You Won't Believe This Apple Pie Is Made With Zucchini

Zucchini season may be winding down, but with pie season on the rise, it's the perfect time to try something truly unique: the Zapple Pie.

While there are many ways to use up those late-summer zucchinis, like making Mom's Zucchini Bread or whipping up cheesy zucchini dishes for dinner, if you're craving something different, here's a fresh idea to try!

Does it sound too wild to believe? Dinogo user Kaitlyn shared, "...we brought this to a church potluck, and everyone went crazy over it, calling it 'the best apple pie ever!' They were completely stunned when we revealed the 'secret ingredient' after handing out the recipe."

Honestly, I was skeptical until I tasted it myself. And trust me, I'm an apple pie expert. Every Thanksgiving, I bake my family's favorite Apple Pie by Grandma Ople (which is absolutely amazing). Even so, I was blown away! Reviewer ZZILLION said, "I baked it, but I still thought someone had swapped out the pie because it tasted just like classic apple pie."

Get the Full Recipe: Zucchini Apple Pie

Our Attempt at Apple Pie Using Zucchini

Before you jump to conclusions, keep in mind that zucchini is technically a fruit. It's a type of summer squash, and one of the few fruits in the gourd family that has a soft, edible skin. While it's starchier and less sweet than apples, adding a little extra sugar can bring the sweetness up to par for your apple pie. For the perfect 'apple' texture, it's best to use fresh, young zucchini with a skin soft enough to be pierced by your thumbnail, as recommended by recipe creator Elizabeth Wood.

The first step is peeling and deseeding the zucchini, as the skins and seeds would definitely give away the fact that this isn't your typical apple pie. I was actually amazed at how closely the peeled and chopped zucchini resembled apple slices in my pie.

To help soften the zucchini and release its moisture, you'll want to sauté it for about 10-15 minutes until tender. A little salt will help draw out the water. Since the zucchini doesn't change much in the oven, be sure to cook it to the right consistency on the stovetop. User Tara Thomas shared, "I found that slicing the zucchini SUPER thin ensures it cooks properly and helps disguise it as apples."

Simply mix the cooked fruit with the dry ingredients and watch as the brown sugar blend turns into a rich, sticky glaze. The flour helps thicken any juices that release from the fruit during baking, creating a smooth, glossy sauce.

I opted for a pre-made pie crust to keep things simple, but feel free to use your go-to flaky pie crust recipe for a homemade touch. You can also elevate the flavor by adding a variety of warm spices. I chose a crumble topping, which added a delicious, crumbly texture with every bite.

Making the perfect mock apple pie doesn't require expert skills — reviewer Kendall Serenity Leith shared, "This was my VERY FIRST attempt at baking a homemade pie EVER, and I couldn't be happier with the outcome!"

Whether or not you know the secret, you'll love the comforting fall flavors in this homemade pie. You might just discover your new favorite way to enjoy zucchini!