Are you craving the warm, comforting flavors of apple pie but hesitant about the sugar overload? This sugar-free apple pie recipe delivers all the deliciousness without the guilt! It's a perfect blend of sweet and tart, using natural sweeteners to create a healthy and satisfying dessert that's surprisingly easy to make. Whether you're following a sugar-free diet or simply looking for healthier homemade cooking options, this recipe is a fantastic choice for your next dinner party or a cozy night in. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this delicious and healthy twist on a classic!
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups almond flour
- ½ cup coconut flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 2-4 tablespoons ice water
For the Filling:
- 6 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- ¼ cup erythritol or your preferred sugar substitute (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch or arrowroot powder (optional, for thickening)
Instructions:
Making the Crust:
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together almond flour, coconut flour, and salt.
- Cut in butter: Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add water: Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing lightly until the dough just comes together. Don't overmix.
- Chill the dough: Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent shrinkage during baking.
- Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out half of the dough into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer it to a 9-inch pie plate.
- Add the filling: Spread the filling evenly over the crust.
Making the Filling:
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, gently toss the sliced apples with erythritol, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. If using, stir in the cornstarch or arrowroot powder.
Assembling and Baking the Pie:
- Top the pie: Roll out the remaining dough and either place it over the filling or cut it into strips for a lattice top. Crimp the edges to seal.
- Cut vents: Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
- Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 45-55 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with aluminum foil.
- Cool: Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set.
Tips and Variations:
- For a crispier crust: Brush the top crust with a little bit of melted coconut oil or butter before baking.
- Add nuts: Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts into the filling for added texture and flavor.
- Spice it up: Experiment with other spices like ginger or cardamom.
- Make it vegan: Use vegan butter and ensure your sugar substitute is vegan-friendly.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and serving size. For a more accurate nutritional analysis, use a nutrition calculator and input your exact ingredients and measurements. Generally, this recipe offers a lower sugar and potentially lower calorie option compared to traditional apple pie.
This sugar-free apple pie recipe is a delicious and healthy way to enjoy a classic dessert. It's perfect for those watching their sugar intake or simply seeking a healthier alternative without compromising on flavor. Enjoy!