Copycat Dunkin’ Braided Apple Pie Recipe

9

Whenever I think of Dunkin‘, I’m instantly reminded of comforting flavors, quick bites, and those moments of joy that come with every sip or bite. Recently, Dunkin’ Braided Apple Pie has been stealing the spotlight—its flaky, buttery braided crust and luscious apple filling make it a must-try.

How to make Dunkin’ Braided Apple Pie

Dunkin’ Braided Apple Pie is a warm, hand-held pastries—think mini apple pie—featured on Dunkin’s Summer menu.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup cold vegan butter (or regular butter, if not vegan), cubed
• 1/3 cup ice water (add more if needed)

For the Apple Filling:

• 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well), peeled, cored, and finely chopped
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon vegan butter (or regular butter)

For Brushing & Topping:

• 2 tablespoons plant-based milk (or regular milk)
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for sprinkling)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough:

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar until well combined.
2. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter (or your fingers) to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix!
4. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

2. Make the Apple Filling:

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the vegan butter over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped apples, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract.
3. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the apples soften slightly.
4. Sprinkle in the cornstarch and stir to thicken the mixture. Remove from the heat and let it cool completely.

3. Roll Out the Dough:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the chilled dough into a rectangle (about 1/8 inch thick). Place the rectangle on the prepared baking sheet.

4. Add the Filling and Braid:

1. Spread the cooled apple filling down the center of the dough, leaving about 3 inches of dough on either side.
2. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut 1-inch thick strips on both sides of the filling, creating “tabs” to fold over.
3. Starting at the top, fold one strip from each side over the filling, alternating sides to create a braided pattern. Wrap any excess dough at the ends to seal.

5. Bake the Pie:

1. Brush the top with plant-based milk and sprinkle sugar evenly over the crust.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and flaky.
3. Let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Tips for the Perfect Braided Apple Pie

• Keep Your Dough Cold: Cold butter is key to achieving a flaky crust. If the butter starts softening while you’re working, pop the dough back in the fridge for a few minutes.
• Don’t Overfill: Adding too much apple filling can make your braid messy. Use just enough to create an even layer down the center.
• Customize the Flavor: Feel free to add chopped nuts, raisins, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce over the cooled pie for a special twist.
• Bake Immediately After Braiding: Once assembled, bake the pastry right away to prevent the dough from becoming soggy.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the filling and dough a day in advance. Store them separately in the fridge and assemble when you’re ready to bake.

What to serve with

Dunkin’s Braided Apple Pie is a delightful, decadent dessert that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, drinks, and toppings.

1. Ice Cream

One of the classic ways to serve any Dunkin’ Braided Apple Pie is with a scoop of creamy ice cream. The cold, creamy ice cream complements the warm, spiced apple filling perfectly.

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A timeless option that balances the sweetness and spices of the Dunkin’ Braided Apple Pie without overpowering the flavor.
• Cinnamon Ice Cream: Elevates the cinnamon already present in the pie’s filling, creating a warm, fall-inspired plate.
• Caramel Swirl Ice Cream: A fantastic pairing for the caramelized apple notes in the filling.
• Plant-Based or Dairy-Free Ice Cream: If you’re making a vegan version of the pie, coconut-based or almond milk-based ice creams are excellent options.

2. Whipped Cream

Light and fluffy whipped cream adds a simple, creamy element to the pie.

• Classic Whipped Cream: Either store-bought or homemade, this is a quick and easy topping.
• Cinnamon or Maple-Infused Whipped Cream: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or maple syrup to your whipped cream for an extra burst of flavor.
• Coconut Whipped Cream: A great vegan option made from chilled canned coconut cream.

3. Caramel Sauce or Butterscotch Drizzle

• Drizzling caramel or butterscotch sauce over the Dunkin’ Braided Apple Pie adds an extra layer of sweetness and richness.
• Salted Caramel Sauce: The salty-sweet combo works wonders alongside the apple pie’s flavors.
• Butterscotch Sauce: The deep, buttery flavor pairs perfectly with cinnamon-spiced apples.
• Vegan Caramel Sauce: Available in stores or easy to make at home using coconut cream, sugar, and dairy-free butter.

Ingredients Substitutes

If you’re looking to make a Dunkin’ Braided Apple Pie but need to substitute some of the ingredients, here are some ideas for substitutions:

1. Pie Crust

Substitute:

• Gluten-Free Crust: If you have a gluten intolerance, you can use a gluten-free pie crust available in stores or make your own using gluten-free flour blends.
• Phyllo Dough: For a different texture, phyllo dough can be used, though it gives a flakier and more pastry-like result.

2. Apples

Substitute:

• Pears or Peaches: These fruits can provide the sweetness and texture that’s similar to apples. Adjust the sugar content based on the sweetness of the fruit.
• Frozen Apples: If fresh apples are not available, you can use frozen apple slices.

3. Sugar

Substitute:

• Honey or Maple Syrup: These natural sweeteners can be used but will add a slight flavor change.
• Coconut Sugar: A low glycemic index alternative that can replace granulated sugar 1:1.
• Artificial Sweeteners: For a low-calorie option, use sweeteners like Stevia or Splenda, adjusting the quantity as they are sweeter than sugar.

4. Cinnamon

Substitute:

• Nutmeg or Allspice: Both spices can offer a warm flavor similar to cinnamon. Use these sparingly since they are more potent.

5. Lemon Juice

Substitute:

• Apple Cider Vinegar: This can be used in smaller amounts to provide the necessary acidity.
• White Vinegar: Another acidic substitute that can mimic the lemon juice effect, though it doesn’t add the lemony flavor.

6. Butter

Substitute:

• Margarine: A direct substitute for butter when baking.
• Coconut Oil: Provides a different flavor but works well as a butter substitute.
• Vegan Butter: For a dairy-free option, use a plant-based butter.

7. Egg Wash

Substitute:

• Milk: Brush the crust with milk for a similar golden finish.
• Cream: Provides a richer finish than milk.
• Vegan Milk (Almond, Soy): Non-dairy milk can also be used for brushing the crust.

8. Cornstarch (if used for thickening)

Substitute:

• Arrowroot Powder: A direct substitute that can be used in the same quantity.
• Tapioca Starch: Another thickener that works similarly to cornstarch.

Final Thoughts

This homemade version of Dunkin’s Braided Apple Pie is a delightful combination of buttery pastry and warm, spiced apple filling. Every bite feels like a cozy hug! Serve it fresh from the oven, and don’t forget to pair it with a hot cup of coffee or tea, just like Dunkin’ intended.

More Pie Recipes:

• Oreo Blueberry Pie Recipe
• McDonald’s Blueberry & Creme Pie Recipe
• Oreo Dirt Pie Blizzard Recipe