How to Make a Healthy Crumble Pie Crust for Any Pie
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This healthy crumble pie crust is made from 3 ingredients and comes together in 5 minutes. This crumble crust uses wholesome ingredients like nuts and natural sweeteners for a gluten-free and low-carb crust for pumpkin, no-bake, or vegan cheesecake fillings.
This crumb pie crust, or crumble crust, is a healthy, gluten-free alternative I use in many of my recipes. It’s perfect as the foundation for desserts like cheesecakes, bars, or pies and provides a lighter and simpler alternative to a traditional flaky pie crust.
Not only is this crumble pie crust easier to make than a standard pie crust, but it’s also packed with wholesome ingredients. You can whip up a gluten-free crumble crust in seconds with just a few simple ingredients and a food processor.
Keep reading to discover how to make this healthy and adaptable crumble recipe!
Before losing 125 pounds, I purchased store-bought crust when I made pies. I figured it was just graham crackers or cookie crumbs and never even looked at the ingredient list.
Now that I know better, I realize that graham cracker crust, cookie crust, vanilla wafer crusts, and even nut crusts from the grocery store contain many chemicals and known carcinogens. This healthy crumble pie crust is much better for you.
Before I show you how to make this healthy homemade 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 Crumble Pie Crust
- Gluten-Free & Nutritious: This is a perfect option for those with dietary restrictions or anyone looking to add more whole, healthy ingredients to their desserts—hello, Thanksgiving!
- Quick & Easy: This crust is a convenient alternative to traditional pie crusts. The best part is that it requires just a few ingredients and minimal prep time.
- Versatile & Delicious: It adds a satisfying crunch and can be used in various desserts, from pies to bars, while keeping the recipe healthy.
If you like this crumble pie crust, you can use it as the base for this Creamy Key Lime Dairy Free Cheesecake or these Pumpkin Pie Bars.
📃Ingredients and Substitutions
While most crumb mixtures are made from crushed cookies or crackers, such as vanilla wafers, graham crackers, gingersnaps, saltine crackers, chocolate cookies, or round buttery crackers, this gluten-free crumble crust is made from three ingredients.
Crumble Pie Crust Ingredients
- Nuts: You can use your favorite nut or any combination of nuts: pecan, walnut, almond, hazelnut, or macadamia.
- Sugar or sugar-free sweetener: You can use brown or white sugar, or for a low-carb, sugar-free pie crust, use a sugar-free substitute like allulose, stevia, or monk fruit sweetener.
- Vegan butter or refined coconut oil: You can add a pinch of kosher salt if using unsalted butter.
How to Make a Healthy Crumble Pie Crust for Any Pie
Share and Spread Healthy Recipes! This healthy crumble pie crust is made from 3 ingredients and comes together in 5 minutes. This crumble crust uses wholesome ingredients like
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🥄How to Make This Healthy Crumble Pie Crust
Follow these simple steps for the easiest way to make a pie crust:
- Process: Blend the ingredients in a food processor until finely ground, and they hold together when pinched.
- Press: Press the nut mixture onto the bottom of the pan and up the sides of the pie plate.
- Refrigerate or Freeze: Until chilled and firm for 15-30 minutes.
- Prick: Using a fork, prick the bottom crust and place pie pan on a rimmed baking sheet.
- Bake: In a 350-degree oven, bake on the lowest rack for 15-20 minutes.
- Cool: Place pie dish on a wire rack to cool completely before filling.
Pro Tip: You don’t have to bake the crust. However, I highly recommend it for its rich, incredible flavor. The crust should be golden brown. If it browns too quickly, use a pie crust shield.
Looking for more healthy desserts
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How to Make a Healthy Crumble Pie Crust for Any Pie
Share and Spread Healthy Recipes! This healthy crumble pie crust is made from 3 ingredients and comes together in 5 minutes. This crumble crust uses wholesome ingredients like
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How to Store This Crumble Pie Shell
You can store this nut crust if you don’t want to use it immediately. Here’s how to do it:
- Cool Completely: Make sure the nut crust is completely cooled before storing to prevent moisture buildup.
- Wrap Properly: Tightly wrap the cooled nut crust in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps keep it fresh and prevents it from absorbing odors from other foods.
- Store in an Airtight Container: Place the wrapped crust in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag for extra protection.
- Refrigerate or Freeze: Short-Term Storage: If you use the crust within a week, you can store it in the refrigerator. Long-Term Storage: To extend the shelf life, freeze the wrapped crust. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When ready to use, thaw the frozen crust in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. If necessary, re-crisp it in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes before using it.
What are crumb crusts made of?
Typical crumb crusts are made from a few basic ingredients:
Crumbs
The primary ingredient is crushed or ground crumbs, which can be from various sources:
Graham Crackers – Commonly used for a sweet, slightly nutty flavor.
Chocolate Wafers – For a delicious chocolate flavor.
Vanilla Wafers – Adds a sweet and rich flavor.
Cookies – For a unique flavor profile, such as chocolate chip or shortbread.
Nuts – We use nuts to keep this a healthy crumble pie crust and make it low-carb.
Fat
To bind the crumbs together and give the crust a rich, crumbly texture:
Butter – Melted butter is most commonly used, and it is mixed with the crumbs. For this recipe, we’re using vegan butter or coconut oil.
Margarine – Can be used as a substitute for butter. I do not recommend using it.
Sweetener
Optional, depending on the recipe and desired sweetness:
Sugar – Granulated sugar is often mixed with the crumbs and fat.
Maple Syrup – It can be used for unique flavor and sweetness.
Sugar Alternatives – Dates, allulose, stevia, and monk fruit sweeteners are all good choices.
Salt
A pinch of salt is sometimes added to enhance flavor.
The typical method involves mixing the crumbs with melted butter (and sugar, if using) until the mixture resembles wet sand, then pressing it into the pie dish to form the crust. The crust is usually pre-baked for a few minutes to set before adding the filling.
What is the difference between a crumble pie crust and a crumble topping?
The difference between a crumble pie crust and a crumb topping lies in their purpose and how they are used in a pie:
Crumble Pie Crust:
- Purpose: The crumble crust forms the base or shell of the pie.
- Use: It supports the filling and provides structure to the pie, similar to a traditional pastry crust but with a crumbly texture.
Crumble Topping:
- Purpose: The crumb topping is scattered over the filling on top of the pie, creating a crunchy and sweet layer on top. It’s sometimes called a streusel topping. It’s usually made from a mixture of flour, sugar, butter, and sometimes oats or nuts. The cold butter is cut into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. It’s typically used on apple pie filling, cherry pie filling, peach pie, and other pies.
- Use: It adds a sweet and crunchy contrast to the softer filling underneath and is often used on fruit pies or cobblers.
Recipe
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How to Make a Healthy Crumble Pie Crust for Any Pie
Ingredients
- 2 cups walnuts (or other nuts, like pecans, almonds, hazelnuts, or macadamia)
- 2-3 Tbsp sweetener (sugar, brown sugar, stevia, monk fruit, or allulose)
- 3 Tbsp coconut oil (or vegan butter)
Instructions
- Add the chopped pecans, sweetener, and coconut oil to the food processor (refer to recipe notes for instructions on how to do this by hand).
- Blend until the nuts are finely ground, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. If needed, scrape down the sides of the bowl or pulse to ensure the nuts are evenly sized.
- Firmly press the dough into a 9" pie plate, covering the bottom and slightly up the sides.
- Chill in the refrigerator for 30-45 minutes, or freeze for 15 minutes, until firm. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350ºF.
- Using a fork, prick the bottom crust and place pie pan on a rimmed baking sheet.
- In a 350-degree oven, bake on the lowest rack for 15-20 minutes.
- Cool on wire rack completely before filling.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
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:
Hearty Black Bean Chili Recipe (No Tomatoes)
Banana Bliss No Bake Banana Recipe
10 Surprising Things to Dehydrate in Air Fryer
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.
