The Best Gluten-Free Apple Pie Recipe for Fall Baking Bliss

Autumn, with its crisp air and vibrant foliage, ushers in a season of rich flavors and delightful baking adventures. Among the quintessential treats of the fall, apple pie holds a cherished spot in many hearts. For those who follow a gluten-free diet, the challenge of enjoying this classic dessert might seem daunting. However, we're here to debunk the myth that you can't have your pie and eat it too, with our Best Gluten-Free Apple Pie Recipe for Fall Baking Bliss.

Ingredients

Before we dive into the preparation process, let’s gather the ingredients essential for crafting this gluten-free marvel:

• For the Crust:
  • 1 ¹⁄₂ cups almond flour
  • ¹⁄₂ cup tapioca flour
  • ¹⁄₄ cup coconut flour
  • ¹⁄₂ teaspoon salt
  • ¹⁄₂ cup cold, cubed unsalted butter (or dairy-free alternative)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1-2 tablespoons ice water
• For the Filling:
  • 6-7 medium apples (use a mix of Granny Smith for tartness and Honeycrisp or Fuji for sweetness)
  • ¹⁄₂ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons tapioca flour or cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¹⁄₄ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¹⁄₄ teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• To Finish:
  • 1 egg yolk + 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
  • Turbinado sugar or additional granulated sugar for sprinkling

Instructions

Let’s embark on the journey to create the ultimate gluten-free apple pie:

Prepare the Crust

1. Mix almond, tapioca, and coconut flours with salt in a large bowl.
2. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Ensure the butter stays cold to achieve that flaky texture.
3. Add the egg, mixing until it forms into a dough. You might need to add 1-2 tablespoons of ice water to help it come together.
4. Divide the dough into two halves, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time helps to relax the dough, making it easier to roll out.

Prepare the Apple Filling

1. Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. Toss them in lemon juice to prevent browning.
2. In another bowl, mix sugar, tapioca flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Combine this with the apple slices, ensuring they’re evenly coated.

Assemble the Pie

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out one half of the chilled dough between two sheets of parchment paper to fit your pie dish. Transfer it to the dish, pressing it gently into the bottom and sides.
3. Add the apple filling, mounding it slightly in the center. Allow the apple slices to layer naturally, but do not pack them down.
4. Roll out the second half of the dough for the top crust. You can either create a lattice or cover the entire pie, cutting vents for steam to escape.
5. Brush the top crust with egg wash and sprinkle with sugar for that irresistible golden crust.

Baking the Pie

• Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake for 45-55 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling through the vents.
• If the edges of the crust begin to brown too quickly, cover them with foil or a pie shield.
• Allow the pie to cool completely to allow the filling to set before slicing.

📝 Note: The key to a perfect gluten-free pie crust is ensuring your ingredients are cold, and you don't overwork the dough. This will help achieve a tender and flaky texture.

As you delve into this baking adventure, you'll discover that creating a gluten-free apple pie doesn't mean sacrificing taste or texture. Instead, it opens up a realm of alternative flours and ingredients that can produce pies just as delightful as those made with wheat.

We've covered the steps from preparing the crust to baking the pie, ensuring your journey into gluten-free baking is both rewarding and tasty. Whether you're catering to dietary needs or simply exploring new culinary avenues, this apple pie recipe promises to deliver fall baking bliss.

Can I make this apple pie vegan?

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Yes, you can make this recipe vegan by using vegan butter, skipping the egg wash, or using a dairy-free alternative like almond or coconut milk mixed with maple syrup for brushing the top crust.

What are the best apples for gluten-free apple pie?

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A mix of tart apples like Granny Smith and sweet varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji work wonderfully to balance the flavors in the pie.

Can I use a different flour for the crust?

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You can experiment with other gluten-free flours like sorghum or oat flour, but keep in mind the ratios and possibly add xanthan gum to bind the dough together.