Einkorn Pie Crust Recipe Easy and Flaky Every Time

Pie crusts are the foundation of any great pie, and when it comes to baking with ancient grains, einkorn offers a uniquely delicious and wholesome twist. Einkorn, one of the earliest cultivated forms of wheat, boasts a rich, nutty flavor and a tender texture that elevates your pie crust to a whole new level.

Unlike modern wheat, einkorn has a different gluten structure, which makes it a bit more delicate but incredibly rewarding to work with once you get the hang of it. Whether you’re preparing a savory quiche or a sweet fruit pie, this einkorn pie crust recipe will delight your taste buds with its buttery flakiness and subtle earthiness.

In this detailed guide, I’ll walk you through every step—from selecting the right ingredients to tips on rolling out this beautiful dough. You’ll also discover how einkorn’s nutritional benefits contribute to a healthier baking experience without compromising on flavor or texture.

Ready to impress your family and friends with a pie crust that’s as nutritious as it is delicious? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This einkorn pie crust recipe stands out because it combines health benefits with incredible taste and texture. Einkorn flour is less processed than modern wheat and contains more protein, vitamins, and minerals, making your pie crust not just tasty but nourishing.

Unlike conventional pie crusts, this dough is easier on digestion due to einkorn’s unique gluten, making it a great option for those sensitive to modern wheat. Plus, the nutty flavor of einkorn adds a subtle depth that pairs beautifully with both sweet and savory fillings.

Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. Whether you’re making a classic apple pie, a spiced pumpkin tart, or a herbed vegetable quiche, this crust forms a perfect base.

The dough is buttery and flaky, yet sturdy enough to hold up to any filling without becoming soggy.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups einkorn flour (sifted)
• ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for sweet pies)
• 10 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
• 3-5 tablespoons ice-cold water
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (optional, helps tenderize dough)

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Pastry cutter or fork
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Plastic wrap or beeswax wrap
• Rolling pin
• Pie dish (9-inch)
• Bench scraper (optional but helpful)
• Refrigerator

Instructions

1. Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the einkorn flour, sea salt, and sugar if using. This ensures even distribution of the salt and sugar throughout the dough.
2. Cut in the butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or fork, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized bits of butter remaining. The cold butter is key to achieving a flaky crust.
3. Add vinegar and water: Drizzle in the apple cider vinegar and begin adding ice-cold water, one tablespoon at a time. Use your hands or a fork to gently mix until the dough just starts to come together. Avoid overworking the dough to keep it tender.
4. Form the dough: Gather the dough into a ball and flatten it into a disk shape. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling relaxes the gluten and firms the butter, making the dough easier to roll out.
5. Prepare to roll: Lightly flour your work surface with einkorn flour. Remove the dough from the fridge and let it sit for 5 minutes to soften slightly, making it less prone to cracking.
6. Roll out the dough: Using a rolling pin, roll the dough from the center outward, rotating it occasionally to keep the shape even. Roll until you have a circle about 12 inches in diameter, about 1/8 inch thick.
7. Transfer to pie dish: Carefully lift the dough and place it into your 9-inch pie dish. Gently press it into the edges without stretching. Trim any excess dough hanging over the sides.
8. Chill again (optional): For best results, chill the pie crust in the dish for 30 minutes before filling and baking. This helps prevent shrinking.
9. Blind bake if needed: If your recipe requires a pre-baked crust, line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes, then remove weights and bake for another 10 minutes until golden.
10. Fill and bake: Proceed with your pie filling and baking instructions. The crust will hold up beautifully to both custard and fruit fillings.

Tips & Variations

“Keep your butter and water ice-cold for the flakiest crust possible.”

Working quickly and keeping ingredients cold is essential when making a great pie crust. This prevents the butter from melting prematurely and helps the dough remain flaky after baking.

If you find the dough too crumbly, add an extra tablespoon of ice water, but be careful not to add too much to avoid a tough crust. For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with chilled coconut oil or vegan butter alternatives, though the texture may vary slightly.

For a savory twist, omit the sugar and add a teaspoon of dried herbs like thyme or rosemary to the flour mixture. This is excellent for quiches or vegetable pies.

Experiment with partial substitution of einkorn flour with whole wheat or spelt for a different flavor and texture, but keep the majority einkorn for the best results.

Nutrition Facts

Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on specific ingredients used.

Serving Suggestions

This einkorn pie crust pairs beautifully with a wide range of fillings. For sweet pies, try classic apple, cherry, or pumpkin recipes for a comforting dessert.

The nutty flavor of einkorn complements autumnal spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove wonderfully.

For savory options, consider a vegetable quiche filled with spinach, mushrooms, or roasted tomatoes. The crust’s mild sweetness balances savory cheeses, herbs, and eggs perfectly.

If you’re interested in more wholesome vegan and vegetarian recipes that incorporate ancient grains and nutrient-dense ingredients, check out these favorites:

• Backpacking Dehydrated Vegan Meal Recipes for Easy Camping
• Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious
• Apple Barn Pigeon Forge TN Vegetable Soup Recipe Guide

Conclusion

Making an einkorn pie crust is a rewarding experience that brings a touch of ancient grain goodness to your baking. Its distinctive nutty flavor and tender texture make it a delightful base for all kinds of pies, both sweet and savory.

While einkorn requires a gentle hand due to its unique gluten, the process is straightforward and well worth the effort.

By incorporating this recipe into your baking repertoire, you not only enjoy delicious pies but also tap into the health benefits of one of the oldest cultivated wheats. Whether you’re baking for a family dinner, a holiday feast, or simply a cozy weekend dessert, this einkorn pie crust will impress with its taste and wholesome qualities.

Happy baking!

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