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Perfect Vegan Apple Pie Recipe

ByMadison
Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 8 reviews

If you’ve ever dreamed of biting into the ultimate fruit pie that’s warm, cozy, and completely plant-based, I’ve got you covered with the Perfect Vegan Apple Pie Recipe. This isn’t just any pie — it’s flaky, tender, and bursting with spiced apples that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Trust me, I’ve made my fair share of pies, and this one is hands down a favorite to cozy up with on a crisp day. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to vegan desserts, stick with me and I’ll walk you through every step to get it just right.

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Flaky Vegan Pie Crust: Chilling the dough before rolling keeps it super tender and crisp, perfect for that flake you want in apple pie.
  • Balanced Apple Filling: A mix of tart and sweet apples combined with cinnamon and vanilla brings that classic comforting flavor without overpowering sweetness.
  • Simple Yet Effective Technique: Cooking the filling just enough before baking ensures juicy but not soggy apples inside a golden crust.
  • Flexibility: Easily adapted with store-bought crusts or gluten-free options, making it accessible to almost any kitchen.
Perfect Vegan Apple Pie, vegan apple pie, plant-based apple dessert, vegan pie recipe, dairy-free apple pie - A white pie dish holds an apple pie with a golden brown, slightly rough textured crust sprinkled with coarse sugar on top, cut open to reveal a layer of soft, thinly sliced apples inside, surrounded by thick apple juice creating a glossy, light brown pool at the bottom. The white marbled surface under the dish has two red and yellow apples resting beside it, adding a fresh look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Perfect Vegan Apple Pie Recipe has its role in creating that cozy, irresistible slice. From the apples to the vegan butter, each brings flavor and texture that weave together beautifully — plus, I’ll share tips on choosing the best varieties and brands.

Perfect Vegan Apple Pie, vegan apple pie, plant-based apple dessert, vegan pie recipe, dairy-free apple pie - Flat lay of a variety of fresh apples including bright green Granny Smiths and warm red Honeycrisps, some whole and some sliced to show their crisp texture, beside a small pile of golden vegan butter with a smooth, creamy look, a heap of ground cinnamon in rich brown powder form, scattered vanilla beans and a small glass jar of pure vanilla extract with a dark amber liquid inside, fresh lemon halves with bright yellow flesh and glossy green leaves, a neat mound of white granulated sugar sparkling softly in natural light, and a small pile of all-purpose flour with its fine, powdery texture, all beautifully arranged and contrasting on a clean white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7
  • Vegan pie crusts: Making your own from scratch really elevates the pie’s flavor and texture; store-bought is fine for convenience but may lack that homemade flakiness.
  • Apples: I swear by Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for their tartness and firmness, but mixing in a Pink Lady can add depth and sweetness.
  • Lemon juice: It brightens the filling and slows browning of the apples — don’t skip it!
  • Granulated sugar: Balances the tartness of the apples; you can adjust it to taste but remember the filling needs some sweetness to caramelize beautifully.
  • All-purpose flour: Acts as a natural thickener to keep the filling from getting watery without affecting taste.
  • Ground cinnamon: The spice that sings in apple pies—use fresh ground for the best aroma.
  • Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and complexity to the filling.
  • Vegan butter: Dotting the filling with a bit adds richness and helps the top crust brown nicely.
  • Non-dairy milk (for brushing): Gives the crust a golden finish, and a sprinkle of coarse sugar adds a delightful crunch.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the best things about the Perfect Vegan Apple Pie Recipe is how flexible it is. I love to tweak the cinnamon level or swap in a touch of nutmeg when I’m feeling fancy — but don’t be afraid to make it your own.

  • Variation: For a cozy twist, try adding chopped walnuts or pecans into the filling for a little crunch. I did this once for Thanksgiving, and it was a hit!
  • Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free pie crust recipe and substitute cornstarch for flour in the filling — it works beautifully without changing the texture.
  • Less sweet option: Reduce sugar by a quarter cup if you prefer a more tart apple pie that lets the apples shine.
  • Spiced up: Add a pinch of ground cloves or cardamom for a warm spice medley that’s perfect for holiday seasons.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Perfect Vegan Apple Pie Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Chill Your Vegan Pie Crusts

I always make a double batch of my vegan pie crust and form them into dough balls before popping them in the fridge. This resting period is key — it relaxes the gluten and makes rolling out so much easier. If you’re pressed for time, store-bought crusts can work, but homemade truly shines in flavor and texture. Chill at least 30 minutes while you prep your filling.

Step 2: Cook the Apple Filling Until Just Tender

Peel, slice, or chop your apples and toss them into a saucepan with lemon juice, sugar, flour, cinnamon, and vanilla. Cooking this mixture gently over medium heat for 10-15 minutes softens the apples just right without turning them to mush. Stir often to keep it from sticking, and watch for the first signs of bubbling juices—that’s your cue that it’s done. This step really helps avoid a soggy crust later on.

Step 3: Roll Out and Assemble

Lightly flour your surface and roll out one of the chilled dough balls into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer it to your 9-inch pie pan by wrapping it around your rolling pin — this trick keeps it from tearing. Trim the edges so it’s neat. Spoon in your luscious apple filling and dot the top with vegan butter for that rich finish.

Step 4: Top Crust and Details

Roll out the second crust and place it over your filling. Trim the edges, pinch them together, and flute for that classic look. Don’t forget to cut a few vent slits so steam can escape while baking. Brush the top lightly with non-dairy milk and sprinkle coarse sugar if you love that extra sparkle and crunch, like I do.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop your pie into a preheated 425°F oven and bake for about 40 minutes until the crust is gorgeously golden and you see those apple juices bubbling through the vents. If the crust edges start browning too fast, a simple foil pie shield will keep things even. Let your pie cool for about 30 minutes before slicing — this gives the filling time to thicken and flavors to meld. Serve with vegan whipped cream or non-dairy ice cream for that wow factor.

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Pro Tips for Making Perfect Vegan Apple Pie Recipe

  • Use a Mix of Apple Varieties: Combining Granny Smith’s tartness with Honeycrisp’s sweetness gives the filling a balanced, layered flavor rather than one-note.
  • Chill Dough Before Rolling: This prevents shrinking and cracking in the oven, ensuring a perfect crust shape and texture every time.
  • Don’t Overcook the Filling: Cooking just until the apples soften helps keep their shape and avoids a mushy pie.
  • Let the Pie Cool Properly: Waiting at least 30 minutes before slicing allows the filling to set, which means cleaner slices and less messy serving.

How to Serve Perfect Vegan Apple Pie Recipe

Perfect Vegan Apple Pie, vegan apple pie, plant-based apple dessert, vegan pie recipe, dairy-free apple pie - A slice of apple pie sits on a white plate with a white marbled background. The pie has two layers of golden-brown crust, one on the bottom and one on top, with the top crust slightly cracked and sprinkled with sugar. Between the crust layers are thin slices of light yellow apples mixed with a brown cinnamon spice, visible in the thick filling. On top of the pie slice is a smooth, round scoop of white vanilla ice cream that starts to melt slightly around the edges. In the background, part of the full apple pie in a white dish and a red apple are faintly seen. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping my slices with a generous dollop of vegan whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla non-dairy ice cream — it melts ever so slightly over the warm pie and adds that creamy contrast. For a little extra flair, dust a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of maple syrup.

Side Dishes

This pie pairs wonderfully with hot spiced teas like chai or even a cup of strong coffee. If you’re serving a larger meal, creamy mashed sweet potatoes or roasted cinnamon carrots complement the flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes serve individual mini pies or turn this recipe into hand pies — fun for parties or gifts. You can also brush the crust with a mix of maple syrup and plant-based milk for a shiny, caramelized finish that dazzles your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your leftover pie stores beautifully in the fridge, wrapped loosely with foil or plastic wrap to keep the crust from drying out. I usually eat mine within 3-4 days, and it tastes just as good chilled or at room temp.

Freezing

I’ve successfully frozen whole unbaked pies by assembling them and then wrapping tightly in freezer-safe wrap. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual. You can also freeze slices of baked pie layered between parchment paper — just thaw gently before serving.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes to restore that crisp crust and warm filling without making it soggy. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crust flaky — it tends to get soft that way.

FAQs

  1. Can I use any type of apple for the Perfect Vegan Apple Pie Recipe?

    Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples are ideal for their tartness and firmness, feel free to mix in sweeter varieties like Pink Lady or Fuji to suit your taste. The key is to use apples that hold their shape well during baking to avoid a mushy filling.

  2. Is it possible to make this pie gluten-free?

    Yes! Simply use a gluten-free pie crust recipe and swap the all-purpose flour in the filling with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend. This adjustment keeps the filling thick without sacrificing flavor or texture.

  3. Why should I cook the apple filling before baking?

    Cooking the filling ahead helps the apples start softening and releases their juices, which thickens with the added flour and sugar. This prevents the crust from becoming soggy and ensures the apples are perfectly tender when the pie finishes baking.

  4. Can I use frozen apples for this pie?

    Fresh apples work best for this recipe because they hold their texture better. If you use frozen apples, make sure to thaw and drain excess water before cooking the filling to avoid watery pie.

  5. How do I get a golden brown crust without burning the edges?

    Start baking at a higher temperature (425°F) for the first 15 minutes, then reduce heat if necessary. You can also protect the edges by wrapping foil around the pie crust or using a pie shield once you notice too much browning.

Final Thoughts

This Perfect Vegan Apple Pie Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s the dessert I turn to when I want that classic comfort with zero fuss and all the love. Baking it always feels like a warm hug, and sharing it with friends makes it even sweeter. Give it a try — I promise, you’ll love how that flaky crust and cinnamon-spiced apples come together so beautifully. Happy baking, friend!

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Perfect Vegan Apple Pie Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 8 reviews
  • Author: Madison
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegan
Print Recipe

Description

This Perfect Vegan Apple Pie features a flaky, homemade vegan pie crust filled with a cinnamon-spiced apple filling, baked to golden perfection. Made without any animal products, this classic dessert offers a warm, comforting flavor that’s ideal for any occasion.

Ingredients

Pie Crust

  • 2 vegan pie crusts (double recipe)

Apple Filling

  • 7-8 medium sized apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 tablespoons all purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons vegan butter

For Brushing and Topping

  • Few tablespoons non-dairy milk for brushing pie crust (optional)
  • Sprinkle of coarse sugar for topping (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the crusts: Make a double recipe of Vegan Pie Crust and chill the two dough balls in the refrigerator until the filling is ready. Alternatively, use two store bought vegan pie crusts, though homemade crust tastes better.
  2. Make the apple filling: Peel and slice or chop the apples. Add them to a large saucepan along with lemon juice, sugar, flour, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the apples soften, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. Preheat oven: Set your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the pie.
  4. Roll out bottom crust: Sprinkle flour on a clean surface and roll out one pie crust to about 12 inches in diameter. Carefully transfer it to a 9-inch pie pan, trimming any excess dough.
  5. Add filling and butter: Spoon apple filling into the pie crust, mounding slightly in the center. Dot the top with vegan butter pieces.
  6. Roll out top crust: Roll out the second pie crust and place it gently over the filling. Trim, seal, and flute the edges. Cut slits in the crust to let steam escape. Optionally, brush with non-dairy milk and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
  7. Bake the pie: Bake for 40 minutes until the crust is golden brown and apple juices bubble. If crust browns too quickly, use a pie shield to protect edges.
  8. Cool and serve: Let the pie cool for 30 minutes at room temperature to thicken the filling. Serve with vegan whipped cream or non-dairy vanilla ice cream and enjoy.

Notes

  • If using store bought crusts, verify they are vegan-friendly as some pie crusts contain animal products.
  • For a gluten free version, use a gluten free pie crust and substitute the all purpose flour in the filling with gluten free flour or cornstarch.
  • Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady apples work best for pie; using a mix adds great flavor complexity.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of pie)
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 25 g
  • Sodium: 140 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 48 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

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