The Best Gluten-Free Apple Pie Recipe (Dairy-Free)

Fall means apple pie, but if you’re allergic or sensitive to gluten, it can be a little trick to find a store-bought pie or a great recipe that’s safe for you to eat. This gluten-free apple pie recipe goes a step further and is also safe for those with any of the top 9 most common allergens (milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, sesame, wheat, and soy). Inspired by my grandfather’s recipe, this gluten-free apple pie recipe is such a nostalgic treat for this time of year (or any time of the year).

Whether you’re baking just for yourself and your family or are gearing up for holiday baking, this sweet and spiced gluten-free apple pie recipe is definitely worth your time and effort.

Although you can certainly make your own gluten-free pie crust recipe, this particular apple pie recipe uses store-bought gluten-free pie crusts for a convenient, time-saving option. It’s everything you love about a traditional apple pie, just without the common allergens and ingredients that aren’t safe for some people to eat.

Whether it’s the first time you’re making a homemade gluten-free apple pie or you’re looking for a new recipe to change things up for the next time you’re in the kitchen baking, I hope this double-crust pie recipe becomes a new staple in your recipe rotation.

This Gluten-Free Homemade Apple Pie

• Is Allergen-Safe: This gluten-free apple pie recipe is free from the most common allergens, so it’s a great choice if you’re feeding a group with different dietary restrictions or preferences.
• Is Full of Nostalgia: Packed with classic fall flavors like tart Granny Smith apples, warm cinnamon and nutmeg, tangy lemon juice, and a bit of sweetness, this is one gluten-free pie recipe that won’t make you feel like you’re missing out on anything.
• Uses Savvy Shortcuts: Rather than making gluten-free pastry at home, this recipe makes use of store-bought gluten-free pie dough (like the one from Wholly GF, which you can purchase at Whole Foods) to make life easier while keeping the quality high.

Ingredients

• 6 Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• ¾ teaspoon cinnamon
• pinch of salt
• 2 tablespoons vegan butter (optional, but adds richness)
• 2 unbaked, frozen gluten-free pie crusts (I like Wholly GF)
• ½ teaspoon avocado oil to brush on the crust to encourage browning (if you’re not concerned about an egg allergy, feel free to use one beaten egg instead – you could also use a little cream if dairy is okay for you, or coconut milk for a dairy-free option)

Directions

1. Thaw the Crust: Take your pie crust out of the freezer and let it sit on the counter at room temperature to thaw while you make the filling.
2. Preheat the Oven: Turn on your oven and set it to 400 degrees F.
3. Prep the Apple Pie Filling: Peel, core, and dice the apples into bite-sized pieces if you haven’t already. Add the apples and the rest of the filling ingredients (lemon juice, sugar, gluten-free flour, nutmeg, cinnamon, salt, and vegan butter) to a large bowl. Stir to combine and make sure the apples are evenly coated in everything.
4. Build Your Pie: Lay one of the pie crusts in the bottom of your pie plate. Spoon the apple mixture into the bottom crust. Top with the top crust and press the crusts together. Crimp the pie crust with your fingers or a fork to seal the edges.
5. Brush with Avocado Oil or Egg Wash: Use a pastry brush to brush the top of the pie with the avocado oil or beaten egg (if you can tolerate eggs).
6. Bake the Pie: Place the pie in the oven and bake for about 40-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly. When it’s baked, remove the pie from the oven and, for best results, let it cool completely before you slice it.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Apple Pie

• Pick the right apples: In order to make the best pie, you’ll need to pick the right apples to work with. Granny Smith apples are the best apples to use for this gluten-free apple pie because they have a firmer texture and are tart, which will contrast well with the sweetness of the pie. If you don’t want to use Granny Smith apples (or don’t want to use all Granny Smith apples), you can try Fuji or Honeycrisp, though your pie will be sweeter.
• No soggy crust: One of the worst pie mistakes is a soggy bottom crust. To keep yourself from falling into the soggy crust trap, coat the apple slices evenly in the gluten-free flour to help some of the moisture absorb and keep it away from the pastry.
• Easy to make in advance: This pie is a great make-ahead option because it can be baked a day in advance. Make sure to keep it covered and away from air (that’ll make the pastry stale) until you’re ready to eat.

Ingredient Substitutions

Although this classic apple pie recipe was tested and perfected as written, sometimes you need (or want!) to make a few adjustments. Here’s what I would recommend if you’re looking to make an ingredient substitution in this gluten-free apple pie recipe.

• Apples: Try using pears or a mixture of pears, apples, and maybe even cranberries. Making this recipe in warmer weather? Try plums, peaches, or even cherries, just note that you may need to make some slight adjustments to some of the other ingredients in the pie. Taste the filling before assembling your pie to make sure it tastes how you want it to.
• Gluten-Free Flour: If you don’t have a gluten allergy or sensitivity, you can use regular all-purpose wheat flour instead of the gluten-free flour blend called for in the recipe. If you’re looking for an alternative gluten-free option, try almond flour.
• Try adding a little cardamom for even more warm, cozy fall flavors.
• Vegan Butter: If you’re not dairy-free, you can use regular dairy butter. If you’re just looking for a vegan butter alternative, try coconut oil.
• Gluten-Free Pie Crusts: If you aren’t gluten and dairy-free, you can swap in any of your favorite store-bought pie dough.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use wheat, butter, and egg in this recipe if I’m not concerned about allergies or dietary restrictions?

Yes, you can! Use regular all-purpose flour, dairy butter, any kind of pie dough you like best, and an egg for an egg wash if you’d prefer.

How should I store leftover apple pie?

You can store any leftover gluten-free apple pie covered in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

What can I serve alongside this gluten-free apple pie?

This pie is amazing all on its own, but to really take things to the next level, drizzle it with a vegan caramel sauce, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream (dairy-free, of course), or top with a dollop of coconut whipped cream. Delish!

This gluten-free apple pie recipe is sure to become a beloved family favorite and one that you make time and time again. Plus, because it’s free from the most common allergens, it’s the perfect thing to make when you’re baking for a crowd (like for the upcoming winter holidays) or just want to make something warm, comforting, and nostalgic for someone with dietary restrictions.

Classic and well-balanced with the perfect dose of nostalgia, this gluten-free apple pie recipe is close enough to the original that you won’t even for a second feel like you’re missing out on anything. I think you’re going to absolutely love it.