Apple pie (vegan)

Vegan Apple Pie – a delight that combines the natural flavors of apples with the tender textures of dough, evoking pleasant childhood memories. This recipe is perfect for special occasions as well as for moments when you just want to indulge your taste buds. Moreover, it is a simple, quick recipe and, most importantly, suitable for a vegan diet. Let's get started!

Preparation time: 25 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients
- 250 g margarine (or butter, if not a vegan recipe)
- 15 tablespoons of flour
- 7 tablespoons of water
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder (or baking soda) mixed with lemon juice
- Grated zest of one lemon
- Grated zest of one orange
- Granulated sugar (to taste)
- Powdered sugar (for decoration)
- Ground cinnamon (to taste)
- 10 large apples

Step by step

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
Start by washing the apples well. It is essential to use them with the skin, as essential nutrients are found both in the skin and beneath it. Therefore, I recommend choosing fresh, quality apples that will provide a rich flavor to your pie.

Step 2: Grating the apples
After washing the apples, you can grate them using a large grater. This will not only speed up the cooking time but also allow the flavors to blend better with the other ingredients.

Step 3: Preparing the dough
In a large bowl, combine the cubed margarine with the flour. Knead well until you achieve a sandy texture. Add the baking powder mixed with lemon juice, the grated lemon and orange zest, and then the water. Knead the dough until it becomes homogeneous, but do not overwork it to avoid toughening.

Step 4: Dividing the dough
Divide the dough into two equal parts. One of these pieces will form the bottom of the pie, while the other will be used as a lid.

Step 5: Rolling out the dough
On a floured surface, roll out the first piece of dough into a thin sheet. Use a rolling pin to achieve an even shape. Transfer the sheet to the baking pan, ensuring it covers the bottom well.

Step 6: Preparing the apples
After grating the apples, squeeze out the excess water. This step is crucial to avoid a soggy pie. Evenly spread the drained apples over the dough in the pan.

Step 7: Seasoning the apples
Sprinkle granulated sugar and cinnamon over the apples to taste. If you enjoy more intense flavors, feel free to add some nuts or raisins for extra texture and flavor.

Step 8: Closing the pie
Roll out the second piece of dough and carefully place it over the apples. Use a fork to create small holes in the dough, allowing steam to escape during baking. This detail will help achieve a flaky crust.

Step 9: Baking the pie
Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat) and place the pie inside. Bake for about 45 minutes, or until the dough turns a golden and crispy color.

Step 10: Cooling and serving
Once the pie is baked, let it cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes. Then, sprinkle powdered sugar over its surface for an attractive look. Cut it into servings and enjoy it both warm and cold.

Useful tips
- For an even more intense flavor: Add a few drops of vanilla essence or a bit of rum to the apple mixture.
- Variations: You can replace the apples with pears or plums, creating a seasonal fruit pie.
- Serving: This pie pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a caramel sauce. Additionally, a cup of hot tea or coffee can complete the culinary experience.

Nutritional benefits
Apples are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber, contributing to healthy digestion. Furthermore, this dessert is relatively low in calories, having about 150-200 calories per serving, depending on the amount of sugar used.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, this recipe is adapted to be vegan, but you can use butter if you are not following a strict diet.

2. How can I make the pie less sweet?
Reduce the amount of sugar added to the apples and the dough. Apples also have a natural sweetness that you can highlight.

3. What other flavors can I add?
Experiment with ground ginger or nutmeg for a distinctive note.

Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, the vegan apple pie is a recipe that will bring joy in every slice. Enjoy!