Apple pie, vegan

Apple pie is a classic dessert that always brings a touch of nostalgia and comfort. Whether you're making it for a special occasion or simply to indulge yourself, this vegan apple pie recipe will bring smiles to your face. It's easy to make and, most importantly, it contains no animal-derived ingredients, making it perfect for those observing a fast. Let's see how we can transform a few simple ingredients into this delicacy!

Total preparation time: 2 hours
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

For the puff pastry:
- 200 ml cold water
- 200 ml oil
- a pinch of salt
- a cube of fresh yeast (50 g)
- flour as needed (approximately 500 g)

For the filling:
- 1.5 kg apples (peeled and cored)
- 250 g sugar
- one teaspoon ground cinnamon
- optional: one tablespoon powdered sugar for decoration

Others:
- oil for greasing the work surface

Preparation

1. Preparing the dough:
In a large bowl, add the cold water, oil, salt, and the cube of yeast. Mix well to dissolve the yeast. It is important that the water is cold, so you do not activate the yeast too quickly.

Then, start adding the flour gradually, mixing gently with a wooden spoon or your hands. When the dough becomes more compact, transfer it to the work surface and knead for about 10 minutes until you obtain an elastic, non-sticky dough. This is a crucial step for a perfectly textured pie.

2. Resting the dough:
Form a ball from the dough and grease the work surface with oil. Cover the dough with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes. This step will help the gluten relax.

3. Preparing the composition for puff pastry:
In a measuring cup, combine 125 ml of oil with 3 heaping tablespoons of flour. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous paste. This will be the composition you will use to create layers in your dough.

4. Rolling out the dough:
After the dough has rested, divide it into two equal parts. Roll out the first sheet on the greased work surface using a rolling pin. The sheet should be thin, but not so thin that it breaks. Once you have obtained a rectangular shape, transfer the sheet to the greased baking tray.

5. Preparing the apple filling:
Peel and core the apples, then grate them using the large grater of a food processor. Place them in a pan over medium heat and add the sugar. Sauté the apples until their juice has almost completely evaporated. Add the cinnamon and mix well. Let the filling cool slightly before adding it to the pie.

6. Assembling the pie:
Add the apple filling over the first sheet of dough in the tray. Roll out the second sheet of dough and carefully place it over the filling. You can use a fork to make small holes in the dough to allow steam to escape during baking.

7. Baking the pie:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the tray in the oven and let it bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the pie becomes golden and crispy. This is a moment when the aroma of apples and cinnamon will fill the entire kitchen, bringing a sense of warmth and comfort.

8. Finishing:
Once the pie is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. If desired, you can dust it with powdered sugar for a more elegant look. Serve it warm or at room temperature, alongside a fragrant tea or a glass of fresh juice.

Practical tips

- Choosing apples: For a delicious filling, choose tart or semi-tart apples, such as Granny Smith or Jonagold. They hold their shape and provide a pleasant contrast to the sweetness of the sugar.

- Dough texture: Make sure the oil you use for the dough is at room temperature, so it mixes well with the other ingredients.

- Variations: You can add chopped nuts or raisins to the filling for an even more interesting texture. You can also experiment with other spices, such as ginger or nutmeg.

Nutritional benefits

Apples are an excellent source of fiber and vitamins, especially vitamin C, and apple pie is a wonderful way to enjoy these benefits. The sunflower oil used in the recipe provides healthy fatty acids, and replacing butter with oil makes this pie lighter.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can the apple pie be frozen?
Yes, the pie can be frozen very well. Make sure it is completely cooled, then wrap it in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container.

2. Can I use other fruits?
Absolutely! You can replace apples with pears, peaches, or even berries for a seasonal pie.

3. How can I make the pie less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the filling or use a natural sweetener, such as honey or maple syrup, depending on your preferences.

Serving

This apple pie pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of plant-based cream for a delicious warm and cold contrast. Additionally, a cup of mint tea or a flavored black tea will perfectly complement this dessert.

With this vegan apple pie recipe, you are ready to bring a bit of magic into your kitchen. Whether you enjoy it with family or offer it as a snack to friends, it will surely be appreciated! So put on your apron and enjoy every step of this creative and delicious process!