👇No-Sugar Apple Pie

No-Sugar Apple Pie: A Nourishing Homage to Autumn Comfort

Embrace the soothing embrace of autumn with this No-Sugar Apple Pie recipe, crafted to bring warmth and joy to your kitchen. Perfectly balancing the tartness of green apples with the gentle sweetness of unsweetened apple juice concentrate, this pie is a guilt-free indulgence. Infused with aromatic cinnamon and encased in a flaky crust, each slice promises a delightful blend of flavors that captures the essence of cozy evenings and familial gatherings.

Ingredients Overview

2 (9-inch) Pie Crusts

Opt for homemade or store-bought pie crusts for convenience. Ensure they are chilled before use to achieve a crisp texture.

1 (12 Fluid Ounce) Can Unsweetened Apple Juice Concentrate, Thawed

This serves as the natural sweetener and binder for the apple filling, providing a concentrated apple flavor without added sugars.

3 Tablespoons Cornstarch

Used to thicken the apple filling, creating a luscious consistency that holds together beautifully when sliced.

1 Tablespoon Ground Cinnamon

Adds warmth and depth to the filling, complementing the natural sweetness of the apples and juice concentrate.

6 Cups Sliced Green Apples

Opt for tart varieties like Granny Smith apples, as their firm texture holds up well during baking and balances the sweetness of the filling.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

1. Prepare for Baking

Preheat: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). A well-heated oven ensures even baking and a golden crust.

Prepare the Filling:

2. Mix the Thickening Agent

Blend: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup of the apple juice concentrate with cornstarch and ground cinnamon until smooth and lump-free. Set aside this mixture to allow the cornstarch to fully dissolve.

3. Cook the Apples

Simmer: In a large saucepan, combine the sliced green apples with the remaining apple juice concentrate. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Cook until the apples are tender yet still hold their shape, approximately 10 minutes.

4. Thicken the Filling

Incorporate: Stir in the cornstarch mixture into the saucepan with the simmered apples. Continue cooking and stirring until the filling thickens to a glossy consistency. This step ensures the pie holds together when sliced.

Assemble the Pie:

5. Create the Pie

Layer: Spoon the warm apple mixture into one of the prepared pie crusts, spreading it evenly to ensure every slice is filled with apple goodness.
Cover: Place the second pie crust over the apple filling. Seal the edges by gently pressing the top and bottom crusts together, then flute the edges decoratively. To allow steam to escape during baking, cut several small vents in the top crust.

Bake to Perfection:

6. Finalize the Bake

Bake: Transfer the assembled pie to the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until the crust turns a rich golden brown hue. To prevent the edges from over-browning, consider covering them with foil halfway through the baking process.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storage:

Cool Completely: Allow the pie to cool completely at room temperature before covering it loosely with foil or plastic wrap.
Refrigeration: Store the cooled pie in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.

Reheating:

Oven Method: For optimal texture, reheat individual slices in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through.
Microwave Method: If reheating a slice, place it on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 20-30 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat, as this can make the crust chewy.

Helpful Tips for Enhancing the Recipe

Choose Apples Wisely: Select apples that are firm and tart, such as Granny Smith or Braeburn, for the best texture and flavor.

Adjust Sweetness: Taste your filling before baking. If desired, add a touch of honey or maple syrup to enhance sweetness without altering the texture.

Prevent Soggy Crust: Sprinkle a thin layer of ground nuts or breadcrumbs on the bottom crust before adding the filling to absorb excess moisture.

Decorative Crust: Use cookie cutters to create shapes from the top crust for a festive touch before baking.

Chill Dough: Refrigerate the pie crust dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out to prevent shrinkage during baking.

Use a Pie Shield: Protect the edges of the crust with foil or a pie shield to prevent them from burning while the pie bakes.

Let It Set: Allow the pie to cool for at least 2 hours after baking before slicing. This allows the filling to firm up for cleaner cuts.

Serve with a Twist: Pair each slice with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful contrast of warm and cold textures.