There’s something deeply comforting about a dessert that fills the kitchen with the scent of warm apples, citrus, and gentle spice. This vegan apple custard pie is a simple, warming holiday dessert that’s lightly sweet and a lovely choice for winter gatherings when you want something cozy rather than heavy.
It’s been a little while since I last posted, but I’m excited to share this cozy holiday recipe with you. I hope to pop in more often over the coming months, though I can’t promise a regular schedule — I’ll share recipes as inspiration strikes.
This pie is a revisited recipe from the blog archives, one I’ve been wanting to return to for some time. With the holiday season in mind, I’ve refreshed it with a few warm, festive flavours that make it especially fitting for winter baking. Made with a creamy dairy-free custard and tender spiced apples, it’s a pie that feels especially inviting after a festive meal.
If you’re in the mood for a little extra indulgence, you might also enjoy a few other recipes on the blog. Serve your pie with my custard sauce for some extra creamy finish, or try the Pear Custard Pie with an oil-based crust for another moreish fruit-filled holiday treat.
You can make this custard pie entirely from scratch or keep things simple with ready-made shortcrust pastry and pre-cooked apples — either way, it’s an easy vegan dessert that’s meant to be shared.
Holiday Apple Custard Pie (Vegan)
A simple vegan apple custard pie with spiced apples and a creamy dairy-free custard filling — a warming dessert for winter gatherings.
Ingredients
- Pie dish: 26 cm / 10.5 inch
Shortcrust pastry
- (or use frozen ready-made shortcrust pastry)
- 300 g plain flour
- 150 g vegan buttery spread, room temperature
- 5–6 tbsp cold water (as needed)
- Pinch of salt
Custard
- 1 can (400 ml) coconut milk (or almond / oat milk)
- 5 tbsp custard powder
- 200 ml water
- 70 g sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract (optional, but recommended)
Apple topping
- 6 firm apples
- Juice of 1 orange
- Zest of ½ orange
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- Pinch of nutmeg or allspice
- 5–6 tbsp demerara or blond sugar
Other
- Red beans or baking beads (for blind baking)
Instructions
Prepare the apple topping
- Peel and slice the apples (not too thin).
- Place them in a saucepan with the orange juice, orange zest, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Cook on low to medium heat until the apples are soft but still hold their shape. Set aside.
Make the shortcrust pastry
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F).
- Sift the flour into a bowl. Add the vegan margarine and rub it in with your fingertips (or cut it in) until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
- Add the salt, then gradually add water until the dough comes together. It should be soft, supple, and not sticky.
- Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface and line your pie dish. Prick the base lightly with a fork.
- Add red beans or baking beads and bake for 10–12 minutes, until just starting to turn golden.
- Remove from the oven and carefully take out the beans.
Make the custard
- In a saucepan, add the coconut milk and sugar.
- In a separate bowl, mix the custard powder with the water until smooth, then pour it into the saucepan.
- Cook on low heat, stirring constantly, for about 10 minutes, until thickened.
- Stir in the vanilla extract, if using. The custard should be creamy and pourable.
Assemble the pie
- Pour the custard into the pre-baked crust and smooth the surface.
- Arrange the cooked apples evenly on top.
- Sprinkle with demerara sugar (you can mix it with a pinch of cinnamon for extra warmth).
- Return the pie to the oven and bake for 15 minutes, until lightly golden and fragrant.
Serve
- Let the pie cool slightly before slicing.
- Serve warm or cold, on its own or with vegan cream or extra custard.
Notes
Holiday Notes & Variations
- For a quicker version, use ready-made pastry and canned apple slices.
- Almond milk creates a lighter custard, while coconut milk makes it richer and more festive.
- This pie is ideal for Christmas, winter gatherings, or any cozy evening dessert.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 500
Discover more from Veganlovlie: Scrumptious Vegan Recipes
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