Apple pie is a classic comfort dessert—but it's often loaded with sugar. If we're trying to eat a bit lighter, that extra sugar might not sit so well. The good news?

We don't need to give up flavor to enjoy a healthier version. A low-sugar apple pie can still be warm, cozy, and delicious—just with better balance.

Let's walk through how to make one that satisfies our sweet tooth without overdoing it.

What kind of apples are best?

The secret to a tasty low-sugar apple pie starts with naturally sweet apples. If we choose the right type, we can cut back on added sugar without losing flavor. Here are some great options:

• Fuji: super sweet and juicy

• Gala: sweet and slightly floral

• Honeycrisp: crisp, sweet, and tart—great for balance

• Golden Delicious: soft and mellow in flavor

We can use one type or mix two for depth. Try to avoid very tart apples like Granny Smith if we're reducing sugar, unless we balance them with sweeter ones.

Ingredients for our low-sugar pie

Here's what we need for one 8-inch pie:

For the filling:

• 4–5 medium apples (peeled, cored, and sliced)

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1½ tsp cinnamon

• 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)

• 1–2 tbsp maple syrup or honey (optional, depending on apple sweetness)

• 1 tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot powder

For the crust:

We can use store-bought whole wheat pie crust or make a simple homemade one:

• 1½ cups whole wheat or all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup cold plant-based butter or unsalted butter

• 4–5 tbsp cold water

• A pinch of salt

We can also make a crumble topping if we prefer something quicker—just oats, flour, a bit of oil or butter, and a touch of honey.

Step-by-step: Let's bake!

1. Prepare the crust

If we're making crust from scratch, mix flour and salt in a bowl. Cut in cold butter until crumbly, then slowly add water until the dough holds together. Wrap and chill for 30 minutes.

2. Make the filling

While the dough chills, combine apple slices with lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and starch. If needed, add a little maple syrup to enhance the sweetness. Let it sit while we roll the crust.

3. Assemble the pie

Roll out the dough and press it into a pie pan. Pour in the apple mixture and spread evenly. We can either cover it with another crust or leave it open-face.

4. Bake it up

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake for 40–45 minutes until the apples are soft and the crust is golden brown. If the edges brown too fast, we can cover them with foil.

Let it cool for at least 10–15 minutes before slicing. It helps the filling set better.

Extra tips for more flavor, less sugar

• Use spices generously like cinnamon or clove to boost natural sweetness.

• A pinch of salt in the filling can actually enhance sweetness.

• Applesauce (unsweetened) can replace some sweeteners in the filling.

• Serve with Greek yogurt or plain yogurt instead of ice cream for a creamy side.

Low-sugar baking is all about small swaps and smart choices—not cutting out taste.

Let's enjoy healthier baking together

A slice of warm apple pie is one of life's simple joys—and with this low-sugar version, we can enjoy it more often and feel good about it, too. It's a great choice for weeknights, gatherings, or just a weekend treat.

Lykkers, have you ever made a healthier dessert version you loved? Or do you have your own twist on apple pie? Share your ideas—we'd love to try them out in our next baking session!