For those who have embraced a gluten-free lifestyle either by choice or necessity, desserts can sometimes be a challenge. But not anymore! Gluten-free pies have made it possible to enjoy a delightful variety of desserts without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Gluten-Free Pie Dough
The real art of any pie baking lies in the crust. For those adhering to a gluten-free lifestyle and dietary guidelines, this can be somewhat intimidating, especially if you’ve never made a pie crust before. With the right blend of gluten-free flour and butter, you can create a flaky pie crust that’s just as delicious and easy to make as its traditional counterpart.
I’ve found by using a food processor it makes the crust-making process even more manageable, allowing you to achieve the perfect consistency for your gluten-free pie dough. The crust feels like “play” dough and is super easy to work with and roll out!
We have a variety of gluten-free pie crust recipe options available as well. Whether you are looking for a traditional pie crust with a top and bottom, a grain free pie crust or one of our favorite shortcuts using gluten free cookies and butter to make a pressed in pie crust, we have you covered! If you wonder how to make a healthy pie, there are many ways to enhance a pie and gluten free pie crust! Ever wonder which is healthier a pie with fruit or a crisp? Or maybe which ingredients will make my pie healthier? There are many ways to making healthier gluten free pies, here’s a few examples to get you going. You might also wonder which is healthier an apple or pumpkin pie…
Pies and Pie Crust Options
Gluten free pie crusts range from graham cracker and cookie crust, both perfect for cheesecakes or tarts, to a buttery flaky double crust pie that’s ideal for apple, peach, berry, or pumpkin pie. We have a variety of gluten-free pie crust recipes to suit every preference and occasion.
- Apple Pie: A classic, heartwarming dessert, apple pie can now be enjoyed by everyone, thanks to gluten-free pie crust options.
- Gluten Free Pumpkin Pie: Bring in the flavors of fall with a scrumptious gluten-free pumpkin pie. Top with fresh whipped cream or a coconut whip cream dairy free version!
- Grain Free Blueberry Pie: For our Paleo friends, those needing to, or those looking to, limit grains, this satisfying grain free pie is delicious! Add whatever fruit you like! Top with a dairy free ice cream!
- Hello Marie Callenders! Gluten Free Strawberry Pie! Oh heavenly, yes!
Making your first pie crust?
A great first effort making a pie crust might just be our Fresh Fruit Galette! It takes the stress of putting your pie crust into a pie plate or crimping edges just so. Simply placing a pie crust on a parchment lined cookie sheet might just be a great first attempt to hone your pie crust skills. All you do is fill the gallate crust with some fruit, fold up the edges and shazam! You’ve got your first pie crust under your belt ☺
A World of Fillings
With the perfect gluten free pie crust as your canvas, flour or cookie base, you can experiment with various pie fillings. Another Curry family favorite is our Lemon Pie using gluten free graham crackers or pecan cookies to make a super easy gluten free press-in pie crust.
Gluten Free Pie Crust Recipe for Everyone
Regardless of your experience with gluten-free baking, there’s a gluten free pie crust recipe for you. Check out our YouTube Gluten Free Pie Crust video tutorial with me and Megs showing you our easy step-by-step method. We also have a Grain Free Pie Crust tutorial as well! The online world of gluten-free baking is inviting and we are helping you all the way.
Gluten-Free Pies~ CGK Favorite Ingredients
- Flour Blends: Invest in quality gluten-free flour blends or make your own for that perfect flaky pie crust. Pamela’s Baking Mix, King Arthur flour mix or our Paleo grain-free pie crust recipe!
- Alternative gluten free flour blends: There are many alternative flour blends hitting the grocery store shelves these days! Cassava, coconut, bean or Paleo blends. The one that caught my eye and is relatively new is sweet potato flour for a sweet or savory gluten free pie!
- Dairy Alternatives: There are plenty of dairy-free butter options available.
- Fruit Fillings: From fresh blueberries and peaches, depending on the season you are baking your pie, the fruit filling possibilities are endless.
- Cream Pies: Who can resist a gluten-free chocolate cream pie?
Explore the delightful world of gluten-free baking with these recipe options:
- Gluten-Free Apple Pie
- Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pie
- Homemade Gluten-Free Pie Crust
- Grain-Free Berry Pie
- Gluten Free Strawberry Pie
- Gluten Free Galette: A pie without a pie plate~easy peasy!
Gluten-free pies are no longer an enigma but a delightful addition to any dessert menu. Whether you’re catering to dietary restrictions or simply exploring new culinary horizons, gluten-free pies offer a delicious ending to a special meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is gluten-free pie dough made of?
Gluten-free pie dough is typically made using a blend of gluten-free flours such as rice flour, almond flour, or a store-bought gluten-free flour blend. Xanthan gum may be added to provide elasticity, but not necessary in our homemade gluten free pie crust. Butter or a dairy-free alternative is used for the fat.
2. Can I use store-bought gluten-free pie crust?
Yes, many stores now carry pre-made gluten-free pie crusts. Check the labels to ensure that they meet your specific dietary requirements.
3. What fillings can I use for gluten-free pies?
Most traditional pie fillings are naturally gluten-free, including fruit fillings like apple or blueberry and creamy fillings like pumpkin or chocolate. Be sure to check or make all the components from scratch to ensure they comply with gluten-free guidelines.
4. How can I make a dairy-free gluten-free pie?
Many gluten-free pie recipes can be adapted to be dairy-free by using alternatives butters like coconut oil, almond, or other dairy-free plant-based butter substitutes.
5. Do I need special equipment to make gluten-free pie crust?
While a food processor can make the dough-making process easier, it is not necessary. Gluten-free pie crust can be made using standard baking tools like mixing bowls, whisk, pastry blender, rolling pins, and pie plates.
6. Can I freeze gluten-free pie dough?
Yes, gluten-free pie dough can be frozen and used later. Be sure to wrap it tightly in a plastic wrap then a baggie to prevent freezer burn. Allow to thaw before using.
7. What types of gluten-free flours are best for pie crust?
Different blends can achieve different textures. Commonly used gluten-free flourblends from Pamela’s, King Arthur, Bobs Red Mill or Cup-4-Cup. Also are flours such as a fine almond flour, coconut flour, cassava or brown rice flours. All are available at grocery stores near you! .
9. How does will cold ingredients help my gluten-free pie crust stay flaky and not crumble?
To achieve a flaky pie crust, make sure your butter is cold and your water (or Orange juice) is iced. Using very cold ingredients helps to create the right texture in gluten-free pie crust. Using cold fat such as butter or butter alternative, and chilling the dough once it’s made helps create a flaky crust. Cold butter is the key to a flaky outcome.
10. What is the best gluten free packaged pie crust brand?
Cup-4-Cup Gluten Free Pie Crust makes 2 fantastic easy to make pie crusts.