Craving a warm, comforting apple pie but need to keep it gluten and dairy-free? This recipe delivers all the deliciousness of a classic apple pie without compromising on flavor or texture. It’s surprisingly easy to make, perfect for a cozy night in, and a fantastic option for those with dietary restrictions or sensitivities. This recipe is a testament to the fact that healthy eating doesn’t have to mean sacrificing taste! Get ready to enjoy a truly delightful and satisfying homemade dessert.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (ensure it's certified gluten-free)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup dairy-free butter, chilled and cubed
- ¼ cup ice water (more if needed)
For the Filling:
- 6 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and sliced
- ½ cup granulated sugar (or maple syrup for a healthier option)
- ¼ cup brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
- 2 tablespoons gluten-free flour (or cornstarch)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
Making the Crust:
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour and salt.
- Cut in the butter: Add the chilled dairy-free butter and use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add water: Gradually add the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing lightly until the dough just comes together. Avoid overmixing.
- Chill the dough: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent shrinkage during baking.
Assembling and Baking the Pie:
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the filling: In a separate bowl, combine the sliced apples, sugars, gluten-free flour (or cornstarch), cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and lemon juice. Toss gently to coat.
- Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out half of the chilled dough into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer it to a 9-inch pie plate.
- Add the filling: Pour the apple filling into the pie crust.
- Top with the crust: 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.
- Bake: Bake 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 foil.
- Cool: Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set properly.
Tips for the Best Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Apple Pie:
- Use a good quality gluten-free flour blend: The success of this recipe depends heavily on the flour blend you choose. Look for a blend specifically designed for pie crusts.
- Keep everything cold: Cold butter and ice water are essential for a flaky crust.
- Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing will develop the gluten (even in gluten-free flour) and result in a tough crust.
- Blind bake (optional): For a crispier bottom crust, you can pre-bake the crust for 10-15 minutes before adding the filling.
Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cardamom or ginger to the filling for an extra warm flavor.
- Add nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts would be a delicious addition to the filling.
- Make it vegan: Ensure your dairy-free butter is vegan-friendly.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. It's best to use a nutritional calculator for a more precise analysis using your exact ingredients.
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50g
- Protein: 3-5g
Enjoy your delicious and healthy gluten-free dairy-free apple pie! It’s a perfect dessert to share with friends and family, proving that healthy eating can be incredibly satisfying and delicious.