Gluten-Free Apple Pie: A Healthy and Tasty Dessert

This gluten-free apple pie is a delicious treat, perfect for those who enjoy gluten- and dairy-free desserts. Made with rice flour and sweetened tapioca, and filled with a blend of spiced apples, this pie offers a wonderful blend of textures and flavors. The natural sweetness of demerara sugar and the warmth of cinnamon make each bite satisfying and delicious.

Why You'll Love This Gluten-Free Apple Pie

• Gluten-free benefits: Perfect for people with gluten sensitivities or anyone looking to reduce their gluten intake.
• Rich Apple Filling: Sweet, cinnamon-spiced apples provide a comforting taste that pairs beautifully with the crisp, tangy base.
• Versatile and nutritious: This tart is not only ideal for dessert, but can also be enjoyed as a snack or as a breakfast treat.

Perfect opportunity

This apple pie is ideal for gatherings, especially when dietary restrictions are taken into account. It's a fantastic choice for afternoon tea, brunch or as a festive treat during the holiday season. It also makes a thoughtful homemade gift or special treat for health-conscious friends and family.

Decorating Tips

• Sprinkle with icing sugar: For an extra touch of sweetness and a snowy appearance, lightly dust the tart with icing sugar before serving.
• Serve with a spoonful: Accompany each slice with a spoonful of whipped coconut cream or a scoop of lactose-free vanilla ice cream.
• Garnish with fresh mint: Add an element of freshness by garnishing each slice with a small sprig of mint, enhancing the visual appeal and adding a burst of freshness.

Ingredients

For the dough:

• 1 egg
• 200 g of plain yogurt or sour cream (lactose-free if necessary)
• 100g cold butter
• 110 g demerara sugar
• 20 g tapioca starch
• 350 g rice flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder

For filling:

• 3 apples, peeled and cut into pieces
• 90 g demerara sugar or brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup water

Directions

1. Preheat oven: Set your oven to 200°C (392°F) and prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it.
2. Make the crust:
   • In a large bowl, mix together the rice flour, demerara sugar, tapioca starch and baking powder.
   • Cut in cold butter by hand or with a pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
   • Stir in the egg until well combined, then gradually stir in the yogurt until a firm dough forms.
   • Press half of the dough into the bottom of the prepared dish.

3. Prepare the filling:
   • In a saucepan, combine the chopped apples, sugar, cinnamon and water. Bring to a boil, then simmer until the apples are tender and the mixture has thickened.
4. Assemble the pie:
   • Spread the apple filling evenly over the crust.
   • Crumble the remaining dough over the apple layer.
5. Bake the pie:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
6. Let cool and serve:
   • Let the pie cool before cutting. Serve warm or at room temperature for best flavor.

Enjoy this gluten-free apple pie as a healthy alternative to traditional desserts, offering all the flavour without the gluten or lactose. Perfect for sharing and enjoying any time of year!