Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

This gluten free apple pie recipe comes from my grandmother’s notebook. I adapted it with a few healthier swaps that keep the apple pie healthy without losing her original flavor. She passed away last year, and I found this recipe going through her handwritten notes. I changed the sugar to coconut sugar, the margarine to coconut oil, and used a gluten free flour blend, but it still tastes like hers. This is my grandma apple pie, just made gluten free. I like making simple desserts that need only a couple of ingredients, and this one is definitely one of those.

simple apple pie on a plate Save

Why You’ll Love This Apple Pie

  • This is a simple apple pie recipe, even though it looks impressive once it’s baked.
  • It’s a healthy apple cake, with coconut sugar and coconut oil instead of the usual refined sugar and oil.
  • The batter turns golden around soft baked apples, it’s an easy apple pie even for a first attempt.
  • It’s one of my favorite apple dessert options for using up apples in the fall.

Ingredients

This apple pie with fresh apples only needs a few pantry staples besides the fruit.

  • 1kg (2.2 lb) apples, peeled and grated
  • 2 large eggs
  • 70g (1/3 cup, packed) coconut sugar
  • 50ml (3 1/2 tbsp) coconut oil
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 120g (1 cup) Schär Mix B flour
  • 10g (2 tsp) baking powder
  • 1-2 tsp cinnamon, for sprinkling over the apples
  • 2-3 tbsp blanched almonds, for topping (optional)
apple pie ingredients Save

How to Make This Gluten Free Apple Pie

Making apple pie this way is super easy and it’s perfect for beginners. Here’s what you need to do:

Grate the Apples

Peel and grate the apples, then set them aside.

grating the apples for an apple pie Save

Make the Batter

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the coconut sugar and eggs. Add the coconut oil, lemon juice and vanilla, and mix until combined. Add the flour and baking powder, and mix until smooth. The batter will be thin.

making apple pie Save

Let the Batter Rest

Let the batter rest for 5 to 10 minutes, so the flour has time to absorb the liquid.

Layer and Bake

Pour half the batter into the prepared baking dish. Spread the grated apples evenly over the batter, then sprinkle the cinnamon on top. This is more of an apple and cinnamon pie than a heavily spiced one, since the cinnamon only goes on the apple layer. Pour the remaining batter over the apples, then sprinkle the blanched almonds on top if using.

best homemade apple pie Save

Pro tip: baking an apple pie this way means the top layer of batter seals in the grated apples completely. The middle stays soft while the top bakes firm.

making healthy apple cake Save

Cool and Slice

Bake for 30 to 45 minutes, until the top is firm and baked through. A toothpick should come out mostly clean, though the inside will stay soft from the apples. Let the pie cool completely before slicing.

homemade apple pie fresh from the oven Save
simple apple pie on a plate Save

Grandma’s Gluten Free Apple Pie

A traditional Serbian apple pie, adapted with healthier ingredients. Grated apples baked between two layers of a simple batter, finished with cinnamon and almonds.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Dessert
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 kg apples, peeled and grated 2.2 lb
  • 2 large eggs
  • 70 g coconut sugar 1/3 cup, packed
  • 50 ml coconut oil 3 1/2 tbsp
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 120 g Schar Mix B flour 1 cup
  • 10 g baking powder 2 tsp
  • 1-2 tsp cinnamon for sprinkling over the apples
  • 2-3 tbsp blanched almonds for topping (optional)

Equipment

  • 1 Mixing bowl
  • 1 Hand or stand mixer
  • 1 Box grater
  • 1 Baking dish, approx. 26x18cm (10×7 in), not shallow
  • Parchment paper

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Line the baking dish with parchment paper.
  2. Peel and grate the apples, then set aside.
  3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the coconut sugar and eggs.
  4. Add the coconut oil, lemon juice and vanilla, and mix until combined.
  5. Add the flour and baking powder, and mix until smooth. The batter will be thin.
  6. Let the batter rest for 5-10 minutes, so the flour has time to absorb the liquid.
  7. Pour half the batter into the prepared baking dish.
  8. Spread the grated apples evenly over the batter, then sprinkle the cinnamon on top.
  9. Pour the remaining batter over the apples.
  10. Sprinkle the blanched almonds on top, if using.
  11. Bake for 30-45 minutes, until the top is firm and baked through. A toothpick should come out mostly clean, though the inside will stay soft from the apples.
  12. Let the pie cool completely before slicing.

Substitutions and Variations

  • This easy homemade apple pie also works with pears instead of apples, if that’s what you have.
  • If you want another gluten free dessert, my no bake peanut butter oatmeal bars are a good next one to try.
  • Swap the blanched almonds for walnuts or leave them off completely.
  • This easy apple pie also comes together faster if you grate the apples with a food processor instead of by hand.
  • If you want more of an apple and cinnamon pie flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon to the batter too, not just over the apples.
  • This apple pie with fresh apples doesn’t work as well with canned pie filling, since the grated texture is part of what makes it good.
  • For the best homemade apple pie texture, let the batter rest before pouring, so the flour has time to thicken it.
gluten free apple pie and coffee Save

Storage

This apple pie dessert is kept well covered in the fridge for 2-3 days. It’s easiest to slice once it’s fully cooled, and it tastes great served cold, straight from the fridge. This apple pie dessert also cuts into neat squares once fully chilled, which makes it easy to portion.

FAQ

Is this a sugar free apple pie?

Not completely, it uses coconut sugar instead of white sugar. It’s not a zero sugar recipe, but it has less processed sugar than a classic version.

Is this apple pie healthy compared to a classic version?

It swaps in coconut sugar, coconut oil and a gluten free flour blend, so yes, it’s lighter than a traditional version.

Can I use a different flour blend for this homemade apple pie?

Yes, any 1:1 gluten free flour blend should work in place of Schar Mix B.

Is this an easy homemade apple pie recipe overall?

Yes, it’s mostly just mixing and pouring, no rolling or shaping dough.

This grandma apple pie recipe is proof that gluten free baking doesn’t mean losing family recipes. If you make it, let me know in the comments below.