Best Gluten-Free Apple Pie Recipe

This recipe is hands down the best gluten-free apple pie made from scratch! It has a warm cinnamon apple filling and the perfect homemade flakey crust. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Trust me, you can't tell it's gluten-free!

Easy gluten-free apple pie

Fall is upon us, which means all the cozy apple dessert recipes. So, if you love my Apple Crumble or my viral Air Fryer Apples, you will love this classic apple pie recipe. And, let's be honest, everyone needs a classic apple pie recipe in their collection, and this gluten-free version promises all the flavor without the fuss.

This gluten-free version of apple pie does not compromise taste or texture. It has the most delicious flakey, buttery pie crust that melts in your mouth and is packed with warmly spiced cinnamon apples. Just because you're gluten-free doesn't mean you should miss out on the good stuff!

Don't be intimidated if you're new to baking. This homemade apple pie is surprisingly simple to make. Once you dive in, you'll feel like a baking pro and impress everyone with your skills. For a quicker option that's just as delicious, consider our Apple Crumble or Apple Pie Oatmeal Cookies recipe!

Pair a slice of this apple pie with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for the ultimate indulgence. Whether it's for Thanksgiving dinner or a holiday gathering, this pie is sure to steal the show. Let me know what you think in the comments below!

Why you'll love this recipe:

• Gluten-Free: This apple pie is 100% gluten-free.
• Flakey Crust: Don't worry; the pie crust is buttery and flakey.
• Gooey Apple Filling: The filling is warm, rich, and has the best Fall cinnamon flavor.
• Family Favorite: One of our favorites and sure to be yours!
• Easy Recipe: Any level baker can make this gluten-free apple pie.
• Try these apple pie oatmeal cookies for another tasty treat!

Ingredients you'll need

You only need a few basic ingredients to make this secretly gluten-free apple pie. We’ll be using gluten-free all-purpose flour instead of regular flour. Here’s everything you’ll need:

For the Homemade Gluten-Free Pie Crust:

• Gluten-Free Flour: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. If your blend doesn’t include xanthan gum, we’ll add it separately.
• Xanthan Gum: Only needed if your flour blend doesn’t already have it. It helps bind the dough.
• Salt: Just a pinch for flavor.
• Sugar: To add a touch of sweetness.
• Unsalted Butter: Cold, unsalted butter, cut into cubes. This makes the crust extra flakey.
• Buttermilk: Adds richness to the crust. You can use store-bought or make your own.
• Ice-Cold Water: Helps bring the dough together.

For the Gooey Apple Filling:

• Apples: Use a mix of Granny Smith (green apples) and a baking-friendly variety of red apples like Macintosh or Honeycrisp.
• Coconut Sugar: A healthier option, or you can substitute with light brown sugar.
• Tapioca Flour or Arrowroot Starch: Helps soak up any extra liquid.
• Lemon: Juice and zest for a fresh, bright flavor.
• Cinnamon and All-Spice: Essential for that warm, spiced apple filling.
• Egg White: For brushing the crust before baking to give it a shiny finish, plus a sprinkle of sugar.

How to make a gluten-free apple pie from scratch

Making the best gluten-free apple pie involves just four easy steps. First, we’ll make the dough and chill it. Next, we’ll roll it out, then prepare the filling, and finally, bake it to perfection. Here’s a step-by-step guide with pictures for any level baker:

Step 1:

First, cut the butter into small pieces and place it in the freezer or refrigerator. It must stay cold.

Step 2:

In a food processor, add the flour, xanthan gum (if needed), salt, and sugar. Pulse twice.
Add the cold butter chunks and pulse in short bursts until the mixture is crumbly with various-sized butter pieces. You can also use your fingers to break up the butter.

Step 3:

Transfer the mixture to a mixing bowl. Then, drizzle the buttermilk over it and press it in with your hands or a spatula. Squeeze the mixture to see if it holds together. If it’s too dry, add a few tablespoons of ice water.

Step 4:

After that, form the dough into a ball, then cut it in half. Shape each half into a 4-inch disk or square. Wrap in plastic and chill for 1 hour or up to 2 days. Let it rest for 10 minutes before rolling if it’s too stiff.

Step 5:

Preheat your oven to 400°F while the dough is chilling.

Step 6:

Lightly flour your work surface. Roll out one of the dough disks from the center outward. If it looks crumbly, that’s normal—just fold it in thirds, press it together, and keep rolling.

Step 7:

Now, roll the dough into a circle, turning it in quarters every few rolls to prevent sticking. The dough should be about 2 inches larger than your pie dish. Gently place the dough into the dish and press it into the bottom and sides, trimming any excess.

Step 8:

After that, peel, core, and slice the apples into ½-inch pieces. Then, toss them with the rest of the filling ingredients in a mixing bowl.

Step 9:

Now, roll out the second dough disk. Add the apple filling to the pie dish, then place the rolled-out dough on top. Fold the edges underneath to form a thick rim, then flute (see pictures above) or press with a fork. Cut four slits in the top for vents, brush with beaten egg white, and sprinkle with sugar if desired.

Step 10:

Finally, bake at 400°F for 20 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 375°F and bake for another 30-35 minutes until the crust is golden. If the crust browns too quickly, cover it loosely with foil.

Remove your delicious gluten-free apple pie from the oven and let it cool for at least 1- 2 hours. Serve with whipped cream and ice cream. Enjoy!

Expert recipe tips:

1. Use Gluten-Free Flour Blend with Xanthan Gum: It helps bind the pie crust since there’s no gluten.
2. Press in Buttermilk and Ice Water with a Spatula: This prevents melting the butter with your hands, which helps keep the crust nice and flaky.
3. Chill the Dough for At Least 1 Hour: this keeps the dough from melting into the filling. Shaping it into 4-inch disks before chilling can speed things up.
4. Flour Your Work Surface: A light dusting of flour prevents the dough from sticking and tearing. Feel free to add more flour as needed while rolling.
5. Laminate the Dough: Gently fold the dough into thirds to create a flakier, more delicious crust.
6. Use a Pie Shield: If the edges of your pie crust are browning too quickly in the oven, cover them with a pie shield or foil to protect them from burning. Check around minute 25.
7. Mix Green and Red Apples: Using both Granny Smith (green) and a baking-friendly red variety, like Macintosh or Honeycrisp, adds a wonderful balance of tartness and sweetness to the filling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of gluten-free flour?

For the best results, stick with gluten-free all-purpose baking flour. It's ideal for achieving the right texture in your pie crust. Try to pick one xanthan gum, but you can add it afterward if needed. Avoid using oat flour, almond flour, or coconut flour, as they won’t work the same way.

What should I do if my dough is too crumbly?

If the dough is too crumbly, try adding a little more cold water, a tablespoon at a time, until it comes together. Be careful not to overwork it.

Can you taste the pie is gluten-free?

No way! This pie tastes like the real thing; no one will be able to tell it is gluten-free.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

You can substitute buttermilk by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using it!

How do I prevent the crust from getting too brown?

If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with foil or a pie shield to protect them while the pie finishes baking.

What are the best apples for apple pie?

A combination of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp or Macintosh apples is best for an apple pie. The Granny Smith apples are tart, while the Honeycrisp apples are nice and sweet. The combination of the two makes for the most delicious classic apple pie!

Can I make apple pie ahead of time?

Absolutely! If you want to get a head start on your Thanksgiving preparations, you can make your apple pie a day in advance. Just prepare the pie, bake it, and let it cool completely. Then, cover it loosely and store it at room temperature. This will give the flavors time to meld and make your Thanksgiving Day less hectic. You can also make the pie a few days ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just remember to warm it up before serving for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste!

If you loved this recipe, try these next!

• Gluten Free Apple Cider Donuts
• Healthy Apple Pie Oatmeal Cookies
• Blueberry Apple Crumble
• Apple Crumble
• Gluten-Free Apple Cake
• Air Fryer Apples

Did you make this recipe?

If you make this recipe, be sure to comment and rate it down below. Also, don't forget to tag me @healthfulblondie on Instagram and use the hashtag #healthfulblondie so I can see your delicious creation and share it with my followers!

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