A WW (Weight Watchers) Old-Fashioned Apple Pie is a lighter version of the classic dessert that retains all the warmth, spice, and sweetness you love in an apple pie, but with fewer calories and WW points. By making a few simple substitutions, like using a reduced-fat pie crust or a lower-sugar filling, you can enjoy this comforting dessert without feeling guilty. The recipe focuses on using fresh apples, a mix of warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and a bit of sugar substitute to cut down on sugar, while still delivering a rich, flavorful pie. It’s perfect for those following Weight Watchers or anyone trying to reduce their calorie intake while still indulging in a traditional dessert.
The key to making a successful WW Old-Fashioned Apple Pie is to focus on using the best apples for baking. Granny Smith apples are often preferred for their tartness and firm texture, but a combination of Granny Smith and Gala or Fuji apples will give you a balanced sweet-and-tart filling. The apples are tossed with a simple blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a sugar substitute like Stevia or erythritol, keeping the flavor profile just as comforting as the original recipe. The reduced-fat or homemade pie crust helps keep the overall points low while still offering that flaky, buttery texture we all love in a traditional pie crust.
Another great thing about this WW Apple Pie is that it can be made in advance, making it an easy dessert option for holidays, family gatherings, or weekend meals. While traditional apple pies often rely on a thick, sugary syrup to coat the apples, this lighter version uses just enough sweetener and a touch of cornstarch to create a slightly thickened filling that’s still juicy and flavorful without being overly sweet or heavy. This also helps reduce the pie’s sugar content, so you can enjoy a slice without worrying about your WW points.
Lastly, this WW Old-Fashioned Apple Pie is a wonderful treat when you’re craving something nostalgic but want to make a healthier version. Whether you’re serving it with a dollop of low-fat whipped cream or a scoop of sugar-free vanilla ice cream, it’s the perfect dessert to round off any meal. With its warm, spiced filling and flaky crust, this lighter apple pie will satisfy your sweet tooth while keeping you on track with your healthy eating goals!
WW Old-Fashioned Apple Pie Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Filling:
- 6 medium apples (preferably a mix of Granny Smith and Gala or Fuji apples)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar substitute (like Stevia, Erythritol, or Swerve)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional, to balance sweetness)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (to thicken the filling)
- Pinch of salt
For the Crust:
- 1 package reduced-fat pie crust (or homemade, if preferred—see instructions below)
- OR, 2 pre-made whole-wheat or low-calorie pie crusts (check for WW-friendly options)
For the Top (optional):
- 1 tbsp light butter (optional, for brushing on the crust)
- 1 tsp cinnamon-sugar (optional, for sprinkling)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Filling:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin, even slices (about 1/4-inch thick). Place the sliced apples in a large bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the sugar substitute, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, cornstarch, and salt. Sprinkle this mixture over the apples and toss them gently to coat the apples evenly with the seasoning mixture.
- Let the apples sit for about 10 minutes to release some of their juice, and the cornstarch will help thicken the filling.
2. Prepare the Pie Crust:
- If using pre-made reduced-fat pie crusts, roll them out and fit one into a 9-inch pie pan. If you prefer to make your own, you can use a healthier pie crust recipe that uses whole wheat flour or reduced-fat butter.
- After placing the bottom crust in the pie dish, trim any excess dough around the edges, leaving about an inch of overhang.
3. Assemble the Pie:
- Once the apples have been tossed in the filling mixture, spoon them into the prepared pie crust. Make sure to pile the apples up a little, as they will shrink down while baking.
- Place the second pie crust over the apples, and crimp the edges together to seal the pie. You can create a decorative edge or simply fold the dough under and press with a fork.
- Cut a few small slits into the top crust to allow steam to escape while baking.
4. Optional Step – Brush the Crust:
- For a golden, glossy finish, you can brush the top of the crust with a thin layer of light butter or milk, and then sprinkle with a small amount of cinnamon-sugar if desired.
5. Bake the Pie:
- Place the pie on the middle rack of your preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly.
- If the edges of the crust begin to brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil or a pie shield to prevent burning.
6. Cool and Serve:
- Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set.
- Serve warm, or at room temperature, with a dollop of light whipped cream or a scoop of sugar-free vanilla ice cream (optional).
Tips:
- Sugar Substitutes: You can adjust the sweetness level by adding more or less sugar substitute, depending on your taste. If you’re not using a sugar substitute, you can use regular granulated sugar (about 1/4 cup) or coconut sugar.
- Pie Crust Options: You can make your own reduced-fat pie crust using whole wheat flour, or use a store-bought WW-friendly crust (look for low-calorie or reduced-fat options). If you want a gluten-free option, consider using a gluten-free pie crust.
- Storage: This apple pie can be stored in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. To reheat, simply cover it with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
- Serving Suggestions: If you’re tracking WW points, don’t forget to account for any optional toppings, like whipped cream or ice cream. A serving of this apple pie on its own is a great treat with just a few WW points.
