There’s something extra nostalgic about apple pie in the summer. Maybe it’s the scent of cinnamon warming the air or the golden sugar crystals that catch the light just right. When Dunkin released their Braided Apple Pie this season, it instantly felt like a hug from your favorite roadside bakery, only portable and available with your iced coffee. It’s flaky, filled with soft spiced apples, and topped with that bakery-style coarse sugar crunch.
The best part? It just so happens to be made without dairy or egg, making it a rare vegan-friendly pastry at a major chain. We knew it wouldn’t be around forever, so we set out to make a copycat version you can whip up anytime the craving hits. Whether you’re serving it warm at brunch or wrapping it for a road trip snack, this easy braided pie will be your new go-to.
Table of Contents
How to make Copycat Dunkin Braided Apple Pie
This copycat version uses store-bought vegan puff pastry, a spiced apple filling, and a pretty braided top that looks fancy but comes together quickly. It bakes until golden and bubbling, then cools into a hand-held treat that’s great warm or room temp.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Cooling time: 10 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4 braided pies
Calories per serving: Approx. 390 kcal
Ingredients, instructions and tips
Ingredients
For the filling:
- 2 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
For the crust:
- 1 sheet vegan puff pastry, thawed
- 2 tablespoons oat milk (for brushing)
- 1 tablespoon coarse sugar or turbinado sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the filling. In a bowl, toss the diced apples with lemon juice. Add brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix well and let sit while you prep the pastry.
- Shape the pies. Cut the puff pastry into 4 rectangles. Score a column down the center third of each. On the outer thirds, slice diagonal strips about 1 inch wide. Spoon apple filling into the center column.
- Braid the pastry. Fold the strips over the filling, alternating sides to create a braid. Tuck in the ends.
- Brush and sprinkle. Lightly brush each braid with oat milk and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
- Bake. Place the pies on your prepared baking sheet and bake for 18 to 20 minutes until puffed and golden brown.
- Cool slightly before serving. They’re best enjoyed warm but also delicious at room temp.
Tips
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith to balance the sweetness.
- Don’t overfill or the pastry may tear while braiding.
- If your puff pastry gets too soft while working, pop it in the fridge for 5 minutes to firm up.
What to serve with the dish
This braided apple pie shines all on its own but pairs beautifully with:
- A hot cup of cinnamon coffee or a cold brew with oat milk.
- A scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream for a full dessert.
- Fresh berries or a dollop of coconut whipped cream if you’re going for a brunch table spread.
Serve them warm as a cozy breakfast or wrap one up in parchment and take it on your morning commute. They even taste better the next day after the spices mingle.
Ingredient substitutes
- Puff Pastry
Original Ingredient: Vegan puff pastry
Substitutes:- Homemade Pie Dough: Not as flaky, but still delicious if you want a more rustic crust.
- Phyllo Dough: For an ultra-light layered texture, though it’s more delicate to work with.
- Regular Puff Pastry: If you’re not vegan, any butter-based puff pastry works.
- Apples
Original Ingredient: Granny Smith apples
Substitutes:- Honeycrisp or Braeburn: These varieties hold their shape well and offer balanced sweetness.
- Canned Apple Pie Filling: Shortcut option, though typically sweeter and softer.
- Sugar
Original Ingredient: Brown sugar
Substitutes:- Coconut Sugar: Offers a deeper caramel note.
- Maple Syrup: Adds flavor, but increase cornstarch slightly to offset liquid.
- White Sugar: Still works if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Cornstarch
Original Ingredient: Cornstarch
Substitutes:- Arrowroot Powder: A good gluten-free alternative.
- All-purpose flour: Can thicken filling if you don’t have cornstarch. Use double the amount.
- Oat Milk (for brushing)
Original Ingredient: Oat milk
Substitutes:- Almond Milk or Soy Milk: Any plant-based milk works.
- Maple Syrup Glaze: For added sweetness and shine, brush lightly with syrup.
- Egg wash (if not vegan): For extra browning, though it alters the vegan status.
- Coarse Sugar
Original Ingredient: Turbinado or coarse sanding sugar
Substitutes:- Coconut Sugar or Demerara: Similar texture, slightly more molasses flavor.
- Crushed Sugar Cubes: For a crunchy topping if you don’t have coarse sugar.
- Omit entirely: If you’re avoiding sugar toppings, skip this step. The pie will still be flavorful.
Ingredients
For the filling:
-
2 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
-
1 tablespoon lemon juice
-
2 tablespoons brown sugar
-
1 tablespoon cornstarch
-
1 teaspoon cinnamon
-
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
-
Pinch of salt
For the crust:
-
1 sheet vegan puff pastry, thawed
-
2 tablespoons oat milk (for brushing)
-
1 tablespoon coarse sugar or turbinado sugar
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
Prepare the filling. In a bowl, toss the diced apples with lemon juice. Add brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix well and let sit while you prep the pastry.
-
Shape the pies. Cut the puff pastry into 4 rectangles. Score a column down the center third of each. On the outer thirds, slice diagonal strips about 1 inch wide. Spoon apple filling into the center column.
-
Braid the pastry. Fold the strips over the filling, alternating sides to create a braid. Tuck in the ends.
-
Brush and sprinkle. Lightly brush each braid with oat milk and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
-
Bake. Place the pies on your prepared baking sheet and bake for 18 to 20 minutes until puffed and golden brown.
-
Cool slightly before serving. They’re best enjoyed warm but also delicious at room temp.
