If you're on the hunt for a perfectly flaky pie crust that just happens to be gluten-free, you've hit the jackpot. This Golden Flake Gluten-Free Pie Crust delivers on texture and taste, making it the perfect base for your favorite pies, whether sweet or savory.
Let's start with the backbone of our crust, the gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. It provides the structure we need without the gluten. Adding almond flour brings a subtle nutty flavor and a tender crumb, enhancing both taste and texture. A touch of sugar balances the flavors, while salt enhances them.
Butter is our main fat, and using it cold and cubed helps create those desirable flaky layers. The egg acts as a binder, bringing everything together with a bit more richness. Finally, ice water is crucial for moisture, helping to form a cohesive dough without making it sticky.
This crust is versatile enough for a classic apple pie or a savory quiche. For a summer treat, fill it with fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream. Or, for a warm, cozy option, try a pumpkin filling spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg.
Start by whisking together the gluten-free flour blend, almond flour, sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl. This ensures everything is evenly distributed before you add the butter. Speaking of which, grab your cold, cubed butter next. Add it to the flour mixture and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to blend until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. You’re aiming for pea-sized bits of butter, which will help create a flaky texture once baked.
In a small bowl, beat your egg. Pour it into the crumbly flour-butter mixture. Stir gently until the dough begins to clump together. It’ll still be a bit dry, but don’t worry. This is where the ice water comes in; add it one tablespoon at a time, mixing after each addition, until the dough is just moist enough to form a ball.
Once your dough is ready, flatten it into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and pop it into the fridge. Let it chill for at least an hour to relax the gluten-free flour and firm up the butter. When you’re ready to roll, lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough out to fit your pie pan. Handle it gently to avoid tearing.
Carefully transfer the dough to the pie pan. If it cracks, just pinch it back together. Trim any excess and crimp the edges as you like. If you’re using a no-bake filling, pre-bake the crust; otherwise, fill it and bake according to your pie recipe.