Gluten free diets are becoming increasingly popular, with more and more people choosing to avoid gluten for medical reasons or simply as a lifestyle choice. For those following a gluten free diet, finding tasty dessert options that are also gluten free can be challenging. When it comes to pies, the crust is often a major source of gluten. So an important question for gluten free bakers is: is there a ready made gluten free pie crust available?
The Challenges of Gluten Free Pie Crust
Pie crust can be tricky to perfect even without dietary restrictions. The balance of flour, fat, liquid and handling needed to achieve a flaky, tender, golden crust takes practice. When you remove gluten from the equation, it adds another layer of difficulty. Gluten provides structure and elasticity to doughs and batters. It helps pie dough hold together and allows it to stretch without breaking. Gluten free flours lack these properties, resulting in a more delicate and crumbly dough that is prone to cracking and falling apart.
Here are some of the main considerations when making or choosing a gluten free pie crust:
- Binding – Gluten free flours don’t have gluten to bind the dough together. Xanthan or guar gum are typically added to help mimic gluten’s effects.
- Structure – Rice, tapioca, potato and other gluten free flours produce a more delicate, brittle dough.
- Texture – Gluten free crusts are often grittier or sandier due to the use of grain flours.
- Flavor – Gluten free flours have different flavors that can compete with the filling.
- Shaping – The dough tends to crack and break apart when rolled out.
- Baking – Crusts bake faster and can become overly browned.
Overcoming these obstacles takes a thoughtful recipe and careful technique. Pre-made crusts manufactured by gluten free specialty companies can offer a convenient shortcut for home bakers.
Benefits of Ready Made Gluten Free Pie Crust
Purchasing a pre-made gluten free pie crust, whether frozen or refrigerated, provides several advantages over making one from scratch:
- Convenience – Pie crust from scratch requires measuring ingredients, careful mixing, rolling, pie plate prep, etc. Pre-made removes many steps.
- Consistency – Trial and error is needed to perfect gluten free dough. Pre-made offers reliable results every time.
- Time savings – Shortcut crusts trim active prep and baking time.
- No special ingredients – Premixed crusts contain the required binders and starches.
- Flaky texture – Manufacturers can master the layering and shaping.
- Versatile shapes – Find crusts for everything from pie plates to tart pans.
- Extended shelf life – Frozen and refrigerated options last for weeks or months.
For busy home cooks juggling family, work and health considerations like gluten intolerance, having a quality store-bought crust can make baking pies a possibility.
Types of Pre-Made Gluten Free Pie Crust
There are two main types of prepared gluten free pie crust on the market – refrigerated dough, and frozen shells.
Refrigerated Dough
Refrigerated gluten free pie crust dough comes packaged in a disc or square that must be rolled out before baking. Popular brands include:
- Pillsbury Gluten Free Pie Crust Dough
- Wholly Gluten Free Pie Crust Dough
- Cup4Cup Gluten Free Pie Dough
- Krusteaz Gluten Free Pie Crust
This dough requires refrigeration and must be used within a short window, usually 1-2 weeks. The main advantage is you can roll it to the exact size and shape you need for your pie plate. However, rolling fragile gluten free dough without causing cracks takes some finesse. Having pie weights and parchment paper on hand helps.
Frozen Pie Crust Shells
Frozen gluten free pie shells come pre-formed in a pie plate shape. Major brands are:
- Wholly Gluten Free Pie Shells
- Krusteaz Gluten Free Pie Shells
- Immaculate Baking Co Pie Crusts
- Calise & Son Bakery Pie Shells
Frozen shells only require thawing, filling and baking so they offer maximum convenience. However, you are limited to the size and type of pie plate. Deep dish shells are harder to find. Being frozen, they have a longer shelf life of 4-12 months.
| Type | Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerated dough | – Can shape as needed – Shorter ingredient list |
– Shorter shelf life – Must roll out carefully |
| Frozen shells | – Long shelf life – No shaping required |
– Limited sizes/shapes – May contain more additives |
What to Look for When Buying
Not all gluten free pie crusts are created equal. Here are some tips for selecting a quality ready made crust:
- Check labels for certified gluten free – Look for verification from GFCO or another reputable organization.
- Read ingredient lists – Opt for those with simple, natural ingredients. Avoid hydrogenated oils.
- Consider texture – Some brands offer more flaky, layered crusts than others.
- Be mindful of sweetness – Some shells contain sugar, ideal for dessert pies but not savory recipes.
- Watch out for artificial colors – Yellow and brown crusts may get their color from dyes.
- Check thickness – Thicker shells and dough hold up better during baking.
- Understand nutrition info – Crusts vary widely in calories, fat, carbs, protein, etc.
- Read reviews – Check feedback from other gluten free bakers.
Taking the time to read packaging and compare products helps ensure you choose a crust that works for your needs and tastes.
How to Work with Pre-Made Crust
Follow these tips to handle store-bought gluten free pie crust:
- Thaw frozen shells thoroughly – Leave refrigerated dough out until flexible enough to roll.
- Preheat oven – Get oven to correct temp before filling crust.
- Work quickly and gently – Handle dough minimally to avoid tearing.
- Chill dough if warm – Pop in fridge if dough gets too soft while working.
- Roll on floured parchment – Provides nonstick surface for rolling out.
- Use pie weights – Prevents crust sagging while pre-baking empty shell.
- Brush edges with water before crimping – Creates a better seal to hold in filling.
- Watch closely while baking – Gluten free crusts brown faster than traditional.
With careful handling and attentive baking, pre-made gluten free pie crust can produce delicious results. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different brands, recipes and baking techniques to find your ideal crust.
Recipes Using Ready Made Gluten Free Pie Crust
Here are some delicious ideas for how to fill and bake pre-made gluten free pie crust:
Sweet Pies
- Pecan pie
- Lemon meringue pie
- Key lime pie
- Chocolate cream pie
- Banana cream pie
- Coconut cream pie
- Berry pies like blueberry, blackberry or strawberry rhubarb
- Apple pie
- Peach pie
- Pumpkin pie
- Gluten free cheesecake
Savory Pies
- Pot pies – chicken, turkey, beef, etc.
- Quiche
- Spinach and feta pie
- Onion tart
- Chicken pot pie
- Shepherd’s pie
Nearly any pie filling can be adapted to bake successfully in a gluten free crust. Just follow recipe guidelines for blind baking the crust, filling, and adjusting bake times as needed.
Storing and Freezing Gluten Free Pie Crust
To maximize freshness of refrigerated or frozen gluten free crust:
- Keep refrigerated dough chilled until ready to use.
- Allow frozen crusts to thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Re-roll scraps into a ball and refrigerate to use within a few days.
- Freeze any leftovers airtight for 2-3 months.
- Double wrap pieces in plastic wrap then foil before freezing.
- Thaw frozen crust slowly in the fridge before using.
- Avoid refreezing thawed crust or dough.
With proper storage and handling, pre-made gluten free crust can keep for weeks in the fridge or months in the freezer.
Troubleshooting Gluten Free Pie Crusts
Even using a convenience product, gluten free pie crusts can still present some challenges. Here are some common issues and how to prevent them:
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Cracks or breaking while rolling | – Roll between two sheets of parchment – Work quickly to limit handling – Chill dough if warm |
| Dry, crumbly texture | – Add a tsp or two of water if too dry – Be gentle shaping and transferring |
| Filling leaks during baking | – Chill filled pie before baking – Brush crust edge with water before sealing |
| Soggy bottom crust | – Use pie weights for blind baking – Bake on a heated baking sheet |
| Over-browning | – Watch closely while baking – Cover edges with foil or crust shield – Lower oven 25 degrees F |
With a bit of trial and error, you can learn how to prevent common mishaps and end up with the perfect gluten free crust.
Ready Made vs. Homemade Gluten Free Pie Crust
Is it worth making your own gluten free pie crust instead of using pre-made? Here’s a comparison of the pros and cons:
Benefits of Ready Made
- Saves time and effort
- Consistent results
- Accessible ingredients
- Simpler process
- Wider variety of crust options
- Longer shelf life when frozen
- No special equipment needed
Benefits of Homemade
- Can control ingredients
- Adjust texture and flavor
- Cheaper per crust
- Make specific shapes or sizes
- Use fresher, less processed ingredients
- Decorate edge as desired
For bakers short on time, pre-made crusts can be a game changer. But those wanting total control and customization may still prefer homemade. Try both approaches to decide which gluten free pie crust method suits your needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, yes – there are ready made gluten free pie crust options widely available for purchase. Both major specialty brands and mainstream makers offer refrigerated dough and frozen shells. While the quality, flavors and shapes vary, pre-made crusts provide convenience for gluten free bakers. With proper handling and baking adjustments, store-bought crusts can yield delicious results. However, homemade gluten free dough allows for more creativity and customization for those willing to put in the effort. The choice comes down to your priorities and preferences in the kitchen.
