Gluten Free Dutch Apple Pie (Dairy Free, Refined Sugar Free)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Upgrade your apple pie game with this Gluten Free Dutch Apple Pie. A crispy gluten free crust is filled with deliciously spiced apples and topped off with the perfect sweet crumble. Plus, this apple pie recipe is also dairy free and refined sugar free (with a vegan option!) for a healthier pie this fall season.

Apple pie and fruit crumble are two of my favorite desserts, so why not combine them into one?! I'm the self-proclaimed crumble queen and this stunning gluten-free apple pie has the perfect crumble topping. Whether you call it a dutch apple pie or apple crumble pie, this dessert is sure to be a crowd pleaser at Thanksgiving.

I know crusts can be intimidating and it's one of the reasons I don't make a lot of pies. This gluten free crust is relatively easy and we'll use a food processor to make it even easier. I walk you through each step and you don't even have to worry about a top crust- bonus points for team crumble!

My Favorite Crumble Desserts

Gluten Free Blueberry Crumble Pie

Gluten Free Pumpkin Coffee Cake

Gluten Free Walnut Crumble Banana Bread

Why You'll Love This Healthy Gluten-Free Dutch Apple Pie

Allergy friendly: gluten free, dairy free, nut free, corn free, and a vegan option... what more could you want from a holiday dessert?! This pie covers all the bases so you can feel safe bringing it to holiday get togethers.
Refined sugar free: this gluten free apple crumble pie is made without any refined sugar and contains half the sugar in traditional pie recipes. We rely on the natural sweetness of the apples, plus tigernut flour which adds sweetness without added sugar.
No pre-baking: you don't need to worry about par baking the crust or sautéing the apples in this recipe. We prepare each component, layer it together, and then bake it all at once. Put away the pie weights and relax!

Gluten Free Dutch Apple Pie Ingredients and Substitutions

Gluten-free flour: be sure to use a 1:1 gluten free flour for best results.
Tigernut flour: this is a nut-free alternative to almond flour which provides a similar nutty, grounding flavor. It's perfect in the crumb topping! Feel free to use almond flour if tolerated.
Tapioca flour: a mix of tapioca flour and gluten free flour helps hold the filling together.
Coconut oil: we use cold coconut oil for the crust instead of butter, but dairy free or regular butter will also work.
Egg: one egg yolk is used in the crust to help achieve that golden glow, but keep it vegan by using a full cup of coconut oil instead!
Apple cider vinegar: a little bit of vinegar or vodka helps dry out the crust. That is the key for a flaky crust!
Coconut sugar: the unrefined sweetener used in the filling, you can also use maple sugar for another unrefined option or white sugar or light brown sugar in a pinch.
Maple syrup: be sure to use pure maple syrup and not pancake syrup for the crumble topping.
Apples: I'm a firm believer in using your favorite apple variety in apple pie. I love to use a mix of tart and sweet. Try a combo of Granny Smith apples with something like Braeburn, Fuji, or Honeycrisp.
Cinnamon, ginger, vanilla extract, lemon juice

How to Make Gluten Free Dutch Apple Pie

First, make the crust by pulsing flour and sugar in a food processor to combine. Pulse in the cold coconut oil until you have a sand like texture. Add the yolk, ACV, and ice water. Pulse until the dough starts to come together.
Once dough is coming together, transfer to a bowl and form a disk (add more water if needed). Wrap in plastic wrap and place in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
When pie dough is ready, roll dough between two sheets of parchment paper with a rolling pin to about ¼ inch thick. Transfer to a greased pie dish (I do this by placing the pie dish over the dough then flipping everything). Cut excess and shape edges as desired. Place back in the fridge while you make the filling.

how to make gluten free dairy free pie crust

Preheat oven to 400F.
Make the apple pie filling by combining apple slices with all ingredients in a large bowl and mixing well to combine. Set aside.
For the crumble topping, whisk together the flours. Add the maple syrup and melted coconut oil. Mix everything and add more oil as needed until mixture holds together when pinched.
Pour the apple filling into the pie crust and even out the top.
Crumble the topping in an even layer over the top of the apples. Brush the edges of the pie crust with olive oil or an egg wash if desired.
Place the pie on a baking sheet. Bake for 45 minutes. Check and cover the top of the pie with tinfoil if the crumble is getting too browned. Bake for a total of 55-60 minutes.
See baking tips below for knowing when it's done.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

You can take this already amazing gluten free apple crumble pie to the next level in a few ways

Drizzle caramel sauce on top of the baked and cooled pie.
Add some chopped walnuts, pecans, or shredded coconut to the crumble topping.
Serve warmed with homemade coconut whipped cream or a scoop of salted honey ice cream or vanilla ice cream.

How to Store Gluten Free Apple Crumble Pie

Store leftovers tightly covered with plastic wrap or tinfoil at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.

I don't think pie freezes well, in my opinion, but you can tightly wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight.

The Secret to a Perfect Gluten Free Pie Crust

Keep things cold: this is the key to a flaky pie crust. If the coconut oil (or butter) melts, it mixes with the flour, creating a pasty or chewy dough instead of a flaky crust. Measure out your coconut oil in advance, then place on a parchment lined plate and pop it in the fridge or freezer to get nice and cold. Roughly chop when ready to use and grab your ice water from the fridge and you're all set!
Don't over mix: another key to preventing the fat from melting into the flour before baking is not over working the dough. Mix until just combined and dough holds together.
Work fast: You do have to be efficient when making pie crust, but don't stress out! Just have everything prepared before starting. That way you can quickly move from pulsing in the fat to mixing in the cold water to bring the dough together then popping it in the fridge.
Make sure the dough isn't too dry adding too much ice water will make the pie dough too wet, resulting in a gummy crust, but you also need enough to hold the crust together. When adding water, add 1Tbsp at a time until the dough holds together without cracking. If you try to form it into a disk and it's cracking all around the edges, you need a little more liquid.
Patch it up: when you flip the crust into the pie pan, don't worry if it cracks or tears. Gluten free pie crust is fairly forgiving. Just dab your finger in ice water and press a crack back together. Use any excess dough to patch holes.

Gluten Free Apple Crumble Pie FAQ

What apples should I use?

My favorite apples to use in this gluten free apple pie are a combination of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp! Both hold up well with baking, but your favorite apple variety or varieties will work.

How do I know when the crust is done baking?

This can be a little tricky sometimes, which is why I love using a glass pie dish. With glass, you can see if the crust is browned, but either way the crumble topping and edges of the crust should be golden brown and firm and you may see some bubbling at the edges. My motto for pies is when in doubt, bake an extra couple of minutes.

How do I prevent a soggy bottom?

Make sure to add just enough cold water when making the crust to hold the pie together, but not that it's too wet or moist. Also be sure to bake the pie long enough. Since we are not par-baking the crust at all, you need to bake the pie long enough for a flaky gluten-free pie crust. See points above regarding pie crust baking tips.

How can I make vegan dutch apple pie?

The only non-vegan ingredient in this pie recipe is an egg yolk in the crust. You can easily sub that out for extra fat (coconut oil or vegan butter) and now you have a fully gluten free vegan apple pie!

Can I make this dutch apple pie ahead of time?

Yes! You can make it up to 2 days ahead. You can also make the crust 1-2 days ahead of time then roll and fill when ready to bake. If you bake the entire pie ahead, I highly suggest warming it before serving. Warm in the oven at 250-300F for 20-30 minutes or warm individual slice sin the microwave for 30 seconds.

Gluten Free Apple Desserts You Have to Try

My easy Gluten Free Apple Bread is a cozy fall treat.

Want a fun cookie dessert to bring to the holiday table? Try my Apple Cheesecake Cookies that are gluten and dairy free.

Impress guests this Thanksgiving with my decadent Caramel Apple Crisp Cheesecake (gluten and dairy free).

This easy Gluten Free Apple Crumble Cake is perfect for weekend baking or the holiday dessert table!

Let me know how you served this Gluten Free Dutch Apple Pie in the comments below and drop a rating and review while you're at it. Don't forget to tag me on social media!

Print Pin