different taste experience.