Explore delightful variations of summer apple pie that are both light and healthy, perfect for enjoying the season's bounty guilt-free.
Choose 6-8 medium-sized apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1/4 cup of honey or maple syrup.
Opt for a whole wheat pie crust or a gluten-free crust made with almond flour or oats for a nutritious base. You can also consider using a pre-made low-fat graham cracker crust for a lighter option.
Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. In a large bowl, toss the apples with lemon juice to prevent browning. Add honey or maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, cornstarch, and salt.
Roll out the pie crust and place it into a greased pie dish. Arrange the apple mixture evenly over the crust.
Consider a streusel topping made with rolled oats, a touch of coconut oil or butter, and a sprinkle of cinnamon and honey for added crunch and flavor.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the pie loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 40-45 minutes until the apples are tender and the crust is golden brown.
For a lighter glaze, mix together a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup with a teaspoon of warm water and brush it over the warm pie crust.
Serve the pie warm or chilled with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a scoop of low-fat vanilla ice cream for a delicious and lighter dessert option.