This Healthy Apple Pie Recipe is a delightful twist on a classic favorite. I remember the first time my son, Jake, helped me make mini apple pies for Thanksgiving. He was so excited to sprinkle the cinnamon that he nearly emptied the jar! These mini gluten-free treats are perfect for a dairy-free Thanksgiving or any holiday gathering.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love It
- They’re gluten-free and dairy-free, making them suitable for everyone.
- The mini size is perfect for portion control and easy serving.
- They pack all the flavors of traditional apple pie in a healthier way.
- They’re fun to make with family, just like I did with Jake!
Pure Comfort
Biting into these mini pies feels like a warm hug. The sweet, spiced apple filling wrapped in a flaky gluten-free crust is pure comfort food.
What You Need
- 1 ½ cups (180 g) Gluten-free all-purpose flour – Use a blend that includes xanthan gum for best results.
- ½ cup (120 ml) Cold coconut oil – Can substitute with dairy-free butter.
- ¼ cup (60 ml) Maple syrup – Honey can be used as an alternative.
- 4-6 tbsp Ice water – Add more if the dough is too dry.
- 3 cups (about 3 medium) Granny Smith apples – Peeled, cored, and sliced.
- 1 tsp Cinnamon – Feel free to add nutmeg for extra flavor.
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice – Prevents apples from browning.
- ¼ tsp Salt – Enhances sweetness.
- ¼ cup (50 g) Coconut sugar – Brown sugar is a good substitute.
- 1 large Egg (for wash) – Use a dairy-free alternative for a vegan option.
Time to Cook
Prep: 20 minutes | Cook: 25 minutes | Total: 45 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: Yes, you can prepare the crust and filling a day in advance.
Steps to Make It
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures the pies bake evenly and get that golden brown color we all love.
- In a large bowl, combine the gluten-free flour and salt. Then, cut in the cold coconut oil until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This helps create a flaky crust.
- Add maple syrup and ice water gradually, mixing until the dough holds together. If it feels too crumbly, add a bit more water. You want it moist but not sticky.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 15 minutes. Chilling helps the crust maintain its shape while baking.
- While the dough chills, prepare the apple filling. In a bowl, mix the sliced apples, cinnamon, lemon juice, coconut sugar, and a pinch of salt. The aroma will be amazing!
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about ¼ inch thick. Cut out circles to fit your mini pie tins. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect; rustic is charming!
- Place the dough circles in the tins and fill them with the apple mixture. Top with another dough circle or lattice if you’re feeling fancy. Brush with egg wash for a beautiful finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden and the apples are tender. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
- Let the mini pies cool for a few minutes before serving. They’re best enjoyed warm with a scoop of dairy-free ice cream!
Make It Perfect
- For a sweeter filling, add more coconut sugar to taste.
- If the dough cracks while rolling, just patch it up with your fingers.
- Serve with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for extra flavor.
- These mini pies are great for parties; you can make them ahead of time!
Mix It Up
- Try adding dried cranberries or raisins to the apple filling for a twist.
- Substitute pears for some of the apples for a different flavor profile.
- Make them mini tartlets by using a muffin tin instead of pie tins.
Perfect Partners
- Pair with dairy-free vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert combo.
- Serve alongside a warm cup of spiced cider for a festive touch.
- These pies go great with a scoop of coconut whipped cream!
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FAQs
Can I make these mini pies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the crust and filling a day in advance.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze these mini pies?
Yes, freeze them before baking. Just pop them in the oven straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What can I use instead of coconut oil?
Dairy-free butter or vegetable shortening works well as a substitute.
Are these pies suitable for a gluten-free Halloween party?
Definitely! They make a festive and delicious treat for any gluten-free holiday celebration.
Conclusion
This Healthy Apple Pie Recipe is a delightful way to enjoy a classic dessert without the guilt. Perfect for gluten-free Thanksgiving or any gathering, these mini treats will surely impress your family and friends. Give them a try and watch them disappear!
Healthy Apple Pie Recipe: Mini Gluten-Free Treats
This Healthy Apple Pie Recipe is a delightful twist on a classic favorite. Perfect for a dairy-free Thanksgiving or any holiday gathering, these mini treats are fun to make with family and sure to impress your guests.
Equipment
- Oven
- Mixing Bowl
- Pie Tins
- Plastic wrap
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups g Gluten-free all-purpose flour Use a blend that includes xanthan gum for best results.
- ½ cup ml Cold coconut oil Can be substituted with dairy-free butter.
- ¼ cup ml Maple syrup Honey can be used as an alternative.
- 4-6 tbsp Ice water Add more if the dough is too dry.
- 3 cups medium Granny Smith apples Peeled, cored, and sliced.
- 1 tsp Cinnamon Feel free to add nutmeg for extra flavor.
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice Prevents apples from browning.
- ¼ tsp Salt Enhances sweetness.
- ¼ cup g Coconut sugar Brown sugar is a good substitute.
- 1 large Egg (for wash) Use a dairy-free alternative for a vegan option.
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures the pies bake evenly and get that golden brown color we all love.
- In a large bowl, combine the gluten-free flour and salt. Then, cut in the cold coconut oil until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This helps create a flaky crust.
- Add maple syrup and ice water gradually, mixing until the dough holds together. If it feels too crumbly, add a bit more water. You want it moist but not sticky.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 15 minutes. Chilling helps the crust maintain its shape while baking.
- While the dough chills, prepare the apple filling. In a bowl, mix the sliced apples, cinnamon, lemon juice, coconut sugar, and a pinch of salt. The aroma will be amazing!
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about ¼ inch thick. Cut out circles to fit your mini pie tins. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect; rustic is charming!
- Place the dough circles in the tins and fill them with the apple mixture. Top with another dough circle or lattice if you’re feeling fancy. Brush with egg wash for a beautiful finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden and the apples are tender. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
- Let the mini pies cool for a few minutes before serving. They’re best enjoyed warm with a scoop of dairy-free ice cream!