Cracker Barrel Sugar Free Apple Pie Recipe

Sugar-free apple pie is a super fun treat that brings the warmth of a classic dessert without the added sugars.

Music to my ears!

I love how Cracker Barrel’s version manages to capture the sweetness of apples and spices while keeping things light.

You’ll want to pay attention to choosing firm apples that hold their shape during baking—they’re key to a perfect texture!

Let me tell you, having a sugar-free pie that doesn’t skimp on flavor is one that’s on my list!

A quick tip: use a blend of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg to complement the natural sweetness of the apples.

How to Make Cracker Barrel Sugar Free Apple Pie Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs Apples (peeled and sliced)
• 3 tbsp Cornstarch
• ½ cup Apple Juice
• 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
• ½ tsp Cinnamon
• ¼ tsp Nutmeg
• 1 ½ cups Flour
• 2 tbsp Brown Sugar Alternative
• ¼ tsp Salt
• 1 stick Butter (cold, in tablespoon slices)
• Ice Water as needed

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Start by preparing the crust.

Mix flour, brown sugar alternative, and salt in a bowl.

Add slices of cold butter and mix until crumbly.

Add ice water gradually to form a dough.

Chill until ready.

Step 2:

Preheat your oven to 375°F for later.

Now, work on the filling!

Peel and slice the apples, then toss them in lemon juice for zest.

Step 3:

Mix apple slices with apple juice, cornstarch, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a large saucepan.

Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes or until apples soften.

Step 4:

Roll out the crust dough.

Fit it into a pie dish, making sure it’s evenly spread.

Pour the apple mixture onto the crust.

Step 5:

Add the top crust or lattice.

Seal and crimp the edges, then cut slits on the top to let steam escape.

Bake for 50-60 minutes until the crust is golden brown.

Let it cool before serving.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Use Firm Apples:

Select firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to keep your pie from getting mushy.

These apples are great at holding their shape during baking!

Adjust Sweetness:

Taste your filling before adding it to the crust to decide if it needs more sweetness.

You can adjust sweeteners to your preference easily here.

Keep Butter Cold:

Use cold butter for your dough to achieve a flaky and tender crust every time.

This helps achieve the perfect consistency.

Rest Your Pie:

Let your pie rest for at least an hour before serving.

This allows the filling to set and makes slicing much easier.

Test for Doneness:

Check if your pie crust is golden and the filling bubbling before removing it from the oven to enjoy the best texture.

The edges should be nicely browned!

What to Serve with Cracker Barrel Sugar Free Apple Pie

Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream

A classic pairing with any apple pie, you can’t go wrong with a scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream.

The creamy texture and subtle sweetness perfectly balance the warm spices of the apple pie.

Making it yourself ensures it’s free from any added sugars, keeping the dessert light!

Fresh Whipped Cream

Light and airy whipped cream makes for a delightful topping to accompany your pie.

Whip up some fresh cream with a dash of vanilla extract, and you’ll have a tasty complement.

It’s an easy addition that adds an extra layer of flavor and texture.

Sharp Cheddar Cheese

This might sound unusual, but a slice of sharp cheddar cheese can bring out the sweet and tart flavors of the pie.

The saltiness of the cheese creates a nice contrast.

You might find it unexpectedly delicious, especially if you’ve never tried it before!

Spiced Pecans

For a crunchy twist, roasted or spiced pecans can be a great addition to your dessert plate.

They provide a nutty flavor that pairs well with the spices in the apple pie.

You can even make them at home by toasting pecans with a blend of cinnamon and a sugar substitute.

Coconut Yogurt

A creamy, dairy-free option like coconut yogurt can be a fantastic side to serve.

Its tangy notes give a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the pie.

Opt for an unsweetened version to keep in line with the sugar-free theme!

Variations and Substitutions

Sweetener Choices

For a sugar-free twist, swap traditional sugar with sweet alternatives like stevia or erythritol.

These options keep the pie sweet without adding sugar, making for a healthier dessert.

Don’t forget to adjust the amount to taste, as some sweeteners can be more potent.

Spice Mix

Cinnamon is classic in apple pie, but you can experiment by adding nutmeg or allspice.

These spices bring warmth and depth, and they pair beautifully with the apples.

Customize your pie to suit your flavor preferences with just a few extra spices.

Crust Options

Use a store-bought crust or make your own with almond flour for a gluten-free version.

For a traditional taste, opt for whole wheat flour, adding a hearty texture.

There’s a crust for everyone’s taste, so mix it up depending on what you have on hand!

Apple Variations

Try different types of apples for varied textures and flavors.

Granny Smiths are tart, while Galas offer a sweeter profile.

Combining apple varieties might give you the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.

How to Store Leftover Cracker Barrel Sugar Free Apple Pie

Once you’ve enjoyed your delicious Cracker Barrel sugar free apple pie, you might have some leftovers to save for later.

In this section, I’ll share some tips on storing your pie to keep it fresh!

Storing at Room Temperature

You can keep the pie at room temperature if you plan to finish it in the next couple of days.

Find a spot away from heat and sunlight, covering the pie loosely with aluminum foil or a pie cover.

This method allows the pie to remain fresh and ready to eat without refrigeration.

Refrigerating for Longer Freshness

If you want the pie to last a bit longer, place it in the refrigerator.

Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil to protect it from absorbing any other food odors.

You can safely store it for up to five days, and the flavors will remain intact.

Freezing for Future Enjoyment

For long-term storage, freezing is a fantastic option.

Wrap the pie or individual slices in freezer-safe plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil.

This way, you can keep it in the freezer for up to three months, enjoying it whenever you like!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overworking the Dough

You only need to gently mix the dough ingredients until they just come together.

Overworking it will make the crust tough and chewy, which takes away from that perfect flaky texture everybody loves in a pie.

Skipping Blind Baking

Blind baking helps in keeping the crust from getting soggy.

Make sure to line your crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights.

Chilling before baking is ideal, so give it about 30 minutes in the fridge before popping it into the oven.

Not Cooling the Filling

Always let your apple filling cool down to room temperature before pouring it into the crust.

Pouring hot filling into your pie crust can lead to a soggy bottom, which isn’t what you’re aiming for.