RecipesUSA 
Apple Pie
A lighter take on the American icon — spiced apples in a wholesome oat-almond crust, sweetened mostly by the fruit rather than a cup of sugar and refined pastry.
Ingredients
- 6–8 apples (Granny Smith or mixed), sliced
- 1–2 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1–2 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- 1 tbsp ground chia (to thicken)
- 1½ cups almond flour
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 3 tbsp coconut oil, melted
- 1 egg (or 2 tbsp water) to bind
- Pinch of salt
Method
- 1
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- 2
Blend the oats to a coarse flour, then mix with almond flour, salt, melted coconut oil and egg to a dough.
- 3
Press two-thirds of the dough into a pie dish to line the base and sides.
- 4
Toss the apples with lemon juice, spices, chia and maple syrup, then pile into the crust.
- 5
Crumble the remaining dough over the top.
- 6
Bake 40–45 minutes until golden and the apples are tender.
- 7
Cool before slicing so it sets.
Swaps & variations
- Skip the top crust for fewer calories
- Use pears or add cranberries
- Use a flax egg to keep it vegan
Storing & freezing
Fridge up to 4 days; freezes up to 2 months.
Grow it yourself
- Apple Trees Plant bare-root trees in late winter or early spring.,Choose varieties suited to your USDA zone.,Require full sun and well-drained soil.,Prune annually in winter to shape and encourage airflow.,Thin fruits in summer to improve size and prevent branch stress.
- Lemon (optional) Grow dwarf lemons indoors in cool climates.,Provide strong light and regular citrus fertiliser.
- Use garlic–chili spray to deter borers and leaf rollers.
- Encourage beneficial predators (birds, parasitic wasps).
- Sticky traps help control apple maggot.
- Mulch trees deeply to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Apples Ripe when they twist off easily.,Seeds inside are dark brown.,Fruit smells sweet and fragrant.,Harvest gently to avoid bruising.
Want meals like this matched to your goals and preferences?
Build my meal planMore recipes to explore
USAPumpkin PieThe cosy autumn classic, lightened up — a naturally sweet pumpkin-and-egg custard in an almond-flour crust, sweetened with maple instead of refined sugar.USAPeach CobblerA Southern favourite made light — juicy peaches under a wholemeal-oat batter, sweetened with a touch of maple instead of two cups of sugar.USAHomemade Salsa Trio (Mild, Medium, Hot)Three garden-fresh salsa styles using tomatoes, peppers, onions, garlic, and herbs.USASourdough Biscuits with Herb ButterFlaky sourdough biscuits made with wholemeal flour and olive oil, served with a fresh herb-and-olive-oil spread instead of a stick of butter.USABeef Stew with Root Vegetables (Midwest Style)A comforting cold-weather classic featuring garden-grown carrots, potatoes, onions, and herbs.USANew Orleans Jambalaya (Garden Version)A flavorful Southern dish combining peppers, tomatoes, onions, garlic, herbs, and rice.