Let's be honest, there is no such thing as a completely healthy apple pie, but this is the closest recipe I have found to it! I am gluten free and live primarily sugar free as well. I make this pie for special occasions and no one seems to know the difference! If you don't feel comfortable making a sugar free, gluten free crust you can look for someone in your town (maybe at a local farmers market) who specializes in making gluten free/sugar free baked goods. If you are an excellent baker, I have attached a great recipe for the crust. If you don't mind the added sugar, you can always purchase a gluten free crust from your nearest grocer.
Keep in mind that there is still a great deal of sugar in this pie with the crust (carbs) and the apple juice (juice sugar). Please eat in moderation if you are watching your intake of anti-inflammatory ingredients.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 12 ounces unsweetened apple juice concentrate - Fresh pressed apple juice can be used for a less sweet pie with less calories. Use a sweet apple such as Gala, Pink, Granny Smith, or use a combination of the three.
- 6 cups thinly sliced apples: Gala, Pink, Granny Smith, or use a combination of the three.
- 1 pastry for a 9-inch double crust pie (ideally gluten free, sugar free crust – See recipe below)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Whisk together the cornstarch, cinnamon and 1/4 of the apple juice.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, simmer the apples in the remaining apple juice until tender. Add the cornstarch mixture and stir until thickened. This will happen QUICKLY so be prepared!
- Pour into bottom crust and cover with top crust. Bake for 45 minutes.
Ingredients for Pie Crust
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/4 cups shortening
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
- 4 tablespoons water
Directions for Pie Crust (Find a crust at the store or order one from a local pastry cook)
- In large bowl mix flour (gluten flour can be used – See directions for conversion) and salt.
- Cut in shortening with two butter knifes.
- In separate bowl, mix together egg, vinegar, and water. Drizzle wet mixture into dry mixture, cutting it in.
- Roll out dough, and fit into two 9-inch pie pans.
- Bake at 425 degrees F (220 degrees C) for 12 minutes.
If you are feeling a little adventurous, you could always get some whipping cream and sprinkle in a little cinnamon and vanilla extract for a cool and smooth topping for your pie!
8 Servings - 309 Calories per/slice
Enjoy!