How to Make Paleo-Friendly Apple Pie with No Sugar
Whether you’re following a paleo diet or simply trying to reduce your sugar intake, it’s no secret that traditional dessert recipes are off the table due to their high sugar and refined flour content. But what if I told you that you could still indulge in the comforting, cinnamon-spiced goodness of apple pie, sans the sugar and non-paleo ingredients? Yes, it’s entirely possible and absolutely delicious. Here’s your guide to making a paleo-friendly apple pie with no added sugar that even grandma would approve of.
Why Go No-Sugar and Paleo?
Before we dive into the baking, let’s briefly touch on why someone might choose this approach. Paleo diets focus on eating what our ancestors presumably did, which means lots of whole foods, veggies, fruits, nuts, and seeds, and avoiding processed foods, grains, and, of course, refined sugars. Cutting out sugar, in particular, can have numerous health benefits, including improved energy levels and reduced risk of chronic diseases.
Paleo-Friendly Apple Pie Ingredients
For this no-sugar apple pie, we’ll be making simple swaps to ensure the recipe adheres to paleo guidelines without sacrificing flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
- For the Crust:
- 2 cups almond flour
- 1 cup coconut flour
- 1/2 cup melted coconut oil
- 1 egg (for a vegan option, use a “flax egg” – 1 tablespoon of flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water)
-
A pinch of salt
-
For the Filling:
- 5-6 medium apples, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 cup of water
- Optional: a handful of raisins or chopped dates for added sweetness
How to Make Your Paleo Apple Pie
-
Prepare the Dough:
First, you’ll want to combine your almond flour, coconut flour, and a pinch of salt in a large bowl. Next, add the melted coconut oil and egg, mixing until the dough forms. This dough will be slightly crumbly but should hold together when pressed. Divide the dough into two parts – one for the bottom crust and one for the top layer of the pie. -
Roll and Shape the Crust:
Place one dough ball between two pieces of parchment paper and roll it out to fit the size of your pie dish. Carefully transfer it to your dish, pressing it into the bottom and sides. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). -
Prepare the Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, toss your thinly sliced apples with lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg until they’re evenly coated. If you’re using them, add the raisins or chopped dates here. Pour the apple mixture into the crust, evenly spreading out the slices. Add the 1/4 cup of water to the filling to help create a juicy filling as it bakes. -
Top and Decorate the Pie:
Roll out your second dough ball and create a lattice or simply cover the pie with a full sheet of dough, making sure to cut slits for steam to escape. Crimp the edges creatively, if desired. -
Bake Your Pie:
Pop the pie into the preheated oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly. -
Cool and Serve:
Let the pie cool before slicing to allow the filling to set properly. Serve as is or with a dollop of coconut cream for an extra-special touch.
And there you have it – a mouthwatering apple pie that’s both paleo-friendly and free of added sugar.
This apple pie swaps out all the non-paleo, sugary components with whole, nutritious ingredients without compromising on the divine taste of traditional apple pie. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply craving a slice of homemade pie, this recipe promises all the flavor without the guilt.
Remember, the beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. Feel free to adjust the spices according to your preference or add different types of nuts for an added crunch. The most important part is to enjoy the process and the delicious outcome. Happy baking!
