Easy 20-Minute Almond Flour Pie Crust

What makes my almond flour pie crust recipe special is that it holds it shape, requires no rolling or special equipment, and takes just 20 minutes to make! This almond flour pie crust works well with a variety of pies and fillings, such no bake pies, freezer pies, and even baked fillings, such as apple pie.

gluten-free and low carb almond flour pie crust

Making a gluten-free pie crust with almond flour couldn’t be easier! Similar to other gluten-free crusts, like Pecan Nut Crust and Chex Pie Crust, it’s as simple as mixing all the ingredients and pressing into a pie plate.

Unlike my gluten-free pie dough recipe, this crust requires no rolling or special equipment. You can mix everything together with a wooden spoon or process everything together in a blender or food processor. 

Almond flour crust works well with a variety of pies and fillings, such no bake, freezer pies, or even baked fillings, like apple pie. If you would like to make this crust completely from scratch, start off with this homemade almond flour recipe!

Ingredients Needed

• Almond flour – You may use blanched or unblanched almond flour, but unblanched flour will have more of a speckled, rustic look. Generally blanched works better in baking recipes, such as almond flour zucchini bread, but you can learn more about the differences in this guide to almond flour recipes.
• Sugar – I like enhancing almonds sweet, nutty flavor with a little sugar, but there are many options if you are avoiding sugar. Replace the sugar with 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup for an unrefined sugar version. Also, scroll down to see how to make a low carb / keto pie crust or a savory almond flour pie crust without sugar. 
• Egg – Helps bind the ingredients together so the crust doesn’t crumble when slicing. The recipe notes also provides an egg-free variation. 
• Butter – Melted butter also helps bind the flour together, but may be substituted with ghee or coconut oil for a dairy-free pie crust. 

How To Make Almond Flour Pie Crust

(Below shows step-by-step photos and modified instructions. For the complete recipe, along with ingredient amounts, scroll down to the recipe card.)

1. Combine almond flour, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Add melted butter and lightly beaten egg.
2. Stir until all the ingredients are moistened and dough sticks together. 
3. Using your fingers, press the pie dough into a dish. Go back over the dough with a measuring cup, pressing down firmly, and allowing crust to reach up over the edge of the plate.
4. Use your thumb and forefinger to flute the edges in a decorative design.
5. Prick the bottom of the crust several times to prevent the crust from bubbling up while baking. 

Dairy-free option

To make this gluten-free pie crust dairy-free as well, simply swap out the butter with a non-dairy alternative. Melted vegan butter sticks, coconut oil, or ghee (if you can tolerate it) may be used in its place.

Filling crust with baked or no bake fillings  

Almond flour grain-free pie crust may be filled with a no bake filling, such as gluten-free cheesecake. To do this you will have to fully bake the crust first for 22-25 minutes.

If the top edges become overly brown before the bottom is fully baked, use a pie shield or a foil rim to cover and protect the outer edge.

If using this grain-free pie crust to fill with baked fillings, such as apple or pumpkin, partially bake the crust for 10 minutes before pouring in filling and baking as directed.

This will set the crust up and provide a shield for the moisture. Please note, this is a softer crust, unlike a traditional flaky wheat flour crust.

Vegan Modifications 

If you would like a vegan almond flour crust, or an egg-free / dairy-free recipe there are options! Replace the egg with a flax egg, which is 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed combined with 2 1/2 tablespoons water.

Mix the flax egg with the remaining ingredients. For a vegan version, also replace the butter with coconut oil. Please note, replacing the butter and egg will still yield a great taste, but the texture will be slightly more crumbly during slicing. 

Can I Substitute Another Flour?

Since almond flour can be expensive, using a combination of flours is a more affordable option. However, the amount of almond flour in the recipe should be more than the complimentary flour.

For instance, if using a combo of coconut flour and almond flour, use at least 1 1/2 cups almond flour and 1 cup coconut flour. 

If you are looking for a more traditional pie crust, you will not be disappointed with this gluten-free pie crust recipe! The taste and texture is just as flaky and buttery as the crust grandma made!

Is This Recipe Low Carb / Keto? 

By using grain-free almond flour, this is a naturally low carb pie crust compared to standard flour recipes. However, using granulated sugar does add carbohydrates. 

If you are looking for a low carb or keto almond flour pie crust recipe, simply omit the sugar or replace it with a low carb sweetener. 

Replace the sugar with sweeteners such as monk fruit, erythritol, splenda, or coconut sugar for a paleo crust. Make sure the sugar substitute is granulated rather than liquid so the dough doesn’t become too wet. 

What Kind of Pie Fillings Go with this Crust?

Use an almond flour crust just as you would any pie crust. If your filling requires to be baked, such as in a pumpkin, apple, or a custard pie, like Sugar Cream Pie, the crust will have to be baked slightly before filling and baking again. 

However, I don’t recommend it for pies containing a lot of liquid, like pecan pie. Below are some great options for filling a sweet almond flour pie crust, such as:

• Gluten-Free Cheesecake
• Key Lime Pie
• Frozen Lemon Meringue
• Fresh Blueberry Pie
• Concord Grape Pie
• BEST GLUTEN-FREE PIE RECIPES an ultimate guide!

How to Make a Savory Pie Crust 

Low carb almond crust also makes the perfect shell for savory fillings, such as quiches and tarts. Simply omit the sugar and increase the salt to 1/2 teaspoon.

To add even more flavor add 1/2 – 1 teaspoon of other seasonings, such as garlic powder, Italian seasoning, thyme, or basil.

Freezing and storing

This recipe may also be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator, well covered, up to one day before baking. When you remove to bake, it may require 1-2 minutes longer.

To freeze almond flour crust place the shaped crust in the freezer until solid. Once it’s frozen, wrap the shell completely with plastic wrap and a layer of aluminum foil. Freeze up to 2 months.

When ready to bake, remove the wrappings and bake from frozen. It may require 1-2 minutes longer to bake.

Best Tips and tricks

• If you’d rather use whole almonds, place 2 cups unsalted almonds in a food processor or Vitamix until finely ground. Be careful to not overprocess or the oils will separate and you will end up with almond butter instead. Add remaining ingredients and pulse to combine.
• The key to making sure the crust doesn’t crumble apart while cutting is pressing the dough solidly into the pie pan. First use your fingers, then use the bottom of a measuring cup to press smoothly and firmly.
• Unblanched almonds, without the skins, will yield a lighter colored crust. Using almond meal also works, but the crust will have a speckled, “rustic” look. 
• Omit the sugar for a savory or low carb / keto crust. Alternatively replace the sugar with a sugar free sweetener, such as monk fruit. 
• Replace the sugar with 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup for unrefined sugar version.

Click here to see the
step-by-step web story instructions for this recipe!

More Almond Flour Recipes 

If you love using almond flour for gluten free and / or low carb cooking and baking check out more of readers’ favorite recipes.

• Almond Flour Banana Muffins
• Almond Flour Oatmeal Cookies
• Almond Flour Pancakes
• Almond Flour Brownies

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