Name: Perfect Vegan Apple Pie Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 vegan pie crusts (double recipe); 7-8 medium sized apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are best); 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 3 tablespoons all purpose flour; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 2 tablespoons vegan butter; Few tablespoons non-dairy milk for brushing pie crust; Sprinkle of coarse sugar (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 40 reviews

If you’ve ever dreamed of nailing a classic dessert that’s 100% plant-based and bursting with cozy flavors, you’re in the right place. This Perfect Vegan Apple Pie Recipe isn’t just good—it’s fan-freaking-tastic. From the tender, spiced apple filling to the crisp, flaky crust, it’ll have you coming back for seconds (and thirds!). I can’t wait to share all my tips and tricks so you can bake this beauty with confidence and enjoy every delightful bite.

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Why This Recipe Works

Flaky Vegan Crust: Using a homemade or quality vegan crust guarantees rich, buttery texture without animal products.
Balanced Sweet-Tart Filling: Combining tart granny smith and sweet honeycrisp apples creates a nuanced, classic apple pie flavor.
Warm Spices & Vanilla: Cinnamon and vanilla are used perfectly to elevate the apples without overpowering them.
Simple Techniques: Cooking the filling on the stovetop softens the apples just right and thickens the sauce for that perfect pie consistency.

Perfect Vegan Apple Pie, vegan apple pie recipe, plant-based apple pie, homemade vegan dessert, dairy-free apple pie - A white pie dish holds an apple pie with a golden brown, slightly rough textured crust sprinkled with coarse sugar on top, cut open to reveal a layer of soft, thinly sliced apples inside, surrounded by thick apple juice creating a glossy, light brown pool at the bottom. The white marbled surface under the dish has two red and yellow apples resting beside it, adding a fresh look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Perfect Vegan Apple Pie Recipe plays a role to create a harmonious balance of flavor and texture. Choosing the right apples, for instance, is key, and knowing why each element is included makes all the difference in success.

Perfect Vegan Apple Pie, vegan apple pie recipe, plant-based apple pie, homemade vegan dessert, dairy-free apple pie - Flat lay of a variety of fresh apples including bright green Granny Smiths and warm red Honeycrisps, some whole and some sliced to show their crisp texture, beside a small pile of golden vegan butter with a smooth, creamy look, a heap of ground cinnamon in rich brown powder form, scattered vanilla beans and a small glass jar of pure vanilla extract with a dark amber liquid inside, fresh lemon halves with bright yellow flesh and glossy green leaves, a neat mound of white granulated sugar sparkling softly in natural light, and a small pile of all-purpose flour with its fine, powdery texture, all beautifully arranged and contrasting on a clean white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Vegan Pie Crusts: Homemade crusts deliver that flaky, buttery mouthfeel you crave, but quality store-bought crusts can be a lifesaver when you’re in a pinch.
Apples: Granny smith and honeycrisp apples bring tartness and sweetness — I often like mixing a few to hit the perfect flavor note.
Lemon Juice: Keeps the apples from browning and brightens the overall flavor, making it taste fresher.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the apples just right without overpowering, helping to caramelize during baking.
All-Purpose Flour: Acts as a thickener for the apple filling, ensuring it’s not runny.
Ground Cinnamon: A classic warming spice that pairs beautifully with apples.
Pure Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and rounds out the flavors with subtle sweetness.
Vegan Butter: Adds richness when dotting on top of the filling before baking.
Non-Dairy Milk: For brushing the crust, helping it brown nicely and allowing a sprinkle of sugar to stick for a sparkly finish.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the joys of this Perfect Vegan Apple Pie Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Whether you prefer your pie crust extra flaky, love adding a hint of nutmeg, or want to swap out apple varieties, it’s all about making it your own.

Mixing Apples: I love using a combo of granny smith for tartness and honeycrisp for sweetness; it keeps the filling interesting and balanced.
Spice it Up: Sometimes I sneak in a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for added warmth — it’s subtle but cozy.
Gluten-Free Twist: Use a gluten-free crust and substitute cornstarch for flour in the filling; I tried this for a friend and it was delicious!
Top It Differently: While I usually do a classic double crust, feel free to try a lattice top — it looks stunning and still keeps that vegan crunch.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Perfect Vegan Apple Pie Recipe

Step 1: Chill That Crust to Perfection

I always start by making or unwrapping my vegan pie crusts and letting them chill in the fridge while I prep the filling. This resting time is essential. When dough is cold, it’s easier to roll out and helps keep the crust flaky — nobody wants a crumbly mess, right? If you’re short on time, store-bought crusts work, but homemade truly makes the difference in flavor.

Step 2: Build the Flavorful Apple Filling

Peel, slice, or chop your apples (I prefer slices for that classic pie texture). Toss them into a large saucepan with lemon juice, sugar, flour, cinnamon, and vanilla. Cooking the apples on medium heat while stirring helps soften them just enough without turning mushy—which is key! You’re aiming for tender slices with a thick, fragrant sauce. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes. Be sure to watch closely, so the mixture doesn’t stick or burn.

Step 3: Roll Out and Layer

Flour your workspace lightly and roll out the first crust into a 12-inch circle. I wrap the dough around my rolling pin—this little trick helps transfer it to the pie pan smoothly without tearing. Place it carefully in your 9-inch pan, then trim any excess dough hanging over the side. Pour your warm apple filling in and dot the top with vegan butter—that buttery richness on top adds a lovely finish.

Step 4: Seal and Vent the Top Crust

Roll out your second crust and place it gently over the fruit. Trim the edges to match the bottom crust, then pinch and flute the edges for that charming homemade look. Don’t forget to cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape—trust me, this stops the pie from turning soggy inside. Brush with non-dairy milk and sprinkle with coarse sugar for an extra sparkle.

Step 5: Bake and Wait Patiently

Bake your pie at 425°F for about 40 minutes until golden brown and bubbling. If the crust edges brown too quickly, a pie shield or foil strips can save the day. After baking, cool it at room temperature for at least half an hour. This cooldown is a must—it helps the filling set for perfect slices. Then, voila! Serve with vegan whipped cream or non-dairy vanilla ice cream for that next-level indulgence.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Cold Dough is Key: Keep your pie dough chilled until right before rolling—it prevents shrinking and keeps that flakiness.
Watch Your Apples: Don’t overcook the filling on the stove; you want them tender but still holding shape.
Pie Shield Hack: Foil strips over the crust edges are a simple, cost-free way to avoid burning.
Patience Pays Off: Let the pie cool before slicing to avoid a runny filling and messy slices.

How to Serve Perfect Vegan Apple Pie Recipe

Perfect Vegan Apple Pie, vegan apple pie recipe, plant-based apple pie, homemade vegan dessert, dairy-free apple pie - A slice of apple pie sits on a white plate with a white marbled background. The pie has two layers of golden-brown crust, one on the bottom and one on top, with the top crust slightly cracked and sprinkled with sugar. Between the crust layers are thin slices of light yellow apples mixed with a brown cinnamon spice, visible in the thick filling. On top of the pie slice is a smooth, round scoop of white vanilla ice cream that starts to melt slightly around the edges. In the background, part of the full apple pie in a white dish and a red apple are faintly seen. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually keep it classic with a dollop of vegan whipped cream or a scoop of non-dairy vanilla ice cream—both melt beautifully over a warm slice. Sometimes, I sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar on top before serving to amp up that cinnamon aroma. A few toasted walnuts also add a nice crunch if I’m feeling fancy.

Side Dishes

This apple pie pairs wonderfully with a simple cup of chai tea or freshly brewed coffee for dessert. If it’s a daytime brunch, a fresh green salad balances the sweetness perfectly. And on cozy winter nights, I swear by a warm mug of spiced apple cider alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve used mini tart pans to make individual vegan apple pies—so cute and portion-controlled! Another fun idea is to create a lattice crust to show off the bubbling apples beneath. I once served slices with caramel drizzle (vegan store-bought caramel sauce) and it was a crowd-pleaser at a holiday party.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually cover leftover pie tightly with plastic wrap or a pie dome and keep it in the fridge. It stays fresh for about 3-4 days, which is great — though honestly, it rarely lasts that long in my house. Always taste-test before serving cold or reheated, as refrigeration can slightly mellow the flavors.

Freezing

Freezing vegan apple pie works like a charm. I wrap whole pies or individual slices tightly in foil and plastic wrap to avoid freezer burn. Then, they can last up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the oven to revive that fresh-baked taste.

Reheating

Reheating in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes brings back the flaky crust and warms the filling perfectly. If you’re short on time, a quick zap in the microwave works, but the crust loses some crispness. Either way, it’s still delicious.

FAQs

Can I use other fruits in this Perfect Vegan Apple Pie Recipe?

Absolutely! While apples are classic, you can mix in pears or berries for a twist. Just be mindful that different fruits may release more or less juice, so adjust your flour or thickener accordingly.
What if I don’t have vegan butter for the filling?

No worries! You can substitute with coconut oil or simply skip it. The filling will still be tasty, though that buttery finish adds a certain richness I love.
How do I prevent a soggy pie crust?

Cooking the filling before adding it to the crust helps reduce excess moisture. Also, venting the top crust properly lets steam escape, and chilling your dough before baking keeps it flaky and crisp.
Can I make the pie ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the pie and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. Just keep it covered with plastic wrap to prevent drying out, then bake as directed.

Final Thoughts

This Perfect Vegan Apple Pie Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen—it’s the dessert that brings people together with its cozy aromas and familiar warmth. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your first vegan pie, I truly hope you find as much joy in making and eating this as I do. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and create a slice of comfort that’s all your own. You won’t regret it!