Easy, 5-Minute Pecan Crust For Pie (Press In)

This simple pecan crust is a nut pie crust made from pecans, almonds, or walnuts couldn't be easier or more delicious! Pecan pie crust recipe comes together in 5 minutes, using 3 ingredients, no flour, and makes a gluten-free, mix and press crust for pumpkin, no bake, or cheesecake fillings.

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 25

refrigeration 30

Total Time 1

Servings

Author Melissa Erdelac

Ingredients

2 cups chopped pecans (or other nuts, like walnuts, almonds, or macadamia)
2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
3 tablespoons butter softened

Instructions

Place the chopped pecans, sugar, and softened butter into the food processor (see recipe notes for by hand instructions).
2 cups chopped pecans , 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar, 3 tablespoons butter
Blend until nuts are finely ground, about 45 seconds - 1 minute. Scrape down bowl or pulse, as necessary, to make sure nuts are even in size.
Press down into a 9" pie plate firmly on bottom and up sides. The dough will be soft, so spread out the bottom down first with a spatula and then use your fingers to press it up the sides evenly.
Refrigerate for 30-45 minutes, or freeze for 15 minutes, until chilled and firm. Preheat oven to 350ºF.
Prick bottom of pie crust with fork. PLACE PIE ON A BAKING SHEET and bake on the LOWEST RACK for 20-25 minutes. If upper crust is becoming overly browned, use a pie shield to protect it. The crust will puff up slightly during baking, but go down as it cools.
Cool on wire rack completely before filling.

Notes

Making Without A Food Processor

Use a powerful blender, such as a Vitamix or BlendTec, or mix by hand. For the by-hand method, crush the nuts finely first, using a coffee grinder, rolling pin, or mallet, and use a wooden spoon to stir with sugar and softened butter.

Alternatively, replace the nuts with 2 cups pecan flour and mix all the ingredients in a mixing bowl.

Why place the pecan crust on a baking sheet?

Placing a pie crust on a baking sheet conducts the heat to the bottom of the pie dish so the bottom bakes evenly with the upper crust. For best results use a metal pie dish and bake on the lowest oven rack.

Can I bake a pie in a pecan crust?

Yes. I have tried a pumpkin pie with pecan pie crust and it turned out great! The nut flavor compliments the pumpkin filling well. However, please note, the filling's moisture does make the crust softer, therefore making the crust not as crispy.

Do I have to bake the crust before filling?

Yes and no. If the filling is cold and the pie will be refrigerated, you could forgo baking the crust first. However, I do think the texture and taste is enhanced with baking

Nutrition