How to Make Healthier Apple Pie

Posted by Gwen Watson on Dec 30, 2015

Now that the New Year is here, it’s time to drop the extra weight we may have gained through the holidays! Rather than skip dessert, a great strategy is to make healthier versions of your favorite treats. This apple pie cuts corners on some of the fat and calories without affecting the taste.

Healthier Apple Pie Recipe

Adapted from Cooking Light

Ingredients:

For the pastry:

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 stick (1/2 cup) cold butter, cut in cubes
• ½ cup cold water

For the filling:

• 3 pounds Granny Smith apples
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1½ tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pinch of salt

For the topping:

• 1 egg white
• 1 tablespoon cold water
• 1 teaspoon raw sugar

Directions:

For the pastry:

Add flour and salt to a food processor and pulse gently for a few seconds. Add the shortening and pulse until the mixture resembles small pebbles. Slowly add the ice water, pulsing until the mixture is moist and starts to come together. Separate the dough equally into two balls. Gently press each side into a 4-inch sized circle and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.

Remove the dough from the oven. Cover your work surface with sheets of damp plastic wrap. Place the dough on the plastic and roll both into 12-inch circles. Place the dough in the freezer for 5 minutes so that it firms up and becomes easier to handle. Place one side of the dough into a 9-inch pie plate and set aside.

For the pie:

To make the filling, wash, peel, and core the apples. Cut into small wedge-shaped pieces and place into a large bowl. Toss with lemon juice and set aside. Combine the granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a small dish and then sprinkle over the apples. Toss gently with a wooden spoon until the mixture has coated the apples.

Pour the apple mixture into the prepared pie dish. Place the second sheet of dough over the top of the pie and pinch the sides closed using a fork.

To prepare the topping, add the egg white and water to a small dish and scramble gently with a small fork. Brush over the top of the pie using a pastry brush and sprinkle with sugar. Poke 8-10 holes in the top of the pie using a sharp knife so that the pie can vent while it’s cooking.

Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place the pie dish on top. Place the baking dish in the center of the oven and bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. At this point, the pie should begin to turn golden brown. Lower the temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for another 40 minutes. If the edges of the pie begin to burn, cover the pie loosely with aluminum foil for the remainder of the cooking time. Remove the pie plate from the oven and place on a wire rack to cool. This pie is delicious when served with a scoop of low fat ice cream!