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vanilla bean apple pie with a slice cut out with a pie server in the pie pan.

Vanilla Bean Apple Pie

Mimi Council
Make a completely different, but insanely delicious apple pie this holiday season. This apple pie uses Granny Smith Apples, vanilla bean, and cane sugar for a filling that is very light! It's brushed with French vanilla creamer for a golden brown crust that's naturally eggless. And it's finished with a donut-like glaze. I promise you, this pie will be the talk of your Thanksgiving table.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Chill Time 6 hours
Total Time 7 hours 45 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Makes 8 servings
Calories 405 kcal

Equipment

  • Digital Food Scale
  • Stand Mixer
  • Mixing Bowl
  • 9-Inch Pie Pan
  • Rolling Pin
  • Pastry Brush

Ingredients
 
 

Crust

  • 227 grams all purpose flour (plus extra for rolling)
  • ½ teaspoon ground vanilla bean
  • 170 grams salted butter (cold)
  • 7 tablespoons cold water

Filling

  • 113 grams cane sugar
  • 21 grams all purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon ground vanilla bean
  • 4 large Granny Smith apples

Topping

  • 2 tablespoons Organic Valley French Vanilla Creamer

Glaze

  • 71 grams powdered sugar (sifted)
  • 2 tablespoons water

Instructions
 

  • To make the crust: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add the flour and vanilla bean. Turn the mixer on low for two to three rotations to combine the dry ingredients.
  • Remove the butter from the fridge and chop into small cubes. The smaller the cubes, the flakier the crust. Cut the stick of butter into four and then chop into small cubes from there. Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Measure out the cold water and have it ready.
  • Turn the mixer on low and slowly start to incorporate the ingredients. Gradually turn the mixer to medium speed. Once the butter mixture looks like wet sand, immediately add in all the water. As soon as the dough comes together, stop the mixer. Do not over mix.
  • Divide the dough into two portions, one should be almost double the size of the other. I prefer to weigh them, the large one should weigh 312 grams and the small should weigh 170 grams. Form them both into disks and wrap separately in plastic wrap. Allow to cool in the fridge for at least 6 hours or overnight.
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  • To make the filling: In a medium bowl, add the cane sugar, flour, cornstarch, and vanilla bean and whisk to combine.
  • Slice the apples, leaving skins on, and add to the sugar and flour mixture. Toss to coat completely, set aside.
  • Grease a 9-inch pie pan well with butter. Remove the pie dough from the fridge. Remove the plastic wrap and place on a floured surface. First, roll out the large disk to ¼-inch thick, it should be about 11-inches in diameter. Place the pie dough into the pie pan, and press lightly to form against the pan. It should be large enough that the dough folds right over the top. Roll out the smaller disk to ¼-inch thick, it should be about 9-inches in diameter. Set aside.
  • Add the filling into the pie pan and spread evenly.
  • I like to use a pizza cutter for this next step, but a sharp knife will work as well. Cut the rolled out dough into 1-inch wide strips. Place the strips on top of the apples going horizontal leaving 1-inch between strips. Use the smaller strips towards the sides of the pie and use the longer strips for the middle. Next, add the remaining dough strips going vertical, alternating each strip over and under the horizontal ones.
  • Once the lattice top is complete, crimp and fold over the edges of the dough to seal the top and bottom together. Flute the edges. Using a pastry brush, brush the dough with the French vanilla creamer.
  • Bake for 1 hour, then turn the oven up to 400°F and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until golden brown.
  • To make the glaze: In a small bowl, add the powdered sugar and water. Whisk to combine completely. Using a pastry brush, brush the top of the dough with the glaze.
  • Let the pie rest for 15 to 20 minutes before glazing. Using a pastry brush, brush the top of the dough with the glaze.
  • Store at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Video

Notes

Tips
  • Always use a digital food scale for the best results.
  • I use Granny Smith apples as the crust is a little sweeter with the vanilla bean, so I really love the tart apple here. But, any apples you have will work.
  • You do not have to lattice the pie, this is optional. You can just place the top pie crust on top for a traditional pie. Just be sure to make 4 vent holes if you do that.
  • Allow the pie to cool for 15 to 20 minutes before glazing.
  • You can make this in advance, a day before is just fine. Just be sure to store in a cool, dry place. Do not cover this as the crust can become soggy.
High Altitude — Follow the recipe as noted.

Nutrition

Calories: 405kcalCarbohydrates: 59gProtein: 4gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 46mgSodium: 139mgPotassium: 128mgFiber: 3gSugar: 32gVitamin A: 576IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 16mgIron: 2mg
Want more recipes?Follow along on @mimisorganiceats for more inspiration!