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Discover an allergen-friendly vegan oat flour pie crust recipe that’s versatile for both sweet and savory pies. Made with healthy, gluten-free, nut-free, and oil-free ingredients, it’s the inclusive solution for dietary restrictions.
Finding a pie crust that is both delicious and fits your dietary requirements can be challenging. That’s why I’m excited to share with you this vegan oat flour pie crust that is perfect for any pie, sweet or savory. Not only is it made with wholesome ingredients, but it’s also allergen-friendly.
The Oat Pie Crust is:
After sharing my Easy Vegan Pie Crust recipe, which featured almond flour as a key ingredient, I received various requests for an alternative that would be safe for those with nut allergies.
So, I was inspired to develop a new recipe that would welcome everyone to the table, regardless of dietary restrictions. Thus, the Vegan & Gluten-Free Oat Pie Crust was born.
This recipe swaps out almond flour for oat flour, ensuring it’s nut-free and gluten-free (using GF varieties). It is perfect for nut allergies, gluten sensitivities, or anyone looking for a healthy and delicious pie crust alternative. My goal was to create a recipe that didn’t compromise on taste or texture, ensuring everyone could enjoy their favorite pies without concern.
Now, it’s time to play with different fillings and enjoy your pies.
WHY OATS ARE GOOD FOR YOU
Oats are celebrated as one of the healthiest grains on earth, and for good reason. They’re a great source of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants, offering numerous health benefits.
Here’s why oats are good for you:
- Nutrient-rich: Oats are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and fibers, providing a balanced blend of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats.
- High in Antioxidants: They contain antioxidants like avenanthramides, which reduce inflammation and lower blood pressure.
- Promote Heart Health: Soluble fiber in oats, particularly beta-glucan, helps lower cholesterol levels, supporting a healthy heart.
- Enhance Blood Sugar Control: Beta-glucan also aids in stabilizing blood sugar, which is beneficial for managing or preventing diabetes.
- Aid in Digestive Health: The fiber improves digestive function and supports gut health.
- Help with Weight Management: The feeling of fullness provided by oat’s fiber content can help in weight control.
- Versatile: Oats are incredibly versatile and easy to incorporate into various meals, from breakfasts to snacks.
Oats are a superfood that can boost overall health, making them a valuable addition to any diet.
HOW TO PREPARE THIS OAT FLOUR PIE CRUST
(Please read the printable recipe card below for detailed ingredients, measurements, steps, and notes).
This easy and homemade pie crust is prepared with readily available ingredients like oat flour, tapioca flour, and tahini; this recipe is not only allergy-friendly but also surprisingly simple to make.
To prepare this Vegan & Gluten-Free Oat Pie Crust, simply mix oat flour, tapioca flour, a flax egg, tahini, unsweetened applesauce, and a touch of salt, then knead, roll out, and bake until golden.
And that’s a high-level summary; now, let’s explore kitchen tools, the required ingredients, and the steps with helpful pictures if needed.
USEFUL KITCHEN EQUIPMENT
To prepare this Oat Flour Pie Crust recipe, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools:
- Mixing Bowls: For combining your ingredients.
- Measuring spoons and cups: Precision is key in baking.
- Rolling Pin: To roll out your crust evenly.
- Pie Dish: A 9-inch (23 cm) pie dish is ideal.
- Parchment Paper: Helps roll out the dough without sticking and eases the transfer to your pie dish. You can also use a Silicone Dough Rolling Bag.
Now, let’s review the list of ingredients and potential substitutions in some cases.
INGREDIENTS NOTES
Here is a list of everything you will need to prepare this delicious recipe:
- Oat Flour (GF): A gluten-free base offers a mild, nutty flavor and a tender texture.
- Tapioca Flour: Acts as a binder and gives the crust a slight chewiness, mimicking the gluten’s role in traditional recipes.
- Ground Flaxseed: When mixed with water, it forms a “flax egg,” adding moisture and acting as a binding agent.
- Tahini: Offers richness and depth, replacing the need for oil or butter to keep this recipe WFPB.
- Unsweetened Applesauce: Adds natural sweetness and moisture, enhancing the dough’s texture. See my recipe here!
- Baking Powder: Helps the crust to rise slightly, providing a lighter texture.
- Salt: Balances the flavors and enhances the overall taste of the crust.
DIRECTIONS WITH PICTURES
To prepare this Oat Flour Pie Crust, follow these steps:
Start by mixing ground flaxseed with water and set aside to thicken. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Whisk together oat flour, tapioca flour, salt, and baking powder in a large bowl. Mix the tahini and applesauce in another bowl with the thickened flax egg until well combined.
Merge Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until a dough forms. Adjust the consistency with warm water as needed to achieve a pliable but not sticky dough.
Knead the Dough: Gently knead the dough on a surface lightly dusted with oat flour, adding more flour if the dough is too sticky.
Roll Out the Dough: Place the dough between two pieces of parchment paper (or using a silicon bag) and roll it out to fit the size of your pie dish.
Transfer to Pie Dish: Carefully lift the dough into your pie dish, pressing it firmly against the bottom and sides while shaping the edges.
Dock the Crust: Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork several times to prevent it from puffing up during baking.
Pre-Bake or Bake: Depending on your filling, either pre-bake the crust until golden around the edges or fill it and bake according to your pie recipe’s instructions.
What you’ll love about this recipe? Well, you will find that it is:
- Allergy-friendly: It’s a recipe that welcomes everyone to the table, regardless of dietary restrictions.
- Simple: Few ingredients and straightforward steps make this crust easy to make.
- Versatile: Perfect for both sweet and savory creations, from classic apple pies to inventive quiches.
- Healthy: Made with whole, plant-based ingredients, it’s naturally gluten-free, nut-free, and free of refined sugars and oils, offering a nutritious option that doesn’t compromise flavor or texture.
Let’s prepare this Oat Flour Pie Crust and enjoy it with your favorite filling!
WATCH THE STEP-BY-STEP VIDEO!
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PRINTABLE RECIPE CARD
VEGAN & GLUTEN-FREE OAT FLOUR PIE CRUST (Oil-Free)
Equipment
- 2 mixing bowls
- Measuring spoons and cups
- 1 Rolling Pin
- 1 Pie Dish
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp ground flaxseed (for flax egg)
- 3 Tbsp water (for flax egg)
- 1 ½ cups oat flour (180 g oat flour, GF if needed)
- 1/4 cup tapioca flour (30 g)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 cup tahini (56 g smooth pourable tahini)
- 1/3 cup applesauce (93 g unsweetened)
- 2-6 Tbsp warm water (as needed, might not be necessary)
Instructions
- Prepare the Flax Egg: Combine 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it thickens.
- Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the oat flour, tapioca flour, salt, and baking powder.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the tahini, applesauce, and flax egg until well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until combined. Depending on the moisture level of your mixture, start by adding a small amount of warm water (one tablespoon at a time) to achieve a dough consistency. The dough should be firm and pliable but not too sticky or wet. You may not need to use all the water, or you might not need it at all, or you will need more depending on climate, temperature, and consistency of ingredients.
- Form the Dough: Knead the dough gently on a surface dusted with oat flour. If it feels too sticky, add more oat or tapioca flour until it's manageable.
- Roll Out the Dough: Place the dough between two pieces of parchment paper* to prevent sticking. Roll it out to the desired thickness and size to fit your pie dish.
- Transfer to Pie Dish: Carefully peel off the top layer of parchment paper and invert the dough into your pie dish. Press it firmly but gently into the dish, shaping the edges as desired, and working with your fingers until you cover all the dish/pan**. Trim any excess dough.
- Dock the Crust: Use a fork to prick the bottom and the sides of the crust several times. This helps to release steam and prevents the crust from puffing up during baking. If you use this crust for pies that cook up to 45 minutes or more, you don't need to pre-bake it.
- Pre-Bake (Optional, fillings that require baking): For a pre-baked crust, bake in the oven for 15 minutes or until it turns golden around the edges. Add the filling, and continue baking *** following your recipe, keeping an eye on the crust to prevent over-browning.
- For no-bake pies (or cold fillings): Bake the pie crust for 20-25 minutes (in the center rack); Let it cool for 20 minutes before filling.
- Enjoy your delicious vegan, gluten-free, nut-free, and oil-free pie crust!
Notes
- * You can also use a Silicone Dough Rolling Bag instead of parchment paper. It’s one of my favorite items in my kitchen!
- ** The gluten-free dough will crack, but it’s manageable with patience. It is normal if it breaks in a few places, fix those cracks covering them with dough using wet fingers.
- *** To prevent the outer parts of the pie crust from burning during the baking process, it’s a good idea to shield the uncovered crust with aluminum foil. This technique ensures even baking of the pie and its crust, avoiding the crust turning excessively dark or burnt. Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on your crust, especially the first time you make it.
- Storage: If you need to store the baked crust before filling, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and keep it at room temperature for up to 1 day or refrigerate for up to 3 days. This crust can be frozen before or after baking. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and freeze. Don’t freeze it as a ball; if you are freezing it before baking it, shape it into the pan first (you can use aluminum pie pans).
- Oat Flour Texture: If you’re making your own oat flour, ensure it’s finely ground to avoid a gritty texture in the crust. A high-speed blender or food processor works best for achieving a fine consistency.
- Water Temperature: Using warm water can help to mix the dough more easily, especially if the tahini or applesauce is cold. However, add it gradually to avoid a dough that is too wet. I tried cold also, but warm worked better.
- Tahini Texture: Use smooth, pourable tahini for the best results. The consistency of tahini can vary significantly between brands; if yours is too thick, gently warming it may make blending with the other wet ingredients easier.
- The baking time only includes the pre-baking or par-baking version.
WAYS TO ENJOY THIS EASY PIE CRUST
This versatile vegan pie crust is perfect for a wide array of sweet and savory dishes, offering a healthy and delicious base for countless creations. Here are some delightful ways to enjoy it:
- Sweet Pies: Fill the crust with apple, berry, or peach fillings, topping with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dollop of vegan whipped cream.
- Savory Delights like Vegetable Quiches: Adorn it with a rich, delicious mix of roasted vegetables and tofu for a hearty meal. We love this pie crust in an Argentinian Corn Pie.
- Cream Pies: Pour velvety vegan chocolate, banana, nut butter, or coconut cream filling for a decadent, indulgent treat.
- Holiday Specials: Customize the crust with spices and fillings to create themed pies for holidays, like pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving.
- Tartlets: Convert the recipe to make mini tart shells, perfect for individual servings of sweet or savory fillings for appetizers or desserts.
Additionally, here are some customizations you can do to play with the flavor of the crust:
- Flavor Infusions: Add rosemary or other herbs, cinnamon, or nutmeg to the dough for an aromatic twist, adapting to savory or sweet fillings.
- Sweetened Option: Introduce a touch of maple or date syrup for a slightly sweet crust, perfect for dessert pies.
