Pie crust can often feel like the most intimidating part of baking, especially when you’re aiming for a vegan version. But what if I told you that making a delicious, flaky, and perfectly tender vegan pie crust could be easy and foolproof?
Whether you’re preparing a sweet fruit pie or a savory pot pie, this crust recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It uses simple ingredients you likely already have, and requires just a little patience and love to bring that classic buttery texture without any animal products.
This crust is wonderfully versatile, suitable for all kinds of fillings and occasions. Plus, you don’t need specialized vegan butter or fancy oils—just pantry staples that come together beautifully.
If you’ve ever struggled with pie crust cracking or toughness, this recipe will change your baking game. Ready to impress your family and friends with a pie that’s 100% plant-based and 100% delicious?
Let’s dive right in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This easy vegan pie crust recipe is a game-changer for both beginner and experienced bakers. It’s:
- Simple and Quick: With just a handful of ingredients and a straightforward method, you can have pie crust ready in under 20 minutes.
- Flaky and Tender: Achieves that perfect texture without any dairy or eggs, thanks to the use of cold vegan butter and a touch of vinegar.
- Versatile: Works well for both sweet pies like apple or pumpkin and savory pies such as vegan pot pie or quiche.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses common pantry ingredients, so no need for specialty products.
- Customizable: You can easily add herbs or spices to the dough to complement your filling.
Plus, it pairs excellently with many other vegan recipes. If you’re looking for inspiration on plant-based meals, check out our Vegan Slow Cooker Recipe for Easy, Delicious Meals or whip up a quick snack with the Vegan Flour Tortilla Recipe Easy, Soft, and Homemade.
For a complete feast, the Vegan Cuban Recipes: Delicious Plant-Based Island Flavor might just transport you to the tropics!
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
All-purpose flour | 2 ½ cups (315g) |
Cold vegan butter (e.g., Earth Balance) | ¾ cup (170g), cubed |
Ice water | 6 to 8 tablespoons |
Apple cider vinegar | 1 tablespoon |
Salt | 1 teaspoon |
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Pastry cutter or two forks (or food processor)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rolling pin
- Plastic wrap or reusable silicone wrap
- Pie dish (9-inch recommended)
Instructions
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt.
- Cut in the vegan butter: Add the cold, cubed vegan butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or two forks, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter still visible. If using a food processor, pulse 8-10 times carefully.
- Add apple cider vinegar: Pour in the apple cider vinegar. This helps tenderize the dough and enhances flakiness.
- Mix in ice water: Gradually add 6 tablespoons of ice water, stirring gently with a fork or your hands. Add more water, one tablespoon at a time, just until the dough starts to come together when pressed.
- Form the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Press and knead gently just until it forms a cohesive ball. Avoid overworking to keep the crust tender.
- Chill the dough: Divide the dough in half, flatten into two disks, wrap each tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This step firms up the butter and relaxes the gluten.
- Roll out: After chilling, lightly flour your surface and rolling pin. Roll out one disk into a 12-inch circle, about 1/8 inch thick. Transfer it carefully to your pie dish, easing it into place without stretching.
- Trim and crimp: Trim excess dough hanging over the edges, leaving about 1/2 inch. Fold under and crimp edges as desired.
- Fill and bake: Add your favorite vegan pie filling and bake according to your pie’s recipe instructions. For a pre-baked crust, prick the bottom with a fork and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until lightly golden.
Tips & Variations
Tip: Keep all your ingredients cold for the flakiest crust. You can even chill your mixing bowl and utensils beforehand to help.
If you prefer a gluten-free option, swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, but note that texture will vary slightly. For a richer flavor, try adding 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed or a pinch of sugar for a sweeter crust.
Want to add herbs? Mix in 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary or thyme to the flour for a savory twist that’s perfect for quiches or vegetable pies.
For a nutty flavor, replace 1/4 cup of flour with finely ground almonds.
If you have a food processor, use it to pulse the flour, butter, and salt together quickly, then add vinegar and ice water. This method is especially handy when you want to save time.
Looking for more easy vegan recipes to complement your pie? Try the Veggie Quesadilla Recipe Indian Style Easy & Delicious or get creative with the Vegan Halloween Dessert Recipes That Will Wow Your Guests.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (1/8 crust) |
---|---|
Calories | 210 kcal |
Fat | 12 g |
Saturated Fat | 3 g |
Carbohydrates | 24 g |
Fiber | 1 g |
Sugar | 0.2 g |
Protein | 2 g |
Sodium | 180 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This vegan pie crust pairs perfectly with a wide range of fillings and meals. For a cozy dessert, fill it with spiced apple or pumpkin pie filling and top with coconut whipped cream.
For savory options, try a hearty mushroom and spinach pot pie or a vegan quiche loaded with seasonal vegetables. It also makes a wonderful base for a vegan fruit tart with fresh berries and a drizzle of agave syrup.
Don’t forget, this crust is a great companion to other plant-based recipes. Pair your pie with a fresh salad and some High Protein Vegan Soup Recipes for Healthy Meals for a complete and satisfying dinner.
Conclusion
Mastering an easy vegan pie crust is a fantastic skill that will elevate your baking repertoire and impress anyone lucky enough to try your pies. This recipe proves that you don’t need dairy or eggs to achieve a flaky, tender crust that holds up beautifully to any filling.
Its simple ingredients and straightforward method make it accessible to bakers of all levels, from novices to seasoned pros.
Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a family dinner, or just because, this crust is reliable, flavorful, and adaptable. Plus, it’s the perfect gateway to exploring more vegan cooking adventures.
If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to explore our other delicious plant-based recipes like the Vegan Beignet Recipe: Easy, Fluffy, and Delicious Treat or the Vegan Chocolate Milk Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide for delightful dessert options.
Happy baking, and may your vegan pie crusts always be flaky and fabulous!
📖 Recipe Card: Easy Vegan Pie Crust Recipe
Description: A simple and flaky vegan pie crust perfect for sweet or savory pies. Made with basic pantry ingredients and no butter or eggs.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT30M
Servings: 1 9-inch pie crust
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup coconut oil, solid
- 3-4 tablespoons ice water
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and sugar.
- Cut in solid coconut oil until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add apple cider vinegar and 3 tablespoons ice water.
- Mix until dough comes together, adding more water if needed.
- Form dough into a disc, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes.
- Roll out dough on floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie pan.
- Transfer dough to pan, trim edges, and prick bottom with fork.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes until lightly golden.
Nutrition: Calories: 180 | Protein: 2g | Fat: 12g | Carbs: 18g
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