Effortless & Healthy: The Ultimate Two-Ingredient Pie Crust Apple Pie Recipe

As the festive season approaches, the comforting aroma of a freshly baked apple pie becomes an irresistible call. But what if you could enjoy this classic dessert with significantly less effort and fewer calories? Enter the magic of the two-ingredient dough, a culinary marvel that transforms self-rising flour and plain nonfat Greek yogurt into a versatile base for countless dishes. This ingenious dough is a game-changer, especially for those following a Weight Watchers program, given that nonfat Greek yogurt is a zero-point food. We’ve previously explored its potential with delicious cinnamon rolls, savory pizzas, and hearty breakfast casseroles. Now, it’s time for the ultimate test: a homemade apple pie that promises to delight without the guilt.

This Two-Ingredient Pie Crust Apple Pie exceeded all expectations. It’s remarkably simpler to prepare than a traditional pie and yields a dessert that is absolutely delectable, filling your home with an intoxicating fragrance. While it doesn’t offer the characteristic flaky crust of a butter-rich pie, it presents a fantastic, lower-point alternative that doesn’t compromise on flavor. If you’re seeking a lighter, easier path to a classic apple pie, this recipe is your golden ticket. It’s proof that you don’t need complicated ingredients or techniques to create something truly special.

Why This Two-Ingredient Apple Pie is a Must-Try

Discover the compelling reasons why this simplified apple pie recipe deserves a spot in your baking rotation:

Low in Weight Watchers Points

With just six Weight Watchers points per generous slice, this pie allows you to indulge in a classic dessert without derailing your health goals. The secret lies in the revolutionary two-ingredient dough and the natural sweetness of apples. We pack this pie high with freshly sliced apples, a hint of warm cinnamon, and just the right touch of sugar to create a truly satisfying and guilt-free treat. It’s a smart choice for anyone looking to manage their intake without sacrificing deliciousness.

Naturally Sweetened for Reduced Sugar Intake

If you’re aiming to cut down on added sugars, this Two-Ingredient Pie Crust Apple Pie is an excellent starting point. It achieves its perfect level of sweetness primarily from the abundant apples, minimizing reliance on refined sugars. Apples are not only naturally sweet but also rich in fiber, which helps to regulate blood sugar levels, preventing the sharp spikes often associated with sugary desserts. Enjoy a sweet treat that works with your body, not against it.

Unbelievably Easier Than Traditional Pie Crusts

Crafting a traditional pie crust from scratch can be a daunting task, often involving precise measurements, cold butter, and delicate handling to achieve that coveted flaky texture. This recipe eliminates all that intimidation. With just two simple ingredients, this dough comes together effortlessly, making pie-making accessible to even novice bakers. Forget about the stress of a perfectly flaky crust; this dough offers a unique, tender texture that perfectly complements the apple filling, all while saving you time and hassle.

Essential Ingredients for Your Two-Ingredient Pie Crust Apple Pie:

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, starting with just a handful of wholesome ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful apple pie:

• 1 cup self-rising flour (the key to the dough’s lift!)
• 1 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt (the binding agent and zero-point star)
• 8 cups of diced apples (choose a mix of sweet and tart for best flavor, such as Fuji, Granny Smith, or Honeycrisp)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (prevents browning and brightens flavor)
• ⅓ cup packed brown sugar (for a deeper, caramel-like sweetness)
• 3 tablespoons white sugar (for immediate sweetness)
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour (thickens the apple filling)
• 1.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon (the quintessential apple pie spice)
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (adds warmth and depth)
• 1 large egg, whisked (for an egg wash, giving the crust a beautiful golden sheen)
• Coarse sugar for topping (optional, but adds a lovely sparkle and slight crunch without significant points)

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Two-Ingredient Pie Crust Apple Pie

Follow these simple instructions to bake your own delicious and easy apple pie:

1. Prepare the Two-Ingredient Dough: In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of self-rising flour with 1 cup of nonfat plain Greek yogurt. Mix thoroughly with a spoon or your hands until a cohesive dough forms. Knead it gently a few times on a lightly floured surface until smooth. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling period makes the dough easier to handle.
2. Prepare the Apples: While the dough chills, wash, peel, and dice your 8 cups of apples. Aim for consistent, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
3. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
4. Divide the Dough: Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator. Divide it into two equal balls. For precision, you can weigh them; each should be approximately 7 ounces.
5. Form the Bottom Crust: Lightly dust a clean, flat surface with some all-purpose flour. Roll out one of the dough balls as thinly as possible into a circular shape, slightly larger than your 9-inch pie dish. Spray the 9-inch round pie dish with nonstick cooking spray, then carefully transfer the rolled dough into the dish, pressing it gently to fit the bottom and sides. Trim any excess dough. Pre-bake this bottom crust for 5 minutes. This step helps create a slightly crisper base.
6. Prepare the Apple Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced apples with the fresh lemon juice, packed brown sugar, white sugar, ¼ cup all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Toss everything together until the apples are evenly coated. The flour will help thicken the juices during baking.
7. Cool and Roll Top Crust: Allow the pre-baked bottom crust to cool for a few minutes while you prepare the top crust. Roll out the second dough ball just as you did the first, into a circular shape for the top layer of your pie.
8. Assemble the Pie: Pour the apple mixture evenly into the pre-baked bottom crust in the pie dish. Carefully place the rolled top dough layer over the apples. Trim the edges and crimp them with a fork or your fingers to seal the pie. Using a sharp knife, make a few small slits in the center of the top crust. These vents are crucial for allowing steam to escape during baking, preventing the crust from bubbling up excessively.
9. Egg Wash and Bake: In a small bowl, whisk one large egg. Brush the top surface of the pie crust generously with the whisked egg. If desired, sprinkle coarse sugar over the egg-washed crust for added sparkle and texture. Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
10. Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting time allows the filling to set slightly. Enjoy your homemade, healthier apple pie!

This recipe makes 8 satisfying servings. Each serving offers the following nutritional information: Calories 205, Fat .39 g, Saturated fat .08 g, Carbs 48 g, Fiber 4 g, Sugars 28 g, Sodium 515 mg, Protein 4 g.

Weight Watchers Point Breakdown

One of the most appealing aspects of this apple pie is its Weight Watchers friendliness. Here’s a detailed look at the point values for each ingredient, which contributes to its low overall point total per serving:

• Self-rising flour: 13 points
• Nonfat plain Greek yogurt: 0 points (a fantastic zero-point food!)
• Diced apples: 0 points (another wonderful zero-point food)
• Fresh lemon juice: 0 points
• Brown sugar: 21 points
• White sugar: 11 points
• All-purpose flour: 3 points
• Cinnamon: 0 points
• Nutmeg: 0 points
• Egg for brushing the top of the pie: 0 points
• Coarse sugar for topping: Minimal points (often considered negligible when used sparingly)

Based on the Weight Watchers app recipe creator, one serving of this delicious apple pie comes out to a mere 6 points. This makes it an incredibly satisfying treat that fits perfectly into a balanced eating plan.

For those utilizing older versions of Weight Watchers, here’s a reference for point values:

• Personal Points: 4-6 (depending on your individual 0PP foods)
• Freestyle SmartPoints (Blue & Purple Plans): 4 (calculated using the WW recipe builder)
• SmartPoints (Green Plan): 5 (calculated using the WW recipe builder)
• Points Plus: 3 (calculated using the PP calculator)

Creative Variations to Customize Your Apple Pie

While this apple pie recipe is fantastic on its own, the two-ingredient dough offers incredible versatility for experimentation. Feel free to put your own spin on this dessert:

• Switch the Fruit: Don’t limit yourself to apples! This dough works beautifully with other fruits. Try using fresh peaches, pears, mixed berries, or even a combination for a unique pie experience. Adjust sugar levels based on the sweetness of your chosen fruit.
• Spice It Up: Beyond cinnamon and nutmeg, consider adding a pinch of ground ginger, allspice, or cardamom to your apple filling for an extra layer of flavor complexity.
• Add a Crumble Top: Instead of a full top crust, you could create a simple crumble topping using a mix of oats, a little flour, brown sugar, and a tiny bit of melted butter or a butter substitute.
• Mini Pies or Tarts: For individual servings, divide the dough into smaller portions and bake in muffin tins or small ramekins. Adjust baking time accordingly.

Expert Tips and Tricks for Making Two-Ingredient Pie Crust Apple Pie

Achieving pie perfection with two-ingredient dough is incredibly straightforward, but these insider tips will ensure your success:

• Mastering the Two-Ingredient Dough Consistency: The ideal ratio for two-ingredient dough is often equal parts self-rising flour to nonfat Greek yogurt. However, I’ve found that using just a tiny bit less than 1 cup of yogurt to start can prevent the dough from becoming too sticky. You can always add more yogurt, a teaspoon at a time, if the dough feels too dry or crumbly. The goal is a dough that is soft and pliable, not overly sticky or stiff. It should come together easily into a ball.
• Storing and Reheating Leftovers: If you have any pie leftovers, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that this dough does not retain its crispness like a traditional butter-based flaky crust. For best enjoyment, I recommend popping leftover slices back into a preheated oven (around 350°F or 175°C) for 10-15 minutes to crisp up the crust before serving. This revives its texture wonderfully.
• Achieving Your Preferred Apple Texture: Baking the pie for 45 minutes as instructed will result in apples that are tender with a slight, pleasant crunch. If you prefer your apples to be super soft and melt-in-your-mouth, you have two options: you can pre-cook the diced apples on the stovetop with a little water or apple juice until softened (about 10-15 minutes) before mixing them with the sugar and spices and placing them in the pie crust. Alternatively, you can pre-bake the apple filling itself for about 15 minutes before assembling the pie. Be cautious about baking the assembled pie longer than 45 minutes, as this increases the risk of the crust burning or becoming overly dry.
• Preventing Soggy Bottoms: The pre-baking step for the bottom crust is crucial here. It helps to partially cook the dough, creating a barrier that resists moisture from the apple filling and contributes to a firmer base. Don’t skip this step!
• Even Rolling: When rolling out the dough, aim for an even thickness. This ensures the crust bakes uniformly. Using a well-floured surface and rolling pin will prevent sticking. If the dough springs back too much, let it rest for a few minutes before continuing to roll.

More Delightful Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed this easy and healthier apple pie, you’re sure to find these other recipes equally appealing and friendly to your health goals:

• Healthy Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Muffins: A perfect grab-and-go breakfast or snack, packed with flavor and smart choices.
• Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole: Comfort food redefined into a lighter, satisfying meal that the whole family will adore.
• Weight Watchers Egg Bites: Ideal for meal prep, these protein-rich bites are a versatile and delicious way to start your day.