This gluten-free, dairy-free pie crust is my favorite. It's made with shortening, easy to work with, and perfectly make-ahead and freezer-friendly! Use it in your favorite Thanksgiving recipes, or make it now and freeze it for when you need it.
I first discovered this recipe for pie crust with Crisco when making pumpkin pecan pie with my friend Sandy.
This pie crust recipe is based on a recipe from Jill Moats. Two generations of Sandy's family have been baking it for over 40 years. The recipe was originally adapted from an old version printed on the Crisco shortening package.
Over the last 10 years, I have baked many pies, galettes, tarts and other pastries. I have developed my favorite paleo pie crust, an all-butter gluten free pie crust, and a foolproof olive oil and yogurt gluten free pie crust.
But time and time again, I've returned to this shortening pie crust for an easy pastry crust. And in the last five years, since switching to a gluten-free diet, I have also found ways to adapt this crust to be the perfect, easy gluten free pie crust recipe.
This shortening-based gluten-free pie crust is easy to make, requires no blink baking, and can even be made ahead and frozen! I use this pie crust for many of my Thanksgiving gluten free pies and pastries, and I'm confident that once you try it, you will also become a fan of this gluten free vegan pie crust!
Flaky Gluten Free Pie Crust Ingredient Highlights
The ingredient list for this gf pie crust is short, and mostly revolves around shortening.
- Gluten free flour blend - my recommended gluten free flour mixes are King Arthur gluten free 1:1 blend or the Thomas Keller Cup4Cup blend. I also use the Irresistibles gluten free flour blend in Canada, and the PC gluten free flour blend. The important thing is ensuring your mix has xanthan gum in the ingredients.
- Sugar - for a sweet pie crust dough, don't forget the sugar (you can also use any granulated sugar replacement that's safe for baking, like Swerve).
- Shortening - shortening makes for a gluten free pastry dough that is flexible, dairy free (and vegan), and not as fragile or demanding as cold butter pastry. Many of us use Crisco shortening, but it's far from being the only game in town. Choose your favorite shortening brand, and use it - just make sure it's COLD! Also, butter prices are increasing across the board (and borders). shortening makes for an inexpensive alternative to butter!
- Eggs or Vegan Egg replacement - this crust gluten free can be made with 1 egg, vegan egg replacer or more water. Omit the egg for a gluten free vegan pie crust.
See recipe card for quantities.
What is shortening?
Shortening is the name of all fats that remain solid in room temperature. This list includes vegetable shortening (like Crisco), lard, and margarine. The idea of shortening is creating a short pastry - i.e., pastry in which little gluten develops and is flaky and crumbly as a result.
This is exactly what you want in regular and gluten free pie, galette and tart, as well as in gluten free shortbread cookies.
Recommended gluten free flour blends:
King Arthur's Gluten Free Blend
Instruction to Make Gluten Free Pie Crust Recipe
Making a homemade gluten-free pie crust with shortening is easy, fun, and great for scaling and making ahead. Here are my stages of baking a gluten free dairy free pie crust:
Combine the Dry Ingredients:
To make the crust, combine flour, sugar and salt in a mixing bowl. Alternatively, you can also process this in the food processor for 10 seconds.
Cut chilled shortening into flour with two knives until the mixture is uniform and the shortening resembles large peas. Do not overwork. You can also add this to the food processor in pulses.
Add the Wet Ingredients:
Beat egg (if using), water, and vinegar together. Pour evenly over the flour mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until well combined and all of the mixture is moistened. If making dough in a food processor, slowly add in the liquid mixture gradually, with the motor running.
Work the Dough and Chill:
Without overworking it too much, shape dough into a ball and lightly flatten into a circle of about 10 cm. Wrap and chill for 30 minutes (or longer, if making ahead). If freezing, double wrap in plastic and freeze for up to 3 months.
Prepare the Dough to Bake:
Cover your working surface with parchment paper when the crust has cooled and you're ready to bake the pie. Remove the pie crust from the refrigerator and transfer the dough onto the parchment paper and cover it with another piece of parchment paper.
Roll the bottom of the crust between the two pieces of parchment to a uniform thickness with light, even strokes. Roll out a circle about 1 inch larger than an upside-down pie plate to about ¼-inch thickness.
If you're blind baking the crust, line the chilled crust with parchment paper and fill with dried beans or pie weights to prevent it from puffing up during baking. Adjust them gently so they cover the entire bottom and sides evenly.
After Baking the Pie Crust:
Remove the top layer of parchment paper (if parts tear off, simply stick them back together). Transfer the gluten-free pie crust onto the pie plate using the bottom piece of parchment paper. Invert it and press onto the pie plate using the parchment paper. Gently remove the paper and patch any holes or tears. Flute the edges as desired. Use in your favorite pie recipe or freeze for future use for up to 3 months.
Double Easy Gluten Free Pie Dough!
This recipe makes a 9-inch pie. Make a double batch (or even triple!) of this homemade pie crust, and use the extra for decorations - or for freezing for later.
This recipe can be used for double crust pies. Simply double the ingredients and use for your favorite fruit pies like apple or berry.
Substitutions
This recipe makes a 9-inch gluten free, dairy free pastry. Here are some substitutions you can use:
- Shortening - shortening makes for an inexpensive, flaky and vegan gluten free pastry. You can also use margarine for the same results.
- Whole 30 & paleo & keto - use lard in place of shortening.
Filling for Your Flaky Pie Crust
This is a recipe for pie crust - but everyone knows the other important part of a pie is the pie filling. Here are some of my favorite pie fillings to use with the best gluten free pie crust:
Single Crust Pies to Try
If you're craving a flaky crust, zesty orange, maple syrup, and Thanksgiving flavors, try this easy-to-make Hubbard Squash Pie. It's vegan and paleo, and it's sure to satisfy everyone. For more fall flavors, try this gluten-free and vegan Pumpkin Pecan Pie, or stick to the classics with our traditional gluten-free Pumpkin Pie. If you want a more nuttie pie for your next family gathering, try our Best Gluten-Free Pecan Pie With Maple Syrup And Maple Dulce De Leche Cream.
Double-Crust Pies to Try
If you want to put a double crust to use, look no futher than this incredible Gluten Free Apple Pie with a lattice pie top. Try something new with this flaky and delicious Middle Eastern delight. Try our Ma'amoul Date Pie - the perfect blend of cardamom, cinnamon, and dates.
Filling for Your Flaky gluten free pie crust
After you make the pie, this gluten-free crust can be stored in the refrigerator, wrapped in plastic wrap, for up to 3 days. I recommend making the crust a day or two before making your pie.
This gluten-free pie crust also freezes beautifully. Wrap it in plastic wrap as a ball or shape it into a pie and freeze inside a pie pan or aluminum pie foil, wrapped in plastic wrap. It will keep in the freezer for three months.
Top Tips for Best Gluten Free Pie Crust Ever
Roll the pie crust between two pieces of parchment - this prevents the crust from sticking to your rolling pin and the table. It also makes the crust easier to transport onto your pie plate.
Cold ingredients make for a better crust - gluten-free pies, as well as regular pies, like to be cold. Keep your ingredients as cold as possible right until baking. Then, when your flaky crust is shaped, transfer it to the fridge to cool again before baking. If you're making any pie decorations, cool the rest of the pie while doing so. Basically, try to keep everything as cold as possible - like you would with ice cream.
Recipe
Tried and loved this recipe? Please leave a 5-star review below! Your reviews mean a lot to me, so if you've got any questions, please let me know in a comment.
Easy Flaky Gluten-Free Pie Crust Recipe with Gluten Free Flour
Ingredients
For 1 9- inch pie:
For crust:
- 1 ¼ cup all-purpose gluten free flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoon sugar
- ½ cup shortening chilled
- 1 One small egg OPTIONAL
- 1-4 tablespoons cold water if using egg, use 1 tablespoon of water; if not using egg, use 4.
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
Instructions
- To make the crust, combine flour, sugar and salt in a mixing bowl. Alternatively, you can also process this in the food processor for 10 seconds.
- Cut chilled shortening into flour with two knives until mixture is uniform and shortening resembles large peas. Do not overwork. You can also add this to the food processor in pulses.
- Beat egg (if using), water and vinegar together. Pour evenly over the flour mixture. Stir with wooden spoon until well combined and all of the mixture is moistened. If making dough in a food processor, slowly add in the liquid mixture gradually, with the motor running.
- Without overworking it too much, shape dough into a ball and lightly flatten into a circle of about 10 cm. Wrap and chill for 30 minutes (or longer, if making ahead). If freezing, double wrap in plastic and freeze for up to 3 months.
- When the crust has cooled and you're ready to bake the pie, cover your working surface with parchment paper. Lightly dust it with flour. Transfer dough onto the lightly floured piece of parchment paper, and cover with another piece of parchment paper. Roll dough between the two pieces of parchment to a uniform thickness with light, even strokes. Roll out a circle about 1 inch larger than an upside-down pie plate, to about ¼-inch thickness.
- Remove the top layer of parchment paper (if parts tear off, simply stick them back together). Using the bottom piece of parchment paper, transfer the gluten free pie crust onto the pie plate. Invert it, and press onto the pie plate using the parchment paper. Gently remove the paper, and patch any holes or tears. Flute the edges as desired. Use in your favorite pie recipe, or freeze for future use for up to 3 months.
Lisa says
I've been looking for a good pie crust recipe for the holidays without gluten or dairy. This one tastes great and will be the one I use.
kseniaprints says
Well you definitely found it. I’ve been going back to this pie for 6+ years
Sherrie says
This is perfect for hosting GF friends this holiday! Thank you for this timely recipe!
kseniaprints says
I’m sure your friends are going to love this pie base
Angela says
I was looking for a gluten free base, thanks for the recipe! Everyone loved the pie I made!
kseniaprints says
It's my go-to crust!
Sherry says
This was the perfect pie crust to make for my pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving. Thank you for a great gluten free recipe!
Jenn says
Tested this pie crust for our pumpkin pie for the holidays and wow, it's good! It was easier to make than I thought it'd be and it was tasty!
Anthony says
If I use leaf lard only as the shortening will this recipe work .
Thank you
kseniaprints says
I never tried this with lard.... But it should work!
Donna says
I am not the most confident person when it comes to gluten-free baking, but this worked out so well! Made it for my sister in law and she was very pleased 🙂
Nicole says
Thank you. I was looking for a vegan pie crust with shortening rather than butter. At least this says the egg is optional.
kseniaprints says
So glad it worked! Yes, egg is totally optional - I've had great results with and without it
Sonya Huss says
I see that you're supposed to bake it at 435 for 15 minutes, but how long should you continue to bake it after you drop the temperature to 350?
kseniaprints says
Are you blind baking it? If blind baking, 15 mins at 435F is enough. If baking with the filling, then another 45 mins at 350F, until the filling is just lightly jiggly in the center (it will harden as it sits).
CJ says
I just made this! It's crumbly and flavorful. Definitely less held together than a typical crust (could just be the choice of gluten free flour), but for quiche it was perfect and I enjoyed the crumble.
kseniaprints says
The crumble is part of the charm. You do need to be careful with it (thanks, GF flour lol), but it's the perfect texture for pie when cooked.
Gretchen White says
Do you really mean for the pie crust to be 1/2" thick?
That seems a lot!
Still after years of baking GF looking for a good pie crust.
Will try this one this weekend.
Thanks.
kseniaprints says
Half a centimeter! Doh. Will amend.