The Ultimate Homemade Vegan Apple Pie: Flaky Crust & Irresistible Cinnamon-Apple Filling
There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of a freshly baked apple pie filling your kitchen. As the leaves turn and the air grows crisp, a sweet apple pie becomes the quintessential fall dessert. And for those who embrace a plant-based lifestyle, we’ve crafted the perfect solution: a flaky, “buttery” vegan apple pie that promises pure bliss with every slice. Forget missing out on this autumn tradition – this recipe ensures you can enjoy a classic that stands proudly alongside your Vegan Pumpkin Pie and Pecan Pie at any holiday gathering, especially Thanksgiving!
This isn’t just any vegan apple pie; it’s designed to deliver that iconic flaky crust and a sumptuously sweet, perfectly spiced apple filling that will have everyone asking for seconds. Imagine the warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg complementing tender apples, all encased in a golden, melt-in-your-mouth pastry. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to vegan desserts, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every step to create a show-stopping homemade apple pie from scratch.
Why This Vegan Apple Pie Will Be Your New Fall Favorite
Crafting the perfect apple pie involves a balance of flavors and textures, and this vegan version achieves just that, making it a must-try for everyone. Here’s why you’ll absolutely adore this recipe:
- Ultra-Flaky, “Buttery” Crust: Our recipe utilizes a superior vegan pie crust that bakes up incredibly flaky and golden brown, mimicking a traditional butter crust without any dairy. It’s the perfect foundation for our delicious filling.
- Perfectly Sweet & Spiced Filling: A harmonious blend of sweet and tart apples, infused with warm cinnamon and nutmeg, creates a filling that’s neither too sweet nor too tart. The hint of lemon juice brightens the flavors, making each bite a delightful experience.
- Homemade Goodness: There’s unparalleled satisfaction in baking a pie from scratch. This recipe guides you through creating both the crust and the filling, resulting in a truly homemade dessert that tastes incredibly fresh and authentic.
- Ideal for Any Occasion: While it shines as a Thanksgiving centerpiece, this vegan apple pie is versatile enough for Sunday dinners, potlucks, or simply as a comforting treat on a chilly evening.
- Naturally Delicious: Made with wholesome ingredients, this pie celebrates the natural goodness of apples, enhanced by classic spices. It’s a dessert you can feel good about serving.
Essential Ingredients for Your Vegan Apple Pie
Ready to embark on this delicious baking adventure? Let’s gather the key ingredients needed to create this spectacular vegan apple pie. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect balance of flavor and texture:
- Vegan Pie Crust: This recipe requires two crusts – one for the base and another for the beautiful lattice top. We highly recommend using our Homemade Vegan Pie Crust for the best flaky results. Making it ahead of time and freezing it can save you precious time on baking day!
- Apples: The heart of the pie! A mix of varieties works best for a complex flavor and texture. I personally love a blend of 1/3 Golden Delicious and 2/3 Honeycrisp. Golden Delicious apples soften beautifully, while Honeycrisp maintains some structure and offers delightful sweetness. Aim for a mix of tart and sweet apples. Other excellent choices include Granny Smith (for tartness), Gala, Fuji, or Braeburn.
- Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice is essential. It prevents the apples from browning, brightens their natural flavor, and, most importantly, balances the sweetness of the fruit and sugar. Don’t skip it!
- Sugar: Cane sugar is my go-to for its clean sweetness that allows the apple flavor to shine. Brown sugar can also be used for a deeper, molasses-like note, which complements the spices wonderfully. Adjust the amount based on the natural sweetness of your chosen apples.
- Spices: A classic combination of ground cinnamon and nutmeg creates that signature warm, inviting apple pie flavor. These spices are non-negotiable for an authentic taste.
- Salt: Just a pinch of sea salt enhances all the flavors, preventing the pie from tasting flat. It brings out the sweetness of the apples and the warmth of the spices.
- Vegan Butter: Essential for richness and creating that luxurious, slightly crisp texture in the filling. Use your favorite high-quality vegan butter brand.
- Vanilla Extract: A touch of pure vanilla extract adds depth and a subtle sweet aroma that rounds out the flavors of the apple filling.
- Cornstarch Slurry: A simple mixture of cornstarch and water acts as a thickening agent, ensuring your apple filling is perfectly gelled and not watery. This is key for a pie that holds its shape when sliced.
Can I Use Frozen Pie Crust for Apple Pie?
Absolutely! Using pre-made or frozen vegan pie crusts can be a huge time-saver, especially if you’re short on time or prefer not to make dough from scratch. Many brands offer accidentally vegan options, so always double-check the ingredient list. If you’ve made our Vegan Pie Crust ahead of time and frozen it, simply follow the thawing instructions before rolling it out for your pie. It’s a fantastic shortcut that doesn’t compromise on flavor or flakiness.
What Kind of Apples are Best for Apple Pie?
The best apple pies often use a blend of apples to achieve a balance of flavor and texture. For this recipe, I love a mix of 1/3 Golden Delicious and 2/3 Honeycrisp. Golden Delicious apples break down slightly, creating a tender base, while Honeycrisp apples hold their shape beautifully and offer a satisfying crunch. Other excellent options include:
- Granny Smith: If you love a tart pie, Granny Smiths are your go-to. They hold their shape well and provide a vibrant, tangy flavor. You might want to slightly increase the sugar if using all Granny Smiths.
- Gala: A sweet and crisp apple that softens nicely when baked. Great for a milder, sweeter pie.
- Fuji: Sweet and firm, Fuji apples offer a good balance of sweetness and texture.
- Braeburn: A firm, tart-sweet apple that retains its structure.
Feel free to experiment with different combinations! You can use all of one type if you prefer, just remember to adjust the sugar and lemon juice accordingly to achieve your desired sweetness and tartness.
How to Make Your Delicious Vegan Apple Pie
Please note that this section provides important information on the steps. The FULL recipe with precise amounts and detailed instructions can be found in the recipe card further down below.
Step-by-Step: Crafting the Perfect Apple Filling
The secret to a truly great apple pie lies in its filling. Our method ensures the apples are perfectly tender and encased in a thick, flavorful sauce without being overly mushy or watery.
1. Prepare the Apples: Begin by peeling, coring, and chopping your chosen apples into roughly 1-inch chunks. Place them in a large bowl. Pour the lemon juice over the chopped apples immediately to prevent browning and toss to coat. This also brightens their flavor.
2. Season the Apples: Add the sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and sea salt to the bowl with the apples. Stir vigorously until all the apple pieces are thoroughly coated with the spice mixture. This ensures every bite is bursting with flavor.
3. Cook the Apples: Heat a large pan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the vegan butter and allow it to melt completely until it’s slightly sizzling. Carefully add the seasoned apple mixture to the hot pan. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook the apples for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally. This pre-cooking step is crucial; it helps to soften the apples slightly, allows them to release some of their juices, and prevents a gap between the crust and the filling after baking.
4. Thicken the Filling: Towards the end of the cooking time, the apples will be slightly tender. Add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) and vanilla extract to the pan. Stir continuously for about one minute. The cornstarch will quickly thicken the apple juices, creating a rich, glossy sauce. Remove the pan from the heat immediately.
5. Cool the Filling: Transfer the apple filling to a separate bowl or spread it thinly on a baking sheet to cool down. Allow it to cool for at least 15-20 minutes, or until it reaches room temperature. Cooling the filling is vital; hot filling can melt the pie crust butter, leading to a soggy bottom crust. While it cools, you can preheat your oven and prepare your pie crusts.
Assembling Your Vegan Apple Pie
With the filling ready, it’s time to bring your pie to life! This section covers preparing the crust and assembling the layers before baking.
1. Prepare the Bottom Crust: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Roll out one of your vegan pie crusts into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer it to a 9-inch pie dish. Trim any excess dough, leaving about a 1/2-inch overhang. Crimp the edges decoratively using your fingers or a fork. This creates a beautiful border and helps hold the pie together.
2. Fill the Pie: Spoon the cooled apple filling evenly into the prepared pie crust. Use a spatula to gently smooth the top, ensuring an even layer of apples. Make sure the filling is mounded slightly in the center, as apples tend to settle during baking.
3. Prepare the Top Crust (Lattice): Remove your second pie crust from the fridge. If it’s too cold and stiff, let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to make it more pliable. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a disc. Using a sharp knife or a pastry wheel, slice the dough into even, thin rectangular strips, about 1/2 to 3/4-inch wide. For a classic look, aim for about 8-12 strips.
4. Form the Lattice Top: This is where the artistry comes in! Lay half of your pastry strips vertically over the apple filling, spacing them evenly. Fold back every other vertical strip halfway. Place a horizontal strip over the unfolded vertical strips. Unfold the vertical strips back over the horizontal strip. Repeat this weaving pattern, alternating which vertical strips you fold back, until your entire pie is covered in a beautiful lattice design. Trim any excess dough from the lattice strips and gently pinch them together with the bottom crust edges to seal. This creates a strong seal and prevents the filling from oozing out excessively.
5. Apply Vegan Egg Wash & Sugar: For a golden, shiny crust and extra sweetness, brush the entire lattice top with a vegan egg wash (such as a plant-based egg replacement like Just Egg or a mix of plant milk and agave/maple syrup). Then, generously sprinkle some extra cane sugar over the top. This sugar caramelizes beautifully during baking, adding both flavor and visual appeal.
6. Bake the Pie: Place your assembled pie on a baking sheet (this catches any potential drips and makes transferring easier). Bake in the preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for the initial 15 minutes. This high temperature helps to set the crust and begin the browning process. After 15 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (180°C) and continue baking for another 45-55 minutes, or until the crust is deeply golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Keep an eye on your crust during the last 30 minutes; if it starts to brown too quickly, loosely tent the pie with aluminum foil around the edges to prevent burning.
7. Cool Completely: This step is critical! Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack at room temperature for at least 2 hours. Then, transfer it to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. Cooling allows the filling to fully set, preventing a runny pie when you slice into it. Patience is key for perfect slices!
Tips for Apple Pie Perfection
Baking a homemade apple pie can seem daunting, but with these expert tips, you’ll achieve perfect results every time. These insights will help you avoid common pitfalls and enhance your pie-making skills:
- Mastering the Apple-Sugar-Lemon Balance: The ratio of sugar and lemon juice provided in the recipe is tailored for a mix of sturdy sweet and tart apples. If you opt for only tart apples (like Granny Smith), you’ll want to slightly reduce the lemon juice and consider increasing the sugar to balance the acidity. Conversely, if using only very sweet apples (like Gala or Fuji), reduce the sugar while keeping the lemon juice consistent to prevent it from being overly sweet. Taste your apple mixture before adding it to the crust to ensure it meets your preference.
- Store-Bought Crust Considerations: While our homemade vegan pie crust recipe is highly recommended for its superior flakiness, store-bought crusts can be a convenient alternative. However, be vigilant when checking ingredient labels to ensure they are genuinely vegan-friendly. Many conventional pie crusts contain lard or dairy butter. Look for brands specifically labeled “vegan” or those made with vegetable shortening or oil.
- Chill Your Dough: If you’re making your pie crust from scratch, do not rush the chilling process. Allowing the dough to chill in the refrigerator for at least 45 minutes to an hour (or longer) is crucial. This resting period allows the gluten to relax, which prevents the crust from shrinking excessively during baking. Cold dough also makes it easier to handle and contributes to a flakier texture.
- Preventing a Soggy Bottom: A common pie dilemma! To avoid a soggy bottom crust, ensure your apple filling is completely cooled before adding it to the pie shell. Pre-cooking the apples helps to release excess moisture, and the cornstarch slurry thickens the juices, preventing them from saturating the crust. You can also lightly brush the bottom crust with a thin layer of vegan egg wash or melted vegan butter before adding the filling to create a barrier.
- The Importance of Cooling: Patience is truly a virtue when it comes to pie. While tempting to slice into a warm pie, allowing it to cool completely (at least 2 hours at room temperature, then 4+ hours in the fridge) is non-negotiable. This allows the cornstarch in the filling to fully set and gel, resulting in clean, firm slices rather than a gooey mess. If you prefer warm pie, simply reheat individual slices after the pie has fully set.
- Achieving a Golden Crust: The initial high baking temperature (425°F/220°C) helps to set the crust quickly and initiate browning. Reducing the temperature later ensures the pie bakes through without burning the top. If your crust starts browning too rapidly during the lower temperature bake, loosely tent the edges or the entire pie with aluminum foil.
Delicious Variation Ideas
While this classic vegan apple pie is perfect as is, don’t hesitate to get creative and customize it to your liking! Here are some ideas to inspire your next baking adventure:
- Spice It Up: Enhance the warm spice profile by adding a pinch of ground cloves, allspice, or ginger to the apple filling. A tiny bit of cardamom can also add an exotic touch.
- Nutty Additions: For added texture and flavor, fold in 1/2 cup of finely chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds into the apple filling before baking. The nuts will toast beautifully in the oven.
- Dried Fruit Boost: Introduce complementary dried fruits like cranberries, golden raisins, or chopped dried apricots into the filling for an extra layer of sweetness and chewiness. This works particularly well for holiday pies.
- Citrus Zest: Beyond lemon juice, consider adding a teaspoon of lemon, orange, or even lime zest to the apple filling for a brighter, more aromatic finish.
- Streusel Topping: Instead of a lattice top, create a crumbly streusel topping! Combine flour, sugar (brown sugar is excellent here), cinnamon, and cold vegan butter, then sprinkle it over the apple filling before baking.
- Caramel Drizzle: After the pie has cooled, drizzle a homemade vegan caramel sauce over each slice just before serving for an indulgent treat.
Have fun experimenting with these add-ins and adjustments to make this vegan apple pie truly your own!
Serving Suggestions for Your Vegan Apple Pie
While this vegan apple pie is utterly delicious on its own, pairing it with certain accompaniments can elevate the dessert experience even further:
- Classic Vegan Vanilla Ice Cream: The ultimate pairing! A scoop of cold, creamy vegan vanilla ice cream melting over a warm slice of apple pie is pure heaven. The contrast in temperatures and textures is simply irresistible.
- Vegan Whipped Cream: A dollop of fluffy coconut whipped cream or store-bought vegan whipped topping adds a light, airy complement to the rich pie filling.
- Vegan Custard or Crème Anglaise: For a more sophisticated touch, serve your pie with a pour of warm vegan custard or crème anglaise.
- Aromatic Spiced Tea or Coffee: Pair your slice with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a comforting spiced chai tea for a cozy fall treat.
Storage and Reheating Tips
To ensure your delicious vegan apple pie stays fresh and enjoyable for as long as possible, follow these storage and reheating guidelines:
Storage: Leftover vegan apple pie should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 4-5 days. While it can technically be stored at room temperature for a day, refrigerating it is best to maintain freshness, especially with the fruit filling.
Reheating: To enjoy a warm slice, simply place it in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, or until heated through. For a crispier crust, you can warm individual slices in a toaster oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes. Don’t forget to add another scoop of vegan ice cream for the full experience!
Can I Freeze This Vegan Apple Pie?
Yes, absolutely! Vegan apple pie freezes beautifully, making it an excellent dessert to prepare in advance or to save for later. To freeze, ensure the pie is completely cooled. Wrap the entire pie (or individual slices) tightly in plastic wrap, then an additional layer of aluminum foil. Place it in an airtight freezer-safe container or freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for 2-3 months.
To thaw, transfer the frozen pie to the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, you can reheat individual slices as described above. Enjoying a taste of fall anytime you wish couldn’t be easier!
Happy Fall and happy baking, friends!
We hope you love this Vegan Apple Pie recipe as much as we do! If you make it, please snap a photo and tag #jessicainthekitchen on Instagram! We’d also be thrilled if you could leave a comment below and give the recipe a rating. Your feedback means the world to us! Thank you!
Vegan Apple Pie
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Ingredients
- 2 vegan pie crusts, Use one for the base and the other for the top lattice work
- 3 lbs apples, peeled, cored and chopped into large chunks (I used a mix of 1/3 golden delicious and 2/3 honey crisp)
- 2 ½ tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 cup cane sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ cup vegan butter
- ½ tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 ½ tablespoons water, mixed together with the cornstarch
Instructions
- In a large bowl, add in your chopped apple pies. Pour over the lemon juice, sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg and sea salt and stir to combine thoroughly. Set aside.
- Heat a large pan to medium heat. Melt the vegan butter. Once melted and slightly sizzling, add in the apple mixture.
- Reduce heat to medium low and cook down the apples for 7-8 minutes, until slightly tender, stirring occasionally. At the end of the 7-8 minutes, add in the cornstarch slurry and the vanilla extract and stir for one minute then remove from the heat.
- Remove pan from heat and allow the apples to cool, about 15-20 minutes. You can preheat your oven in the meantime and/or make your pie crust while it’s cooking. Remember you need two – one for the base, and another for the top,
- Preheat your oven to 425°F/220°C. You will lower this later on. Shape out your pie crust for your base into your pie dish, crimping the edges.
- Add the apples into the base of the pie crust (using a 9” pie dish). Using a spatula, smooth over the top.
- Remove the second pie crust from the fridge for about 5 to 10 minutes, or according to the recipe you’re using or directions of the pie crust. Using a rolling pin, roll out the second pie crust into a disc. Slice into thin rectangular strips. Layer them in a lattice work pattern on top of the pie crust vertically, and then alternating every strip, add a horizontal strip until the entire top is evenly covered. Snip off the edges and pinch down into the bottom pie crust to connect them seamlessly.
- Brush with a vegan egg wash such as a vegan egg replacement like just egg. Sprinkle some extra sugar all over the top of the pie.
- Place your pie in the oven on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes at 425°F/220°C. Then reduce heat to 350°F/180°C and bake for 45 minutes. Watch your pie crust during the last 30 minutes – if it starts to brown, be sure to tent it with foil all around the pie.
- Remove your pie and allow to cool completely; at room temperature for at least 2 hours, and then in the fridge for at least 4 hours but preferably overnight. Slice into it, serve with some ice cream, and enjoy!
Notes
- Lemon Juice to Sugar Ratio Notes: This sugar and lemon juice combination is specifically for this combination of sturdy sweet and sturdy tart apples. If you’re using only tart apples, you’ll want to reduce the lemon juice and possibly increase the sugar. If you’re using only sweet apples, reduce the sugar and use the same amount of lemon juice.
- Can I Use a Store-Bought Crust? Potentially. You’ll want to be very careful about checking the ingredients, but if they’re vegan-friendly, go for it!
- Let the Dough Chill: If you’re making a pie crust from scratch, let the dough chill for 45 minutes to an hour before working with it. This will ensure that it does not begin to shrink when you bake it.
- Let the Pie Cool Before Slicing: Things can get pretty messy if you try to serve it right away! Give it those 6 hours (2 on the countertop, 4 in the fridge), and then you can reheat slices if necessary.
- Storage: I usually keep my leftover vegan apple pie in the fridge in an airtight container for 4-5 days. You can also freeze it the same way for 2-3 months.
Disclaimer: Although jessicainthekitchen.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, kindly note that these are only estimates. Nutritional information may be affected based on the product type, the brand that was purchased, and in other unforeseeable ways. Jessicainthekitchen.com will not be held liable for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information. If you need to follow a specific caloric regimen, please consult your doctor first.