Gluten Free Vegan Apple Crumble Pie Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for the perfect cozy dessert that’s both wholesome and indulgent, you’re in the right place. This Gluten Free Vegan Apple Crumble Pie Recipe is exactly what you need to satisfy your sweet tooth without any gluten or dairy worries. Trust me, whether you’re whipping it up for a family gathering or just treating yourself after a long day, it’s absolutely fan-freaking-tastic!
Why This Recipe Works
- Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The tartness from Granny Smith apples and sweetness from Pink Lady apples create a harmonious bite every time.
- Gluten Free & Vegan Friendly: You get a beautiful pie crust and crumble topping without gluten or animal products—without any compromise on taste or texture.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Rewards: Using pantry staples like oats, almond flour, and coconut oil makes this recipe accessible and straightforward.
- Great for Sharing: This pie holds well after baking, so whether you’re gifting it or saving some for yourself, it stays delicious for days.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The ingredients in this Gluten Free Vegan Apple Crumble Pie Recipe work together to deliver that perfect balance of tender apples, rich crumble, and a crisp crust. Picking the right apples and using fresh spices make a huge difference — plus, I always recommend certified gluten free oats to keep things safe and delicious.
- Gluten Free Pie Crust: Essential for a sturdy base; homemade or store-bought, just make sure it holds up well to juicy filling.
- Apples (Granny Smith & Pink Lady): Combining tart and slightly sweet apples gives the filling depth and complexity.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a warm, caramel-like sweetness that pairs perfectly with cinnamon.
- Cornstarch: Acts as a natural thickener, so your filling isn’t runny but perfectly sliceable.
- Lemon Juice: Brightens flavors and prevents the apples from browning too quickly.
- Cinnamon & Nutmeg: The classic warming spices that bring all those apple pie memories to life.
- Vanilla Extract: A small touch that enhances the aroma and richness of the whole filling.
- Rolled Oats (Gluten Free): Provide chew and texture to the crumble topping.
- Almond Flour: Adds a nutty flavor and moisture, helping the crumble stay crisp but tender.
- Coconut Oil: Brings healthy fat and helps the crumble crisp up beautifully; you can substitute applesauce if avoiding oil.
Tweak to Your Taste
One of the best things about this Gluten Free Vegan Apple Crumble Pie Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. I love playing around with spices or adding a little crunch with chopped nuts – it’s your treat, after all!
- Add chopped walnuts or pecans: I often sprinkle some into the crumble topping for extra texture and nuttiness; it elevates the pie from great to gourmet.
- Use different fruit combinations: Pears or berries mixed in with apples change up the flavor beautifully for different seasons.
- Mildly sweeten for less sugar: Reduce the brown sugar slightly if you prefer a more tart and fresh pie, which pairs well with a dollop of vegan whipped cream.
- Oil-free option: Substitute the coconut oil with unsweetened applesauce if you want a lighter, fat-free crumble topping.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Gluten Free Vegan Apple Crumble Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepping the Perfect Crust
Start by preparing your gluten free pie crust — whether homemade or store-bought, it needs to be prebaked to keep your filling from soaking through. I like baking mine for 10-12 minutes until it’s just starting to turn golden. Make sure to use pie weights or dried beans when blind baking to avoid any bubbling up. Setting the crust aside to cool gives it that nice sturdy base you want for spooning in all that apple goodness.
Step 2: Mixing the Apple Filling
In a large bowl, toss your peeled, cored, and sliced apples with brown sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. I find letting this mixture sit for a few minutes while the oven preheats really helps the apples start to soften and soak up those flavors. Tip: Don’t overmix or mush the apples – you want lovely slices that keep their shape but get tender once baked.
Step 3: Preparing the Crumble Topping
Next, grab a medium bowl and combine your gluten free rolled oats, almond flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Pour in the melted coconut oil (or applesauce if going oil-free) and mix until the crumble looks thick and clumpy. This topping will bake into a crisp, golden layer that’s my absolute favorite part – I sometimes nibble on it as I prep!
Step 4: Assembling and Baking
Spoon the apple filling into your prebaked crust but leave a bit of juice behind in the mixing bowl — this keeps your pie from turning into a soggy mess. Then sprinkle the crumble topping evenly on top. Bake at 375°F for about 45-55 minutes until the top is beautifully golden and bubbly. A little trick I use is adding a foil shield around the crust edges halfway through baking to prevent them from burning. Patience pays off here!
Step 5: Cooling and Serving
This one calls for a bit of patience—let it cool for 2-3 hours before slicing so the filling thickens up nice and neat. I promise, it’s worth the wait. Serve with a scoop of your favorite vegan vanilla ice cream or coconut whipped cream for that extra cozy finish.
Pro Tips for Making Gluten Free Vegan Apple Crumble Pie Recipe
- Use Mixed Apple Varieties: I’ve found that combining Granny Smith and Pink Lady apples delivers the best balance of tartness and sweetness every time.
- Don’t Skimp on Prebaking the Crust: Blind bake the crust with weights to prevent sogginess and get that golden, flaky base I love.
- Crumble Topping Texture: Melted coconut oil is key for a crisp topping; applesauce works but yields a softer crumble.
- Let It Rest Before Serving: Cooling time is crucial—it firms up the filling so your slices hold together beautifully.
How to Serve Gluten Free Vegan Apple Crumble Pie Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping slices with a scoop of creamy vegan vanilla ice cream or a dollop of coconut whipped cream—both add a luscious contrast to the warm crumble and spiced apple filling. A light dusting of cinnamon or a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans on top gives a pretty finish and a little extra crunch.
Side Dishes
This pie is a wonderful dessert after a cozy fall meal. If you’re serving it for a holiday dinner, pairing it with a cup of spiced chai or a warm cup of coffee makes the experience feel even more comforting. For brunch, it goes surprisingly well with a simple green salad or a vegan cheese platter for a sweet and savory balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve baked single-serving mini pies in ramekins—which make perfect gifts or an elegant dessert for guests. You can also serve this pie in rustic slices on wooden boards with fresh apple slices and edible flowers for a farm-to-table vibe that everyone comments on.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your pie tightly with plastic wrap or a pie dome and refrigerate. It keeps beautifully for up to 4 or 5 days (if it lasts that long—mine barely does!). The flavors actually improve and meld more after sitting overnight.
Freezing
I’ve frozen leftover pie slices wrapped tightly in foil, then placed inside a freezer-safe bag. When you want a treat, just thaw overnight in the fridge and gently warm it in the oven. This method keeps the texture lovely without sogginess.
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to life, heat in a preheated 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and the crumble topping is crisp again. Avoid microwaving if you can—oven warming keeps the texture perfect!
FAQs
-
Can I use other fruits in this Gluten Free Vegan Apple Crumble Pie Recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile. You can swap or mix in pears, peaches, or berries like blueberries or raspberries along with the apples. Just adjust the sugar and baking time accordingly, depending on the juiciness and sweetness of your fruit mix.
-
Is there a way to make this pie nut-free?
Yes, to make this nut-free, swap the almond flour in the crumble topping for extra oats or gluten free flour blend. The texture might be slightly different but it will still be delicious and safe for those with nut allergies.
-
Do I have to pre-bake the gluten free pie crust?
Pre-baking the crust is highly recommended to avoid a soggy bottom. Gluten free crusts can be more delicate, so blind baking with pie weights helps keep the structure firm and crisp after filling it with juicy apples.
-
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the pie the day before. Bake it fully, cool completely, then cover and store in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature or gently warm before serving for the best experience.
Final Thoughts
This Gluten Free Vegan Apple Crumble Pie Recipe has become one of my go-to desserts whenever I want something comforting that nearly everyone can enjoy. It’s so rewarding to see friends and family’s faces light up with the first bite, especially knowing it’s allergen-friendly and wholesome. I wholeheartedly recommend you try it yourself—you might just discover your new favorite cozy dessert, just like I did!
Print
Gluten Free Vegan Apple Crumble Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delightful Gluten Free Vegan Apple Crumble Pie featuring a crisp gluten free crust, juicy cinnamon-spiced apple filling, and a crunchy oat and almond flour crumble topping, perfect for a cozy dessert or festive occasion.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 1 Gluten Free Pie Crust (prepared as per link in instructions)
Apple Filling
- 6 large apples, peeled, cored and sliced 1/4 inch thick (8-10 cups total, a mix of Granny Smith and Pink Lady recommended)
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Crumble Topping
- 3/4 cup gluten free rolled oats
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons melted coconut oil (or applesauce for oil-free option)
Instructions
- Prepare Pie Crust: Prepare the gluten free pie crust according to the provided instructions and bake it for 12 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside.
- Mix Apple Filling: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, brown sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Toss well to coat the apples evenly and set aside while preheating the oven.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Make Crumble Topping: In a medium bowl, mix together the gluten free rolled oats, almond flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir in the melted coconut oil (or applesauce) with a spatula until the mixture becomes thick and crumbly.
- Assemble Pie: Spoon the apple filling into the pre-baked crust, leaving some juice behind in the bowl to prevent the pie from becoming too watery. Evenly sprinkle the crumble topping over the apples.
- Bake Pie: Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 55 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the filling has thickened. Use a pie crust shield or foil to prevent the crust edges from burning.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the pie to cool for at least 2-3 hours to let the filling thicken before slicing. Serve optionally with non-dairy vanilla ice cream or coconut whip.
- Storage: Cover leftovers and refrigerate for up to 4-5 days if it lasts that long.
Notes
- For a low fat or oil-free option, substitute the melted coconut oil in the crumble topping with applesauce.
- Use a pie crust shield or foil to protect the crust edges from burning during baking.
- The combination of Granny Smith and Pink Lady apples provides a balanced tart and sweet flavor.
- Letting the pie cool for several hours is important for the filling to set properly.
- Gluten free rolled oats must be certified gluten free to maintain the recipe’s gluten free status.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg