Apple pie is a classic dessert that is loved by many, but for individuals with diabetes, traditional recipes can be high in sugar and carbohydrates.
However, by making a few simple substitutions and additions, you can create a healthier version of this beloved dessert that won’t spike blood sugar levels. This recipe for a healthy harvest apple pie with whole wheat and orange is perfect for diabetics who want to enjoy a delicious treat without compromising their health.
Ingredients:
For the crust:.
– 1 cup whole wheat flour.
– 1/4 cup almond flour.
– 1/4 cup cold butter, cubed.
– 1/4 cup cold water.
– 1 tablespoon honey or a natural sweetener of your choice.
– A pinch of salt.
For the filling:.
– 4 medium-sized apples, cored, peeled, and thinly sliced.
– 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce.
– Zest and juice of 1 orange.
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon.
– 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg.
– 1/4 teaspoon cloves.
– 1/4 cup erythritol or another sugar substitute.
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch or arrowroot powder.
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, almond flour, and salt. Add the cold butter and use a pastry cutter or your hands to blend the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add the cold water and honey to the flour mixture and stir until the dough comes together. Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
4. In another bowl, combine the sliced apples, unsweetened applesauce, orange zest, orange juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, erythritol, and cornstarch. Toss until all the apple slices are coated with the mixture.
5. After the dough has chilled, remove it from the refrigerator and divide it into two equal halves. Roll out one half of the dough on a lightly floured surface and place it in a greased pie dish.
6. Pour the apple filling into the pie dish, spreading it evenly. Roll out the second half of the dough and place it over the apple filling, sealing the edges by pressing them together.
7. Use a knife or a fork to make a few small slits on the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
8. Bake the pie in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
9. Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool before serving.
Tips for Customizing:
– You can add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the apple filling for some extra crunch and flavor.
– If you prefer a sweeter pie, you can increase the amount of sweetener used in the filling.
– Serve each slice with a dollop of sugar-free vanilla yogurt or a scoop of low-carb ice cream for an extra treat.
– Experiment with different types of apples, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, to find your favorite flavor combination.
– Feel free to switch out the whole wheat flour with another type of flour that suits your dietary needs and preferences, such as oat flour or coconut flour.
Conclusion:
This healthy harvest apple pie with whole wheat and orange is a delicious dessert option for individuals with diabetes.
By using whole grain flour, natural sweeteners, and fresh oranges, this recipe reduces the amount of added sugar and carbohydrates typically found in traditional apple pie recipes. Enjoy a warm slice of pie without worrying about unhealthy blood sugar spikes. Customize it with your favorite additions and toppings to make it even more delightful.