Oat and Applesauce Pie Crust Vegan Gluten-Free Recipe
This Vegan Gluten-Free Oat and Applesauce Pie Crust is a simple, wholesome alternative to traditional pie crusts. Made with coarse ground oats and naturally sweetened applesauce, it offers a tender, slightly chewy texture with a subtle hint of sweetness. Perfect for plant-based and gluten-sensitive bakers, this crust bakes up golden and firm, creating an ideal base for both warm and chilled pie fillings.
- Author: Lisa
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 1 8-inch pie crust 1x
- Category: Pie Crust
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Pie Crust Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups oats, ground coarsely (makes about 1 cup)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- Grind Oats: Using a blender, pulse the oats until they reach a coarse, grainy texture. Avoid grinding them too finely like oat flour; leaving some texture is important for a good crust consistency.
- Mix Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the coarsely ground oats with the applesauce. Stir well until the mixture is evenly blended into a sticky dough.
- Form the Crust: Press the oat and applesauce mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of an 8-inch pie tin. Spread evenly to about 1/4 inch thickness for a uniform crust.
- Prepare for Baking: Use a fork or small knife to poke several holes throughout the bottom of the crust to allow steam to escape during baking, preventing bubbling.
- Bake the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Bake the crust for 20 to 25 minutes, or until it is firm to the touch and starting to turn golden brown around the edges.
- Cool and Chill: Remove the crust from the oven and allow it to cool completely at room temperature. For optimal texture, especially if using a cold pie filling, place the cooled crust in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before filling and serving.
Notes
- This crust works well for both fruit pies and creamy fillings.
- Use unsweetened applesauce to control sugar content in your pie.
- Ensure oats are coarsely ground rather than finely milled for best texture.
- Poking holes before baking prevents sogginess.
- Chilling the crust before adding cold fillings helps maintain firmness.
Keywords: vegan pie crust, gluten free pie crust, oat crust, applesauce crust, healthy pie crust, vegan baking, gluten-free baking