3 Ingredient Gluten-Free Pie Crust

by Lindsay Cotter Updated: Nov 30, 2023

Dairy-Free Gluten-Free Nightshade-Free Nut-Free Vegetarian

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This 3 Ingredient Pie Crust recipe uses pantry staples for a sweet or savory pie crust that’s so easy to make! We provide a dairy-free option, too.

Overhead photo of homemade gluten free pie crust on gray background.

Traditional vs. This 3 Ingredient Pie Crust

Traditional pie crusts are made with a combination of all-purpose flour (gluten-free, for us), sugar, butter, and shortening. This mixture creates a dough that is then rolled out and baked until golden.

Meanwhile, this 3 ingredient pie crust is made with a base of bread instead of a flour mixture. Really! It is combined with a few other ingredients in the bowl of a food processor, rolled out, and baked.

As a result, it’s often a lot quicker than traditional recipes. However, we admit that calling it a pie crust is a bit of a stretch. Instead, think of it as more of a pie crust hack.

It’s more delicate and slightly crumblier than traditional crusts and doesn’t work with every recipe. That said, it’s a great way to use up leftovers and is super tasty!

What’s in a 3 Ingredient Pie Crust?

As the name suggests, this crust comes together with just three primary ingredients. However, we add a fourth option so you can have either a savory 3 ingredient pie crust or a sweet one!

A stack of gluten free bread, an egg, and butter in a small bowl.

Gluten-Free Bread – Make sure your bread is a type of fluff, soft, white bread such as sandwich bread. Think of it like a white flour. We want the fluffy white bread because it’s versatile and soft. Whole-grain-style varieties or those with added nuts, flax, etc. won’t work well.
Butter or Oil – Use unsalted butter or refined coconut oil for a dairy-free version. You don’t want to use cold butter like other pie recipes. Instead, allow it to soften first.
Egg – This helps create a richer flavor and acts as a binder, holding the ingredients together. We haven’t tested this recipe with egg substitutes, but don’t think they would work well.
Cold Water – Adjust as needed.
Optional Sweetener – If you want a sweet crust option for gluten-free pies, include a dash of sugar or your favorite sweetener of choice.

How to Make a 3-Ingredient Pie Crust

Still super tasty, this recipe is ready with minimal prep time and a total time that’s less than creating a traditional pie crust with no pie weights, beans, pastry cutter, or pastry blender required.

Gluten Free Pie Crust - 3 Ingredient Recipe!

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Create bread meal. Cut the bread into pieces, and place it in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until a crumbly texture is formed.
Combine. Add the whisked egg, and pulse a few times to incorporate. Then, add the butter (or coconut oil), and blend again until well combined.

Note: If the batter is too thick and not coming together, add very small amounts of water at a time, and blend. Be very careful not to add too much, or your pie crust will fall apart!

Chill. Roll the pie dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and transfer it to the fridge on its own or in a large bowl to chill.
Roll. Transfer the chilled pie plate or pie dish to a lightly floured surface, and place a sheet of plastic or parchment paper over the crust. Use a rolling pin to roll it out evenly until it is roughly ⅛ to ¼ inch thick.

bread diced up in food processor- overhead shot

A gluten free pie crust wrapped in plastic wrap on a white marble countertop.

Note: This amount of crust will make enough for one 8-inch pie crust or 4-5 hand pies. Adjust according based on the recipe you’re making!

Form the crust. Fold the dough over an 8-inch pie pan, and gently press the crust against the sides and middle of the pan. Use a sharp knife or scissors to remove any excess dough hanging off the edge, and patch any tears as needed with the extra dough.
Flute the edges. Use two hands to flute the edges of the pie, and poke holes in the center with a fork.
Bake. Transfer the 3 ingredient pie crust to a preheated oven, and par-bake or bake completely, depending on your needs.

overhead image: gluten free pie topped with whipped cream

Pro-Tip: If you plan on using this easy pie crust recipe to make sweet or savory pies with pie filling, brush the pie with egg wash before baking. This will help create a seal, preventing it from becoming soggy!

How to Use This Pie Crust

the best quiche, made from scratch and gluten free

Overhead photo of four gluten free apple hand pies on a white plate.

Can I Use It for a Top and Bottom Crust?

No, this recipe is too delicate to make a double crust pie. You’ll want a traditional butter pie crust to create a fully enclosed pie.

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