Recipe by David Phinney’s Grandmother
A timeless, plant-based twist on a beloved family classic.
Warm, cozy, and full of nostalgia, this apple pie brings generations together around the table. It’s the kind of recipe that fills your kitchen with the smell of caramelized apples and cinnamon, the kind of comfort that feels like home. Every bite is flaky, tender, and perfectly balanced between sweet and tart.
There’s something truly special about recipes passed down through family. This one has been lovingly adapted to be fully vegan, using simple swaps that keep the flavor and texture just as rich as the original. Whether it’s for a holiday dessert or a cozy weekend bake, this pie is a timeless favorite that celebrates the beauty of homemade traditions.
You’ll love this pie for its buttery crust, gooey apple filling, and just-right sweetness. Serve it warm with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream or a dollop of coconut whipped cream for the ultimate treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flaky and Buttery – A tender, golden crust that melts in your mouth.
- Perfectly Spiced – Sweet apples balanced with cinnamon and nutmeg.
- Nostalgic Comfort – A classic dessert that feels like home.
- Fully Vegan – All the flavor, none of the dairy.
The Best Apple Pie
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 1 pie (8 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Warm, cozy, and full of nostalgia, this apple pie brings generations together around the table. It’s the kind of recipe that fills your kitchen with the smell of caramelized apples and cinnamon, the kind of comfort that feels like home. Every bite is flaky, tender, and perfectly balanced between sweet and tart.
There’s something truly special about recipes passed down through family. This one has been lovingly adapted to be fully vegan, using simple swaps that keep the flavor and texture just as rich as the original. Whether it’s for a holiday dessert or a cozy weekend bake, this pie is a timeless favorite that celebrates the beauty of homemade traditions.
You’ll love this pie for its buttery crust, gooey apple filling, and just-right sweetness. Serve it warm with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream or a dollop of coconut whipped cream for the ultimate treat.
Ingredients
For a 2-Crust Pie:
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2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon salt
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2/3 cup shortening
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3–7 tablespoons cold water (ice cold)
For the Filling:
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6 to 8 tart apples (Granny Smith work well), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (about 6 cups)
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3/4 to 1 cup sugar
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2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (rounded spoonfuls)
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1/2 to 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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Dash of ground nutmeg (or a few dashes)
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2 tablespoons Earth Balance vegan margarine
Instructions
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Make the crust: Sift flour and salt together. Cut in shortening with a pastry blender until the pieces are the size of small peas.
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Sprinkle with ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, gently tossing with a fork after each addition. Depending on your flour, you’ll need about 3 to 7 tablespoons of water—just enough for the dough to hold together without being sticky. A little extra flour that doesn’t fully mix in is fine; it will come together as you roll it out.
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Roll out the dough between two sheets of plastic wrap (extra-wide works best). Peel off the top layer, invert into a pie pan, and remove the bottom layer.
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Add the filling, then top with the second crust. Fold, roll, or pinch the edges as desired. Cut slits or a simple design in the top to let steam escape.
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Make the filling: Combine sugar, flour, spices, and a dash of salt. Mix with apples and spoon into the prepared crust. Dot with Earth Balance.
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Bake: Place the pie in a preheated oven at 400°F and bake for about 50 minutes or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling.
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Let cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
Keep your shortening and water as cold as possible for the flakiest crust.
Don’t overwork the dough—it should just come together.
Place a baking sheet under the pie to catch any drips.
Let the pie cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts.
Nutrition info is approximate.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: American, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of pie)
- Calories: 420kcal
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
