Easy Dairy Free Pie Crust Recipe
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This will become your go-to dairy free pie crust recipe. It’s flaky yet tender, easy to make, and no one would ever know it’s vegan! Your pies will be a hit every time with this vegetable shortening pie crust recipe.
Before losing 125 pounds, I purchased store-bought crust when I made pies. It was just easier, or so I thought. I never even looked at the ingredient list.
Now that I know better, I realize that store bought pie crusts contain many chemicals and known carcinogens. This healthy dairy-free pie crust is much better for you.
Before I show you how to make this vegetable shortening pie crust, please take a quick second to subscribe to my Intentionally Eat newsletter. It contains tips and recipes to help you live your healthiest life, plus you’ll get an acid/alkaline chart to show you which foods you should eat for optimum health.
Why you will love this dairy free pie crust recipe
This recipe is so versatile. You can use it for this sugar free blueberry pie recipe or this vegan quiche recipe and it will become your favorite pie crust. It’s flaky, yet firm and doesn’t become soggy. It’s perfect for those summer fruit pies, as well as, the holiday pies like this vegan sweet potato pie recipe.
If you are planning on making this vegetable shortening pie crust recipe for the holidays, I bet you will enjoy these Thanksgiving and holiday recipes, too. I know you’ll love this Vegan Stuffing, these Pumpkin Pie Bars, this incredible Healthy Twice Baked Sweet Potato, my fan-favorite Spicy Cranberry Salsa, or my Best Ever Sweet Potato Casserole. These recipes will make your holidays tastier!
Well, it’s nearly holiday time! Thanksgiving and Christmas aren’t far off, and I’m looking forward to incredible desserts. I know many of you are, too, so I created this healthy vegan pie crust recipe.
I’ve developed and perfected a simple and really easy vegan pie crust recipe. I’m not kidding! This pie crust is so flakey, tender, and buttery that you will never use store-bought pie crusts again.
How to get a flaky pie crust
Fat and how much fat is worked into the flour before adding water determine a crust’s flakiness. Vegetable shortening is one key ingredient in this vegan crust, making it incredibly flaky.
Vegetable Shortening Pie Crust Ingredients
You can make this healthier dairy-free pie crust recipe with non-dairy butter, all-purpose flour, salt, sugar, and non-hydrogenated vegetable shortening. You can find the vegan butter and vegetable shortening in most grocery stores in the health food section or click on the links above.
- All Purpose Flour: I always recommend using organic when it’s possible and affordable. Chilling the flour for thirty minutes before starting will help ensure that your pie dough will achieve maximum flakiness.
- Vegan Butter: I recommend unsalted so you can control the amount of sodium. It’s CRUCIAL that your butter is cold (immediately out of the fridge) and do not use a soft spread butter. You need the firm stick or block-style vegan butter.
- Non-hydrogenated vegetable shortening: Again, I recommend organic.
- Salt: just a pinch for flavor.
- Sugar: the small amount of sugar ensures a nice golden crust.
- Water: Use cold water, ideally straight from the refrigerator. I typically add a couple of ice cubes to the 3-4 tablespoons of water just to keep it chilled, but don’t use the ice cubes in your recipe.
Tips for Making This Dairy Free Pie Crust
This crust is simple and easy, but you must keep everything chilled.
This recipe makes one pie crust of about 9 inches, but you can easily double it to make a double-crust pie.
Be sure to use firm vegan butter, not a soft spreadable one. This Homemade Vegan Butter is excellent. You can also use Earth Balance Vegan Buttery Sticks, Miyokos Creamery Unsalted Vegan Butter, or Violife Vegan Butter, which works well.
How to Make This Easy Dairy Free Pie Crust
- Gather your ingredients – make sure everything is chilled
- Add the flour, salt, and sugar to a food processor or bowl
- Pulse or mix with a whisk
- Cut in the chilled vegan butter and vegetable shortening. You can pulse in a food processor, use a pastry blender, or a fork
- Add one tablespoon of chilled water at a time, pulsing after every time, until a crumbly ball is formed
- Roll out into a 9-inch circle and place on a pie plate
- Follow your specific pie recipe instructions
Easy Dairy Free Pie Crust Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 4 Tbsp vegan butter, chilled
- 4 Tbsp vegetable shortening, chilled
- 3-4 Tbsp ice water
Instructions
- Chill flour, shortening, and vegan butter for 30 minutes or more.
- Add chilled flour, sugar and salt to food processor. Pulse to combine.
- Add cold vegan butter and shortening. Process for a few seconds until coarse and crumbly.
- Add Ice water, 1 Tablespoon at a time until it begins to form a crumbly ball.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes or more.
- After chilling, place the dough onto a floured surface. Roll it into a 12 inch circle and transfer to a pie plate. Follow your favorite pie recipe and enjoy!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
More Frequently Asked Questions
How do you keep a pie crust from getting soggy?
Make sure to add water one tablespoon at a time and don’t use too much. If you don’t use enough water the dough will be very crumbly.
You can add a small amount of water until it forms a ball. If you use too much water the dough will be very sticky. You can try adding a little flour, however, it will probably be a tougher crust that is slightly rubbery because of the gluten development of overworking the dough. So, go slow when adding the water.
Depending on your pie recipe you can blind-bake your crust in order to prevent a soggy bottom.
Another great way to prevent a soggy pie crust is to place your pie on a preheated baking sheet. This will help the bottom to begin to brown right away.
Can you make pie crust ahead of time?
Yes! After you make the pie dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to one week or freeze it for up to one month. Before using, thaw it at room temperature until it’s just soft enough to roll out but still chilled.
Can you freeze pie crust?
Absolutely! You can freeze pie crust before baking. Freezing pie crust is a convenient option if you want to prepare it in advance or have some leftover dough. To freeze your pie crust, simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in a freezer-safe bag. Freezing helps preserve the freshness and quality of the crust. When you’re ready to use it, just thaw it in the refrigerator until it becomes pliable again.
How to use a frozen pie crust
Using frozen pie crust is incredibly convenient and saves you time in the kitchen. When you’re ready to bake a pie, simply thaw the pie crust by removing it from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight.
Once the pie crust is thawed, unroll the crust and gently place it in your pie dish, making sure it covers the bottom and sides evenly. Fill the crust with your desired pie filling, whether it’s a fruity delight or a savory creation.
Then, follow the baking instructions for your specific recipe, and voila! You’ll have a delicious homemade pie with the added convenience of using a frozen crust. And this easy vegan pie crust recipe is perfect for freezing.
Can you refrigerate pie crust overnight?
Yes! Refrigerating pie crust overnight is a great idea. In fact, it can even improve the texture and make it easier to work with. By giving the dough some time to chill in the fridge, it allows the fats to solidify, resulting in a flakier crust when baked. So go ahead and wrap that pie crust in plastic wrap, pop it in the fridge, and let it rest overnight.
How do you store baked pie crust overnight?
To store a baked pie crust overnight, allow it to cool completely at room temperature.
Once cooled, carefully transfer the pie crust to an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Make sure the container or wrap is sealed properly to prevent any air from getting in and causing the crust to become stale. Then, store the pie crust in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh overnight.
When you’re ready to use it, simply remove it from the refrigerator, let it come to room temperature, and fill it with your desired pie filling.
Is Pillsbury Pie Crust Vegan
NO! Pillsbury Pie Crust contains lard/ beef tallow.
My recipe for one pie crust is so simple, just make a homemade crust. You’ll be so proud and happy with your pie!
How do you keep pie crust from burning?
Preventing pie crust from burning requires a little bit of TLC and some handy tips.
First, it’s essential to shield the edges of the crust to prevent them from getting too dark. You can do this by covering the edges with aluminum foil or using a pie crust shield. This allows the middle of the pie to continue baking while keeping the edges protected.
Another trick is to bake your pie on the lower rack of the oven. This helps to distribute the heat more evenly, reducing the risk of the crust burning.
Lastly, keeping a close eye on your pie while it bakes is crucial. Different ovens vary in temperature, so it’s best to monitor the crust’s color and adjust the baking time if needed.
By following these tips, you can ensure a beautifully golden and perfectly cooked pie crust without any burnt surprises.
How do you keep pie crust from sticking to a pan or glass plate?
To prevent your pie crust from sticking to a glass plate or pan, there are a few simple tricks you can try.
First, make sure to generously grease the glass plate or pan with vegan butter or cooking spray before placing the pie crust in it. This creates a non-stick barrier between the crust and the glass surface.
Another tip is to sprinkle a light layer of flour or a dusting of cornstarch on the bottom of the plate or pan before adding the crust. This helps absorb any excess moisture and reduces sticking.
Lastly, allow your pie crust to cool completely before removing it from the glass plate or pan. This gives it time to firm up and makes it easier to handle without breaking or sticking.
By following these tips, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free pie crust removal from your glass plate or pan.
Before I say goodbye, I encourage you to take a moment to find out how I went from obese with a crippling back injury to 125-pound lighter -discover my transformation into a health coach!
More Recipes:
Banana Bliss No Bake Banana Recipe
Healthy Chocolate Chip Cookie Pie
About The Author
Although Cindy has lost 125 pounds, her path to success was not easy. Go here to read her incredible story, “From Morbidly Obese to Losing 125 Pounds and Becoming a Health Coach.” If you want to send Cindy a quick message, visit her contact page here.
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Disclaimer: Please note that I am not a medical professional. The information provided on this blog is based on my personal experiences and research as a vegan recipe enthusiast. While I strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, it is important to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or a registered dietitian before making any significant changes to your diet, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or concerns. The recipes and tips shared on this blog are meant for general informational purposes and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. Always prioritize your health and well-being by seeking personalized guidance from a qualified healthcare provider.
With celiac disease we need to be gluten free. Have you tried this pie crust with a gluten free flour?
I haven’t tried it with gluten-free flour. Let me know if you do!
yummy and easy to make vegan pie crust. I’m using this for my apple pie and it turned out delicious
Thank you for this vegan pie crust recipe. You make it look very easy and the video is especially helpful, so I’m looking forward to trying it.
The crust was super easy to make, and I used it for an apple pie. It came out fantastically! Thanks for the recipe!
Making a crust always intimidated me but this recipe worked amazingly! I can baked my favourite pies from scratch at home now! Thank you for the great recipe.
perfect! I’ve been looking for a vegan pie crust recipe!