Gluten-free diets are becoming increasingly popular, even for those without celiac disease or gluten intolerance. Many people find they feel better when they avoid gluten. This poses a challenge for baking enthusiasts who love homemade pies but need a gluten-free crust. Thankfully, there are more options now for premade gluten-free pie crust than ever before.
Quick Answer
Yes, you can buy premade gluten-free pie crust in grocery stores or online. Major brands like Pillsbury, Wholly Wholesome, and Immaculate Baking Company offer gluten-free pie crusts made with rice flour or other gluten-free flours. You can find them in the freezer section of many larger grocery stores. Smaller specialty brands also sell premade gluten-free crusts through online retailers or ship them frozen directly to consumers.
Where Can You Buy Premade Gluten-Free Pie Crust?
Here are some of the places you can find premade gluten-free pie crusts:
- Grocery store freezer sections – Look for brands like Pillsbury Gluten Free, Wholly Wholesome, or Immaculate Baking Company in the frozen pie crust area.
- Specialty grocery stores – Stores like Whole Foods, Sprouts, or Trader Joe’s often carry gluten-free crust options in their freezer sections.
- Online retailers – Websites like Amazon, GlutenFreeMall, and GlutenFreeExpress have listings for premade gluten-free crusts that can be shipped frozen right to your door.
- Direct from manufacturers – Some smaller gluten-free bakeries sell their crusts online and ship them frozen nationally.
- Local bakeries – Check with bakeries in your area to see if any offer gluten-free versions of their pie crusts.
The availability of premade gluten-free pie crust has really expanded beyond just health food stores in recent years. While you may need to hunt a little harder to find them compared to traditional wheat-based crusts, major retailers now understand the growing demand. With more people following gluten-free diets for health reasons, even mainstream grocery stores stock some options.
What Brands Sell Premade Gluten-Free Pie Crust?
Here are some of the major brands producing premade gluten-free pie crusts:
- Pillsbury Gluten Free – This line from baking giant Pillsbury offers both graham cracker and traditional style gluten-free pie crusts.
- Wholly Wholesome – They make gluten-free vegan pie shells in flavors like cinnamon and turbinado sugar.
- Immaculate Baking Company – Choose from their butter or vegan gluten-free pie crusts.
- Namaste Foods – Find gluten-free pie crust mixes and ready to bake crusts.
- Krusteaz – They produce a rice flour gluten-free pie crust mix.
- Cup4Cup – This brand pioneered gluten-free flour blends and makes pie crust mix.
There are also many smaller gluten-free and allergen-friendly bakeries that ship their products nationwide. Some examples include Against the Grain Gourmet, Gluten-Free Forever, and Nouvelle Gluten Free Bakery. Search for ‘gluten-free pie crust’ online and you’ll find numerous options.
What Are Premade Gluten-Free Pie Crusts Made Of?
Since traditional wheat flour contains gluten, premade gluten-free pie crusts are made with alternate gluten-free flours and starches. Here are some common ingredients:
- Rice Flour – Rice flour naturally lacks gluten and has a mild flavor. It’s one of the most popular flour alternatives.
- Tapioca Flour – Tapioca flour provides structure and chewiness to mimic gluten.
- Sorghum Flour – Sorghum is an ancient gluten-free grain that adds protein.
- Potato Starch – Potato starch helps bind ingredients together.
- Xanthan Gum – This additive mimics the sticky texture of gluten to hold the crust together.
- Butter or Oil – Fats give the crust flakiness similar to traditional pie dough.
- Sugar – A small amount of sugar enhances browning and sweetness.
- Salt – A pinch of salt brings out other flavors.
Specific combinations and proportions of these ingredients vary by brand and recipe. But most premade gluten-free crusts use a blend of flours and starches plus fats, salt, and sugar to create a tasty, flaky crust without any wheat.
Are Premade Gluten-Free Pie Crusts Healthy?
Premade gluten-free pie crusts are a healthier option for anyone who needs to avoid gluten. But besides being gluten-free, are they really healthy compared to making your own from scratch?
On the positive side, you can easily find premade crusts made without hydrogenated fats or trans fats, which are unhealthy types of fat. Some brands use plant-based fats like palm fruit oil instead of butter, or even offer vegan coconut oil-based versions.
However, most premade gluten-free crusts still rely heavily on refined white rice flour instead of 100% whole grain flours. They also contain added sugars. And baked goods in general aren’t the most nutrient-dense choice.
So while premade gluten-free crusts can be a tasty, convenient option, for the best nutrition, making your own crust using whole food ingredients is ideal. But when time is short or you need convenience, they’re a suitable alternative.
| Premade Crusts | Homemade Crusts |
|---|---|
| Convenience | More control over ingredients |
| Often use refined flours | Can use 100% whole grain flours |
| Typically have added sugars | Can limit or avoid added sugars |
Tips for Using Premade Gluten-Free Pie Crust
Premade gluten-free pie crusts can make baking pies so much easier. Here are some tips for getting the best results when using them:
- Read the package instructions carefully as baking times can vary between brands.
- Allow crusts to thaw completely before baking if they were frozen. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Preheat your oven and use a glass or metal pie pan for the most even browning.
- To prevent soggy crust, pre-bake empty crusts 5-7 minutes before adding fillings.
- Brush pre-baked crusts with egg wash or milk and sprinkle sugar or spices before final baking for added flavor and browning.
- Place a baking sheet under your pie on the lower rack to catch any drips.
- Cover crust edges with foil or a pie shield if browning too quickly while the filling bakes.
- Let cool for at least a couple of hours; gluten-free crusts firm up better once completely cooled.
With the right handling, premade gluten-free crusts can give you picture-perfect pies to enjoy. Always refer back to the packaging if you’re unsure since instructions vary across brands. And allow plenty of cooling time before slicing into your creations.
Finding Dairy-Free and Vegan Gluten-Free Pie Crusts
If you follow a vegan diet or need to avoid dairy as well as gluten, look for premade crusts that fit your diet. Here are some tips:
- Seek out vegan brands like Wholly Wholesome that use oil instead of butter.
- Check ingredient lists carefully to ensure there’s no butter, milk products, eggs or honey.
- Look for brands that explicitly state they’re dairy-free or vegan on the packaging. Terms like “non-dairy” don’t guarantee vegan.
- Search for “gluten free vegan pie crust” online to find brands selling them.
- Make sure foods are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
While your choices may be more limited, there are premade pie crusts out there for people who need to avoid both gluten and dairy. You may need to shop at specialty grocers or buy online. With the rise of plant-based diets and dairy allergies, the selection continues improving.
Gluten-Free Pie Crust Recipes to Make Your Own
While premade gluten-free crusts offer convenience, you can also make tasty gluten-free pie crusts at home. Here are some recipe ideas using gluten-free flours and ingredients:
Gluten-Free All-Butter Pie Dough
This simple crust uses rice flour, tapioca starch, and xanthan gum for binding. The butter provides rich flavor and flakiness.
Gluten-Free Vegan Pie Crust
For a vegan crust, use coconut oil in place of butter. Sweet rice flour, sorghum flour, potato starch, and xanthan gum give you both flavor and structure.
Nutty Gluten-Free Pie Crust
Almond and coconut flours lend great texture and nutrition. The nutty flavor pairs nicely with fillings like chocolate silk pie or pumpkin pie.
Gluten-Free Graham Cracker Crust
For a fun twist, use homemade gluten-free graham crackers or GF graham cracker crumbs as the crust for cheesecakes and chiffon pies.
Explore all kinds of combinations of alternative flours and fats to create your ideal gluten-free crust. The options are endless once you get comfortable with gluten-free baking principles.
Are Premade or Homemade Gluten-Free Crusts Better?
Whether store-bought or homemade gluten-free crusts are “better” comes down to your specific needs and preferences:
- Convenience – Premade crusts save a lot of time and effort compared to making them from scratch.
- Ingredient quality – Homemade gives you total control over ingredients if you want 100% whole foods.
- Flavor – Homemade crusts tend to have fresher, brighter tastes but premade can still be quite good.
- Price – Premade crusts cost more than homemade, but factor in time savings.
- Special diets – Either premade or homemade can adapt to be dairy-free, egg-free, etc.
Weigh your priorities like time, budget, and dietary needs when deciding between premade and homemade gluten-free crusts. There are great options either way.
Common Questions
Are premade pie crusts as good as homemade?
Premade gluten-free pie crusts will generally be good quality and taste, but not as fresh-tasting as homemade. However, they offer much more convenience, so it’s a trade-off.
Can you freeze premade unbaked pie crusts?
Yes, premade unbaked gluten-free pie crusts can be frozen for longer storage. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before using to prevent cracking.
What can I use if I don’t have pie crust?
If you don’t have premade pie crust, make one from scratch or substitute gluten-free cookies, crackers or nuts crushed into the pan. You can also make crustless pies.
Are frozen pie crusts already cooked?
No, frozen premade gluten-free pie crusts are unbaked when you purchase them. You still need to fully bake them once filled as the package directs.
The Bottom Line
Premade gluten-free pie crusts are lifesavers for anyone who loves homemade pies but avoids gluten. Thanks to growing demand, you can find quality gluten-free crusts in grocers nationwide from brands like Pillsbury, Wholly Wholesome, and more. They save you time and hassle. Just check labels to ensure they’re gluten-free and dairy-free if needed. Homemade crusts offer more flexibility with ingredients but require more work. Premade crusts bake up tender and flaky when you follow package directions. Either option lets you enjoy delicious pies the gluten-free way.
