This dairy free oil pie crust is made without butter. Still it’s incredibly flaky and is perfect for both sweet and savory pies, not to mention super easy to make.
What I love about this oil pie crust is so easy to make.
In part, this is because this pie crust is made with oil instead of butter.
I’ve never successfully made an easy butter pie crust from scratch.
Then again, I didn’t really have much practice because I have little use for butter crusts.
Another thing that makes it easy is that it is a dough you can roll out.
I hate doughs that expect you to spread it with your fingers. They seem unnecessarily complicated and hard to shape.
This dairy free pie crust however, comes together really quickly, and then all you do is roll it out and place it in the pie pan.
It really couldn’t be simpler.
Can you substitute oil for butter or shortening in pie crust?
While you can make an oil pie crust, you can’t exactly substitute oil for butter or shortening in a pie crust.
This is because the technique for making a pie crust is a little different than regular pie crust.
Types of Pies to make
Really this crust is perfect for anything from Apple pie to Chicken Pot Pie and everything in between.
It doesn’t matter if you pie is sweet or savory, this flaky crust will be perfect for it.
My personal favorite pies to make with it are Pumpkin Pie and Pecan Pie.
What’s great about this crust is that it can really stand up to the these pies without getting soggy.
Is the crust flaky?
Yes! This crust is incredibly flaky.
BAKING WITH OIL
In general, oil in baked goods makes for a superior texture than those made with butter.
Oil cakes tend to bake up taller with a better crumb. They also stay moist and tender far longer than recipes made with butter.
Furthermore, since oil is lighter than butter, the texture of oil cakes is lighter too.
Also, given that oil is 100% fat while most American butter is 15% water, it creates a more tender crumb.
This is due to the fact that the extra water strengthens the gluten, resulting in a crumb that’s more dense.
Which Type Of Oil to Use
I use neutral oils like canola oil, safflower oil, and vegetable oil. However, it’s not unheard of for oils with stronger flavors like olive oil or coconut oil to be used.
If using olive oil, I recommend using pure olive oil for its milder flavor and higher smoking point.
Baking with Oil Conversion Chart
If you want to convert your butter recipes to oil recipes, check out my baking with oil butter to oil conversion chart.
Why use baking powder
Baking powder allows the crust to become golden brown the way a butter-crust would.
Why Use Vinegar
Vinegar helps protect against over working the dough and allows it to roll out easier.
According to an experiment done by King Arthur Flour it also helps prevent against dough graying when made ahead of time.
HOW TO MEASURE FLOUR AND OTHER DRY INGREDIENTS
Using a dry measuring cup, scoop ingredients from the bag or spoon them into the cup.
Next, level off the ingredient by removing the excess with an upside-down butter knife.
The one exception to this is brown sugar. Brown sugar should be packed down and then any excess should be scraped off as well.
DRY VS LIQUID MEASURING CUP
Ever wonder why measuring spoons often come with a set of measuring cups? I used to. I didn’t see why we needed a set when we could have one large measuring cup.
After a quick search, I had my answer. I discovered that the large measuring cup is used for liquids, whereas the set is used for dry ingredients.
As it turns out, if you try to measure dry ingredients with a liquid cup, the measurements get messed up.
First, you pour the flour or cocoa in, next you shake it around to get it level, and then you add more.
By shaking it, you are causing the powder to settle, and when you add more, you end up using more than called for.
WHY SIFT FLOUR and Other Powder Ingredients
There are a number of benefits to sifting flour and other ingredients like cocoa ingredients:
It removes any unwanted debris and you can get a more accurate measurement than when packed tightly in a bag.
It also removes any lumps that can get into the batter and be hard to break up later, or be missed altogether before baking.
If you sift the powdered ingredients together, it helps combine them and mix more evenly with other dry ingredients like sugar.
Baking the Pie Crust
Generally speaking, you will bake the pie with whatever filling and as the recipe instructs.
However, for no bake pies where the pie crust needs to be cooked, you need to blind bake the pie first.
How to Blind Bake
First, Pre-heat your oven to 425°F or 220°C and line the pie with a large square of parchment paper or aluminum foil.
Next, pour the pie weights into the pie dish. Make sure they press against the sides of the pie.
(The weights on the bottom will keep the pie from puffing up and the weights against the sides will keep the sides from sagging as the crust bakes.)
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until the edges of the crust are just starting to golden.
Can you make it ahead of time
Yes. You can make this crust up to two days in advance. Just make sure to wrap well and store in the fridge until you are ready to use it.
Can you Refrigerate pie crust overnight?
Sure. Just make sure to wrap well and store in the fridge.
How to Freeze
You can easily freeze pie crust to keep until you are ready to use.
Wrap tightly in heavy-duty aluminum foil or freezer-weight plastic wrap. Then sealed in a resealable freezer bag.
Freeze for up to 3 to 6 months. After that, it is still safe to eat but quality will begin to degrade.
How to double the recipe
Often recipes will be a little funny when doubled. So, I find it easiest to just make two batches and go from there.
However, this one seems to double fine.
Just shape then shape the dough into two balls.
Then roll them out separately and use for the bottom crust and the other for the top crust.
Oil Pie Crust
This dairy free oil pie crust is made out of oil and without milk yet it is still incredibly flaky. It is perfect for both sweet and savory pies
Ingredients
- 2 cups sifted all-purpose flour (240 grams)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- pinch baking powder
- 1/2 cup oil (120 milliliters)
- 1/4 cup cold water (60 milliliters)
- 1/2 teaspoon vinegar
Instructions
- Place flour, salt, and baking powder into a bowl. Whisk together.
- Add oil, water, and vinegar to the dry ingredients. Mix with fork until side of bowl is clean.
- The dough should feels like dough. If it does not, add a tablespoon of water at a time until it does.
- Form into a ball. Roll it out between two pieces of wax paper. Place in the pie pan.
Notes
For a double pie crust, double the recipe.
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Thursday 5th of August 2021
WOWOW! I'm THRILLED with this recipe! Finally a butterless pie dough recipe that actually yields crisp flaky pie instead of tough rubbery one!! I wanted the dough for a fruit galette so I only put a pinch of salt, and I added about 6 T. sugar. Was so amazing! I made it twice so far and whoever I served it to could not believe it was made with oil! Thanks so much!!
ElissaBeth
Friday 6th of August 2021
I'm so glad to hear it! Thanks for sharing :)
Beverly J
Tuesday 23rd of February 2021
Surprisingly good, and flakey. Will be utilizing this recipe again. THANKS, And for explanation of ingredients as well. Well done!!
ElissaBeth
Tuesday 23rd of February 2021
You're welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed it :)
David Israel
Saturday 10th of October 2020
How can I buy ready maid pie crust that don’t have lard or duck feathers in it . I eat kosher and I want to have my baker make apple pie using the kosher crust please help.
ElissaBeth
Sunday 11th of October 2020
Well, I've never heard of duck feathers being inside a pie crust, but where to buy a ready made pie crust without lard would depend greatly on where you live. You can just give your baker this recipe and have them make the pie crust from scratch.
Lisa H
Saturday 12th of September 2020
All I can say is "Wow"! I tried making the traditional dough made with butter and it never turned out right. This was so easy and taste amazing. On top of that my dairy and egg allergy toddlee can partake. Thank you so much for sharing this recipe!
ElissaBeth
Sunday 13th of September 2020
You're welcome! I am so glad to hear you liked it so much and that your toddler can help make it :)
Tosha
Wednesday 24th of June 2020
Is it just me or is there no oven temp or length of cooking time?. I even put it in print form and that info is not there.
Sarah
Sunday 4th of October 2020
How long & at what temp to bake just the pie crust, though? I am making a pie with a cold (i.e., non-cooked) filling, so the crust needs to be fully cooked in advance.
ElissaBeth
Wednesday 24th of June 2020
Pie crusts are made raw and baked only once filled. The temperature and length of baking time would depend on what kind of pie you make pumpkin pie for instance would have different requirements than apple pie or pecan pie.