Sugar free apple pie brings back everything we love about classic comfort desserts—without the sugar crash. That warm cinnamon scent, the tender apples, and that flaky crust are still here, just sweetened the smart way. This recipe was born from a personal mission: finding a way to recreate my family’s favorite fall dessert after my dad was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
Instead of saying goodbye to apple pie, I learned to make it differently—with simple ingredients and natural sweetness from apple juice concentrate. It’s now our go-to pie for Sunday dinners, Thanksgiving, and even quiet afternoons with tea. If you’re looking for a diabetic-friendly pie that tastes like the real thing, you’re going to love this version.
Table of Contents
The Comfort of Homemade Sugar Free Apple Pie
A warm pie made with care
Every time I make this sugar free apple pie, I think about my dad. His diagnosis changed the way we approached food—but it didn’t erase our cravings for comfort. Apple pie was always on our fall table, and I wasn’t ready to give it up. So I got creative. I started experimenting with what felt impossible: how to make a pie taste like the one we remembered, without loading it with sugar.
The key? Letting the ingredients shine. Fresh green apples give natural tartness. Apple juice concentrate brings sweetness from fruit—not refined sugar. And cinnamon does the rest. This is the same approach I use in my sugar free cake and healthy pop tarts, where flavor comes from whole ingredients, not additives.
A pie even your doctor would smile at
What makes this pie different is what it doesn’t have—no granulated sugar, no artificial sweeteners. Instead, it’s built on whole foods. And that makes it not only safer for people managing diabetes, but genuinely nourishing. The crust turns golden, the filling bubbles up with rich apple flavor, and no one misses the sugar.
Whether you’re baking for someone you love or simply watching your own sugar intake, this is a sugar free apple pie you can feel proud to serve. It’s indulgent, comforting, and kind to your blood sugar.
Next, let’s look at why this version works so well—and what to know before choosing your apples.
Why This Sugar Free Apple Pie Actually Works
Natural sweetness from apple juice concentrate
You might wonder how a sugar free apple pie can still taste sweet and familiar. The secret lies in the apple juice concentrate. Unlike artificial sweeteners, it’s a natural reduction made from fruit, with no added sugars. It provides that soft, fruity roundness we expect in a pie without spiking blood sugar levels—especially helpful for anyone watching their glycemic response.
This method is one I use often in recipes like my sugar free chocolate pudding, where ingredients work together to build depth of flavor instead of relying on added sugar. And it’s why this pie remains a hit with kids and adults alike—it doesn’t taste like a compromise.
Plus, juice concentrate helps the cornstarch thicken beautifully, resulting in a luscious filling that holds together slice after slice.
The perfect apple: tart, crisp, and balanced
Choosing the right apple can make or break any pie—but especially one without sugar. For this recipe, go with tart green apples like Granny Smith. Their natural acidity gives balance to the sweetness of the concentrate, and they hold their shape beautifully after cooking.
Avoid softer, ultra-sweet varieties like Red Delicious or Fuji; they’ll turn mushy and make the filling watery. A firm green apple delivers bite, freshness, and that iconic pie texture.
In my test kitchen (which is just my cozy home kitchen, by the way), I tried this same recipe with a few apple combos—and always came back to green apples for best results. If you want to explore more naturally sweet desserts, try my chia seed yogurt pudding for a creamy, no-bake option with zero refined sugar.
Next up, we’ll walk through the steps to make your own sugar free apple pie—from dough to golden-baked perfection.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Sugar Free Apple Pie
Simple pantry ingredients, big reward
This sugar free apple pie starts with ingredients you likely already have. You’ll need two 9-inch pie crusts, which you can either make from scratch or buy pre-made—just be sure to check that they don’t contain added sugars if you’re cooking for someone diabetic.
The filling is where the magic happens. We use 6 cups of thinly sliced green apples, simmered in apple juice concentrate. The juice does double duty—it softens the apples and replaces sugar, while cornstarch thickens everything into that soft-but-sliceable consistency you expect in a pie. Cinnamon gives it warmth and depth, and that’s it—nothing artificial, just real ingredients.
If you’re interested in going completely homemade, I highly recommend trying my healthy crust alternatives (like almond flour or Greek yogurt dough) for a diabetic-friendly twist.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Ingredient | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Green apples | Tart flavor, firm texture |
| Apple juice concentrate | Natural sweetness, moisture |
| Cornstarch | Thickens filling without flour |
| Cinnamon | Adds warmth and aroma |
Golden crust, bubbling filling
Prepping the filling is simple: simmer the apples and apple juice concentrate for about 10 minutes. Mix a little concentrate with cornstarch and cinnamon, stir it into the apples, and cook until thickened. This is the point when your kitchen will start to smell amazing.
Once it’s ready, spoon the mixture into a bottom crust, top with the second crust, and seal the edges well. Don’t forget to cut steam vents—it helps the pie bake evenly and prevents sogginess.
Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes until golden brown. Let cool slightly so the filling can set. Then slice, serve, and enjoy a dessert that’s as satisfying as the classic, just healthier.
Curious to try more warm, comforting sweets? Check out my sugar free pecan pie for another holiday-ready favorite.
Tips, Variations & Serving Ideas
Flavor twists to try
Once you’ve baked this sugar free apple pie, it’s only the beginning. The recipe is so adaptable that you can build several variations while keeping it sugar-free and diabetic-friendly. One of my favorite twists on the classic sugar free apple pie is adding thinly sliced pears to the filling. They blend seamlessly with apples and offer a softer sweetness that complements the apple juice concentrate.
You can also take your sugar free apple pie into a warm-spiced direction by adding a pinch of ground clove or nutmeg. Want to surprise your guests? Try incorporating a cheddar cheese crust—a bold choice, but one that balances the sweetness and tartness of the apple filling. It’s a throwback twist that works especially well during the holidays.
If you’re looking for fun, single-serve versions, turn this sugar free apple pie recipe into hand pies or rustic galettes. The filling stays the same—only the shape and serving style change. I’ve also used the same technique in my healthy pop tarts, which are perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Serving smart (and impressing guests)
Even without sugar, this sugar free apple pie shines on the dessert table. Serve it warm with a spoonful of sugar-free whipped cream or a scoop of unsweetened frozen Greek yogurt. The contrast of creamy and warm, tangy and spiced, is everything.
Here’s a quick idea table:
| Pairing | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Sugar-free whipped cream | Light, creamy, and balances tartness |
| Unsweetened frozen yogurt | Cool contrast to warm pie |
| Crushed walnuts + cinnamon | Adds crunch and warmth |
A warm slice of sugar free apple pie is hard to beat—but pairing it well can make it even more irresistible. Serve it with sugar-free whipped cream, a scoop of frozen Greek yogurt, or even some crushed roasted walnuts for texture. These sides keep the sugar content low while adding that extra touch guests will remember.
This sugar free apple pie is also a perfect make-ahead dessert. It stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days, and freezes beautifully in individual slices. Reheat gently in the oven and enjoy all over again.
Looking for more cozy dessert ideas? My sugar free cheesecake and chocolate pudding are equally satisfying and designed for sugar-conscious lifestyles.
Print
Sugar Free Apple Pie – Naturally Sweet, Classic & Diabetic-Friendly
This sugar free apple pie is naturally sweetened with apple juice concentrate and bursting with cinnamon-spiced green apples. It’s diabetic-friendly, warm, and deeply comforting — perfect for holidays or cozy afternoons.
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 1 pie (8 slices) 1x
Ingredients
2 (9-inch) pie crusts
1 (12 oz) can unsweetened apple juice concentrate, thawed
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
6 cups sliced green apples
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a pie dish with one of the crusts.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk 1/3 cup of the apple juice concentrate with the cornstarch and cinnamon. Set aside.
- Step 3: In a large saucepan, simmer the green apples with the remaining apple juice concentrate for about 10 minutes, until tender.
- Step 4: Stir the cornstarch mixture into the apples and cook until the filling thickens.
- Step 5: Pour the apple mixture into the prepared crust. Cover with the second crust, seal and flute the edges, and cut steam vents on top.
- Step 6: Bake for 45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Use tart green apples like Granny Smith for best texture and flavor.
To store: Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze individual slices.
To reheat: Warm in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Diabetic
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 307
- Sugar: 0
- Sodium: 218mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
FAQ: Sugar Free Apple Pie
Can apple pie be made without sugar?
Yes, absolutely. This sugar free apple pie uses natural sweetness from apple juice concentrate and apples themselves. There’s no added granulated sugar, making it safe for those reducing sugar intake or managing diabetes.
What is the best pie for a diabetic to eat?
The best option is a fruit-based pie with no added sugar—like this sugar free apple pie. Choose recipes that rely on naturally sweet fruits and avoid artificial sweeteners that may cause digestive issues.
Are sugar-free pies ok for diabetics?
Yes, especially when they’re made with whole ingredients and no artificial additives. This recipe contains no processed sugars, and every element—from crust to filling—is designed with blood sugar balance in mind.
Is apple pie ok for diabetics type 2?
Traditional apple pies often contain too much sugar for type 2 diabetics. However, this sugar free apple pie replaces sugar with fruit-based sweetness, offering a satisfying and safer alternative.
You don’t have to give up dessert to live well. This sugar free apple pie proves that comfort food can also be health-conscious. Whether you’re baking for someone you love, managing your own health, or simply want to enjoy apple pie without the sugar spike—it delivers all the comfort and tradition you crave. It’s easy, satisfying, and above all—made with love.
Want more feel-good, better-for-you desserts? You’ll find plenty at Let’s Make Recipes, where I share every treat straight from my Asheville kitchen to yours.
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