Flaky homemade pie crust, sweet cinnamon apples, and buttery oatmeal crumble. This homestyle healthy apple pie is good beyond words!
Not weighed down by butter and sugar, the apples in this pie really shine.
Last week, I took the train from DC to spend Thanksgiving with my sister in New York City.
Holed up in her cozy Manhattan apartment, we watched old movies in our pajamas while eating apple pie topped with Coconut Ice Cream.
Surprised at how delicate and buttery the pie turned out, my sister (who is as far away from being vegan as one could possibly get) had to ask me three separate times:
Are you SURE there’s no butter in this?!
NO butter, no lard or shortening.
The healthy apple pie recipe can also be sugar free, gluten free, dairy free, and vegan.
It always shocks me to see how much butter and sugar are called for in traditional apple pie recipes.
The sweet apple flavor should take center stage in an apple pie; yet these recipes add so much unnecessary fat and sugar that they completely mask the apple, and fat and sugar end up being all you can taste.
There’s really no need for all those empty calories.
Leftover apples? Make this Apple Crisp Recipe
The following healthy apple pie recipe relies on naturally sweet apples and cinnamon for sweetness, and you have the option of using stevia if you want to cut back on the sugar even further.
Even if you opt to use real sugar here, the sugar will still only be around half the amount called for in traditional Dutch apple pie recipes.
What better way to celebrate Thanksgiving in the Big Apple than with homemade apple pie?
(And by staying far away from Macy’s Herald Square on Thanksgiving night…)
P.S. My sister wasn’t the only reason I was in NYC last week…
I’ll give more details as soon as I’m able, but for now I can leave you with a hint:
Chocolate Covered Katie On The Dr. Oz Show
Even in my sister’s tiny NYC apartment where you can barely turn around, this healthy apple pie was super easy to make.
Bonus points that it only calls for a few basic ingredients. Food in New York is expensive!
Healthy Apple Pie Recipe
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 1/3 cups spelt, white, oat, or gf ap flour
- 1/4 cup sugar of choice (or erythritol for sugar free)
- 1/4 tsp each: cinnamon and salt
- 1/4 cup oil or butter spread
- 2 tbsp water
Filling
- 4 cups peeled apple, sliced thin (400g)
- pinch stevia OR 1 tbsp pure maple syrup, honey, or agave
- optional 1/2 cup raw walnuts, diced small
- optional 1/2 cup raisins
Crumble Topping
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup spelt, white, oat, or gf ap flour
- 1/2 cup sugar (or erythritol for sugar free)
- 1/4 cup oil, OR 1/4 applesauce for fat-free
- 1/8 tsp salt
Instructions
- This recipe calls for an 8-inch springform, but it also works in a 9-inch if you double the entire recipe.Preheat oven to 350F, line the bottom of an 8-inch springform or removable-bottom tart pan with parchment, and set aside. In a large mixing bowl, combine all dry crust ingredients, then stir in the oil and water to make a dough. Transfer to the prepared pan, press down hard, and bake 12 minutes on the center rack. Toss the apple and sweetener in a medium bowl, then spread evenly over the baked crust. In a third bowl, combine all crumble ingredients. Sprinkle the crumble evenly over the apples. Bake 50-60 minutes or until apples are soft and tender. Allow to cool 20 minutes before removing the springform.View Nutrition Facts
Notes
Have you made this recipe?
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Amy says
I love dense fruit pies, so tired of all the jelled juice, pure fruit is the way to go.
Bianca says
After Thanksgiving pies this year, i really wanted to find a healthy recipe to justify my newly-formed “pie for breakfast” habit haha so this is perfect!
Btw, I LOVE your pretty and festive red top! Would you mind sharing details on where it’s from? 🙂
Chocolate Covered Katie says
Dress from Ralph Lauren 🙂
Emilie @ Emilie Eats says
This looks incredible! Apples are my favorite food so I definitely want that flavor to stand out instead of all the unnecessary sugar and fat. So excited to hear about your announcement!!
Medeja says
Yummy! It looks like a must try pie!
Sarah "Boo" Heckman says
I really enjoyed this post! Thanks for sharing some about your life. 🙂 You could really see your personality shine through as you described your sister’s little apartment and New York’s high food prices. 😉 Can’t wait to try this pie!
TessaC says
Wow, this version of a Dutch Apple Pie looks really amazing. As a dutchie I know (of course) a lot of traditional recipes, but this is definitely one I will try next time! Thank you for sharing.
petrina says
Katie I am so excited to hear you may be on TV soon! I have been following you for about 2 years (or longer?), and I am so excited for you!
I was just talking to my husband the other day about making Dutch apple pie and yours looks delicious. I looks like it would make a nice apple crumble too if the bottom crust is just left off.
Chocolate Covered Katie says
Love your idea!
Nina says
I just took this out of the oven and it is fantastic. i added a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Pure deliciousness.
Kelli H says
I’ve been silently following your blog for about a year, and love love love your recipes! I recommend you to everyone I know!
The pie looks amazing, but I’m really commenting because YOUR HAIR! Oh my gosh, its gorgeous!
Chocolate Covered Katie says
Thank you! 🙂
Sarah Kristine says
Can’t tell AT ALL that you’re sisters 😉
(kidding though because how could you deny that?)
Love the recipe idea though! Just had some leftover pie from Thanksgiving today and thought “What would Katie do?”
Chocolate Covered Katie says
Breakfast. Definitely breakfast. 😉
Sarah Kristine says
Pie in the morning, pie in the evening, pie at suppertime. When pie is this healthy, you can eat pie at anytime.
😉
Parker says
I am sure that this apple pie is super! And the ice cream on it…
jenny says
Hi Katie, this looks so good! Do you have a specific recommendation for what types of apple to use, please? My favourite type of apple to eat is Braeburn, so that’s what I have in, but I’ll buy a different type if you think another would be better. Thanks 🙂
Chocolate Covered Katie says
That will work well! I used what I had on hand (a combination of fuji and granny smith), but in general I’d recommend something besides granny smith or red delicious for baking. Fuji, Braeburn, and Pink Lady apples will all work well.
jenny says
Thank you so much for replying! Braeburn it is 🙂
jenny says
I just wanted to let you know that I finally made the recipe! I included the walnuts and raisins, used coconut oil for the crust and crumble, and coconut sugar for both too – and I absolutely love it, it’s so good!! Thanks Katie 🙂
Angela P. says
Can’t wait to try making this pie! Katie, do you think Gala apples would work well, or are they not tart enough? Those are the only apples I have in my fridge at the moment. I am also going to use pecans instead of walnuts since I don’t have walnuts. I can let you know how it turns out, if you’d like. Btw, congrats on being on Dr. Oz this Friday! I’m going to record it on my DVR! ?
LiliEm says
Hey,
I have my own creative idea for the filling but would really like to use the recipe for the crust… Would it work with no-bake filling? How long should I have it in the oven then?
Jasmine S says
Made this this morning and stole a quick nibble, very delicious. Her sister is right, you wouldn’t believe that butter isn’t involved in this somehow! I used applesauce for the crumble and feel like the texture would be better with the oil, still tastes great though!
Poshnessary says
omg this sounds so good. while still as healthy as possible
saved on my bloglovin 🙂
xoxo
http://poshnessary.com
Tyler says
I made this pie yesterday and found it to be absolutely wonderful! Super love it!
Christina says
Made this pie today. Amazing. Will be lucky if any is left to enjoy by tomorrow night. Husband liked it too. Thanks, Katie. You are gorgeous in your red dress and glossy hair.
Chocolate Covered Katie says
Aw thank you. I try to stay away from heat products (even blow drying) and use shampoo only twice a week, sticking to only a moisturizing conditioner on other days. But the show has their own hair/makeup people, so the curls are their work 🙂
shannon says
Can this apple pie be made in a glass pie plate?
Chocolate Covered Katie says
It might crumble getting it out, but otherwise it can definitely be done.
Heather says
This was delicious!
Courtney says
I made this for Christmas and it. was. amazing. My family has already asked me to make it again. Thank you for sharing!
Kat says
Katie, I just made this for my family and I snuck a taste… Let me just tell you this made me die with happiness!!! So delicious mm I don’t know if I can share this!!! ?
Sugandh says
Hi Katie, Can I use whole wheat flour for the crust and the crumble ?
Tricia says
My very picky boyfriend couldn’t tell the difference. He is asking me to make it again.
Mick says
Please give me a 1 scoop of vanilla ice cream …deliciousness.
sawsan says
Made this in a 9 inch pan and didnt double the recipe. It came out perfectly!!!
Evie Birch says
i love and Apple Pie Recipe much and this looks very delicious, which i must try it now. Thank for share…
Ellie Macdonald says
This Apple Pie Recipe is really great! This looks delicious and I’m sure I’ll like it. Thanks for share..
Janet Paula says
Are the nutritional facts with or without a crust. If you make it without the crust how long does it have to bake. Thanks.
Jody says
For your topping ingredients do you use melted coconut oil or liquid?
Chocolate Covered Katie says
Melted 🙂
Jody says
oops, I meant to say do you use liquid coconut oil or solid for your topping.
Patrizia says
Hi, what kind of oil do you use for the topping? Does it taste as good with apple sauce?
Julie Dove says
Oil is better – you can use coconut oil, canola, or veg oil.
Ashleigh says
I love this idea! I’m not a baker, its too precise, and the thought of traditional pies, with a pie crust terrifies me. This recipe is more my speed. Bonus that has the strudel topping, my husband and his family’s signature dish is apple crisp. This will be a nice alternative to the traditional cobbler approach!
Nancy says
Katie, I love your blog, and I send alot of people to it (I’m a Vitamix demonstrator in NYC, and people are always asking me where to get healthy recipes…I always send them to you! ) :). I want to make this as a sugar-free pie for a diabetic friend whose home we are going to for Thanksgiving. However, couple of challenges.1) I do not have a springform pan…not sure if I have a pie dish. I know I have a tart dish…would it work in there? 2) I do not have stevia. Can I use a little extra xylitol where you have the stevia (since I don’t want to use another sweetener)? I also have lucuma, but would that work in this? Thank you for all you do!! Have a very Happy Thanksgiving! I am grateful I have found you and your blog and grateful for all that you do to get us all healthier…making healthier options that are delicious! (I use your banana oatmeal muffins/cupcakes as my on-the-go breakfast all the time for work!!)
Julie Dove says
Yes you can use extra sugar/xylitol for the stevia. It will work in a regular pan and just might crumble a bit coming out.
anna says
Looks delicious. Saw it on pinterest. Your desserts on this site look amazing. (Its giving me cravings for sweets so I better come back later) 🙂
Veronica says
The crust didn’t seem to turn out like dough. Is it supposed to be a little dry? The first time I made the crust I kept adding a tablespoon of water at a time and it finallly turned into a dough however after the 12 minutes it didn’t look right. It looked as if it was still wet. I remade the crust without adding any extra tablespoons of water and it was kind of dough like but still a little dry. Thanks for your help. I’m waiting to see how this turns out.
Julie Dove says
Hope it turned out okay! I didn’t have that problem with the crust when I made this, but it might be a climate thing on your end. Sometimes the climate can mess with baked goods and how much moisture is in the air can affect how much moisture is absorbed by the flour.
Janet says
I was so excited to try this apple pie until I saw that the crumb topping requires oats. Since my daughter and I cannot digest oats, I wanted to ask if you know how the topping would turn out without them, or if you can suggest a possible substitution. Thanks!
Julie Dove says
What about quinoa flakes?
Blair says
Apple pie is favorite food for many. Thanks for writing such informative article . I appreciate it…
Jessica says
Could apple sauce be used for oil in the crust too? 1/4 cup is a lot!!
Jason Sanford says
It’s not a lot for a whole pie, less than half a tbsp per serving. But you can always experiment of course, as long as you are okay with results that might not turn out well.
Alex Turner says
This pie is so simple and so yummy! Love Love Love!
Amanda says
Do you have a suggestion on making this without the sugar and possibly with Agave or just honey instead?
Amanda says
I meant honey or agave for the crust as the filling does give the option for Agave,
Krithika says
Can I use whole wheat flour?
Jason Sanford says
It is a much denser flour, but you can always experiment!
Elizabeth says
Can I double it for 9×13 pan?
Jason Sanford says
Yeah I’ve done that twice and it works well!
Inna says
This pie recipe is delicious! I will definitely be making it again!
Kate says
I have made this couple of times in a larger pan with a lots of cinnamon. I have started to make it out of pears, and it seems even more delicious.
Sharon Chester says
I have a 9 inch springform pan. Should I double the recipe or do you mean double for a 9 inch deep dish?
Hope someone has an answer asap as I’m due to make this tonight:)
Thanks!!
Jason Sanford says
Double it 🙂
Iris says
Good morning, I’m no cook but I love the idea of this recipe. I made it yesterday and it came out all wrong… the crust especially. I used EXACTLY the quantities indicated, but it was dry and never turned into any kind of dough… I used only whole wheat flour, well packed. Should I have mixed the flours/grains? Does the crust require 1 1/3 cups spelt, white, oat, or gf ap flour (ie 2 or 3 varieties, mixed)?
I would like to try it again but need to understand what went wrong the first time. The proportions as I interpreted them were all wrong, but again, i think it’s my interpretation that is off..
Thanks very much,
Iris from Italy
Jason Sanford says
Whole wheat flour is not listed as an option in the recipe. That would definitely be the problem 😉
Iris says
Thanks. Not sure why whole wheat would work any differently from regular flour, but I will try it again… I just read that another reader had the same result I did (don’t know what flour they used)… will try with regular flour and see. Thanks 🙂
Darlene says
Never pack wheat flour. It should be stirred and then scooped with a spoon, lightly into cup and then leveled with a knife. Packing will always leave you with too much flour for the recipe (unless recipe SAYS to pack it)
Kathy says
I made this for Thanksgiving this year and it was a big hit! The crust and crumble were absolutely perfect. The filling seemed a bit on the drier side, so I may try to add an additional Tbsp of Maple Syrup next time? But other than that, it was a great addition to our Thanksgiving and my mom has already requested that we make it next year!
Kanoe says
total time: 1 hour
Cook time: 1 hour
took about an hour to put everything together so total time is more like 2 hours
Sandy says
Let me tell you this. It’s not the most appealing cake look that I’ve seen. But all my senses tell me that it’s the tastiest pie in the world, and I should head to the kitchen and prepare one right now. Thanks for sharing!
Sarah says
Thank you so much Katie! I have a weakness for pie (even at breakfasttime!), and now I can eat it guiltlessly! Since apple and blueberry are my favs, I added a handful of blueberries, and with the spices the filling was perfect even without sugar! Mmm mmm my new fav recipe 🙂
Amy says
I will definitely be making this for Easter! It looks amazing ?
best smoothies maker says
A healthier apple pie recipe with a flaky whole wheat crust and lots of cozy cinnamon-spiced apples. Everyone said it was the best they’ve ever had!
kriti says
Chai-Spiced Apple Pie. Ginger, cinnamon, cardamom and cloves give this healthy apple pie recipe a bold punch of chai-inspired seasoning. Triple-A Apple Pie. Apples, Anjou pears, and apricots are the star ingredients in this triple-A apple pie sure to win the blue ribbon in your household. Incredible Apple Tart.
bestblenderforthemoney says
This recipe really surprised me with the taste… so yummy! Thank you for sharing.
Rachel says
Would you be able to freeze this pie to serve for later?
Jason Sanford says
Hmm not sure, it sounds like a fun experiment. Be sure to report back for the rest of us if you try!
Maria says
Hi. Would I be able to use rice flour or coconut flour. Thinking of making this for vegan friend. I haven’t made anything vegan before and this looks delist. Thank you
Jason Sanford says
Unfortunately if making a recipe with a flour not listed, it’s going to have to be an experiment and you can’t know ahead of time the results… But be sure to report back with results if you do decide to try it out!
Claire says
Hi Katie!
This comment is definitely a few years late, but I am trying this recipe for my family’s Christmas dinner. I can’t wait to try it! I was wondering, if I double the recipe to make the pie in a 9in springform pan, do I still bake for 50-60min? Would you recommend a longer baking time?
Thanks!
Jarvis Coleman says
Made the pie to my kids and they absolutely love it!
Safa Fatima says
Hey, loving your recipe. Where can I find the video for this because I really want to get the recipe pat down.
And, I’d really love to be vegan, would definitely help with my pcod, I’m sure.
Love.
Safa Fatima says
And, how about I use steel-cut oats, do I need to cook them a bit first?
Would reallly appreciate if someone could et back to me on this.
Jason Sanford says
Hmm, I don’t know that anyone has made them with steel cut oats, so unfortunately I don’t know of how to do it.
Jason
Harry says
Turned out crazy well. Thanks a lot!!
Sherry says
Has anybody tested this recipe with oat flour in both the crust and the crumble ? Thanks !
Shana says
Hi, Has anyone tried this in a traditional pie pan? I don’t have a springform pan at the moment. Thanks!
Moroo S says
can i just skip cinnamon? pls
Melissa says
Great Recipe! The first time I used apple sauce in the crumble topping and it all stuck together like a cookie. It really wasn’t pleasant. Next time I’ll use oil.
Gerry Bruno says
This is my go to Apple pie recipe and my kids love it. Thank you!
J ortiz says
I made it today and we love it! So so good! I used coconut palm sugar and some pecans since i dont have walnuts. Im planning to bake more and bring it to the office on Monday!
Brigitte says
Hi Katie ,
In your topping it asks for oat , is it rolled oat or oat flour ? Would coconut sugar change the taste of the topping and the pie if I add 1 table spoon with maple syrup ? Thanks
Jason Sanford says
Rolled oats. Coconut sugar works!
Samantha Huang says
Just made this for dessert tonight and it was so good! Crumbly, crunchy and sooo Moorish!
I used oil instead of applesauce and added the walnuts with the apples.
I baked the pie at 165C for 55min, it came out perfectly.
Will definitely make it again. My 7yr son requested for apple pie and he absolutely loved it and wanted seconds
Jason Sanford says
Ooh I love the picture!
CK says
This was my first time trying the recipe and my first apple pie. It came out perfectly!! I loved it thank you!!
mou says
Wow! I can’t wait to try this too. This seem like the most delicious food. And it looks healthy too.
neave says
i made this pie and OMG it is amazing i only cooked for about 40 minutes and let it sit for quite awhile and served it with yogurt but i also put some cinnamon and nutmeg with the apple just to see what would happen and it was great i am so going to make this again it was delicious and so easy
Lin says
This is really good and very easy. I didnt have raisins but i put in (rehydrated) blueberries. I did over knead the crust but i think this is the 3rd crust ive ever made so not a big deal. I’m definitely making this again. For the record I’m not vegan but i sure as heck like vegan food like this! My mom enjoyed it too!
Gina Alward says
I’m wondering: had anyone tried freezing this recipe? How did it turn out? Would love to make a ton in advance if holidays
Kristen says
Do I need to make this I’m a springform pan or can I use a regular pie pan?
Alicia W says
Regarding which oil to use…do you recommend Canola or Vegetable oil?
Thanks!
CCK Media Team says
Canola, vegetable, melted coconut, or sunflower are all fine to use here 🙂
Sandy says
None of these oils are healthy. Actually, this pie is not all that healthy, maybe just a little healthier than traditional apple pies, depending on the options you choose.
Donna L Howard says
Hi, Sandy. I used the Seville extra virgin olive oil from Whole Foods for all the oil in the recipe. It is meant for baking, etc. Works out great! I also used the brown sugar from Lekanto, which is a monkfruit/erythritol mixture. Just go easy with it in the topping part, since you don’t want that too sweet. I put a little extra in there, and wish I hadn’t, but it was still good. I used Granny Smith’s for the pie itself, and used a little extra of the brown sugar, since Granny Smith’s aren’t that sweet.
Palasha Sardesai says
I used ghee. The results was delicious!
My says
Hi!! Could I use quick oats for the crumble? Thanks a lot! Looking forward to making this gorgeous pie!
CCK Media Team says
Sure!
Brandon says
This recipe is soooooooo goooood! I used oat flour, oat fiber in the crust, half stevia for all the sweeteners, and applesauce instead of oil-it tastes so amazing even with being low calories (184 per slice)! I always have the problem of ruining classic desserts by ommiting sugar or trying to find ways to cut calories but this recipe is so on point! I will definitely be making this again and shock my family with healthy indulgence for Thanksgiving this fall (covd-permitting). Thank you so much for this recipe Katie, I always see your chocolatecoveredkatie link on many recipes I look at and will definitely be checking more of them out !
cassandra m guerra says
what is the calories for this pie???????
CCK Media Team says
Full nutrition facts for Katie’s recipes are always linked in the posts, right under the recipe ingredients/instructions 🙂
Palasha Sardesai says
A hit! I used soft dates for the crust (mixed with ghee and water in mixer). Added the remnants of the mixture in the filling along with nutmeg and cinnamon. I used brown sugar and ghee for crumble. It was amazing! Thankyou katie!
Carol B says
No cinnamon listed in ingredients. What amount do you put into apples?
Any other spices added?
Lauri says
Hi! I’m new to this site. Everything looks so yummy. What is gf ap? Thanks!
CCK Media Team says
gluten free all purpose 🙂
Maria L says
I’ve done this like 10 times, I practically know it by heart now. It’s simple to do, the mess in the kitchen is minimal and the result is always super yums, me and my boyfriend eat the whole thing in a day. I usually do it in tart mode, no layer over the fruit, because it’s “snackier” like that, but I’ve done it also with the crumble and it makes a rich delicious dessert. I suggest adding lemon juice to the apple mixture if you like tangy flavours.
Charles Wright says
thanku very much for this healthy way of eating I been wanting something delicious and healthy iam in the processes of baking it everything smells great looking forward on trying it
Teresa says
I try to stick to Whole Foods or making healthy substitutions in my recipes.
This recipe exceeded my expectations! It was way easier to make than I thought and is one if the best flavored apple pies I have ever had! I actually crushed pecans and walnuts into my oatmeal crust on this.
Debbie says
Could this recipe be made with other fruits, for example, summer peaches as they are very plentiful right now? I would love to try this, but I didn’t know if the recipe needed to be adjusted. Thanks for your thoughts.
Linda Molenaar says
I’m from Canada abs unsure of what you mean by “oil or butter spread” in the crust? Can I use coconut oil? Or avocado oil? Or actual butter?
Thank you!
Rachel says
Just made this with your banana mint ice cream recipe. Wow! So good. You have become a household name to us. Everything on your blog is delicious.
I’m just waiting on your cookbook to arrive. Thank you for all of the delicious and easy recipes!
CCK Media Team says
This made us so happy to read. Thank YOU!!
Afton says
This apple pie was delicious! Thank you for this recipe <3
Donna Howard says
Hi, Katie.
How are you supposed to slice the pie and remove the slice, without bringing the parchment paper with it? Thx.
TwinkleToes says
Making this apple pie today and excited to try it! Question – is there only 1/4 tsp of cinnamon throughout the entire pie? I read cinnamon for the crust, but not for the filling or crumble. The description says sweet cinnamon apples, so just wanted to check! 🙂
CCK Media Team says
Hi! It looks like this is a typo because Katie definitely adds cinnamon to the apples as well. She is making a note to fix the recipe as soon as she gets home. Did you try it already, and if so, how did it go?
Sarah says
So I followed the recipe as written and it still does not mention cinnamon in the apple filling. I just finished baking it so haven’t tried it yet but am a bit bummed about that omission. Hopefully it’ll still turn out okay as it’s my first pie.
Also, how do you store it (if it’s not eaten right away) and for how long?
Thanks!
Chelsea says
I’m so excited to try this for the holidays! Would it make much of a difference if I topped it with trivia brown sugar blend?
Alexa says
Hiii i love all your recipes! If i wanted to use a mini pie mold (i have some for the fall season) could i still use this recipe& adjust the baking time? if so do you know when they’d be done? 🙂
CCK Media Team says
Hi! Sorry we have never tried so honestly cannot say what time it would take, but be sure to report back if you experiment!
Lee says
This has been my go-to pie recipe for years. I often use the pie crust recipe for many different pies! Today I made this recipe with oat flour. It is simply delicious! I love this recipe!
Nelson says
I wonder if you can use apple sauce instead of sugar?