I was on Pinterest the other day looking for some DIY seasonal vegan recipes for my sad, MCAT-filled Christmas break, when I came across a phenomenal looking holiday cider. I thought to myself: "Wow...these ingredients sound like they would make an excellent pie," and thus my idea for "Cider Pie" was born. 

I had made an apple pie just the week before, and while I like the classic taste, I thought this original holiday treat could use a tangy makeover. 

The added bonus of it being vegan not only allows more people to dig in, but also means it's cholesterol-free. I'm vegan, so I only use vegan recipes, but if you aren't yourself, try not to see the label "vegan" and think it's not for you. It's quite the opposite actually. "Vegan" just means it's for everyone (unless, in this case, you're gluten-free... I'm sorry. But have no fear, you can try this gluten-free crust recipe). 

tart, pie, chocolate, candy, cookie, cake, pastry, sweet
Grace Nguyen

The tartness of the cranberry, the tang of the orange, and the perfect apple and cinnamon duo comes together to create the ideal holiday treat for the entire family—or just for yourself, no one's judging. If you need extra help, you can learn to make a lattice top here (I just eye-balled it). 

Cranberry Sauce

  • Prep Time:2 mins
  • Cook Time:10 mins
  • Total Time:12 mins
  • Servings:8
  • Easy

    Ingredients

  • 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 1/2 cup tap water
  • 1/3 cup maple syrup or honey or 2/3 cup sugar
  • Zest 1 orange + juice
juice, wine
Grace Nguyen
  • Step 1

    Pre-heat oven to 400ºF.

  • Step 2

    In a medium sauce pan, combine the cranberries, tap water, and maple syrup. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low while stirring occasionally until the cranberries have popped and the mixture has thickened (about 5-10 minutes).

    cranberry, jam, cherry, berry, sweet
    Grace Nguyen
  • Step 3

    Remove the cranberries from heat and stir in the orange zest and juice. Allow to cool a bit.

    sweet
    Grace Nguyen

Apple Filling

  • Prep Time:10 mins
  • Cook Time:0
  • Total Time:10 mins
  • Servings:8
  • Easy

    Ingredients

  • About 4 cups sliced & peeled apples
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons all purpose flour
  • Step 1

    Peel and slice the applies into bite-sized pieces.

    sweet
    Grace Nguyen
  • Step 2

    Toss the apples in with the cinnamon, salt, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and flour.

    sweet, vegetable
    Grace Nguyen

Crust & Final Steps

  • Prep Time:10 mins
  • Cook Time:45 mins
  • Total Time:55 mins
  • Servings:8
  • Medium

    Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2/3 + 2 tablespoons cold vegan butter
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 4-6 tablespoons ice water
  • Step 1

    Whisk flour, salt, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon in a large bowl. Add the vegan butter and use a fork to combine until crumbly.

    milk, porridge, rice, corn, wheat, cereal
    Grace Nguyen
  • Step 2

    Add ice water 1 tablespoon at a time until dough forms (be careful...I used a bit too much).

    sweet, dairy product, cream, milk
    Grace Nguyen
  • Step 3

    Mold together with hands on a floured surface. Divide into 2 balls (one slightly bigger than the other).

    cream, cookie, pastry, dough, sweet, dairy product
    Grace Nguyen
  • Step 4

    Roll out the larger crust and drape over a standard pie pan and trim the extra dough hanging off.

    bread, sweet, pastry, milk, dairy product, dough, flour
    Grace Nguyen
  • Step 5

    Stir the cranberry sauce in with the apple filling and pour into pan on the dough (try and avoid any excess liquid from the apples). Then roll out the other ball of dough.

    cake, strawberry, tart, pastry, sweet
  • Step 6

    Cut the crust into strips and form a lattice top (it's best to watch a video for this). Use your fingers to press down edges and water them (lightly). Sprinkle a generous amount of sugar and cinnamon on top (or go crazy and throw some brown sugar on too).

    tart, cookie, pie, candy, pastry, cake, sweet
  • Step 7

    Bake for approximately 45 minutes (always be sure to check it!) or until golden brown. Let cool (3-5 hours...I was too eager to wait for this picture below but the filling will sit and your pieces will be much prettier). Enjoy!

    cookie, chocolate, pie, pastry, sweet, candy, cake