Typical apple pie is not necessarily dairy-free, as some recipes may include butter in the crust or milk-based ingredients in the filling. However, it is possible to make a dairy-free version by substituting dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives.
Dairy-Free Apple Pie Recipe
Ingredients
- Two dairy-free pie crusts
- 6 cups thinly sliced, peeled apples (about 6 medium apples)
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons dairy-free margarine
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Place one pie crust in an ungreased 9-inch glass pie plate.
- Mix the sugar, flour, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg in a large bowl. Stir in the apples and lemon juice.
- Spoon the apple mixture into the pie plate, and dot with margarine. Cover with the second crust; seal and flute. Cut slits in several places on the top crust.
- Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until the apples are tender and the crust is golden brown. Cover the edge of the crust with 2- to 3-inch-wide strips of foil after the first 15 to 20 minutes of baking to prevent excessive browning. Let the pie cool for at least 2 hours before serving.
Dairy-Free Alternatives to Apple Pie
Apple Crisp
This dessert involves baked apples topped with a crispy, crumbly topping usually made from oats, sugar, and a butter substitute like coconut oil. It offers a similar flavor profile to apple pie, minus the crust.
Apple Cobbler
It’s a baked fruit dessert topped with a biscuit-like topping. Use a dairy-free milk substitute in the biscuit dough for a dairy-free version.
Baked Apples
Stuff apples with oats, brown sugar, and dairy-free margarine, then bake until tender. It’s a simple, wholesome dessert that’s reminiscent of apple pie.
Apple Galette
It’s a rustic, free-form tart that can be made using dairy-free pastry dough. The open-face design lets the apples take center stage.
Tips to Ensure that Your Apple Pie is 100% Dairy-free
Ask the Staff: Always ask the restaurant staff or chef about the ingredients. They should be able to tell you whether the apple pie is dairy-free.
Check for Allergen Information: Many restaurants now provide allergen information for their dishes. Look for this or ask for it.
Go for Vegan Options: If there’s a vegan apple pie, it’s guaranteed to be dairy-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is apple pie vegan?
Traditional apple pie is not vegan due to the use of butter in the crust. However, it can be made vegan with substitutions like using plant-based butter or oil.
Is apple pie healthy?
While apple pie contains healthy apples, it has sugar and fat, especially in the crust. It can be part of a balanced diet in moderation, but it shouldn’t be considered a healthy food.
Is store-bought apple pie dairy-free?
Not all store-bought apple pies are dairy-free. Always check the ingredients list to ensure it doesn’t contain dairy.
Can I use oil instead of butter in my pie crust?
Yes, you can use oil in your pie crust. It will yield a different texture but is a good dairy-free option.
Is lemon meringue pie dairy free?
Typically, lemon meringue pie is dairy-free; the main ingredients are egg whites, sugar, and lemon. However, some crust recipes may include butter, so checking is important.
Is pumpkin pie dairy free?
Traditional pumpkin pie usually contains condensed milk or cream. However, it’s possible to make a dairy-free version using plant-based milk.
Is key lime pie dairy free?
Traditional key lime pie is not dairy-free as it often contains condensed milk. But you can make a dairy-free version with plant-based condensed milk alternatives.
