Celiac disease or gluten intolerance shouldn't prevent you from enjoying a delicious apple pie. This gluten-free recipe uses simple substitutions for a result that's just as good as the original.
Ingredients
For the Gluten-Free Pastry
- 200g gluten-free flour (rice flour + potato starch blend)
- 100g cold butter, cubed
- 50g sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp xanthan gum (essential for binding)
- Pinch of salt
- 1–2 tbsp ice water
For the Filling
- 6 apples (any variety)
- 80g sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 20g butter
Equipment
- A 26 cm pie dish
- Parchment paper
- A rolling pin
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Pastry (15 min + 1h rest)
- Mix the gluten-free flour with xanthan gum and salt
- Add cold butter and work until sandy
- Add egg and sugar, mix
- Add ice water if needed (gluten-free dough is more crumbly)
- Form a ball, wrap in plastic, refrigerate 1 hour
Step 2: Prepare the Apples (10 min)
- Peel, core, and slice apples
- Toss with sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice
Step 3: Assemble (10 min)
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F)
- Roll out between two sheets of parchment (gluten-free dough is fragile)
- Line the pie dish carefully
- Arrange apple slices in a rosette pattern
- Add butter pieces on top
Step 4: Bake (40–45 min)
Bake for 40–45 minutes. Gluten-free pastry takes slightly longer and browns faster — watch carefully after 30 minutes.
Key Tips for Gluten-Free
The Xanthan Gum
Don't skip it! Xanthan gum replaces gluten's binding role. Without it, the pastry will crumble. Use 1 tsp per 200g of flour.
Rolling the Dough
Gluten-free dough is more fragile. Roll it between two sheets of parchment paper. If it cracks, press it back together with your fingers.
Flour Alternatives
- Almond flour: adds moisture and flavor (replace 30% of the blend)
- Oat flour: use certified gluten-free oats
- Buckwheat flour: adds an earthy note, great with apples
Allergen-Free Version
For an egg-free version: replace with 1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water. For dairy-free: use coconut oil or vegan butter.
Nutritional Comparison
| Aspect | Classic | Gluten-Free |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | ~320/slice | ~300/slice |
| Texture | Firm, elastic | Tender, slightly crumbly |
| Flavor | Classic | Slightly nutty (if using rice flour) |
Discover our classic apple pie recipe or our 30-minute version!
