Want more pie and crumble recipes? Try my strawberry crisp, coconut cream pie, and chocolate pudding pie next! If there’s one pie that needs to make your holiday menu, dinner party, or something you whip up just for the sake of it, my health apple pie has to be it. Every bite is layered with tender, warmly-spiced apples and the most buttery and flaky crust ever. It’s so rich and warming you’d never guess it’s made with exclusively good-for-you ingredients.
Why I love this recipe
Simple ingredients. Yes, we are making a pie crust, but I promise you, my recipe and method are foolproof. Healthier than other pies. I used more unrefined sweeteners and wholegrains in the crust than a traditional pie, but I promise you, you’d never be able to tell. Minimal prep. All you need is a pie pan and two mixing bowls, so clean-up is a breeze. No fancy kitchen gadgets needed. Just a mixing bowl, rolling pin, and a pie dish!
Ingredients needed
Wholewheat flour. I like using wholewheat pastry flour, as it has a finer consistency compared to standard flour. Of course, all-purpose or white pastry flour works just fine. Salt. Just a pinch to balance out the other flavors. Unsalted butter. Chopped and chilled. When working with any pie crust, you MUST use chilled butter, as it disperses as it bakes, yielding a buttery crust. Maple syrup. Adds a touch of sweetness. Vanilla extract. For flavor. Apple cider vinegar. Some acidity adds structure to the dough, and I’ve found through testing that this actually helps the pie become even more flaky. Ice cold water. Seriously, it needs to be super cold!
For the apple pie filling:
Apples. I recommend using a mix of tart and sweet apples, like Golden Delicious and Granny Smith apples. Lemon juice. To prevent the apples browning too quickly. Sugar. I used coconut sugar, but any type of sugar will do, like white sugar, brown sugar, or a sugar-free brown sugar substitute. Maple syrup. Not only does this add sweetness, but it also helps keep the filling ooey and gooey. Cornstarch. Thickens the filling. Cinnamon and nutmeg. Must-have spices for any dessert.
How to make a healthy apple pie
I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Arman’s recipe tips
Use a store bought crust. My favorite pre-prepared one is the Whole Foods pie crust, as it bakes beautifully and holds its shape well. Don’t forget that you’ll also need to buy a 9-inch unprepared pie crust for the topping. Peel your apples. I know this is an added step, but it’ll make the overall texture far more tender and smooth. Toss the apple slices in lemon juice. So they don’t turn brown. Plus, I’ve found this also helps to balance out the pie if you’re using really sweet apples. Bake the pie on a sheet pan. If I overdo it on the filling, I like to bake my pie on a sheet pan covered with parchment paper in case the apples bubble over. Decorate with sugar. I sometimes like to sprinkle some sugar on top of the crust before baking it for the gorgeous crystalized look (as pictured). Not sure how to lattice a pie? Check out the recipe video I’ve included in the recipe card 🙂
Storage instructions
To store: Store the leftover pie in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 week.
Skip the added sugar in the pie filling. Use sweeter apples instead, like Fuji, Honey Crisp, or Gala apples, to impart extra sweetness. Omit the gluten. Use a gluten-free pie crust and flour. Top your apple pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate decadent dessert.
To freeze: Transfer cooled pie slices to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Let the pie thaw in the fridge before reheating. To reheat: Microwave in 20-second intervals until warm.
Frequently asked questions
More healthy apple desserts
Healthy apple cake Apple blondies Apple cinnamon muffins Healthy apple crisp
Originally published September 2021, updated and republished August 2024
