Crustless Apple Pie is an easy, lighter holiday dessert that still delivers big flavor. Serve it warm and top with a spoonful of sweetened whipped cream for a touch of indulgence.
Holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas are about family and great food, but all that richness can leave you feeling overstuffed. I try to manage portions most of the time, but dessert is my downfall—especially apple pie. To keep the tradition without the extra calories and fuss, I developed a crustless version that focuses on the warm, spiced apples you love without a flaky crust.
This recipe swaps refined sugar for pure maple syrup (or honey) and skips the pie shell by serving the filling in shallow bowls for individual portions. The result feels special but lighter. For a small indulgence, spoon a little sweetened whipped cream on top; for a dairy-free option, use sweetened coconut whipped cream instead.
Another simple swap is using Vital Proteins® Beef Gelatin instead of cornstarch to thicken the filling. Gelatin dissolves easily in hot liquid and helps the mixture hold together without a heavy starch. Note that gelatin will set when cooled, so keep the filling warm until you serve it if you want a saucier texture. Gelatin also supplies collagen, which supports skin, hair, nails, and joints for those who are interested in added benefits.
If you already use collagen products, collagen peptides mix easily into cold drinks while beef gelatin works best in warm preparations. I’ve found adding collagen to my routine helps my joints recover after workouts, letting me stay active more consistently. Regardless of supplements, this crustless apple pie is a tasty, crowd-pleasing option to bring to holiday gatherings—you may not even miss the crust.
Crustless Apple Pie
Ingredients
- 4 cups (372 g) sliced apples, (4-5 apples / 1.75–2 lbs, any variety)
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice
- ½ cup (118 ml) pure maple syrup or honey
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 scoop Vital Proteins® Beef Gelatin, (about 1 Tbsp)
Instructions
-
Peel, core, and slice the apples. Place them in a large skillet over medium heat.
-
Add the lemon juice, maple syrup (or honey), nutmeg, cinnamon, and the scoop of beef gelatin. Stir to coat the apple slices evenly.
-
Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and the liquid has reduced slightly. Serve warm with a dollop of sweetened whipped cream and an extra sprinkle of cinnamon, if desired.
Video
Notes
Sharing this recipe with a link is encouraged and appreciated. Content and photographs are copyright protected.
Did you make this?
Leave a rating below and enjoy. This crustless apple pie is an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert that keeps the spirit of the season without the extra heaviness.