Homemade Whole Foods Apple Pie Recipe

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I’ve recreated a delicious Whole Foods Apple Pie recipe that you can whip up right at home. Using fresh, crisp apples, aromatic spices, and a tender crust, this pie captures the magic of the classic dessert while staying true to Whole Foods’ commitment to natural goodness.

How to make Whole Foods Apple Pie

Whole Foods Apple Pie is a pre-made dessert sold at Whole Foods Market, consisting of a buttery, flaky pastry crust filled with spiced apple slices, sugar, and cinnamon, made from natural and often organic ingredients.

Ingredients

For the Pie Crust (Double Crust)

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (preferably organic)
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 cup cold unsalted butter (cut into small cubes; Whole Foods has high-quality butter options like grass-fed)
• ½ cup ice-cold water (adjust if needed)

For the Apple Filling

• 6-7 medium apples (like Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for sweetness—a mix works well)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste, depending on how sweet or tart your apples are)
• ¼ cup light brown sugar
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (to thicken the filling)
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional, for added warmth)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (to brighten the flavor and prevent apples from browning)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (cut into small pieces; used to dot the filling before baking)

Optional Toppings

• Egg wash (1 egg whisked with a splash of water or milk)
• Turbinado sugar for sprinkling (adds sparkle and crunch)

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Pie Crust

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar.
2. Add the cold butter cubes to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingertips, gently work the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized bits of butter.
3. Slowly drizzle in the ice-cold water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Avoid overworking the dough!
4. Divide the dough into two equal portions, shape into flat discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight).

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling

1. Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples (about ⅛-¼ inch thick). Place them in a large mixing bowl.
2. Add sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Toss until the apples are evenly coated. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes while you roll out the dough.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

1. Roll out the first disc of chilled pie dough on a lightly floured surface to approximately 12 inches in diameter (for a 9-inch pie dish). Carefully place the dough into the pie dish, letting it drape over the edges.
2. Spoon the apple filling into the pie crust, creating an even layer. Dot the filling with butter pieces to enhance flavor and create a luscious filling.
3. Roll out the second disc of pie dough for the top crust. You can either place the entire dough over the filling (for a traditional double-crust) or create a lattice design with strips.
4. Trim excess dough around the edges and crimp or seal the edges together.
5. Brush the top crust with egg wash and sprinkle with turbinado sugar for a golden, sparkly finish.

Step 4: Bake the Pie

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips, then bake for 20 minutes at 400°F. Lower the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for another 35-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling bubbles through the edges.
3. Let the pie cool for at least 1-2 hours before serving to allow the filling to set. Cutting too soon can ruin its texture, but patience will reward you with perfect slices!

Tips for the Best Whole Foods Apple Pie

• Use high-quality ingredients: Whole Foods is known for premium produce and products. Opt for fresh, organic apples, unsalted butter, and pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
• Mix apple varieties: Combining tart and sweet apples will give your pie a more dynamic flavor.
• Chill your dough: Resting the dough in the refrigerator prevents it from shrinking during baking and keeps the butter cold for a flaky texture.
• Vent the top crust: If using a full crust on top, make small slits to allow steam to escape and prevent soggy dough.
• Prevent a soggy bottom crust: Sprinkle a little flour or breadcrumbs on the bottom crust before adding the apple filling. This absorbs excess juices without affecting the taste.
• Serve with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an authentic bakery-style experience.

What to serve with

Whole Foods Apple Pie is a quintessential dessert that pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments for a truly indulgent experience.

a. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream creates a perfect hot-and-cold contrast with the warm Whole Foods Apple Pie. The smooth, luscious texture of the ice cream balances the flaky crust and caramelized apple filling.

b. Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream is a classic addition to Whole Foods Apple Pie. Prepare homemade whipped cream by whipping together heavy cream, a touch of powdered sugar, and vanilla extract for extra flavor.

c. Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over your Whole Foods Apple Pie for an indulgent twist. The sticky sweetness pairs wonderfully with the cinnamon-spiced apples.

Ingredients Substitutes

Apple pie is a versatile dessert, and adapting it to fit dietary needs, preferences, or the ingredients you have on hand is easy and fun!

1. Substitutes for Pie Crust Ingredients

a. All-Purpose Flour

If you want an alternative to regular all-purpose flour:

• Whole Wheat Flour: Offers a nuttier flavor and is slightly denser. Replace up to 50-75% of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat to maintain the structure.
• Gluten-Free Baking Mix: For a gluten-free pie crust, opt for blends like Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour, available at Whole Foods.
• Almond Flour: Low-carb substitute; it creates a softer, crumbly crust. Use almond flour in combination with a binder like egg for structure (not ideal for traditional crust recipes).

b. Unsalted Butter

If butter isn’t available or you prefer a dairy-free alternative:

• Coconut Oil: Solid coconut oil works well for pie crusts and provides a subtle tropical flavor.
• Plant-Based Butter: Brands like Miyoko’s Creamery or Earth Balance are excellent dairy-free substitutes available at Whole Foods.
• Vegetable Shortening: Gives the pie crust a flaky texture, though it’s less buttery in flavor.

c. Ice Water

For binding the pie dough:

• Milk or Plant-Based Milk: A splash of almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk can work for added moisture. Ensure the liquid is cold.
• Apple Cider Vinegar-Water Mix: Add 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to cold water to help with texture and flavor.

2. Substitutes for Apple Filling Ingredients

a. Apples

The stars of the pie can be substituted if needed:

• Pears: Swap apples for fresh pears like Bosc or Bartlett. They offer a softer texture and mild sweetness. Reduce sugar slightly since pears are sweeter.
• Peaches or Nectarines: Perfect for summer pies; cook down slightly to mimic the texture of baked apples.
• Frozen Apples: If fresh apples are unavailable, Whole Foods carries frozen organic apple slices. Thaw and drain before use.
• Other Fruits: Try berries (like strawberries, blueberries, or blackberries) or even bananas for a creative twist.

b. Granulated Sugar

If you want a healthier or more natural option for sweetening:

• Coconut Sugar: Replace granulated sugar 1:1 for a slightly caramel-like flavor.
• Maple Syrup: Use ½ cup maple syrup for every ¾ cup sugar. Consider reducing other liquids in the recipe.
• Honey: Honey complements apple pie beautifully. Substitute ¾ cup honey for 1 cup sugar but keep in mind it can slightly soften the filling.
• Date Sugar: Made from finely ground dates, this Whole Foods offering is a wholesome option for natural sweetness.

c. Brown Sugar

If you don’t have brown sugar:

• Molasses + White Sugar: Mix 1 cup white sugar with 1-2 tablespoons molasses for that rich flavor and moisture.
• Maple Sugar: Maple sugar works well in recipes that call for brown sugar. It has a similar texture and deep sweetness flavor profile.
• Coconut Sugar: Similar to its use for granulated sugar.

d. Lemon Juice

To add zest and brightness to the filling:

• Apple Cider Vinegar: Use 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar for every tablespoon of lemon juice.
• White Vinegar: Similar ratio as apple cider vinegar. It provides acidity without overpowering the pie.
• Orange Juice: Adds tartness with a hint of citrus flavor, especially for sweeter apple varieties.

e. Cinnamon and Nutmeg

• For spices: Pumpkin Pie Spice
• Ginger: Use ground ginger in small amounts (about ¼ tsp) for a warm, spicy alternative.
• Cloves or Allspice: Adds depth similar to nutmeg; use sparingly (¼ tsp or less).
• Cardamom: A unique option that complements apples with floral and citrusy notes.

f. Vanilla Extract

If you don’t have vanilla extract:

• Maple Syrup: Provides a warm sweetness similar to vanilla; use equal amounts as a replacement.
• Almond Extract: Adds a nutty undertone that works well with the apple filling. Use less (½ tsp for 1 tsp vanilla extract).
• Vanilla Paste or Vanilla Powder: These high-quality substitutes can be found at Whole Foods.

g. Unsalted Butter (in the filling)

If you need a substitute for dotting the filling:

• Coconut Oil: Adds richness and moisture to the filling.
• Plant-Based Butter: Use brands like Forager Project or Miyoko’s that mimic real dairy butter.
• Olive Oil: Provides moisture, although it will slightly alter the flavor profile.

3. Substitutes for Egg Wash

If you’re looking for alternatives for the egg wash finish before baking:

• Milk or Cream: Brush the crust with whole milk, plant-based milk, or cream for a golden brown finish.
• Butter: Melted butter or plant-based butter gives the crust a crispy, rich texture.
• Aquafaba: The liquid from canned chickpeas is a fantastic vegan substitute for egg wash. Brush it lightly over the crust before baking.
• Oil: Neutral oils like vegetable or canola oil can be brushed on, though they won’t create the same glossy finish as an egg wash.

4. Substitutes for Turbinado Sugar

If you don’t have turbinado sugar for sprinkling on top of the crust:

• Granulated Sugar: Works beautifully for a simple sparkle.
• Brown Sugar: Adds caramel tones but might melt more into the crust.
• Coconut Sugar: Adds a slight crunch and rich sweetness.
• Maple Sugar: Gives a more nuanced flavor and rustic appearance.

Final Thoughts

Whole Foods Apple pie truly shines when paired with thoughtful accompaniments that highlight its comforting flavor while adding variety to your dessert table.

More Apple Pie Recipes:

• Marie Callender’s Dutch Apple Pie Recipe