I Can’t Believe This Keto Apple Pie Doesn’t Have Apples

I’m here to fulfill your dreams of a keto apple pie! Yes, I used to think a low carb apple pie was impossible, too. Not because of the sugar or crust (I’ve had plenty of experience swapping those in dozens of keto dessert recipes), but because of the high-carb apples themselves. That is, until I had this idea for a surprising swap that somehow checked all the boxes:
- This filling tastes like real spiced apples – It’s warm, sweet, and spiced just right, and my secret ingredient softens just like apples when it bakes. Even I was surprised how much it tastes like the classic!
- Golden, buttery crust – I use my tried-and-true almond flour crust recipe, and it bakes up with that perfect balance of golden edges and tender middle.
- Secretly veggie-filled – You’d never guess there’s a veggie hiding in this dessert.
- Keto friendly & gluten free – It still tastes like pure comfort food, with just 8 grams net carbs and 3 grams of sugar per slice. And it’s worth it.
I served this keto apple pie for 10 of my non-keto friends and asked them what they thought the filling was made of. All of them said apples! So if you’ve been missing this fall treat, grab your pie plate and make it with me.

Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for my keto apple pie recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
- Yellow Squash – My secret ingredient instead of apples! I recommend smaller ones because they have fewer seeds, which gives the filling a better texture. I tried zucchini too and it works, but I liked the flavor of yellow squash more because it’s a little sweeter and less veggie-like.
- Besti Powdered Monk Fruit Allulose Blend – I highly recommend this natural sweetener because it dissolves easily and doesn’t crystallize. Many other sugar alternatives (which includes erythritol and most brands of monk fruit or stevia) can leave a gritty texture. You can substitute plain powdered allulose, but increase the amount to 1/3 cup.
- Gelatin Powder – I used this to thicken the low carb apple pie filling and give it that classic gooey texture. You can use 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum instead (just mix it with a little water first), but I liked the texture better with gelatin.
- Butter – If you need it dairy-free, I love butter-flavored coconut oil.
- Classic Flavors – A cozy mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, sea salt, plus splashes of vanilla, maple extract, and lemon juice. If you’ve got apple pie spice on hand, feel free to use that instead of individual spices.
- Keto Pie Crust – I use my almond flour pie crust as the base, but added gelatin powder (plus water to bloom it) to make it work for a top crust. I highly recommend making it with Wholesome Yum Superfine Almond Flour and Besti Monk Fruit Allulose Blend for the best texture. If you need a nut-free option, you can use my coconut flour pie crust, but unfortunately you’d have to make the pie without a top crust. Or if you don’t want to fuss with rolling a crust, make my simpler keto apple crisp instead.
Free Printable: Low Carb & Keto Food List
Get It NowHow To Make Keto Apple Pie
I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card.
Make The Filling:
- Prep the squash. Peel and chop it into small pieces.
- Bloom the gelatin. Mix the gelatin with a splash of lemon juice in a small bowl and set aside to thicken.
- Cook the filling. In a large saucepan, melt the butter along with powdered Besti, more lemon juice, and the spices. Whisk in the thickened gelatin mixture, then add the squash. Simmer until the veggies are super soft and look like apple pie filling. Stir in the extracts and let cool until lukewarm.


Make The Crust:
- Make the dough. In a large bowl, mix together the almond flour, Besti, salt, butter, egg, and vanilla. Add the gelatin and water, then mix with a hand mixer. The consistency will be similar to before, but you may notice it sticks together better.
- Shape and bake the bottom crust. Divide the dough in half. Press half into a lined pie pan, covering the bottom and sides, and bake until lightly golden. Cool before adding the filling.
- Roll out the top crust. While the bottom crust cools, roll the other half of the dough between two pieces of oiled parchment into a circle slightly larger than your pie pan.


Assemble & Bake:
- Pour the cooled filling into the crust, then add the top crust over it. You won’t be able to transfer the top crust by itself! I just flip the top crust over using the parchment, then peel it off and trim any excess. Press the edges to seal and cut slits in the top.
- Bake the keto apple pie. Once the edges are golden, cover them with foil, then bake a little longer until semi-firm. Let the pie cool before slicing. I highly recommend a scoop of keto ice cream on top!



My Flavor & Texture Tips
- For an even more authentic texture, remove the seed parts of the squash. You’d need more squash total to get 6-7 cups without any seedy parts. This makes the texture even more like apples, but is a lot more work so I don’t usually do this. I just tested it once to see the difference.
- For actual apple flavor, add apple extract. I didn’t in the original recipe but really enjoyed it when I later added it. That being said, this keto apple pie still takes like apples to me without it, due to the spices that are identical to regular apple pie spice!
- Pre-bake the crust just enough to cook through, but don’t let the edges get too dark. Otherwise, they will burn when you bake the whole pie afterward. Don’t skip pre-baking, otherwise the bottom will get soggy more easily later.
- Cool the filling and crust before assembling. If either one is too hot, it’ll make the crust soggy or fall apart when you add the top.
- Keep an eye on the crust edges. If they start to brown too quickly, I usually cover them with foil or use a non-stick pie shield or a silicone shield.
- When the low carb apple pie comes out of the oven, the top might feel soft. That’s totally normal, and it firms up as it cools.
- Cool completely for the best texture. You can reheat slices if you prefer the pie warm (I always do), but slicing while the pie is hot out of the oven will make it fall apart and the filling will be watery.
- The nutrition info is if you cut the pie into 12 pieces, which are quite filling thanks to the almond flour crust. If you prefer to cut carbs more, you can cut it into 16 pieces instead.

Keto Apple Pie
My low carb, keto apple pie is sweet, spiced, and tastes just like apples, thanks to a secret ingredient. Perfect for fall and holidays!
Instructions
[ See step photos See my tips ]Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.
Filling:
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In a small pinch bowl, whisk the gelatin powder with 3 tablespoons (44 mL) lemon juice. Set aside to bloom.
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In a large 3.5-quart (3.3 liter) saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the powdered sweetener, the remaining 3 tablespoons (44 mL) lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom. When the gelatin mixture has thickened, whisk it into the pan, until dissolved.
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Add the diced squash to the pan. Bring to a simmer. Simmer over medium heat for about 30-40 minutes, until the squash is very soft and the mixture has thickened, similar to apple pie filling.
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Stir in the vanilla and maple extracts.
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Set the filling aside to cool until no hotter than lukewarm, at least 20 minutes.
Crust:
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Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C).
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To make the pie crust dough, follow steps 1-3 from this almond flour pie crust recipe, BUT you will use the amounts of almond flour, sweetener, sea salt, butter, egg, and vanilla above. (This is an extra amount for the top crust.)
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Add the gelatin powder and water, and use a hand mixer to combine, until uniform.
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Divide the dough in half. Press half of the dough into the lined pie pan, including the bottom and going up the sides. Set the 2nd half of the dough aside.
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Bake the crust in the oven for 10-12 minutes, until just lightly golden.
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When done, set aside to cool for at least 10 minutes before adding the filling.
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Meanwhile, place the remaining half of the dough between two lightly oiled pieces of parchment paper. Use a rolling pin over the parchment paper to roll out to a circle slightly larger than the top of the pie pan, for the top crust.
Assembly:
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Preheat the oven again to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C), if it has cooled. Make sure the filling and bottom crust are both cooled to no hotter than lukewarm before assembling.
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Gently transfer the cooled filling to the cooled bottom crust.
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Lift the top piece of parchment paper off the rolled out top crust. Using the bottom piece of parchment paper, carefully and rapidly flip the top crust over onto the pie, then gently peel off the parchment paper. Use a knife to cut any excess top crust off the edges, making sure it still completely covers the bottom crust. Use your fingers to press the edges down to seal. Cut 4 slits in the top of the pie.
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Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the edges are browned. Cover the edges of the pie with foil and bake for an additional 5-15 minutes, until the top crust is light golden and semi-firm to the touch. (It will not fully firm up until after cooling.)
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Remove the pie from the oven and cool completely before cutting or removing from the pan.
Did you make it? Leave a review or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram!
Maya’s Recipe Notes
Serving size: 1 slice, or 1/12 of entire recipe
- Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you get the best texture in your keto apple pie and crust.
- Storage: Keep covered at room temperature for a day, or refrigerate for up to 4–5 days.
- Meal prep: You can make the filling and crust ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready, just assemble and bake!
- Freeze: You can freeze the entire pie or individual slices for up to 3 months.
I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy.
Add Your Notes Your Notes
© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.
Keto Apple Pie

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149 Comments
Kathy
0Hi, I just made the Apple pie recipe. As I was making the crust it said to add the gelatin and water. I couldn’t find any measurements for the water to be added to the crust. Is it in there? Thank you for you attention to this matter. I have loved all your recipes.
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Kathy, You will want to use 2 tbsp of water.
Sheila
0Wow! My apple loving husband was floored! He wants me to add a little more sweetener, but, other than that it was an apple pie[made with squash]. I have used your crust recipe before and the addition of gelatin was genus. I will be making this for non keto friends, I love fooling them, ha ha.
Lois
0I maybe missed it, but I can’t see the size of pan to use. Lois
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Lois, I use a 9.5″ glass baking dish.
Tommy V
0Amazing taste great recipe tastes almost identical to Apple Pie.
Rhonda
0I am in love ❤️❤️❤️ I will be making this one a lot lol????
nancy
0Hi Maya! I think this recipe looks great but I am looking for a apple pie recipe with real apples but using one of the sugar free sweeteners. I am not as much “keto” as I am grain free so real fruit is okay once in a while:) I am going to use your almond flour pie crust. Can you give me a bit of direction? Most of the recipes I see online have corn syrup which is a definite no-no for me. Thank you! Love your recipes!
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Nancy, I, unfortunately, have not tested a recipe with apples, so I don’t have any direction to give you on that.
Maria
0Will the filling freeze well?
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Maria, Yes, you can freeze this recipe.
Marianne
0We made this for our Hocus Pocus 2 movie night and it was a blast! (And so was the movie!) Simply put, it tastes like apple pie! Easy to make and delicious! And, low FODMAP friendly, too!
Andrea S
0I was able to achieve the 6-7 cups of yellow squash, followed the recipe exactly and ended up as a tart. (with an open middle) I used the store bought pre-rolled pie crust. Sad to say, it did not make a full 8″ pie. It could use more sweetener, I was still happy I was able to get a tart
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Andrea, The issue sounds like it came from the store bought pie crust, I recommend following the directions for the pie crust in the recipe. If you didn’t find it sweet enough, you could add a little more.
Andrea S
0Oh, no.. I’ll be clear.. I put the pie filling “in” the store bought crust and it didn’t fill the 9 inch pie plate. I followed the amount of squash in the recipe and it wasn’t enough. No issue with the crust
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0It could be that the store bought crust was thinner than my homemade version, or it could be that it was deeper than the pan I used, resulting in more space to fill.
Mary Ellen
0Maya, I haven’t tried making this yet, but I’m just curious if you ever tried using jicama instead of squash. I know jicama is a little higher in carbs but it has a similar texture to apples.
Wholesome Yum A
0Hi Mary Ellen, I haven’t tried it here but let me know if you do!
Christine
0Hello, Can you please tell me why you call this- “Classic Apple Pie “recipe when there is no APPLE???? Thanks
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Christine, I never called this a classic apple pie, it’s a great sugar-free low carb apple pie alternative for those that follow a low carb lifestyle.
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Christine, Apples are not considered low carb so this recipe gives people who follow a low carb lifestyle the option of eating “apple pie”.
Jill
0What can I use to substitute for the almond flour and butter as I can’t eat either? Thanks you.
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Jill, You can use my coconut flour crust recipe you will just have to double it.
Cheryl
0Hey, Maya…squash is a FRUIT, so it’s not having your veggies! Give fruits a break! The pie is very good, I also use coyote squash!
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Hi Cheryl, You’re right, botanically squash is a fruit, but it’s often associated with vegetables due to the flavors and nutrients being more like veggies. Either way, glad you liked the recipe!
Eman Elsaka
0Hi, I am from Egypt and I love your keto food. Can I use arrowroot to make the filling thick? And thank you so much.
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Eman, Yes if that is what you have available to you.
Judy
0Does the net carbs include sugar alcohols?
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Judy, There are no sugar alcohols in this recipe.
Margaret
0Besti Monk Fruit Allulose Blend is present for the crust and filling, but the Besti for the Pie filling is listed as “powdered”, and nothing designated for the crust. Does the crust need a crystal form of that sugar?
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Margaret, Yes, the Besti for the crust is crystallized.
Joseph Chang
0Very helpful information!
Jennifer
0Hi Maya! I’ve made your other recipe with the zucchini and it was so yummy! I want to make this pie but some family members are dairy free. How can I use ghee instead of butter? Thanks!
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Jennifer, Yes, you could replace the butter with ghee.
Jennifer
0Thank you! Do you think it will alter the taste much?
Trudy
0This is a perfect use for those giant hard zucchini’s. When you peel and scrape the seeds out you are left with squash that when sliced in 1/4 to 1/2 inch half rounds look just like apple slices.
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Jennifer, No it shouldn’t alter the taste at all.
Jake
0Hi Maya, I don’t have just the cardamom, cinnamon and nutmeg. I do have apple pie spice (cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice) How much would I use?
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Jake, I would start with 1 tablespoon of the apple pie spice to start, and if you think it needs more flavor add another teaspoon.
Jake
0Hey Maya, thanks for the information. Made the pie today using zucchini (it looked exactly like diced Granny Smith apples). I ended up using two tsp. of the apple pie spice. Also, I ran out of your Besti, so I subbed in Swerve powdered and used 1 cup total to sweeten the filling. Turned out great, I will take it to a Halloween party and see if anyone can tell it’s zucchini and not apples. Thank you for answering so quickly.
Alyson
0When do you add the vanilla extract? I see it listed in the ingredients but not in the recipe.
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Alyson, You can find the recipe for the Keto Apple Pie Crust here.
Kendra
0You listed vanilla extract in pie filling ingredients as well as crust. I’m assuming it would be added when maple extract is added.
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Kendra, Yes, add the vanilla with the maple extract.
Karey
0Would you use yellow summer squash for lots of recipes, replacing apples, and instead of chayote squash?
Wholesome Yum M
0Hi Karey, Sure, yellow squash works great as a substitution for apples. Chayote does as well. I don’t personally prefer one over the other, but yellow squash is easier to find at the grocery store. Enjoy!