Gluten-Free Dessert Pastry Recipe (2024)

By Martha Rose Shulman

Gluten-Free Dessert Pastry Recipe (1)

Total Time
About 30 minutes
Rating
4(225)
Notes
Read community notes

I worked with many different combinations of flours before settling on this one. I love the flavor of the oat flour, but it is so fine that when I tried using all oat flour the pastry crumbled much too easily. So I combined it with corn flour, which is finely ground cornmeal; Bob’s Red Mill produces the version I used. Millet flour will also work, but it has a chalkier flavor. The almond flour absorbs moisture and helps hold the dough together. The dough will crack if you roll it out cold, so I roll it between pieces of plastic before I chill it. Then I remove it from the refrigerator and let it soften just enough so that I can line the tart pans without it cracking.

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Ingredients

Yield:2 9-inch crusts

  • 160grams (approximately 1¼ cups) corn flour or finely ground cornmeal
  • 150grams (approximately 1⅓ cups) oat flour (make sure it is from a gluten-free facility)
  • 168grams (6 ounces) butter, preferably French style Plugrà
  • 4grams (½ teaspoon) fine sea salt
  • 50grams (approximately ¼ rounded cup) sugar
  • 40grams (approximately ⅓ rounded cup) almond flour
  • 9grams (approximately 2 teaspoons) vanilla extract
  • 63grams egg (approximately 1 extra large plus 2 teaspoons), beaten

Ingredient Substitution Guide

Nutritional analysis per serving (2 servings)

1467 calories; 91 grams fat; 46 grams saturated fat; 3 grams trans fat; 22 grams monounsaturated fat; 7 grams polyunsaturated fat; 140 grams carbohydrates; 12 grams dietary fiber; 27 grams sugars; 27 grams protein; 744 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Gluten-Free Dessert Pastry Recipe (2)

Preparation

  1. Sift together the corn flour and the oat flour. In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or in a bowl with a rubber spatula, cream the butter and salt on medium speed for about 1 minute, taking care not to whip. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and the paddle with a rubber spatula and add the sugar. Combine with the butter at low speed. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and the paddle.

  2. Step

    2

    Add the almond flour and vanilla extract and combine at low speed.

  3. Step

    3

    Gradually add the egg and one fourth of the flour mixture. Beat at low speed until just incorporated. Stop the machine and scrape down the bowl and the paddle.

  4. Step

    4

    Gradually add the remaining flour and mix just until the dough comes together.

  5. Step

    5

    Scrape the dough out of the bowl, weigh it and divide it into 2 equal pieces. Place each piece between sheets of plastic wrap and gently roll out to a 10-½ inch circle. Place on a sheet pan and refrigerate for 1 hour or (preferably) longer.

  6. Step

    6

    Very lightly butter a 9-inch tart pan or pie dish (depending on the recipe you’ll be using this for). You should not be able to see the butter. Remove one sheet of dough from the refrigerator, and if it is very stiff set it out for about 5 minutes, until it’s pliable. Ease the dough into 9-inch tart pan or pie dish. If the dough cracks, just pinch the cracked edges together. You do not have to worry with gluten-free dough about over working and stiffening the pastry, but try not to press the dough thinner in some places than in others.

Tip

  • To prebake: I don’t use pie weights, because the grain flours tend to stick to the lining. The crust shouldn’t buckle. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. With a fork, pierce the bottom of the crust in rows. Place the tart pan on a baking sheet and place in the oven on the middle rack. Bake 25 to 30 minutes, until lightly browned and dry. Remove from the heat and allow to cool completely before filling.

Ratings

4

out of 5

225

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Private Notes

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Cooking Notes

Mary Soderstrom

Try this easy gluten free crust:Two cups cup-for-cup gluten free flour (usually a mixture of flours like manioc, potato etc. I use Canelle brand which is available here but there are others.1 tsp salt3/4 cup neutral oil, like canola1/4 cup vinegarMix together, let stand a minute. Divide in two. Roll out each half between two sheets of waxed paper, transfer one to pie pan, add filling, top with other half and you're on....

avy

I think this is a fantastic crust, It's my new go-to gluten-free pie crust. We brushed lightly with beaten egg and popped in oven to set (blind bake, no need for weights) for 7 minutes. This helps to seal the crust for liquid fillings.

Stephanie

I thought this was a tasty pie crust, more so than a wheat flour pastry. I would add more butter or fat, though, as it did seem a bit dry. I forgot to butter the pie pan and it did stick. Next time I will use an oil spray.

Ellie

This was fun to make, however, my boyfriend did not like this - he said no flavor and bland:( Bummer! I will need to keep searching for another gluten-free pie crust.

Perfect!

Best gluten-free crust I've ever had. Great flavor and texture, and fairly easy to make. A big hit with my gluten free friends. Excellent.

Tom

This crust turned out great. I added orange zest to add some flavor for an apple pie. Blind baked first and pre cooked the filling a bit so that the crust wouldn’t turn soggy. It was super crumbly served right away but the following day it was even better! It must have absorbed a bit of moisture and made for a better crust that most people probably wouldn’t suspect to be gluten free.

MC Majumdar

It would be nice if, in the list of ingredients, the words ‘softened’ or ‘room temperature’ came after the butter - most pie crusts are made with cold butter. This one is not. Got everything all measured out before I saw the words about creaming the butter.

Ced

Can this be frozen.

Robin

veganized this with Earth Balance margarine and flax seed "egg". Worked great.

Urban Hiker

Any thoughts about switching out almond flour and chickpea flour? It is what I have in my pantry and trying to keep it low carb.

tricia murray

do you think I can add cocoa powder to this, I want to make the chocolate peanut butter pie for Thanksgiving. Would I decrease oat or corn flour?

Sheryl

Can margarine be used instead of butter to make it vegan? (minus brushing eggwash on it, of course)

Marianna Holland MI

I didn't have oat flour on hand so I tried barley flour. It's chilling now, so don't know exactly how it bakes up. One thing I note, though, is that the uncooked dough is yummy! I think I'd like to try making it into shortbread!

jessica

I by accident added 6 teaspoons of mustard and it was great :) :0

CSN

Anyone know whether this will freeze well before baking?

Maryam

This was easy to make and tasty, but turns out oats are not actually gluten free! So i would say change the title so it wont be misleading. I made this for a celiac, thankfully she asked what was in it before eating it. Most oats are contaminated with gluten and if someone is celiac couldn’t really have them.

Caleb

Hey, as a celiac, I could have this if it was made with gluten free oats. You can find certified gluten free oats that are made to ensure they aren't contaminated by wheat. However, some people with celiac cannot eat even certified gluten free oats (I believe because some celiacs also respond negatively to a protein that's similar to gluten and found in oats)

Tom

This crust turned out great. I added orange zest to add some flavor for an apple pie. Blind baked first and pre cooked the filling a bit so that the crust wouldn’t turn soggy. It was super crumbly served right away but the following day it was even better! It must have absorbed a bit of moisture and made for a better crust that most people probably wouldn’t suspect to be gluten free.

Perfect!

Best gluten-free crust I've ever had. Great flavor and texture, and fairly easy to make. A big hit with my gluten free friends. Excellent.

avy

I think this is a fantastic crust, It's my new go-to gluten-free pie crust. We brushed lightly with beaten egg and popped in oven to set (blind bake, no need for weights) for 7 minutes. This helps to seal the crust for liquid fillings.

Stephanie

I thought this was a tasty pie crust, more so than a wheat flour pastry. I would add more butter or fat, though, as it did seem a bit dry. I forgot to butter the pie pan and it did stick. Next time I will use an oil spray.

Ellie

This was fun to make, however, my boyfriend did not like this - he said no flavor and bland:( Bummer! I will need to keep searching for another gluten-free pie crust.

Mary Soderstrom

Try this easy gluten free crust:Two cups cup-for-cup gluten free flour (usually a mixture of flours like manioc, potato etc. I use Canelle brand which is available here but there are others.1 tsp salt3/4 cup neutral oil, like canola1/4 cup vinegarMix together, let stand a minute. Divide in two. Roll out each half between two sheets of waxed paper, transfer one to pie pan, add filling, top with other half and you're on....

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Gluten-Free Dessert Pastry Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What makes pastries gluten free? ›

Gums and Binders

Eggs can replace many of the functions that gluten provides, such as binding, enhancing texture and helping set the structure of the final product. Besides eggs, which are protein-based, two starch-based products often used to bind and thicken gluten-free baked products are guar gum and xanthan gum.

How do you keep gluten free pastry from crumbling? ›

Resting the pastry is very important. This will give the flour enough time to absorb the water so it will become more manageable. Refrigerate for a minimum of an hour or overnight if preferred. Try rolling out the pastry between two sheets of cling film, as the dough may be delicate, sticky and crumbly.

Which puff pastry is gluten free? ›

Simply Wize Gluten Free Puff Pastry Sheets | 540g.

Does gluten free pastry taste different? ›

Generally, gluten free baked products are characterized by reduced textural and sensorial properties compared to their gluten-containing counterparts [4]. Because of the flours employed, gluten free biscuits may be harder, may present a dry and sandy mouthfeel and an unpleasant appearance, taste, or color [5].

What is the trick to gluten free baking? ›

Gluten-free flours often contain fine starches, so they absorb more liquid than conventional flour. To address this, gluten-free recipes usually call for more liquid and produce looser batters. They may also call for a larger quantity of leavening, like baking powder, to help add volume and lighten the texture.

Is there a trick to baking with gluten free flour? ›

2 teaspoons of baking powder per cup of gluten-free flour is necessary to ensure proper leavening. Baking soda and buttermilk can be used to leaven instead of baking powder, but 1-1/8 teaspoon of cream of tartar should be added for each 1/2 teaspoon baking soda used.

Is xanthan gum necessary for gluten-free baking? ›

Xanthan Gum adds thickness and viscosity to gluten-free breads and other baked goods. Without xanthan gum, your gluten-free baked goods would be dry, crumbly and flat. Because xanthan gum is gluten-free and vegan, it's the preferred thickener for those home bakers with food allergies.

Can I use baking powder instead of xanthan gum? ›

In any case, xanthan gum and baking powder/baking soda fulfil completely different roles in gluten free baking: xanthan gum is a binder (acting as a “glue” that holds your bakes together), and baking powder and baking soda are raising or leavening agents, making your bakes nice and fluffy.

Why does gluten free pastry go hard? ›

Another reason is that gluten-free flours may absorb more moisture than wheat flour, which can lead to a denser, tougher texture. Additionally, some gluten-free flours may not be as elastic as wheat flour, which can make it more difficult to stretch or roll out the dough.

Is Pepperidge Farm puff pastry gluten-free? ›

This product has 4 ingredients that have gluten.

Can you buy ready made gluten-free pastry? ›

This gluten free puff pastry offers a convenient option for homemade dishes without the faff of trying to make a decent version from scratch. These pre-rolled sheets save time and effort when cooking for a guest who is coeliac, otherwise I'd buy the regular variety.

Does phyllo contain gluten? ›

After all, the traditional process of making “regular” filo pastry from wheat flour relies pretty much exclusively on gluten when it comes to achieving its extreme, delicate thinness. In the absence of gluten, filo pastry seemed like an impossible (if awfully appealing) dream.

Why do gluten free baked goods taste gritty? ›

Gritty texture in GF baked goods comes from not having the right balance of moisture and fats/oils to flour. Also, a coarse grind of flour or a blend of flour that contains too high a ratio of brown rice flour will contribute to coarseness.

What gluten-free flour taste like flour? ›

Brown rice flour is about as close to a 1:1 substitute for all-purpose flour as it gets since it provides structure and a “wheat-like” flavor. However, because it can be gritty and dense, it works best when paired with lighter starches such as potato and cornstarch, and flours such as almond.

Why does gluten free pastry fall apart? ›

While gluten-free pastry is more delicate to handle, the most frequent reason for cracking is that there is insuffi cient moisture in the pastry. When making shortcrust pastry you mix the fat into the flour until it has the appearance of breadcrumbs, then add the liquid to bring together the dough.

What does gluten-free pastry mean? ›

Gluten-free cake is a bakery speciality product made with alternative flours that contain little to no gluten, typically formulated for consumers with celiac disease.

What common baking ingredient contains gluten? ›

Naturally Contains Gluten
  • Wheat flour, including all-purpose, whole grain, cake flour and self-rising flour.
  • Ancient grain forms of wheat flour, including einkorn, emmer, durum and spelt.
  • Rye and pumpernickel.
  • Barley.
Mar 16, 2023

Do all pastries have gluten? ›

Because wheat has gluten in it, foods made with wheat flour—breads, cookies, cakes, donuts, rolls, bagels, muffins, scones, and other pastries, plus conventional pasta and pizza, along with many cereals—all contain gluten.

What baking ingredients have gluten in them? ›

Varieties and derivatives of wheat such as:
  • wheatberries.
  • durum.
  • emmer.
  • semolina.
  • spelt.
  • farina.
  • farro.
  • graham.

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