Vegan Apple Pie is my go-to when I want a dessert that’s nostalgic yet completely plant-based, with a flaky crust and warm, spiced filling. I love how easy it is to make with simple ingredients, and it always wins over everyone, vegan or not. For holiday gatherings, it’s a showstopper that feels special without being complicated. Plus, you can make it ahead or freeze it, making meal prep a breeze.
Peel and slice the apples evenly, then add them to a large saucepan. Stir in the lemon juice, sugar, flour, cinnamon, margarine, and vanilla. Cook over medium heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently, until the apples soften. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool.
4-5 medium-sized apples, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 2 tablespoons vegan butter, ½ cup granulated sugar, 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F). Roll out one of the pie crusts on a floured surface to about 12 inches in diameter. Transfer it to a 9-inch pie pan and trim any excess dough around the edges. Add the cooled apple filling, mounding it slightly in the center.
2 vegan pie crusts
For the top crust, roll out the second pie dough and cut it into strips. Lay the strips over the pie in a lattice pattern or place the crust on top whole, cutting a few slits to allow steam to escape. Brush the top with non-dairy milk.
2 tablespoons non-dairy milk for brushing pie crust
Bake the pie for approximately 40 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling. If the edges brown too quickly, cover them with a pie shield or foil. Let the pie cool for 30 minutes at room temperature before serving.
Serve with vegan whipped cream or non-dairy ice cream and enjoy.
Notes
Use the Right Apples: Using a combination of sweet and tart apples, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, creates a more balanced flavor. The tartness cuts through the sweetness, making every bite just right.
Keep the Dough Cold: A chilled pie crust bakes up flakier and is easier to handle.
Balance the Sweetness: If your apples are very sweet, reduce the sugar slightly to keep the flavor balanced.
Prevent Soggy Crusts: Dust a small amount of flour or breadcrumbs on the bottom crust before adding the filling to absorb excess juices.
Lattice Crust Hack: If weaving a lattice feels intimidating, just lay the strips diagonally without weaving. It’ll still look amazing.
Golden Crust Tip: Brushing the top crust with non-dairy milk before baking adds a golden, glossy finish. For an even richer look, sprinkle a bit of coarse sugar on top for sparkle and crunch.
Prep Ahead: Make the filling a day in advance and refrigerate it to save time.
Freezing Option: This pie freezes beautifully unbaked. Bake it directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.