Apple pie is one of those desserts that I bet you reserve for going out and treating yourself. Am I right?
Most versions are complicated or at least time-consuming to make yourself. There’s peeling a million apples (peeling produce is my nemesis—I just can’t seem to not destroy the fruit/veggie in the process), making the crust with just enough flour and just enough butter (and praying it doesn’t crumble), and then baking the pie only to have that beautiful tower of apples shrink down into a sad, concave pile of mush. Apple pie can be hard. I hear you.
This apple pie though…this one is from the new, very chic vegan cookbook, The Plantpower Way, and let me tell you: it is easy. Here’s why:
NO peeling apples!
NO messing with finicky pie dough!
It’s just 10 simple ingredients, it takes 40 minutes to bake, and you’re going to feel good about eating this one because it’s pretty darn wholesome too. The crust is made of walnuts, flaxseeds, and dates, which means it’s loaded with healthy fats and has a good dose of protein, so a little goes a long way in feeling satisfied. Compared to traditional pie crust, this one’s a cinch to make.
In other words: this vegan and gluten-free apple pie recipe is yours for the baking. Plus, that gorgeous apple spiral! It’s going to wow at your next holiday celebration.
- 6 apples (red, pink, or green local variety), cored and sliced in very thin sections
- 1 cup organic sugar
- ¼ cup arrowroot powder
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon
- juice of 1 lemon
- 2 cups raw walnuts
- pinch Celtic sea salt
- ¼ cup ground flaxseeds
- 10 dates, soaked in filtered water for 30 minutes and pitted
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
- Preheat the oven to 325°F.
- Combine the apples with the sugar, arrowroot, spices, and lemon juice. Toss and set aside.
- In a food processor, pulse the walnuts until mealy. Next, add the sea salt and pulse a few times. Add the flaxseeds and pulse again. With the motor running, drop one pitted date at a time into the processor. The mixture will ball up on one side of the bowl and form a dough.
- Grease a 13" tart pan with the coconut oil. Press the crust mixture into the bottom of the pan.
- Arrange the apples in a circular fashion starting at the edge. As you finish one round, begin again and add another layer and another until you finish creating a spiral flower pattern.
- Bake for 40 minutes, or until the apples are soft and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool. Slice, serve, and enjoy.
P.S. If you feel like vegan food is all hippie-dippy and patchouli and that doesn’t get you jazzed, The Plantpower Way might be the perfect cookbook for you. It showcases gorgeous (and dare I say glamorous?), wholesome vegan recipes that are easy to prepare without the crunchy granola vibes. Think: bright white, California sun, and mid-century modern design as the backdrop. Dreamy.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
One of the prettiest apple pies I’ve seen <3
Amanda Maguire says
It’s beautiful, isn’t it? Such a great idea to arrange the apple slices that way.
Michelle Lahey says
Gorgeous! My nieces all have Celiac, so I’m saving this for when they’re old enough to appreciate a good apple pie. 🙂
Amanda Maguire says
Oh, I’m so happy your nieces will be able to enjoy this apple pie!
Ruby @ Ruby & Cake says
This looks like a tart you might find in a Parisian patisserie – do dainty and delicious. I can’t wait to try it.
Sheena Yap Chan says
OH man! I want that apple pie! looks so good! love walnut crust. so soft and crunchy!
Amy (Lemon and Coconut) says
Oooh I love a good apple pie, very pretty yours is too! 🙂
Amanda Maguire says
Thanks, Amy! The PlantPower Way did a very nice job styling this apple pie. It’s almost too pretty to eat…almost. 😉
Mai says
Can I substitute the Arrowroot powder with something else?
Amanda Maguire says
Hi Mai! While I can’t speak on behalf of the recipe creators (this recipe is from The Plantpower Way Cookbook), I can tell you that my dad made this pie yesterday using cornstarch instead of arrowroot. I would think potato starch would work well too. Happy Thanksgiving!
Scott says
I need to find some arrowroot powder because this pie looks delicious 🙂