Easy Healthy Apple Pie Recipe: A Guilt-Free Treat

A photo of a perfectly plated slice of golden, flaky apple pie with tender, spiced apple filling. The pie sits on a white ceramic plate atop a warm wooden kitchen table. A dollop of Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey adorn the slice. Soft linen napkins, a rustic fork, and a steaming cup of herbal tea complete the cozy farmhouse breakfast aesthetic. Natural light streams in, illuminating the white cabinetry and farmhouse-style decor in the background.

Nothing quite compares to the nostalgic comfort of a warm, homemade apple pie. Indeed, it’s a timeless dessert that brings back memories of family gatherings, festive celebrations, and maybe even a few sneaky bites before it had a chance to cool. But what if you could indulge in this classic treat with a healthier twist? Our Easy Healthy Apple Pie Recipe offers all the warmth and flavor you love while incorporating nutritious ingredients that make it better for you (and for anyone lucky enough to snag a slice).

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A photo of hands rolling out a whole wheat pastry dough on a lightly floured white marble countertop. Freshly sliced apples in a mixing bowl are being coated with cinnamon, nutmeg, and honey. A wooden rolling pin, a small dish of butter, and a measuring spoon filled with maple syrup are scattered around, evoking a warm and homey farmhouse baking scene.

Reimagining the Crust: Whole Grains for the Win

The first step in making this healthier apple pie is upgrading the crust. Instead of using all-purpose flour, we’re using whole wheat pastry flour. As a result, this simple swap results in increased fiber and nutrients while keeping the crust perfectly flaky—just like Grandma’s, but with a little extra love from whole grains.

For the fat component, you have two excellent choices:
Coconut oil – A dairy-free option with a hint of natural sweetness.
Grass-fed butter – A richer, more traditional taste with added omega-3 benefits.

Either way, your crust stays tender, golden, and absolutely delicious.

If you’re looking for a high-quality whole wheat pastry flour or a trusted brand of coconut oil, try these:

Sweetness, Naturally

Traditional apple pies often rely on heaps of white sugar. Instead, we’re using honey and pure maple syrup to bring out the natural sweetness of the apples. These alternatives don’t just reduce refined sugar intake—they also add depth and a subtle caramel undertone to the filling.

The Best Apples for Apple Pie

For a truly mouthwatering filling, you’ll want to choose apples that hold their shape and provide a balance of tart and sweet. The best apples for apple pie include:

Granny Smith – Perfectly tart and firm. 🍏
Honeycrisp – Sweet, crisp, and slightly tangy. 🍎
Braeburn – A great balance of sweet and tart. 🍏
Pink Lady – A touch of sweetness with a crisp texture. 🍎

Mixing a couple of these varieties together can give your pie an even richer flavor profile!

A bright and airy flat lay of fresh ingredients for a homemade apple pie, displayed on a white marble countertop. There is whole wheat pastry flour, a slab of grass-fed butter, sliced Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples, a small bowl of cinnamon and nutmeg, a honey dipper drizzling honey, and a vintage wooden rolling pin. A farmhouse-style white linen napkin adds a soft, rustic touch.

Spices & Flavor Boosters

Spices are the unsung heroes of a great apple pie recipe. This version includes:

Cinnamon – Warm and cozy.
Nutmeg – Slightly sweet with a nutty depth.
Lemon Juice & Zest – Adds brightness and balances sweetness.
Vanilla Extract – A small touch that brings everything together.

For an optional nutritional boost, stir in chia seeds! Not only to they blend seamlessly into the filling, but they also add extra fiber and omega-3s.

If you’re passionate about organic cinnamon or high-quality vanilla extract, try these:

A photo of a beautifully baked apple pie with a golden-brown, flaky whole wheat crust on a white marble countertop in a bright farmhouse kitchen. The pie rests on a rustic wooden cake stand, surrounded by fresh Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples, a honey jar, and cinnamon sticks. In the background, white cabinetry and open wooden shelves filled with vintage baking essentials create a cozy, inviting atmosphere.

Easy Healthy Apple Pie Recipe

Ingredients

For the Pie Crust:

1 ¾ cups whole wheat pastry flour
½ cup coconut oil (solid) or grass-fed butter
2-3 tablespoons ice-cold water
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

For the Filling:

7 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) – peeled, cored, and sliced thinly
1/3 cup honey or pure maple syrup
2 tablespoons whole wheat flour or almond flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice + 1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional, for extra fiber)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1 – Prepare the Pie Crust

First, in a large bowl, whisk the whole wheat pastry flour and a pinch of salt.
Then, combine the coconut oil or butter, mixing until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Next, stir in the apple cider vinegar to enhance the dough’s texture.
After that, gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing continuously until the dough comes together.
Finally, once the dough is ready, divide it in half, flatten each portion into disks, wrap them in plastic, and then chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

Want to get a little fancy? Try using one of these pie crust cutters to elevate your apple pie.

2 – Prepare the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the apple slices, honey or maple syrup, whole wheat or almond flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, lemon zest, chia seeds, and vanilla extract.
Next, toss everything together until evenly coated.
Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the juices to thicken slightly.

3 – Assemble the Pie

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Begin by rolling out one dough disk on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie plate.
After placing the crust in the pie plate, trim the edges neatly.
Pour the apple filling into the crust, spreading it out evenly.
Roll out the second dough disk and place it over the filling.
Trim, fold, and crimp the edges to seal. Cut several slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
(Optional: Brush the top with a little almond milk and sprinkle with a touch of cinnamon for extra flavor.)

4 – Bake Your Apple Pie

Place the pie on a baking sheet and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Lastly, let the pie cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing.

If you want your guilt-free apple to stand out, serve it on a quality pie dish with a pie server like one of these

Enjoy Your Guilt-Free Slice!

This Easy Healthy Apple Pie Recipe is the perfect way to enjoy a classic dessert with a wholesome twist. Whether it’s for the holidays, a cozy weekend, or just because—this pie delivers all the nostalgia without the guilt.

Serve warm with a scoop of Greek yogurt, a drizzle of honey, or even a dollop of coconut whipped cream. However you enjoy it, you’ll love every bite!

Q&A: Everything You Need to Know About Making this Easy Healthy Apple Pie

Yes! Simply swap the whole wheat pastry flour for a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend or almond flour (for a nuttier crust).

Store at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months!

Absolutely! Assemble the pie and refrigerate it overnight before baking, or freeze the unbaked pie and bake it fresh when needed.

Brush the bottom crust with an egg wash before adding the filling.
Sprinkle a thin layer of ground almonds or walnuts on the crust before adding the apples.

Yes! Use coconut oil instead of butter and opt for maple syrup instead of honey.

Store at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months!