Warm, spiced, and packed with tender apples—this vegan apple pie is comfort baked into every slice. Whether you’re vegan, dairy-free, or just love a good apple dessert, this recipe delivers a flaky crust and juicy filling with zero compromise on flavor. In this article, we’ll walk through how to make a healthy vegan apple pie from scratch using plant-based ingredients, plus tips for customizing the crust and filling. You’ll also get a printable recipe card and Rank Math SEO metadata to help your food blog rank high. Let’s start with the cozy story behind this apple pie classic.
A Cozy Classic: My Journey with Vegan Apple Pie
From Family Kitchens to Plant-Based Perfection
There’s something about the smell of apple pie baking that instantly transports me back to fall evenings spent in my grandmother’s kitchen. She’d peel apples while humming old songs, the scent of cinnamon filling the air. As I transitioned to a plant-based lifestyle, vegan apple pie was one of the first recipes I knew I had to recreate. I didn’t want to lose the warmth and nostalgia that came with it—just the dairy and eggs.
That mission led me to develop this dairy free apple pie that not only mirrors the taste I grew up with but also brings a lighter, more wholesome twist. No processed pie fillings or boxed crusts—just fresh apples, warming spices, and a flaky vegan apple pie crust made with simple ingredients.
What I love most about this pie is its adaptability. It’s just as welcome at a weekend dinner as it is on a holiday table, and it checks all the boxes: gluten free, dairy free, and egg free if needed. Plus, if you’re like me and believe that apple pie should be about the apples first, this one is crammed with juicy, perfectly spiced layers that steal the show.
Why This Vegan Apple Pie is a Must-Bake
This isn’t just another pie—it’s your easy vegan apple pie blueprint for the perfect dessert that pleases vegans and omnivores alike. The crust? Buttery and crisp without a speck of dairy. The filling? Loaded with tart-sweet apples kissed with cinnamon and a hint of lemon zest. And did I mention the vegan eggwash creates that golden finish we all love?
The secret to the filling’s perfect texture is cornstarch and apple cider vinegar, which help thicken the juices without using oats or flour, making this a vegan apple pie recipe with no oats. The result is a glossy, sliceable filling that never turns soggy.
By the end of this recipe, you’ll be able to:
- Make a vegan apple pie crust that’s flaky and reliable
- Choose the best apples for baking
- Bake a gluten free dairy free egg free apple pie that doesn’t taste like a compromise
Crafting the Perfect Vegan Apple Pie Crust & Filling
How to Make Flaky Vegan Apple Pie Crust
The base of every great apple pie is a crust that balances buttery richness with flaky layers—and the good news is, you don’t need butter to get it right. A vegan apple pie crust is surprisingly simple to make with the right fat. I prefer using solid coconut oil or vegan butter, chilled until firm. This creates pockets of fat that melt during baking, giving that light, flaky texture we all crave.
Start by preparing your dough at least an hour in advance. This resting time allows the gluten to relax (or the dough to hydrate fully if you’re using a gluten-free blend), making it easier to roll without cracking. If you’re going gluten-free, try a mix of almond flour and gluten-free all-purpose for a sturdy yet tender crust.
Roll the dough gently on a lightly floured surface, turning often to avoid sticking. Once you’ve lined the pie dish, pop it back in the fridge to keep everything cold until you’re ready to fill and bake. This trick ensures your crust holds its shape and doesn’t slump during baking.
Prepping the Juiciest Vegan Apple Pie Filling
Now let’s talk filling. The soul of any vegan apple pie recipe is the apple filling—spiced, just sweet enough, and perfectly thickened. I recommend using a mix of tart and sweet apples. Granny Smith holds shape well, while Honeycrisp or Fuji adds a natural sweetness that balances the flavor.
Peel, core, and slice your apples lengthwise—this helps them layer beautifully inside the crust. Toss them in lemon zest, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and sugar. The apple cider vinegar enhances flavor depth and works with the cornstarch to create a glossy, jammy consistency that clings to every slice.
Don’t skip the resting step after mixing the filling. Letting it sit allows the apples to release some of their juices, which helps you gauge how much thickener you’ll need. This makes a big difference, especially if you’re after that clean, bakery-style slice.
Once the apples are prepped, pile them high into your chilled crust and dot with cubes of vegan butter for richness.
Assembling and Baking Your Vegan Apple Pie
Layering and Sealing the Pie for Best Results
With your vegan apple pie crust chilled and the apple filling ready, it’s time to assemble. Begin by mounding the apples into the pie shell. Don’t flatten them—stacking them high ensures the filling won’t collapse while baking and gives you that domed bakery-style finish. Any juices released from the apples during mixing should be stirred back in; they carry all that delicious flavor.
Next, roll out your top crust. You can either lay it flat and vent with a few slits or go classic with a lattice design. For a simple yet elegant twist, use small cookie cutters to create cut-outs in the top crust. These act as vents and add a charming decorative touch.
Once placed, trim any overhanging dough and crimp the edges together using your fingers or the tines of a fork. This seals the pie while giving it that rustic, homemade look. At this stage, place the whole pie in the fridge for 15–20 minutes. A final chill helps maintain the shape and flakiness during baking.
If you’re baking for guests, pair this with my Pumpkin Spice Bundt Cake for a seasonal combo everyone will love.
Brushing with Vegan Egg Wash and Baking to Perfection
One of the best parts of a well-baked pie is that golden, glossy finish—and yes, you can get that without eggs. For your vegan egg wash, whisk together 2 tablespoons of non-dairy milk with 1 tablespoon of maple syrup. Brush this gently over the top crust, then sprinkle with demerara sugar for a sweet, crisp sparkle.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the pie on the lower rack to ensure the bottom crust cooks through. After 25–30 minutes, check the edges. If they’re browning too fast, cover them with foil or a pie shield.
Total baking time is around 55–65 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the crust is deep golden and the filling is bubbling up through the vents. Let it cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before slicing—this allows the filling to set, ensuring clean, picture-perfect wedges.
Need another baking project? Try this Easy Apple Pie Bars for a rich, no-fuss dessert option.
Serving, Storage & Delicious Vegan Apple Pie Variations
Best Ways to Serve Vegan Apple Pie
Once your vegan apple pie has cooled and the filling is firm, it’s time to slice and serve. This pie is delicious all on its own, but pairing it with a scoop of Orange Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies or a dollop of coconut whipped cream takes it to dessert heaven.
For the prettiest presentation, slice using a serrated knife and wipe between cuts. A chilled pie yields the cleanest slices, while slightly warmed slices bring out the full aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg.
Storing & Customizing Your Vegan Apple Pie
To store your dairy free apple pie, cover loosely with foil or wrap and refrigerate for up to 4 days. It can also be frozen (whole or sliced). Wrap well and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat slices in the oven at 325°F until warmed through—this keeps the crust crispy.
Want to get creative? Here are a few tasty variations:
- Gluten Free Version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the crust and ensure your cornstarch is certified gluten-free.
- No Added Sugar: Swap granulated sugar with chopped Medjool dates or monk fruit sweetener.
- Vegan Crumble Topping: Replace the top crust with an oat-free crumble using almond flour, coconut oil, and maple syrup.
- Mini Apple Pies: Use a muffin tin for individual servings—perfect for parties or lunchbox treats!
This pie adapts beautifully to seasonal changes and dietary needs, making it a go-to recipe all year round.
FAQ About Vegan Apple Pie
What is vegan apple pie made of ?
Vegan apple pie is made using plant-based ingredients: a dairy-free crust (typically using vegan butter or coconut oil), apples, sugar, spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, cornstarch for thickening, and a vegan egg wash made from maple syrup and non-dairy milk.
Can I make apple pie without butter or eggs ?
Absolutely. This recipe uses vegan butter in the crust and skips eggs entirely. The filling thickens with cornstarch, and a mixture of plant milk and maple syrup replaces traditional egg wash.
What apples are best for vegan apple pie ?
Use a mix of tart and sweet apples—Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn are excellent choices. Mixing varieties gives the pie better depth of flavor and texture.
Is vegan apple pie healthier than traditional apple pie ?
Yes, it can be. By eliminating dairy and using wholesome ingredients like fresh fruit, cornstarch (instead of flour), and natural sweeteners, healthy vegan apple pie offers a lighter alternative to traditional recipes without sacrificing flavor.
Conclusion: A Cozy Vegan Classic for Every Table
Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving something warm and cinnamon-spiced, this vegan apple pie brings all the nostalgic flavor of the classic dessert—without the dairy, eggs, or guilt. With its flaky crust, juicy filling, and rich spices, it’s a dish you’ll turn to again and again. Pair it with your favorite non-dairy ice cream and watch it disappear slice by slice.
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Print
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 1 pie (8 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This cozy Vegan Apple Pie is packed with warm spices, fresh apples, and a flaky dairy-free crust. Perfect for holidays or a comforting treat any day.
Ingredients
1 batch vegan pie crust (prepared at least 1 hour ahead)
1.8 kg (4 lb) apples (about 8–9 large apples)
200 g (1 cup) granulated sugar
1 vanilla pod
1 tbsp lemon zest
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
4 tbsp cornstarch
30 g (2 tbsp) vegan butter
Vegan Eggwash:
2 tbsp non-dairy milk
1 tbsp maple syrup (or agave)
1 tbsp demerara sugar
Instructions
1. Prepare the vegan pie crust at least 1 hour in advance and keep it chilled.
2. Peel, core, and slice apples lengthwise.
3. In a large bowl, toss apples with sugar, spices, lemon zest, and vanilla seeds.
4. Add apple cider vinegar and cornstarch; mix well and let sit 10 minutes.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
6. Roll out bottom crust and line your pie dish. Chill while preparing the top.
7. Pile apple filling into the crust and dot with vegan butter.
8. Roll out top crust, lattice or full sheet, and seal edges.
9. Brush with vegan eggwash and sprinkle with demerara sugar.
10. Bake on lower rack for 55–65 minutes or until golden and bubbling.
11. Cool for at least 2 hours before slicing.
Notes
Use a mix of sweet and tart apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp.
For gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Chill the assembled pie before baking for best results.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg



