Imagine sinking your fork into a slice of warm, aromatic apple pie that's not just delicious, but actually good for you! This Healthy Light Cinnamon Apple Pie is the ultimate dessert that proves you don't have to sacrifice flavor for nutrition. With its perfectly spiced apple filling and golden crust, this recipe will transform your perception of healthy eating from boring to absolutely irresistible.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 6 cups thinly sliced apples
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 pre-baked pie crust
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center of the oven.
- Wash and core the apples, then slice them thinly, approximately 1/4 inch thick. To prevent browning, immediately toss the apple slices with lemon juice.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Gently mix until the apples are evenly coated with the sweet and spicy mixture.
- Take the pre-baked pie crust and arrange the seasoned apple slices carefully, creating an even layer that slightly mounds in the center.
- Ensure the apple slices are distributed uniformly to promote even cooking and consistent flavor throughout the pie.
- Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45-50 minutes, or until the apple slices are tender and the edges of the crust are golden brown.
- To check doneness, insert a small knife into the center of the pie. The apples should be soft but not mushy.
- Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for 20-30 minutes, allowing the filling to set and the flavors to meld together.
- Slice and serve warm, optionally garnishing with a light dusting of additional cinnamon or a small scoop of low-fat vanilla ice cream.
Tips
- Choose firm, crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor balance.
- Toss apple slices in lemon juice immediately after cutting to prevent browning and add a subtle brightness.
- For an extra healthy twist, consider using a whole wheat or almond flour crust instead of traditional pie dough.
- Don't overmix the apple filling - gentle coating ensures the apples retain their natural texture.
- Let the pie cool completely before slicing to allow the filling to set properly and make cutting easier.
- For a lower sugar option, you can replace some brown sugar with stevia or reduce the amount by half.
- Serve warm with a dollop of Greek yogurt for added protein and a creamy complement to the spiced apples.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 126kcal
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
