Here's a delicious pie mashup you may have never tried - apple pecan pie! It's a fabulous combination of two classic pie recipes and I think you're going to love it! Gooey caramel pecan pie filling pairs so well with apples, then add crunchy nuts on top and oh my!
Surprise the pecan pie lovers in your life with a secret ingredient in your pecan pie this holiday season. Top a slice of this delicious pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect Thanksgiving dessert!
I originally planned to include this recipe in my Perfect Gluten Free Pies book, but I didn't finish recipe testing in time for the release. So I'm happy to finally be able to post the recipe because it's too good not to share.
If you're into pie mashups like I am, then you must check out my strawberry blueberry pie, apple pear pie, and this awesome pumpkin pecan pie.
Ingredient Notes
This recipe uses just a few simple ingredients and if you make it with my gluten free pie crust, it is also gluten free.
- Single Gluten Free Pie Crust - You'll only need a single pie shell for this recipe since like pecan pie, this recipe does not use a second crust on top. Use my flaky crust recipe to make your pie gluten free. Or use your favorite homemade of store bought pie crust.
- Apples - I've tested this recipe with both Granny Smith apples and Golden Delicious apples. Both ways were delicious. You will likely only need one large or two medium apples. Make sure your pie shell is only about half filled with apple slices.
- Eggs - This recipe is very similar to a pecan pie - it is a custard pie with eggs as the base. I don't think this recipe will work with an egg replacement, so I won't recommend it.
- Brown Sugar - I've used light brown sugar, but dark brown sugar would also work. If you like a richer, molasses flavor go for the darker sugar.
- Maple Syrup - Instead of corn syrup, I like to use maple syrup in my pecan pies. I have read that's how pecan pies were originally made before corn syrup was invented. The maple syrup adds a delicious level of flavor to the pie filling.
- Vegan Butter - A little butter is needed for the pecan pie filling. I use Country Crock plant butter for mine. If you're not dairy free, use regular unsalted butter in the same measure.
- Cornstarch - You'll need a little bit of starch to help the pie filling thicken. If you don't like cornstarch, arrowroot powder or tapioca starch will work just the same.
- Vanilla Extract - Vanilla is used to enhance the sweet flavors of the pie.
- Cinnamon - A touch of cinnamon goes perfectly with the apples and caramel flavors in this pie.
- Salt - I always use a pinch of salt in my desserts. It adds something critical to the flavor - so don't be tempted to skip it.
- Pecans - Pecans are the co-star in this pie recipe. However, if you don't eat pecans, you can replace them with the same measure of walnuts.
See recipe card for full ingredient list and quantities.
Substitutions & Variations
- Not Gluten Free - Use your favorite homemade or store bought pie crust in place of the gluten free pie crust.
- Not Dairy Free - use dairy butter in the same measure.
- No Cornstarch - Replace the cornstarch with arrowroot powder or tapioca starch in the same measure.
- No Pecans - If you don't have pecans or can't eat them, use the same amount of chopped walnuts.
How to Make an Apple Pecan Pie
This delicious pie is so easy to make. It only takes a few minutes of mixing before it's ready to go in the oven. Before you begin add your bottom crust to a 9-inch pie plate.
STEP 1: Peel and core your apples. Slice them into thin pieces, about ¼" inch thick. Lay the sliced apples in the bottom of the pie shell.
STEP 2: Crack three eggs into a large mixing bowl. Whisk them well.
STEP 3: Add the brown sugar, maple syrup, melted butter, cornstarch, vanilla, cinnamon and salt to the beaten eggs. Whisk again until the mixture is smooth.
STEP 4: Add the chopped pecans into the liquid ingredients and fold it together with a spatula to coat the nuts.
STEP 5: Pour the pecan pie filling on top of the apples.
STEP 6: If you're using an egg wash, add it to the crust. Now it's ready to be baked until it's golden brown.
Expert Tip
Place your pie dish on top of a baking sheet in the oven. This helps to prevent messy spills in the bottom of your oven if the pie bubbles over.
Storage
Wrap leftover pie with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
More apple pie recipes to consider:
If you try this recipe, please leave a 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 star rating and let me know how you liked it in the comments below.
Recipe
Apple Pecan Pie
Ingredients
- 1 Gluten Free Pie Crust
- ¾ pound Apples peeled and cores removed
- 3 Eggs
- 1 Cup Light Brown Sugar
- ½ Cup Maple Syrup
- 2 Tablespoons Vegan Butter melted
- 1 Tablespoon Cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla
- 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- 1 Cup Pecans roughly chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the bottom pie crust and place it in the freezer while you make the pie filling.1 Gluten Free Pie Crust
- Preheat the oven to 425 °F (218 °C).
- Slice the apples into ¼" thick slices. Place the sliced apples in the bottom of the pie shell. It should be no more than ⅔ of the way filled.¾ pound Apples
- Crack the eggs into a large mixing bowl. Whisk them well.3 Eggs
- Add the brown sugar, maple syrup, melted butter, cornstarch, vanilla, cinnamon and salt to the bowl with the eggs. Whisk again to mix well.1 Cup Light Brown Sugar, ½ Cup Maple Syrup, 2 Tablespoons Vegan Butter, 1 Tablespoon Cornstarch, 2 teaspoons Vanilla, 1 teaspoon Cinnamon, ½ teaspoon Salt
- Add the chopped pecans to the pie filling mixture. Stir together with a spatula.1 Cup Pecans
- Pour the pecan pie filling over the apple slices.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 350 °F (177 °C) and bake for an additional 30 minutes until the crust is golden, the filling is set at the edges and a little jiggly in the center. The pie filling map appear puffed up on top, but it will settle when it cools.
- Remove the pie from the oven and cool for at least 4 hours before slicing.
Notes
- Not Dairy Free? Use unsalted dairy butter in place of vegan butter.
- No Cornstarch? Use arrowroot powder or tapioca starch in place of cornstarch.
- No Pecans? Replace pecans with chopped walnuts.
Tiffany is the recipe developer, stylist and food photographer behind Well Fed Baker. As a lifelong baker who had to go gluten free and dairy free in 2016, Tiffany strives to share allergen friendly recipes that never feel like they are free from anything.
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