Low-Calorie and Healthy Apple Pie

Written by
Kimberley Eggleston
Kimberley Eggleston is a registered dietitian, nutrition class instructor, and food writer who specializes in healthy cooking.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Kimberley Eggleston
Updated 08/12/19
apple pie close up

 

LauriPatterson/Getty Images
  • Total: 95 mins
  • Prep: 45 mins
  • Cook: 50 mins
  • Yield: 1 pie (8–10 servings)
Nutritional Guidelines (per serving)
199 Calories
10g Fat
28g Carbs
2g Protein
See Full Nutritional Guidelines Hide Full Nutritional Guidelines
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 1 pie (8–10 servings)
Amount per serving
Calories 199
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 10g 12%
Saturated Fat 5g 25%
Cholesterol 18mg 6%
Sodium 285mg 12%
Total Carbohydrate 28g 10%
Dietary Fiber 3g 9%
Protein 2g
Calcium 48mg 4%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

Apple pies are wonderful, but they can have a few too many calories for some diets. If you still want to enjoy this classic dessert, you can make it a little healthier by cutting some of the sugar. After all, the apples themselves add a fair amount of sweetness, so it really doesn't need a lot of sugar to make it delicious.

This apple pie can be on the tart side because of the Granny Smith apples. To add a healthy dose of sweetness, try serving this pie warm with a scoop of low-fat, low-sugar frozen yogurt or low-fat, low-sugar ice cream. If you are just getting used to enjoying your desserts with less sugar, you might find the transition a little challenging at first. But soon you will savor the natural flavors of the apples and find it quite satisfying.

Ingredients

  • For the Crust:
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup butter (chilled)
  • 3 tablespoons water (ice-cold)
  • For the Filling:
  • 2 cups Granny Smith apples (peeled, cored, and sliced)
  • 2 cups Gala apples (peeled, cored, and sliced)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons butter

Steps to Make It

Note: There are multiple steps to this recipe which is broken down into workable categories to better plan for preparation and baking.

Make the Pie Crust

  1. Gather the ingredients.

  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.

  3. Cut in the chilled butter, using two knives or a pastry blender.

  4. Sprinkle in the ice water into the mixture, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing with a fork after each addition.

  5. Using your hands, form the dough into a ball.

  6. Roll the dough into an 11-inch circle between two sheets of plastic wrap coated with cooking spray to reduce sticking.

  7. Place the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes so it becomes slightly firm and uniform.

  8. Preheat the oven to 425 F.

  9. Remove the top sheet of plastic wrap from the pie dough.

  10. Turn the dough over into a 9-inch pie plate coated with cooking spray, and remove the remaining layer of plastic wrap.

  11. Using your fingers, press the dough into the pie plate and flute the edges.

Make the Apple Filling

  1. Gather the ingredients.

  2. In a large bowl, toss the apples with lemon juice.

  3. In a separate bowl, combine the remaining sugars and flour.

  4. Combine the sugar mixture with the apples and toss the mixture lightly with a fork.

  5. Pour the apples into the pie crust.

  6. Use a knife to cut the remaining butter into small pieces, and distribute the butter pieces over the top of the pie.

  7. Bake at 425 F for 10 minutes, then turn the heat down to 350 F and bake an additional 30 minutes.

  8. Serve and enjoy!

Tip

  • If the crust starts to become too brown while baking, gently create a foil ring around the edges of the pie and put it back into the oven.