This healthy American pie is the perfect guilt-free dessert for every day. Made without sugar and butter, it’s a wholesome treat that still delivers on taste and comfort. Featuring a hearty oatmeal crust and a naturally sweet apple filling, this pie is both nutritious and satisfying. Ideal for those looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle without sacrificing their favorite desserts, this pie uses natural ingredients like honey and raisins to add a touch of sweetness. Let’s get baking with this simple, delicious recipe!
Ingredients for American Pie
For the Oatmeal Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups (150 g) oatmeal
- 1 egg
- 40 ml water
- Small amount of oil (for greasing the pan)
For the Apple Filling:
- 2.2 lbs (1 kg) apples (about 6 medium apples)
- 1 tablespoon natural honey (or to taste)
- 1.8 oz (50 g) raisins
- Cinnamon, to taste
Servings: 8 slices
Total Time: 50 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preparing the Oatmeal Crust
- Grind the Oatmeal: Begin by taking 1 1/2 cups (150 g) of oatmeal and grinding it into a fine powder using a blender or food processor. This will create a flour-like consistency that forms the base of the crust.
- Mix with Water and Egg: In a medium bowl, combine the oatmeal powder with 40 ml of water. Stir until a thick mixture forms. Add 1 egg and mix well until fully incorporated. The egg acts as a binding agent, helping the crust hold together during baking.
- Prepare the Baking Pan: Grease a baking pan lightly with a small amount of oil. You can use a round pie dish or any baking dish of your choice.
- Spread the Crust: Spread the oatmeal mixture evenly over the entire pan, pressing it down firmly with your hands or a spatula to create a smooth, even layer that covers the bottom and slightly up the sides of the pan. Set aside while you prepare the filling.
2. Making the Apple Filling
- Prepare the Apples: Peel and core the apples, then cut them into small pieces. You’ll need about 2.2 lbs (1 kg) of apples, which is roughly 6 medium-sized apples. Choose a variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor balance.
- Cook the Apples: In a medium saucepan, add the chopped apples along with a splash of water. Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples become soft and tender, about 10-15 minutes. If the mixture becomes too dry, add a little more water.
- Add Raisins and Sweeteners: Once the apples are cooked, add 1.8 oz (50 g) of raisins, 1 tablespoon of natural honey, and a sprinkle of cinnamon to taste. Stir well to combine, adjusting the sweetness with additional honey if desired. The raisins add natural sweetness, while the cinnamon enhances the flavor of the apples.
- Assemble the Pie: Pour the apple mixture evenly over the prepared oatmeal crust in the baking pan. Spread it out with a spatula to ensure an even layer.
3. Baking the Pie
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) while you finish assembling the pie.
- Bake: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 35 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the filling is set. The crust should be firm to the touch, and the apples should be fully cooked.
- Cool: Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool slightly in the pan. This cooling period allows the crust to firm up, making it easier to slice.
4. Serving Suggestions
- Garnish: For a fresh and colorful garnish, top the cooled pie with slices of tangerine and a sprig of rosemary. This adds a burst of citrus flavor and a touch of elegance to the presentation.
- Enjoy with Tea: Serve slices of this healthy American pie with a hot cup of black tea. To make the tea, steep your favorite black tea leaves in 0.9 liters of hot water for 10 minutes for a perfectly brewed pot that pairs wonderfully with the pie.
Nutrition Information (Per Slice, Based on 8 Slices)
- Calories: 160 kcal
- Protein: 3 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Dietary Fiber: 4 g
- Sugars: 16 g (from natural sources)
- Total Fat: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
- Sodium: 20 mg
Tips for the Best Healthy American Pie
- Choose Sweet Apples: For a naturally sweeter pie, choose apples that are naturally high in sugar content, such as Fuji, Gala, or Golden Delicious.
- Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of honey based on your preference and the sweetness of the apples. You can also omit the honey entirely if your apples are sweet enough.
- Press the Crust Firmly: Make sure to press the oatmeal crust firmly into the pan to avoid any gaps or uneven baking.
This sugar-free and butter-free American pie is a perfect healthy dessert that you can enjoy every day. With its simple preparation and delicious flavor, it’s a great way to indulge in a classic treat without compromising your health goals. Enjoy this wholesome pie as a satisfying snack or dessert!