There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of a freshly baked apple pie wafting through the kitchen. This classic dessert, with its sweet, cinnamon-spiced filling and flaky crust, is a favorite for gatherings and holidays. The best part? You can enjoy this timeless treat without worrying about gluten. This gluten-free apple pie recipe combines traditional flavors with a gluten-free crust that’s just as delicious as the original. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients
For the Gluten-Free Crust:
- 2 ½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (ensure it contains xanthan gum)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 6-8 tbsp ice water
For the Apple Filling:
- 6 cups apples (about 6-8 medium apples), peeled, cored, and sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
- ¾ cup sugar (adjust based on apple sweetness)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (or arrowroot powder)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust:
- In a large bowl, combine the gluten-free flour, salt, and sugar.
- Add the cubed butter and mix with a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. Divide the dough in half, shape into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
2. Make the Filling:
- In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cornstarch, and vanilla extract. Let sit for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
3. Assemble the Pie:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Roll out one disc of dough on a lightly floured surface (using gluten-free flour) to fit a 9-inch pie pan. Place the crust in the pan and trim any excess.
- Pour the apple filling into the crust, spreading it evenly.
- Roll out the second disc of dough and place it over the filling. You can create a lattice top or simply cut slits for ventilation. Trim and crimp the edges to seal.
- Brush the top crust with a bit of melted butter and sprinkle with sugar for a nice finish.
4. Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Then reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 35-45 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the crust is golden brown. If the edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil.
5. Cool and Serve:
- Allow the pie to cool for at least 2 hours before slicing. This helps the filling set up nicely. Serve warm or at room temperature, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Enjoy!
This gluten-free classic apple pie is sure to impress family and friends, offering all the traditional flavors you love without the gluten. Enjoy every bite!
