Vegan Apple Pie Recipe

All-purpose flour: The base for the pie crust, providing structure and texture.

Coconut oil: A vegan alternative to butter, giving the crust a flaky texture.

Ice water: Helps bring the dough together without making it too sticky.

Apples: The star of the filling, providing natural sweetness and flavor.

Sugar: Adds sweetness to the filling, balancing the tartness of the apples.

Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth of flavor to the filling.

Ground nutmeg: Enhances the spiciness and complexity of the filling.

Lemon juice: Prevents the apples from browning and adds a touch of acidity to balance the sweetness.

When making the pie crust, ensure that the coconut oil is solid and cold. This helps create a flaky texture. If the oil starts to soften, place it back in the fridge for a few minutes. Additionally, when adding the ice water, do so gradually and mix gently to avoid overworking the dough, which can result in a tough crust.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds more fiber and nutrients, giving the crust a slightly nutty flavor.

• solid coconut oil - Substitute with vegan butter: Vegan butter provides a similar texture and richness to the crust, making it flaky and delicious.

• ice water - Substitute with cold almond milk: Cold almond milk can help bind the dough while adding a subtle nutty flavor.

• peeled, cored, and sliced apples - Substitute with peeled, cored, and sliced pears: Pears offer a similar texture and sweetness, providing a unique twist to the pie.

• sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup adds a natural sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor to the filling.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with cornstarch: Cornstarch can thicken the filling without adding any additional flavor, keeping the pie's taste intact.

• ground cinnamon - Substitute with ground cardamom: Ground cardamom offers a warm, slightly citrusy flavor that pairs well with fruit fillings.

• ground nutmeg - Substitute with ground allspice: Ground allspice provides a similar warm, spicy flavor that complements the other spices in the pie.

• lemon juice - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar adds a tangy flavor that enhances the fruit's natural sweetness.

• Allow the apple pie to cool completely at room temperature. This helps to set the filling and makes it easier to handle.

• For short-term storage, cover the pie loosely with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and keep it at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you prefer, you can also store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The cool environment helps maintain the freshness of the apples and the crispness of the crust.

• If you want to freeze the pie, first ensure it is fully cooled. Wrap the entire pie tightly in plastic wrap, making sure there are no exposed areas. Then, wrap it again in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Label the package with the date and contents.

• For individual slices, place each slice on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Once frozen, wrap each slice in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. This method allows you to thaw only the amount you need.

• To thaw a whole frozen pie, transfer it to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. If you’re in a hurry, you can leave it at room temperature for a few hours, but be mindful of the apple filling becoming too soft.

• Reheat the thawed pie in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. This will help to revive the crust’s crispness and bring out the flavors of the cinnamon and nutmeg.

• For reheating individual slices, place them on a baking sheet and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. Alternatively, you can use a microwave, but this may result in a softer crust.

• If you plan to freeze the pie before baking, assemble the pie as directed but do not cut slits in the top crust. Wrap the unbaked pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to bake, cut the slits and bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 15-20 minutes to the baking time. This ensures the apple filling cooks thoroughly and the crust achieves a golden brown color.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover vegan apple pie on a baking sheet and cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent the crust from over-browning. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until the filling is warmed through and the crust is crisp.

• Microwave Method: Place a slice of the vegan apple pie on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes. Check to see if it's warmed through. If not, continue heating in 30-second intervals. Note that the crust may not stay as crisp as with the oven method.

• Stovetop Method: If you have a skillet with a lid, this method can help maintain the crispiness of the crust. Heat the skillet over medium-low heat. Place a slice of vegan apple pie in the skillet and cover with the lid. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, checking occasionally to ensure it doesn't burn. This method helps keep the crust crispy while warming the filling.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the vegan apple pie slice in the air fryer basket. Heat for 3-5 minutes, checking frequently to ensure the crust doesn't overcook. This method is great for maintaining a crispy crust.

• Toaster Oven Method: Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the vegan apple pie on a piece of aluminum foil or a small baking tray. Heat for 10-15 minutes or until the filling is warm and the crust is crisp. This method is convenient for reheating single slices.

• Oven: Used to bake the pie at the required temperature of 425°F (220°C).

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the flour and coconut oil, and to mix the apple filling ingredients.

• Pastry cutter: Helps to cut the solid coconut oil into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

• Measuring cups: Essential for measuring out the flour, sugar, and coconut oil accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure smaller quantities of ingredients like cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.

• Rolling pin: Used to roll out the dough discs to fit into the pie dish.

• Plastic wrap: Used to wrap the dough discs before refrigerating them.

• Pie dish: The dish in which the pie is assembled and baked.

• Knife: Used for peeling, coring, and slicing the apples.

• Cutting board: Provides a surface for preparing the apples.

• Spatula: Helps to transfer the rolled-out dough into the pie dish.

• Fork: Used to crimp the edges of the pie crust.

• Cooling rack: Allows the pie to cool evenly after baking.

• Pastry brush: Optional, but can be used to brush the top crust with a bit of water or plant-based milk for a golden finish.

Prepare the filling: Mix the sliced apples with sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice while the dough chills to save time.

Chill the dough: Place the dough in the freezer for 15 minutes instead of the refrigerator to speed up the chilling process.

Preheat the oven: Start preheating your oven as soon as you begin preparing the ingredients to ensure it's ready when you are.

Use a food processor: Combine the flour and coconut oil in a food processor for quicker and more consistent results.