I absolutely love this Vegan Apple Pie Recipe because it manages to capture all the cozy, comforting vibes of a classic apple pie while keeping everything plant-based and allergy-friendly. When I first tried making a vegan version, I was worried it wouldn’t have that rich, flaky crust or the perfect balance of sweet and tart filling—turns out, this recipe nails it every time. You’ll find that it’s a fantastic dessert for holidays or any special occasion when you want something homemade but without the fuss.
What makes this Vegan Apple Pie Recipe really worth trying is how approachable it is—even if you’re new to pie-making! The crust comes together with simple ingredients and stays flaky and tender thanks to the trick of using cold vegan butter and ice water. Plus, the mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples creates that perfect mix of tartness and natural sweetness that your whole family will rave about.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flaky Vegan Crust: Using cold vegan butter and ice water ensures a tender, flaky crust every time.
- Perfectly Balanced Filling: A blend of tart and sweet apples makes each slice pop with flavor.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients you can find at any grocery store with clear step-by-step instructions.
- Versatile and Allergy Friendly: No eggs or dairy, making it suitable for a variety of diets.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients here are straightforward but work beautifully together to create a rich, satisfying pie that’s completely vegan. I recommend using a mix of tart and sweet apples for that perfect bite each time.
- All-purpose flour: Key to building the structure of your crust and thickening the filling.
- Sugar (granulated and brown): Brown sugar adds depth and molasses notes, while granulated sugar keeps things balanced.
- Salt: Just a pinch to highlight all the flavors.
- Cold vegan butter: I use firm, cold vegan butter cubes to get that flaky crust texture.
- Ice water: Helps bring the dough together without melting the butter.
- Apples: I like half Granny Smith for tartness and half Honeycrisp or Fuji for sweetness and texture.
- Lemon juice: Prevents browning and brightens the apple flavor.
- Cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg: Classic warming spices that make this pie feel like fall in a slice.
- Non-dairy milk: For brushing the crust and helping the sugar stick for a beautiful golden finish.
- Turbinado or granulated sugar: For sprinkling on top—adds crunch and sparkle.
Variations
I like to mix things up with this Vegan Apple Pie Recipe depending on the season or what I have on hand—you can easily customize it to suit your tastes and pantry.
- Add nuts: Toasted pecans or walnuts sprinkled inside the filling add a lovely crunch that my family goes crazy for.
- Use different fruits: Swap half of the apples for pears or add some fresh cranberries for a holiday twist.
- Spice it up: Play with spices—cardamom or allspice gives this pie a unique flavor I discovered from a cozy fall baking day.
- Lattice top crust: If you’re feeling fancy, create a lattice crust for a beautiful presentation that still bakes perfectly flaky.
How to Make Vegan Apple Pie Recipe
Step 1: Make the Perfect Crust
Start by mixing your all-purpose flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl until everything’s well combined. Then, cut in your cold vegan butter using a pastry cutter or fork—that sand-like texture you’re aiming for is key here! Don’t worry if the butter pieces are uneven; that’s what gives the crust its flaky layers. Slowly add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough just holds together when you squeeze it. Then, shape it into two discs, wrap them in plastic, and pop them in the fridge to chill for at least an hour.
Step 2: Roll and Chill the Bottom Crust
Once chilled, lightly flour your work surface and roll out one disc into about a 12-inch circle, making sure it’s roughly a quarter-inch thick. If the dough feels stiff, let it rest for 5-10 minutes before continuing—it’ll soften up nicely. Gently transfer it to a 9-inch pie dish, pressing it to fit the bottom and sides evenly. Return this crust to the fridge while you prepare the filling; chilling helps everything stay crisp during baking.
Step 3: Mix the Filling
Grab a large bowl and toss together your apples, brown sugar, granulated sugar, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Mix everything until the apples are nicely coated—this mix creates that perfect juicy, flavorful filling that stays thick when baked. When you fill your crust, try to arrange the apples so they lay flat and packed tight; this helps the pie bake evenly and makes sure every slice looks stunning.
Step 4: Assemble and Decorate the Pie
Roll out the second dough disc just like the first and place it over the filling. Trim any excess dough and press the edges to seal—then fold and crimp for a neat finish. I usually brush the top crust with almond milk and sprinkle with turbinado sugar for a beautiful golden color and a little crunch post-bake. Don’t forget to cut some steam vents in the top; this helps the filling bubble and cook properly.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover the pie edges with a foil ring or pie shield to prevent burning. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 50 to 70 minutes, removing the shield halfway through. You’ll know it’s done when the crust is gorgeously golden and the filling is bubbling. Then, it’s crucial to let the pie cool completely on a wire rack—that 45 to 60 minutes wait really helps the filling thicken and keeps each slice from being runny.
Pro Tips for Making Vegan Apple Pie Recipe
- Keep Ingredients Cold: Chilling vegan butter and water prevents melting and keeps the crust flaky—trust me, it makes all the difference.
- Use a Pie Shield: Protecting the crust edges with foil keeps them from burning while the filling fully cooks.
- Arrange Apple Slices Flat: Pressing the filling down and spreading apples flat makes slicing cleaner and the pie neater.
- Allow Full Cooling Time: Waiting for the pie to cool is key to prevent runny filling—don’t rush this step!
How to Serve Vegan Apple Pie Recipe
Garnishes
I love to serve this vegan apple pie with a generous scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of warm coconut caramel sauce. A sprinkle of toasted chopped nuts or a dusting of cinnamon on top adds a lovely final touch. These little garnishes elevate the pie and give it that homemade feel everyone notices.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs wonderfully with a cup of chai tea or a glass of crisp apple cider. If you’re serving it as part of a larger meal, light salads or roasted vegetables balance the sweetness nicely. My family often enjoys this pie after a simple vegan roast dinner for a full comforting experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For holidays, I like to make little cut-out shapes from leftover dough and bake them separately as mini pie decorations to place on top. It’s a fun, festive trick that always impresses guests without adding complexity. Another idea is turning it into mini hand pies for easy individual servings at parties or potlucks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After the pie has cooled completely, I recommend keeping leftovers tightly covered in the fridge. This pie tastes great for up to 4 days when stored properly. I usually cover mine with plastic wrap or foil to keep the crust from drying out.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this pie successfully—either bake it fully then freeze, or freeze unbaked assembled pie. Just wrap well with plastic wrap followed by foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready, bake from frozen or thaw in the fridge overnight before baking, adding some extra baking time.
Reheating
To warm up leftovers, I pop pie slices in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps the crust crisp and the filling warm without making it soggy as microwaving might. Sometimes, a quick toast in the oven works wonders for reviving that just-baked feeling.
FAQs
-
Can I use gluten-free flour for this Vegan Apple Pie Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking. Keep in mind that gluten-free dough tends to be a bit more delicate, so handle it gently when rolling and assembling. You may also want to chill it a bit longer to make it easier to work with.
-
What’s the best type of vegan butter to use?
I recommend using a vegan butter that is solid when refrigerated and not too soft, like Earth Balance or Miyoko’s. These hold up well during baking and create that flaky texture. Avoid tub-style margarines that have higher water content, as they can make the crust soggy.
-
How can I prevent the bottom crust from getting soggy?
One trick I’ve learned is to chill the bottom crust after rolling it out before adding filling—this firms it up. You can also sprinkle a little bit of flour or ground nuts on the crust before the filling to absorb excess moisture. Baking on a lower oven rack also helps the crust crisp up nicely.
-
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Definitely! In fact, I find making it a day ahead really improves the flavor and texture. Just bake it fully, cool completely, then cover and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature before serving or gently reheat in the oven.
-
What can I serve with vegan apple pie?
Classic accompaniments are vegan vanilla ice cream or coconut whipped cream for added creaminess. A hot beverage like chai tea or coffee pairs wonderfully, too. You can also try serving with a drizzle of vegan caramel or chocolate sauce for extra indulgence.
Final Thoughts
This Vegan Apple Pie Recipe has a special place in my kitchen because it strikes the perfect balance between tradition and kindness to animals and the planet. It’s easy to make with pantry staples, yet feels like a little piece of homemade magic. I hope you enjoy baking it and sharing it with loved ones as much as I do—it’s honestly one of those recipes I keep coming back to, and I’m sure you’ll love it just as much.
PrintVegan Apple Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 1 hr
- Cook Time: 1 hr
- Total Time: 2 hr
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This vegan apple pie recipe features a flaky, buttery crust made with cold vegan butter and a spiced apple filling combining Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples. Baked to golden perfection with a crisp top layer sprinkled with turbinado sugar, this pie is a perfect plant-based dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) cold vegan butter, cubed
- ½ cup ice water
Filling
- 3 lbs apples, peeled & thinly sliced (about 8 medium apples, half Granny Smith, half Honeycrisp or Fuji)
- ½ cup (105g) brown sugar
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (30g) flour
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ginger
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Topping
- Non-dairy milk (for brushing)
- Turbinado or granulated sugar (for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Mix dry ingredients for crust: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, and salt until uniform.
- Cut in vegan butter: Using a pastry cutter or fork, cut the cold vegan butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse sand with some pea-sized pieces.
- Add ice water: Add the ice water one tablespoon at a time, mixing with a wooden spoon or spatula until the dough just holds together when squeezed but remains crumbly.
- Form dough discs and chill: Turn dough onto a floured surface, knead briefly, then divide into two even discs. Wrap each in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or overnight.
- Roll out bottom crust: Lightly flour your work surface and roll one disc into a roughly 12-inch circle about ¼ inch thick. Transfer to a 9-inch pie dish and press to fit. Chill in fridge while preparing filling.
- Prepare apple filling: In a large bowl, mix the peeled and thinly sliced apples with brown sugar, granulated sugar, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt until combined.
- Assemble pie filling: Remove chilled pie crust from fridge. Gently press the apple filling evenly into the crust, ensuring apples lie flat. Return to refrigerator.
- Roll out top crust: Roll out the second dough disc to ¼ inch thick. Place over the filling. Trim excess dough and seal the edges by pressing the two crusts together. Crimp edges with fingers or fork, or create a lattice top if desired.
- Apply finishing touches: Brush the top crust lightly with non-dairy milk and sprinkle liberally with turbinado sugar. Cut several small vents in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Protect crust edges and bake: Cover the pie rim with a pie ring or foil to prevent burning. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 50-70 minutes, removing the shield after 30 minutes. The pie is done when crust is golden brown and filling bubbles.
- Cool completely: Remove pie from oven and place on a wire rack. Cool fully for 45-60 minutes to allow the filling to thicken properly before slicing and serving.
- Serve: Slice and enjoy with vegan vanilla ice cream or as desired.
Notes
- Use cold ingredients, especially the vegan butter and ice water, to ensure a flaky pie crust.
- Employ a pie shield or foil ring on the crust edges to prevent over-browning during baking.
- Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing to prevent a runny filling. Preparing the pie in advance is recommended.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 pie)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg