Craving a slice of a fresh-baked apple pie, but dairy holds you back? You’re in the right place! We’re about to make a flaky, golden crust bursting with juicy apples and all the cosy flavours without a single drop of dairy.
Dairy-free apple pie, which is also vegan, is a delicious alternative to traditional apple pie, made with a few simple ingredient swaps. There’s a whole world of possibilities to make a sweet, tart, and spiced vegan apple pie, proving that deliciousness doesn’t need a single drop of dairy.
Get ready to bake the best vegan apple pie and explore some recipe variations for amazing flavour twists or other dietary needs. Beyond the recipe, you’ll find important tips for how to make a perfect apple pie, how to serve it, and how to store and reheat leftovers. Let’s get started!
Dairy-Free Apple Pie Recipe
Get ready to rewrite the rules of apple pie. This easy dairy-free apple pie recipe results in a flaky, golden crust and a spiced apple filling bursting with flavour. It’s all completely dairy-free, proving that incredible apple pie doesn’t require a single drop of dairy.
httpss://youtu.be/EObBCXJ3BeA?si=DYzW9Av-4WmECg7m
How to Make the Apple Pie Crust
First, let’s prepare a vegan pie crust to hold the juicy filling.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon sugar
1/2 cup cold vegan butter, cubed (or coconut oil)
1/4 cup ice water
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
Whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar in a large bowl.
Use a pastry cutter (or your fingers) to work the vegan butter into the dry ingredients until you have coarse crumbs. Take it slow and avoid overmixing.
Slowly drizzle in the ice water and apple cider vinegar, mixing gently until the dough just comes together.
Divide the dough in half, wrap each half in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
In a large bowl, toss together the sliced apples, brown sugar, granulated sugar, tapioca starch, cinnamon, ginger, salt, and lemon juice.
Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to allow the juices to release, creating a beautiful filling that’s not too runny or too dry.
Assembling the Dairy-Free Apple Pie
Now that we have the crust and the filling ready, let’s assemble the pie and bake it to perfection.
Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
Roll out one-half of the dough on a lightly floured surface, creating a circle slightly larger than your pie dish.
Transfer the dough to the pie dish and gently press it into the bottom and sides.
Pour in the apple filling.
Roll out the remaining dough and cut out decorative shapes for the top crust, or simply leave it whole.
Crimp the edges of the top and bottom crusts together to seal. Cut a few vents in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
Brush the top crust with melted vegan butter (optional) and sprinkle with your favourite toppings (brown sugar, oats, and cinnamon are a classic combo).
Bake the pie for 50-60 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before serving to allow the flavours to deepen and the filling to set.
Dairy-Free Apple Pie Recipe Variations
While the recipe you have is already a delectable delight, there are some exciting ways to add your own personal touch. Here are some recipe variations to customise your dairy-free apple pie.
Flavour Twists on Dairy-Free Apple Pie
Nutty Crust: Swap half the all-purpose flour for almond flour, hazelnut flour, or even oat flour for a nutty twist. This adds a subtle richness and textural complexity.
Oatmeal Crust: Replace 1/4 cup of the flour with rolled oats for a slightly more crumbly and wholesome crust.
Chocolate Apple Pie: Drizzle melted vegan chocolate over the rolled-out dough before adding the filling. Fold it over and crimp, creating pockets of gooey chocolate within the crust.
Mixed-Berries Filling: Add a handful of your favourite berries like blueberries, raspberries, or cranberries to the apple filling for a burst of colour and extra sweet-tart notes.
Tropical Filling: Toss in diced mango, pineapple, or kiwi for a tropical twist. The juicy sweetness plays beautifully with the warmth of cinnamon.
Caramel Apple Filling: Drizzle a tablespoon of vegan caramel sauce over the sliced apples before adding the tapioca starch. This adds a luxurious touch and a hint of salted caramel magic.
How to Make Gluten-Free Apple Pie
Use a gluten-free flour blend specifically designed for baking. Popular options include Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free Baking Flour, King Arthur Gluten-Free Flour, or Cup4Cup Gluten-Free Flour Blend.
Substitute the vegan butter with coconut oil or palm shortening for a dairy-free and gluten-free crust.
Use xanthan gum or guar gum as a binder in the crust to replace gluten’s binding properties. Add about 1/2 teaspoon per cup of flour blend.
httpss://youtu.be/AzEzN13WMeE
How to Make Keto-Friendly Apple Pie
Replace the all-purpose flour with a keto-friendly flour blend like almond flour, coconut flour, or a combination of both.
Add a binder like psyllium husk powder (about 1 tablespoon) to help the crust hold its shape.
Use a sugar substitute like erythritol, monk fruit sweetener, or stevia instead of brown and granulated sugar.
Choose low-carb apples like Granny Smiths or Pink Lady apples.
Thick the filling with chia seeds or ground flaxseeds instead of tapioca starch.
Add high-fat, low-carb ingredients like chopped nuts or unsweetened shredded coconut for additional flavour and texture.
Tips for Making Perfect Dairy-Free Apple Pie
Mastering the dairy-free apple pie recipe is easy but requires some steps and techniques. Here are some tips to help you bake a perfect dairy-free apple pie that is just as delicious and satisfying as its dairy counterpart.
For a Perfect Crust
Working with cold ingredients is key for a flaky crust. Keep your vegan butter, flour, and water well-chilled before starting.
Cut the vegan butter into small cubes or grate it for better incorporation into the dough. Don’t overwork the butter, or it will melt and prevent flakiness.
Add ice water gradually, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough just comes together. Avoid adding too much, or the crust will become tough.
Give the dough a 30-minute rest in the fridge before rolling it out. This relaxes the gluten and makes it easier to handle.
Pre-bake the crust for 10-15 minutes before adding the filling. This prevents a soggy bottom and ensures a golden-brown crust.
For Perfect Filling
Choose a mix of tart and sweet apples for a balanced flavour. Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are popular choices.
Thinly slice the apples for even cooking and avoid mushy results.
Brown sugar adds depth and moisture, while granulated sugar provides sweetness and structure. Adjust the ratio based on your desired level of sweetness and tartness.
Tapioca starch is a great dairy-free thickener, but arrowroot powder or chia seeds can also work. Adjust the amount based on your desired filling consistency.
Allow the filling to sit for 10 minutes before adding to the pie. This allows the juices to be released and prevents a soupy mess.
Assembly and Baking Tips
Leave a little space at the top of the pie to prevent overflowing during baking.
Cut air vents in the top crust to allow steam to escape and prevent a soggy pie.
Brush the top crust with melted vegan butter or coconut oil for extra shine and a golden brown finish.
Don’t skip preheating your oven! A hot oven ensures a crispy crust and prevents the filling from becoming mushy.
Resist the urge to slice into your pie too soon! Let it cool completely on a wire rack for at least 2 hours. This allows the filling to set, preventing a runny mess.
Vegan Apple Pie Toppings and Serving Suggestions
Your vegan apple pie is a masterpiece of flaky crust and juicy apples, but sometimes you need a little extra something to elevate it to the next level. Here are some ideas for vegan toppings and serving suggestions.
Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: This timeless pairing adds a creamy coolness that complements the warm pie. Opt for dairy-free vanilla bean ice cream for a familiar, comforting touch.
coconut whipped cream: Light and fluffy, coconut whipped cream adds a tropical touch and a hint of sweetness.
Whipped maple cream: This rich and decadent topping is made with maple syrup and vegan butter, adding a luxurious touch.
Caramelised apples: Drizzle sliced apples with vegan caramel sauce and torch them for a touch of smoky sweetness.
Berry compote: Fresh or frozen berries simmered with a touch of sugar create a vibrant and tangy topping.
Spiced pear slices: Poached pears in a warming spice mix add a sophisticated and elegant touch.
Streusel topping: Mix oats, brown sugar, spices, and vegan butter for a crunchy, crumbly topping that mimics a classic crumble.
Granola sprinkles: Use your favourite dairy-free granola for a textural contrast and a touch of sweetness.
Apple cider glaze: Brush the top crust with a homemade apple cider glaze for a subtle apple flavour boost.
Vegan chocolate sauce: For a truly decadent experience, serve your pie with a side of warm vegan chocolate sauce.
Coffee or Tea: Pair slices of apple pie with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a comforting dessert experience.
Leftover crumble: Turn leftover pie into an ice cream sundae or crumble over custard for a quick and delicious treat.
How to Store and Reheat Homemade Apple Pie
Don’t worry about wasting a single bite of your delicious dairy-free apple pie. With proper storage and reheating techniques, you can enjoy its goodness for days to come.
Storing at Room Temperature
Wrap the entire pie or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil to prevent air exposure.
Let the pie cool completely before storing it. Hot pie trapped in airtight packaging can create condensation, leading to a soggy crust.
Room temperature storage is best for short-term enjoyment. Aim to consume your leftover pie within 2 days for optimal freshness and texture.
Refrigerating for Later
If you’re planning to enjoy your pie within 5 days, refrigerate it for extended freshness.
Wrap it tightly, as mentioned above, and place it on a shelf towards the back of the fridge, where it’s colder.
Refrigerating can slightly soften the crust and firm up the filling, but it will still be delicious.
Freezing for Longer Storage
For long-term storage, slice the pie and freeze individual portions. This allows for quicker thawing and portion control.
Wrap it tightly, then place it in an airtight container or freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.
Label the container with the date for easy tracking.
Frozen vegan apple pie will stay fresh for up to 3 months.
Reheating Options and Instructions
Thawing: For frozen pies, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best results. You can also thaw at room temperature for 2-3 hours, but monitor closely to prevent spoilage.
Reheating in the oven: Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°C). If the pie is whole, cover it loosely with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes or until heated through. Individual slices can be reheated uncovered for 10-15 minutes.
Reheating in the microwave: If you’re short on time, microwave individual slices on low power for 30-60 seconds, checking frequently to prevent overheating.
Crispy crust revival: If your crust needs a touch of crispness after reheating, pop the pie or slices under the broiler for a minute or two. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
Golden touch: Brush the top crust with a little melted vegan butter before reheating for a golden, crispy finish.
Final Remarks
So, with a little creativity and the right substitutes, it’s possible to enjoy all the flavours and textures of a classic apple pie without the use of dairy products. The same flaky crust and creamy filling can be achieved without compromising on taste.
If you’re looking for more inspiration, check out our website for some inspiring dairy-free and vegan resources and recipes. Start your day with a warm bowl of oats from our collection of dairy-free oatmeal recipes. Spice up your holidays with our creamy, dairy-free coquito, or learn how to make delicious vegan macarons, a wonderful twist on the classic French treats.
Nouran Ashraf 
Salma Ihab