Vegan Homemade Apple Pies with Puff Pastry Recipe

Introduction

These homemade vegan McDonald’s Apple Pies capture the sweet, cinnamon-spiced flavor of the classic treat with a flaky puff pastry crust. Perfect as a cozy dessert or snack, they’re easy to make and sure to please everyone.

Ingredients

• 3-4 medium-size apples (480g total, peeled and chopped into 1 cm cubes)
• 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar (or to taste)
• 1/4 cup (55g) vegan butter
• 2-3 teaspoons lemon juice (or water, to taste)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 4 teaspoons (10g) cornstarch (corn flour)
• 1/4 cup (60g) water (or as needed)
• 1/8 teaspoon salt (if unsalted butter is used)
• 2 sheets frozen puff pastry (thawed and cold)
• 2-3 tablespoons (45-65g) maple syrup (for brushing)
• Coarse sugar (optional, for sprinkling)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large saucepan over high heat, combine the apples, brown sugar, vegan butter, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Stir until just mixed and the butter melts, then reduce heat to medium.
2. Step 2: Cook the mixture for about 10 minutes until apples soften and release liquid.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water until smooth. Stir this slurry into the apple mixture constantly.
4. Step 4: Continue cooking 5-10 minutes until sauce thickens and apples are tender. Adjust consistency with water if needed. Set filling aside to cool completely.
5. Step 5: Preheat oven to 200°C (390°F) and line baking trays with parchment paper.
6. Step 6: Cut puff pastry sheets into rectangles (about 16 total). Arrange half on trays.
7. Step 7: Place 2 heaped tablespoons of apple filling in the center of each rectangle. Brush edges with maple syrup, then cover with remaining rectangles and seal edges by pressing down.
8. Step 8: Crimp edges with a fork. Cut 3-4 slits on top for steam release. Brush tops with maple syrup and optionally sprinkle coarse sugar.
9. Step 9: Bake pies for 28-32 minutes until puffed and golden. Cool on trays for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
10. Step 10: Serve warm. Be cautious, as filling will be hot. Enjoy alone or with ice cream and extra filling.

Tips & Variations

• For a thinner filling, reduce cornstarch slightly or add more water while cooking.
• Try adding a dash of nutmeg or vanilla extract to deepen the flavor.
• Use different apple varieties for varied sweetness and texture; Granny Smith works well for tartness.
• Swap maple syrup for agave or another vegan-friendly glaze.
• If preferred, fold the dough edges instead of crimping for a rustic look.

Storage

Store leftover pies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 weeks. To reheat, warm in an oven or air fryer until heated through to keep the crust crisp.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh or frozen apples?

Fresh apples are best for texture, but frozen can work if thawed and drained well to avoid excess moisture.

Is there a gluten-free option for the pastry?

Yes, you can use a store-bought gluten-free puff pastry, but baking times may vary slightly; watch closely for golden color.

Vegan Homemade Apple Pies with Puff Pastry Recipe

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5 from 390 reviews

These homemade vegan McDonald’s-style apple pies feature a tender, flaky puff pastry crust filled with a luscious cinnamon-spiced apple filling. Made using simple ingredients and baked until golden, they deliver a perfect balance of sweet and warm flavors that can be enjoyed as a delicious snack or dessert.

• Author: lina
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

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Filling

• 3–4 medium apples (480g total, peeled and chopped into 1 cm cubes)
• 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar (or to taste)
• 1/4 cup (55g) vegan butter
• 2–3 teaspoons lemon juice (or water as substitute)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 4 teaspoons (10g) cornstarch/corn flour
• 1/4 cup (60g) water (adjust as needed)
• 1/8 teaspoon salt (if using unsalted butter)

Pastry and Topping

• 2 sheets frozen puff pastry (thawed but cold)
• 2–3 tablespoons (45-65g) maple syrup (for brushing)
• Coarse sugar (optional, for sprinkling)

Instructions

1. Prepare the apple pie filling: In a large saucepan over high heat, combine the peeled and chopped apples, brown sugar, vegan butter, lemon juice, and ground cinnamon. Stir until just combined. Once the butter has completely melted, reduce heat to medium and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften and release liquid.
2. Thicken the filling: In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water until smooth to create a slurry. Gradually add the slurry to the saucepan while stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
3. Cook until thickened: Continue cooking the apple mixture for an additional 5-10 minutes, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens and the apples become tender. Adjust consistency by adding water for a thinner sauce or cooking longer for a thicker mixture. Remember, the filling will thicken further as it cools. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
4. Prepare the puff pastry: Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) and line one or two baking trays with parchment paper. Cut each puff pastry sheet into rectangles (approximately 16 total, depending on sheet size).
5. Assemble the pies: Place half of the puff pastry rectangles on the prepared trays. Spoon about 2 heaping tablespoons of the cooled apple filling into the center of each rectangle. Brush the edges of each pastry rectangle with maple syrup, then top each with a second rectangle. Press down firmly along the edges to seal the pies.
6. Crimp and vent: Use a fork to crimp the edges, sealing the pies securely. Using a small knife, cut 3-4 slits into the top of each pie to allow steam to escape during baking. Brush the tops with maple syrup and optionally sprinkle with coarse sugar for added crunch and sweetness.
7. Bake the pies: Bake the apple pies in the preheated oven for 28-32 minutes, or until they are puffed up and golden brown. Once done, allow them to cool on the baking trays for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
8. Serve: Serve warm, with caution as the filling can be hot. These pies are fantastic on their own or paired with a scoop of ice cream and extra apple filling drizzled on top.
9. Storage and reheating: Enjoy the pies fresh on the day of baking. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 weeks. To reheat, warm the pies in an oven or air fryer until heated through to restore crispiness.

Notes

• Adjust the amount of brown sugar based on the sweetness of your apples and personal preference.
• Using lemon juice helps preserve the color and adds brightness to the filling but can be substituted with water.
• The cornstarch slurry controls the thickness of the filling; add more water if you prefer a looser consistency.
• Ensure puff pastry is cold when cutting and assembling to maintain flakiness.
• Maple syrup brushing adds sweetness and helps seal the pastries.
• Make slits on top of pies to prevent steam buildup and soggy crusts.
• For best texture, avoid microwaving leftover pies; reheat in oven or air fryer instead.

Keywords: apple pie, vegan apple pie, homemade apple pie, McDonald’s style apple pie, puff pastry apple pie, vegan dessert, cinnamon apple filling