Vegan Apple Pie Recipe

If you’ve been searching for a truly delightful and wholesome treat to share with friends or simply savor on your own, this Vegan Apple Pie Recipe is going to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Bursting with perfectly spiced, tender apples wrapped in a flaky, golden crust, this pie delivers all the cozy comforts of the classic dessert but without any animal products. It’s a celebration of natural flavors, where sweet meets tart, and a touch of vanilla and warming spices tie everything together. Whether you’re new to vegan baking or a seasoned enthusiast, this recipe will surprise and satisfy with each buttery, melt-in-your-mouth bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to nailing the perfect Vegan Apple Pie Recipe. These essentials work harmoniously to create that signature balance of flavor, texture, and vibrant aroma.

• Vegan pie crust: A flaky, buttery base that holds all the luscious apple filling; chilling it ensures easy handling and a crisp bake.
• Apples (around 8-9 large): Choose firm varieties for a nice balance between soft and tender slices that retain some bite after baking.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling while mingling beautifully with the lemon zest and vanilla for depth.
• Vanilla pod: Adds a rich, fragrant warmth that elevates the entire pie beyond basic apple sweetness.
• Lemon zest: Brings a fresh, citrusy brightness that cuts through the richness and sparks your palate awake.
• Ground cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg: Classic warm spices that create that irresistible holiday feel and layer complexity.
• Apple cider vinegar: Balances sweetness with a subtle tang, enhancing the overall flavor.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the filling juices into a silky, luscious sauce clinging perfectly to apple slices.
• Vegan butter: Adds richness and helps create that beautiful golden glaze in the filling.
• Non-dairy milk and maple syrup: Combined for brushing the crust top to give it a lovely golden shine and a hint of extra sweetness.
• Demerara sugar: Sprinkled on top for a delightful crunchy texture and subtle molasses flavor.

How to Make Vegan Apple Pie Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Crust and Chill

Start by preparing your vegan pie crust recipe up to the chilling step to ensure it is firm and easy to work with. Let it rest in the fridge for at least an hour while you prepare the filling. This important chilling phase prevents the crust from shrinking during baking and guarantees a crisp, tender base.

Step 2: Slice the Apples

Wash, peel, and core the apples carefully, then slice them into about half-centimeter thick pieces. Keeping the slices somewhat thick is key—it helps the apples hold their shape and avoid turning mushy amidst all that lovely baking.

Step 3: Flavor the Sugar Mix

In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar, scraped vanilla pod seeds, and freshly zested lemon. Rub these ingredients together with your fingertips to infuse the sugar with fragrant vanilla and citrus notes. Then, stir in your warming spices: cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. This mixture is where your filling starts to get really exciting.

Step 4: Coat the Apples in Sugar and Spices

Add the sliced apples, apple cider vinegar, and part of the cornstarch to your sugar blend. Toss everything gently with your hands until the apple slices are evenly coated. This step ensures every bite gets that signature balance of sweet, tangy, and spiced goodness.

Step 5: Macerate the Apples

Cover the bowl and let it rest for an hour. This maceration period allows the sugar to draw out the apples’ natural juices, deepening the flavor and softening the fruit just slightly for that perfect tender bite.

Step 6: Cook and Thicken the Apple Sauce

Strain the liquid from the apples into a saucepan, whisk in the remaining cornstarch, and simmer gently until it thickens to a glossy sauce. Remove from heat and stir in the vegan butter for a rich finish. This thickened sauce will lovingly coat each apple slice within your pie.

Step 7: Combine Sauce and Apples

Pour the sauce back over the apple slices, folding gently to coat all the fruit thoroughly. Let the filling cool to room temperature – this makes assembling the pie easier and prevents the crust from getting soggy.

Step 8: Preheat Your Oven

Set your oven to a fan-forced 200°C (392°F) or conventional 210°C (410°F) and place a large baking sheet inside. This hot tray will give your pie a beautifully crisp bottom crust.

Step 9: Roll Out the Pie Crust

Take your chilled dough discs out of the fridge, let them sit briefly to soften just enough, then roll one out larger than your pie tin’s diameter. Carefully transfer it into your tin, gently pressing it into all corners without stretching.

Step 10: Prepare the Pie Base

Trim the edges with scissors to tidy the crust, pinch or crimp for a decorative finish, and pierce the base with a fork. This prevents bubbling and keeps the crust even during baking.

Step 11: Roll and Shape the Top Crust

Roll out the second dough disc and decide on your style—either cover the pie with one whole sheet or cut strips for a charming lattice design. Both options look stunning and add their own texture contrast.

Step 12: Fill Your Pie

Layer the apple slices inside the prepared bottom crust, stacking evenly for balance. Pour any remaining juices over the fruit to keep the filling moist and flavorful.

Step 13: Finish the Pie Assembly

Add your top crust or lattice strips, trim edges, and crimp well to seal. Cut small slits if using a whole top crust to let steam escape, ensuring the pie bakes evenly without sogginess.

Step 14: Glaze the Crust

Brush the surface with a mixture of non-dairy milk and maple syrup to create that irresistible golden sheen during baking. Sprinkle demerara sugar over the top for a lovely crunch and subtle caramel notes.

Step 15: Bake to Perfection

Place the pie on the hot baking sheet and bake at the higher temperature for 20 minutes, then lower the oven temperature to fan-forced 160°C (320°F) or conventional 175°C (350°F) and bake for 40-50 minutes more. Your pie is done when the crust is golden brown and the apples are tender yet retain a slight firmness.

Step 16: Cool and Enjoy

Once out of the oven, let your Vegan Apple Pie Recipe cool completely for the best slicing results. While it’s lovely warm, chilling it for a few hours will help your slices hold their shape perfectly at serving time.

How to Serve Vegan Apple Pie Recipe

Garnishes

A scoop of creamy vegan vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped coconut cream complements the pie’s warmth beautifully. Add a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a few toasted walnuts on top for extra flair and texture.

Side Dishes

This pie pairs perfectly with a hot cup of herbal tea or a bold black coffee for a balanced dessert experience. If you’re making it for a holiday feast, serve alongside roasted nuts or lightly spiced vegan cheeses for an unexpected twist.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual pie slices with a drizzle of caramel sauce or fresh fruit compote for an elegant touch. You can also turn leftover pie into a decadent bread pudding or pie parfait layered with vegan yogurt and granola for a fun brunch idea.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your pie refrigerated in an airtight container or cover tightly with plastic wrap. It stays delicious and fresh for up to 4 days, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert for busy days.

Freezing

This Vegan Apple Pie Recipe freezes beautifully, either before or after baking. Wrap securely in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently in the oven for a freshly baked taste.

Reheating

Warm leftovers in a preheated oven at 160°C (320°F) for about 10-15 minutes to restore crispness to the crust and bring back that fresh-from-the-oven experience. Avoid microwaving to keep the crust from becoming soggy.

FAQs

Can I use any type of apples for this Vegan Apple Pie Recipe?

Yes, but for the best texture and flavor, opt for firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. These hold up well while baking and offer a nice balance of tartness and sweetness.

Is it necessary to macerate the apples?

Macerating draws out apple juices and infuses them with sugar and spices, enhancing the overall flavor and creating a perfect filling consistency. While not mandatory, it’s highly recommended for the best results.

Can I substitute the vegan butter?

You can use coconut oil or another plant-based fat, but vegan butter helps achieve that rich mouthfeel and beautiful sauce glaze, so it’s worth sticking to it if you can.

How do I make a lattice top crust?

Simply roll out the top dough and cut even strips using a knife or pizza cutter, then weave them over the filling in an over-under pattern. This creates a charming look and allows steam to escape nicely.

Can I make this pie gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use a gluten-free vegan pie crust and double-check your cornstarch and spices are labeled gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally free of gluten, making this recipe versatile.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Apple Pie Recipe offers the comforting warmth of a classic favorite, crafted with care and plant-based ingredients that truly shine. Once you try it, you’ll see just how simple and rewarding vegan baking can be. So grab your apples and baking tools—your kitchen is about to fill with the most inviting, scrumptious aromas ever. Happy baking and even happier eating!

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