Gluten-Free Apple Pie: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Favorite

Apple pie is a well-known dessert that offers many people a great deal of comfort and happiness. But, if you are sticking to a gluten-free diet, enjoying this traditional dessert may be a bit challenging. But don't worry now because our gluten-free apple pie recipe is here to save your day! Featuring a crust that is gluten-free and crisp, a filling that is rich and sweet, and a lovely combination of spices, this pie is an absolute must-try. Keep reading to see how you can make this mouthwatering pie in the comfort of your own home kitchen!

The Magic of Gluten-Free Apple Pie

Gluten-free baking can be daunting, but this apple pie proves that you don't have to sacrifice taste or texture. The crispy gluten-free crust pairs perfectly with a soft, flavorful apple filling spiced just right. Imagine biting into a slice of pie with a sweet and citrusy apple filling that fills your kitchen with a heavenly aroma. That’s the magic of this recipe!

Choosing the Best Apples for Your Pie

Choosing the right apples is crucial to make a pie that’s bursting with flavor. Here’s a quick guide to the best apple varieties for baking:

• Braeburn: Known for their balanced sweet-tart flavor and minimal liquid release, Braeburn apples are ideal for a pie with perfect texture.
• Pink Lady: These apples offer a delightful sweet-tart flavor and a lovely pink hue that enhances the visual appeal of your pie.
• Granny Smith: A classic choice, Granny Smith apples provide a tart flavor and crisp texture. Combine them with sweeter apples for a balanced taste.
• Honeycrisp: With their firm texture and sweet flavor, Honeycrisp apples are a favorite for many pie enthusiasts.
• Jonagold: These apples offer a wonderful mix of sweet and sour flavors and have a firm flesh that holds up well during baking.

How to Thicken Apple Pie Filling Without Flour?

If you’re avoiding flour, cornstarch is your best friend. It thickens the filling beautifully without altering the flavor. Just sprinkle it over your apple mixture and mix thoroughly. This will ensure your pie filling is perfectly set once baked.

Ingredients:

For the Pie Crust:

• 6-8 tablespoons ice water

• 1 3/4 cups gluten-free flour blend

• 1 cup almond flour

• Pinch of salt

• 3 tablespoons powdered sugar

• 1 3/4 sticks of cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes

For the Pie Filling:

• 6 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced

• 3 tablespoons lemon juice

• 1/4 cup powdered sugar

• 1 tablespoon cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

• Pinch of salt

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

• 1 beaten egg

How to Make Gluten-Free Apple Pie?

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

1. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the gluten-free flour blend, almond flour, salt, and powdered sugar.
2. Add the cold butter cubes to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the butter is incorporated and the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
3. Gradually add ice water, 1-2 tablespoons at a time, mixing with a fork until the dough starts to come together.
4. Divide the dough into two halves, form each into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling

1. Combine the sliced apples, lemon juice, powdered sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt in a large bowl. Toss to coat the apples evenly.
2. Place the apple mixture in a colander over a bowl and let it drain for at least 1 hour to remove excess liquid.
3. Transfer the drained liquid to a small saucepan, add the butter, and cook over medium-high heat until the mixture caramelizes. Set aside.
4. Sprinkle the cornstarch over the apple filling and mix until well combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

1. Remove one disk of dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie pan, pressing it into the bottom and sides.
2. Spoon the apple filling into the prepared pie crust and drizzle the caramelized syrup evenly over the apples.
3. Roll out the second disk of dough and place it over the filling. You can create a lattice pattern or cover the pie with a whole piece of dough. Trim any excess dough, crimp the edges, or use a fork to seal the crust.
4. Freeze the assembled pie for 30 minutes to help it hold its shape while baking.

Step 4: Bake the Pie

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Brush the top crust with the beaten egg and sprinkle lightly with powdered sugar.
3. Bake the pie at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for another 20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
4. Allow the pie to cool for at least 2 hours before serving to let the filling appropriately set.

Zulay's Final Thoughts

And that brings us to the end of this blog. This gluten-free apple pie is a delicious dessert and a celebration of tastes and textures that will elevate any event to a remarkable level. All the people at the table will be delighted by the mix of a gluten-free crust that is crunchy and a filling that is sweet and spiced with apples. There is no doubt that this pie will quickly become a new favorite, regardless of whether you choose to indulge in it on the weekend or as a holiday treat!

Let Us Know What You Think!

We’d love to hear from you! Did you try this gluten-free apple pie recipe? How did it turn out? Share your thoughts and any variations you tried in the comments below. And if you have any recipe requests or need more gluten-free inspiration, please let us know!

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Check out our other delicious recipes for more kitchen inspiration. Whether you’re looking for comforting classics or innovative new dishes, we’ve got something for everyone.

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Happy baking! 🍏🥧