If you’re craving a cozy dessert that’s both comforting and gluten-free, the Gluten-Free Crustless Apple Pie with Coconut and Spices Recipe is going to steal your heart. Imagine tender apples wrapped in warm cinnamon and ginger, nestled within a naturally formed crust made from coconut flour and arrowroot, bringing a luscious custard-like texture without any fuss. This delightful pie offers all the nostalgia of a traditional apple pie, but without the gluten or the crust hassle, making it perfect for anyone looking for a wholesome, dairy-free treat that’s perfect any time of year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may seem simple, but each one plays an essential role in creating the irresistible taste, texture, and aroma of this pie. From the creamy almond milk that adds moisture to the warming spices that elevate the flavor, every component works together beautifully.
- Unsweetened almond or coconut milk: Provides a smooth, dairy-free base, keeping the pie moist and tender.
- Large eggs: Act as a binder, helping the pie set perfectly without a crust.
- Melted butter or refined coconut oil: Adds richness and enhances the coconut flavor.
- Maple syrup: A natural sweetener that infuses subtle sweetness and depth.
- Vanilla (optional): Enhances the overall flavor with a comforting aroma.
- Coconut flour: Gives structure and a hint of coconut flavor, crucial for the crustless texture.
- Arrowroot flour (or tapioca flour): Lightens and helps create that delicate setting in the pie.
- Coconut or raw sugar: Adds caramel-like sweetness and balances the spices.
- Kosher salt: Brings out the natural flavors of the ingredients.
- Ground cinnamon: The star spice that makes this pie feel like fall in every bite.
- Ground ginger: Offers a gentle warmth and complexity alongside cinnamon.
- Baking powder: Helps the pie rise slightly to a soft, fluffy texture.
- Unsweetened shredded coconut flakes: Adds texture and a nutty hint throughout.
- Peeled and sliced apples: The fresh fruit base that’s tender, juicy, and utterly delicious.
- Extra apple slices and glazed pecans or walnuts (for topping): Provide a beautiful, crunchy finish that will impress.
How to Make Gluten-Free Crustless Apple Pie with Coconut and Spices Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line an 8-inch or 9-inch pie pan with parchment paper; this simple step ensures easy removal and helps your crustless pie maintain its shape as it bakes.
Step 2: Blend the Wet Ingredients
In a blender, combine the unsweetened almond or coconut milk, eggs, maple syrup, vanilla (if using), and melted butter or coconut oil. Blend until the mixture is perfectly smooth, creating a creamy and flavorful base for your pie batter.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the sifted coconut flour, arrowroot flour, sugar, cinnamon, ground ginger, salt, and baking powder. This aromatic blend forms the flavorful backbone of your crustless pie, ensuring every bite is filled with spice and sweetness.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the wet blend into the dry ingredients and stir until everything comes together as a smooth batter. This combination will develop the perfect texture akin to a custard-filled pie without the need for a traditional crust.
Step 5: Fold in Apples and Coconut
Gently fold the diced apples and half a cup of shredded coconut flakes into the batter. This step ensures the fruit is evenly distributed while adding bursts of chewy coconut for a delightful texture contrast.
Step 6: Assemble and Top
Pour your batter into the lined pie pan and arrange extra sliced apples and glazed pecans or walnuts on top. These toppings add visual appeal and a delightful crunch that complements the softness of the pie’s interior.
Step 7: Bake the Pie
Bake your pie for 45 to 50 minutes, then remove it from the oven and lightly cover the top with foil to prevent over-browning. Return it to the oven for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, baking until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the edges turn a crispy golden brown.
Step 8: Cool Before Serving
Let the pie cool for about 10 minutes. This resting period allows the pie’s center to set beautifully, delivering that creamy, custard-like consistency everyone will adore.
How to Serve Gluten-Free Crustless Apple Pie with Coconut and Spices Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of extra cinnamon can elevate your pie’s presentation instantly. Fresh mint leaves also make a lovely, unexpected pop of color and freshness.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs wonderfully with dairy-free vanilla ice cream or a dollop of coconut whipped cream, enhancing its richness and balancing the warm spices. For a more decadent experience, pour some warm caramel sauce over each slice.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress friends at a gathering, serve small individual portions of the pie in ramekins topped with toasted coconut flakes and chopped nuts. Alternatively, create a layered dessert by adding crumbled Gluten-Free Crustless Apple Pie with Coconut and Spices Recipe onto parfait glasses with coconut yogurt and granola.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover the pie with plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will maintain its custard-like texture and taste delicious for up to 4 days.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap the cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
Warm individual slices gently in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or place the entire pie in a 300 degrees Fahrenheit oven for about 15 minutes to refresh its soft texture without drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
Absolutely! Pears work wonderfully in this recipe, and you can even mix them with apples to add complexity. Just be mindful of the fruit’s moisture content as it might affect baking time slightly.
Is this pie suitable for a dairy-free diet?
Yes, just swap the butter for refined coconut oil, and you’ll have a completely dairy-free dessert that’s rich and satisfying without compromising flavor.
What if I don’t have coconut flour or arrowroot starch?
Coconut flour is the key to the texture here, but if necessary, you can substitute arrowroot with tapioca starch. For coconut flour alternatives, almond flour might work, but it will change the texture slightly.
How do I prevent the pie from being too moist in the center?
Make sure to bake it until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Oven temperatures vary, so you might need to add a few extra minutes or cover the top to prevent over-browning.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Replacing eggs is tricky since they provide structure, but some have success using flax or chia egg substitutes, though the texture will vary. The coconut oil and plant milk keep the recipe dairy-free.
Final Thoughts
If you love desserts that feel like a warm hug, the Gluten-Free Crustless Apple Pie with Coconut and Spices Recipe is a must-try. It’s simple to make, naturally gluten-free, and bursting with cozy flavors that will have you reaching for seconds. Bring this pie to your next gathering or make it for a quiet night in—you’ll find it quickly becomes a beloved staple in your dessert repertoire.
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Gluten-Free Crustless Apple Pie with Coconut and Spices Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Gluten-Free Apple Pie is a crustless delight bursting with warm spices like cinnamon and ginger. Made with simple, wholesome ingredients including coconut and arrowroot flours, almond or coconut milk, and sweetened naturally with maple syrup and coconut sugar, it’s an easy dairy-free dessert perfect for any occasion. The pie forms its own tender crust as it bakes, saving you time and effort, and is topped with fresh apple slices and glazed nuts for added texture and flavor.
Ingredients
Liquid Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened almond or coconut milk
- 4 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons melted butter or refined coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (sweetener)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla (optional)
Dry Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons sifted coconut flour
- ½ cup (60 grams) arrowroot flour or tapioca flour
- ⅔ cup coconut or raw sugar
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2+ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- Pinch of ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut flakes
Fruits and Toppings
- 1 cup peeled and sliced apple (extra slices for topping; pear can be substituted or mixed)
- Extra apple slices for topping
- Glazed pecans or walnuts for topping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch or 9-inch pie pan or cake tin with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Blend Wet Ingredients: In a blender, combine the almond or coconut milk, eggs, maple syrup, vanilla (if using), and melted butter or coconut oil. Blend until fully smooth and combined to create a uniform batter.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together sifted coconut flour and arrowroot or tapioca flour. Add the coconut or raw sugar, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, kosher salt, and baking powder. Mix until everything is evenly distributed.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet, blended ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir well until the batter is smooth and even with no lumps.
- Fold in Fruit and Coconut: Gently fold in the peeled and sliced apples (or pear if using) along with about ½ cup of the unsweetened shredded coconut flakes to incorporate flavor and texture into the batter.
- Assemble the Pie: Pour the batter into the prepared pie pan. Arrange additional apple slices and the glazed pecans or walnuts evenly on top as a beautiful and tasty garnish.
- Initial Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes. This allows the pie to begin setting and forming its crust.
- Cover and Continue Baking: Carefully remove the pie and lightly cover the top loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning. Return the pie to the oven and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the edges are a crispy golden brown.
- Check Doneness and Cool: Check the center to ensure that it is no longer liquid. Once fully baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for at least 10 minutes. This resting time helps the custard-like center to set properly for easier slicing.
Notes
- Coconut sugar can be substituted with brown sugar or a sugar substitute of your choice.
- If you don’t have a blender, use a stand mixer or hand mixer to thoroughly beat all liquid ingredients until smooth.
- For nuts topping, if you don’t have glazed nuts, toss raw nuts in 1 tablespoon of maple syrup or raw sugar before placing on the pie.
- Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator to maintain texture and freshness. The pie will keep a custard-like texture in the center.