When I was a kid, the smell of apple pie wafting through the house meant two things: Mom had hit the farmer’s market, and dessert was going to be the highlight of the week.
But as I got older and switched to gluten-free living, I thought I’d kissed goodbye to those buttery, flaky slices.
Nope.
Turns out, I was just one good recipe away from proving myself wrong.
This Starstruck Apple Pie not only tastes as good as the ones from my childhood—it might even win a few hearts along the way.
The secret?
Fresh apples, a perfectly spiced filling, and a crust so good you won’t believe it’s gluten-free.
Tips & Variations
- Apples: Try mixing varieties like Fuji, Pink Lady, and Granny Smith for a deeper flavor.
- Vegan Option: Swap the butter for vegan butter and use coconut oil instead of shortening.
- Low Sugar: Reduce sugar amounts and let the natural sweetness of the apples shine.
- Add-Ins: A handful of raisins or a sprinkle of chopped walnuts can add texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For presentation, dust the top with powdered sugar before slicing.
Starstruck Apple Pie
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A buttery gluten-free apple pie filled with spiced, tender apples and topped with a golden, flaky crust. Perfect for dessert or a holiday table.
Ingredients
Crust
- 2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (with xanthan gum)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
- 1/4 cup shortening, chilled
- 6–8 tablespoons ice water
Filling
- 6 medium apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons gluten-free flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, salt, and sugar.
- Cut in the butter and shortening using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough just comes together. Divide it into two discs, wrap each in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.
2. Make the Filling:
- Combine apple slices with sugar, brown sugar, gluten-free flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Toss well and set aside to let the flavors meld.
3. Assemble the Pie:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out one dough disc between two sheets of parchment paper to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Gently press it into the dish.
- Fill with the apple mixture, mounding it slightly in the center. Dot with melted butter.
- Roll out the second dough disc and place it over the filling. Trim, seal, and crimp the edges. Cut a few slits in the top to release steam.
4. Bake:
- Brush the top crust with melted butter and sprinkle with the sugar-cinnamon mixture.
- Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling.
Notes
Keep your butter and shortening as cold as possible for the flakiest crust.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
