Simple Vegan Apple Pie

This vegan apple pie is as easy to make as it is delicious. It’s perfect for everything from a grand holiday table to a simple weeknight dessert. Serve it as is or a la mode with a big scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream. You can even have it for breakfast!

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I love apple pie. But I always shied away from making it because I thought it would be really hard. I have never been so glad to be so wrong.

This apple pie recipe is so easy! The hardest part is waiting for the pie to cool enough so you can eat it. If you’re never made an apple pie because you thought it was too hard, welcome to the new you. 

Serve this delicious vegan pie warm with a hefty dollop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream. Or just eat it cold straight from the pie tin standing in front of the open fridge door the next day. We’re not here to judge.

Why This is the Best Vegan Apple Pie

• Easy to make with store-bought pie crust (It’s easier to find store-bought vegan pie crust than you think. More on that below.)
• A delicious vegan version of the classic apple pie you know and love – buttery pie crust, sweet apples filling, homemade vibes.
• No one will know it’s made without animal products! Perfect for big family holiday dinners and special occasions.

Ingredients for This Easy Vegan Apple Pie

You’ll need 5 ingredients to make this vegan apple pie recipe. Here, we’ll share some ingredient notes for the best results, but remember you can find the full recipe with ingredient amounts in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

• Frozen vegan-friendly deep dish pie crusts – see notes below
• Large, firm apples – Peeled and cut into large chunks. See notes below for the best apples to use in pies
• Light brown sugar or coconut sugar (or a mix of the 2)
• Vegan butter – We like to use the vegan butter from Country Crock
• Cinnamon

Vegan Store-Bought Pie Crust 

I use 9” deep dish store-brand frozen pre-made pie crusts. Using a frozen pie shell just makes this recipe that much easier. And that is a big bonus to me when making dishes like this.

Also, I found some of the name brand traditional store-bought crust, like Pillsbury, contain lard, or animal fat. Be sure to read the ingredients list before buying to ensure vegan friendliness. 

You can easily find frozen vegan pie crust at the grocery store; it just takes a little reading. Watch out for milk, eggs, and lard especially. 

Here are some common brands that carry vegan crusts:

• Marie Callender
• Mrs. Smith – While their pies contain dairy, the frozen pie shell does not
• Signature Select
• Oronoque Orchards
• And many, many more. Just be sure to read the ingredients!

Best Apples for Apple Pie

To make the perfect vegan apple pie, you want firm, dense apples that will stand up to heat and not turn to mush in the oven. 

Apples you do want to use for pies or crisps include:

• Granny Smith
• Golden Delicious
• Ginger Golden
• Braeburn
• Cortland 
• Crispin
• Rome
• Honeycrisp
• Pink Lady
• Jonathon or Johnagold

Let’s finish by covering the apples you definitely don’t want to use for baking unless they’re combined with a stronger apple. Fuji, Gala, McIntosh, and Red Delicious apples don’t really stand up to heat and give your pie a mushy, watery result when baked.

Vegan Store-Bought Apple Pie 

Now if baking isn’t really your thing at all, there are a variety of “accidentally vegan” dessert pies available in your grocer’s freezer. 

Marie Callender and Sara Lee both offer vegan apple pies in their lines. Simply pop in a preheated oven and set a timer. 

Many store-brand frozen apple pies are also vegan friendly. Just be careful and be sure to read the ingredients list first.

Substitution Options

If you don’t have or can’t tolerate one of the above ingredients, here are our best substitution tips. Remember, substituting any of the ingredients may lead to a varied degree of difference in the final product. Let us know in the comments if you try any subs and how they work out for you! 

• If you are looking for a gluten-free pie crust, check out this gluten free pie crust recipe from Minimalist Baker. 
• Wholly Wholesome also makes a pre-made gluten free and vegan pie crust available in many stores and online.
• Two (21-oz.) cans of apple pie filling can be used if you’re short on time.
• You can  use regular cane sugar, date sugar, or turbinado.
• Some people like to add a little lemon juice or lemon zest to their apple pie filling.
• You can replace the vegan butter with coconut oil. Just be sure you’re using refined coconut oil, so you don’t get a coconut flavor.

How to Make This Easy Vegan Apple Pie

The best part about this delicious vegan apple pie is that it’s so simple to make!

Step 1 – Prepare Your Crust

First, you’ll prep that vegan-friendly pie crust!

1. Place 1 pie crust upside down on wax paper for 20-30 minutes to thaw. This will serve as your top crust. 
2. When it’s thawed enough, gently press it down onto the wax paper trying not to crack it too much. It’s going to crack a little anyway. Don’t worry.. 
3. Use a rolling pin and a little water and flour to roll the crust to a 9 inch-ish circumference with an even thickness. Make sure you get both sides to avoid the crust cracking while baking.
4. Place 1 pie crust in an ungreased 9-inch pie plate if no pie dish is provided. Press firmly against side and bottom. 

Step 2 – Saute the Apples

1. Heat a medium to large saute pan over medium-high heat and melt your vegan butter. 
2. When the butter has melted, add your chopped apples, sugar and cinnamon. Stir (or toss) to coat, and cover. Let it cook like this for 3-4 minutes, stirring often.
3. Let the sauteed apples cool for about 10-15 minutes. 

Step 3 – Put it all together

1. Preheat you oven to 425°F
2. Spoon the sauteed apple filling into your bottom crust. Smooth the top a little.
3. Top with the second crust. Crimp/Flute excess top crust edges together with bottom crust edge. Pressing edges together to seal. 
4. Cut slits or shapes in several places in the top crust to vent the pie.
5. Bake at 425 for a total of 35 to 45 minutes or until the apples are tender and the crust is golden brown. 
6. Cover the edge of the crust with 2- to 3-inch wide strips of aluminum foil after the first 12 – 15 minutes of baking to prevent excessive browning or burning, then continue to bake for 20 – 25 minutes. 
7. Cool on a cooling rack at least 2 hours before serving.

Tips & Tricks for Dairy Free Apple Pie

• You can defrost and set the top pie dough the day before. Follow the instructions and keep the crust in the refrigerator between two pieces of wax paper until you’re ready to use it. Take it out from the fridge and let it sit between the wax paper at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to let it soften again before using. Peel the wax paper away slowly so as not to tear the crust.
• Try a variety of apples. I like to use a combination of ginger golden and granny smith apples. They give a nice balance of sweet and tart to the pie. 
• Let the apple filling cool before adding to the pie shell. Adding it hot will cause the bottom crust to get gummy.
• Make the filling in advance (even the day or night before) so it has time to cool before adding to the pie shell.
• Let your baked apple pie cool for at least 2 hours before cutting into it. The filling will thicken as it cools, making it easier to slice and hold together.
• Add a little grated nutmeg for extra “holiday flavor” if you like.
• You can easily turn this recipe into hand pies or mini pies.

How to Serve Simple Vegan Apple Pie

Serve this homemade apple pie warm or at room temperature. 

I love a big scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream on the side as well.

How to Store Leftover Apple Pie

Store leftover apple pie in an airtight container or in tightly wrapped plastic on the counter or in the refrigerator.

Unrefrigerated leftover pie will be at its best for up to 2 days. Stored properly, refrigerated pie will be good for up to 4-5 days.

You can also freeze leftover apple pie in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 4 months. Wrap the whole pie tightly with plastic wrap. Place the pie in a 2-gallon freezer storage bag and seal. Freeze for up to 4 months.

How to Reheat Leftover Frozen Apple Pie

Unwrap the frozen pie and heat in a 350°F oven 30 to 40 minutes or until warm.

FAQs

We’re here to answer all your questions about vegan apple pie! Have more questions? Leave them in the comments below!

Is store bought apple pie vegan? 

There are quite a few store-bought frozen apple pies. Where it gets confusing is that the same brand might offer two types of Apple Pie and only one is vegan. Our favorite that can be found almost anywhere is Marie Callender’s.

Are Fuji apples good for apple pie? 

Fuji apples, along with Gala, McIntosh, and Red Delicious apples, don’t really stand up to heat and give your pie a mushy, watery result. Look for good, crisp apples with a firm density for best results.

Is the apple pie at McDonald’s vegan? 

Yes, the apple pie at McDonald’s is vegan.

Are Whole Foods apple pies vegan? 

The “Everyday Double Crust Apple Pie” available at Whole Foods is vegan.

Can you add different apples for pie? 

Yes, you can use different apples together for an apple pie. One of my favorite combinations is Ginger Golden and Granny Smith apples for a balance of sweet and tart.

More Vegan Holiday Desserts

• Vegan White Chocolate Fudge
• Holiday Vegan Spritz Cookies
• Dairy-Free Cannoli Cones
• Vegan Cherry Pie

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