Un-Apple Pie
A creative twist on traditional apple pie, this zucchini version offers a sweet, spiced flavor reminiscent of classic apple filling. Perfect for summer or when craving a fruit-like dessert with a veggie boost, it's a delightful way to enjoy zucchini in a dessert setting.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Peel and seed the zucchini.
- Cut the zucchini into lengthwise strips and slice like you would an apple.
- Cover with water and boil for two minutes. Drain and set aside to cool.
- Mix sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cream of tartar, flour or cornstarch, and a pinch of salt together.
- Gently stir the mixture through the cooled zucchini slices.
- Pour the zucchini mixture into a 9-inch unbaked pie crust and cover with the top crust.
- Bake at 400°F for 10 minutes.
- Lower the temperature to 350°F and bake for an additional 20 minutes or until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a sweeter un-apple pie, consider increasing the sugar slightly or adding a splash of vanilla extract. If zucchini is too watery, you can sprinkle a little extra flour or cornstarch to help thicken the filling. You can also experiment with spices like cardamom or ginger for a unique flavor twist. For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free pie crust and cornstarch instead of flour.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this un-apple pie warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat. It pairs beautifully with a side of Glazed Acorn Squash for a festive meal. For a delightful brunch option, consider serving it alongside Apple Streusel Muffins for a comforting spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual slices for about 30-45 seconds, but the crust may lose its crispiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Un-Apple Pie contains roughly 240 calories, with 3g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (30% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (22% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 9g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other vegetables instead of zucchini?
While zucchini is the star of this recipe, you can also experiment with yellow squash or even finely chopped carrots for a different texture and flavor. Just ensure the vegetable you choose can mimic the texture of apples after cooking.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make this un-apple pie vegan, replace the regular pie crust with a vegan pie crust and ensure that the sugar used is vegan-friendly. You can also substitute the cream of tartar with a mixture of lemon juice and baking soda, maintaining the same proportions.
What can I do if my pie crust gets too brown?
If your pie crust is browning too quickly, you can cover the edges with aluminum foil to prevent burning while allowing the filling to cook through. Keep an eye on it during the last 10 minutes of baking to ensure it reaches your desired level of golden brown.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).