Gluten-Free Pecan Nut Pie Crust Recipe

By Verywell Editor
Updated April 16, 2018
Freshly roasted organic pecans sit on a wooden cutting board in a kitchen in Seattle, Washington.
Kirk Mastin / Getty Images

Nutrition Highlights (per serving)

Calories 154
Fat 15g
Carbs 7g
Protein 2g
Show Nutrition Label Hide Nutrition Label
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8
Amount per serving  
Calories 154
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 15g 19%
Saturated Fat 3g 15%
Cholesterol 9mg 3%
Sodium 26mg 1%
Total Carbohydrate 7g 3%
Dietary Fiber 2g 7%
Total Sugars 4g  
Includes 0g Added Sugars 0%
Protein 2g  
Vitamin D 0mcg 0%
Calcium 14mg 1%
Iron 0mg 0%
Potassium 104mg 2%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calorie a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Total Time 8 min
Prep 8 min, Cook 0 min
Servings 8

Nut-based pie crusts are becoming more popular as people with diet restrictions and health conditions look to substitute sugar and gluten while maintaining the great taste and texture of their favorite desserts. This pecan nut pie crust is the perfect foundation for the Thanksgiving staple, pumpkin pie.

This recipe can be used as a substitute for any traditional flour-based pie crust, with other custard or pudding fillings like sweet potato pie, key lime pie, or lemon buttermilk pie. Although it uses a few dates for sweetness, this crust is still lower in carbs than the traditional flour-based crusts.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup pecan pieces
  • 2 tablespoons butter (salted, melted)
  • 6 dates (softened and finely chopped)

Preparation

  1. Place pecans pieces into a food processor (you can use a blender, but be careful not to blend them down too small).
  2. Pulse the processor until the largest pieces are as big as lentils or split peas.
  3. Add the melted butter and dates and blend until mixed evenly.
  4. Transfer the mixture to a 9-inch pie pan, and press the mixture with your fingers to cover the bottom and sides of the pan. The consistency should allow for you to mold the crust to the pie pan evenly.
  1. Pour in your favorite pie filling and bake according to the pie recipe instructions.
  2. Alternatively, if you need a pre-baked bottom crust, heat the oven to 350 F and bake for 10 minutes until the crust begins to brown. After 8 minutes, check every minute or so, to ensure the crust doesn't overcook.

Pecan Tips

Nuts will stay freshest and last longer when stored in the freezer. Make sure they are in an airtight container. You can place frozen pecan nuts directly into the food processor. 

Spice Up Your Pecan Crust

To add a layer of flavor your friends and family may not expect, add spices to this nut-based pie crust that complement the pie's filling. Only use a small amount—1/2 to 1 teaspoon is sufficient and should be added first to the liquid ingredient in the pie crust (in this case, the melted butter) before it's mixed with the remaining ingredients.

Simple spices to consider adding to custard pies include 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin spice and 1/2 teaspoon orange blossom water.

An apple pie would be delightful with 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1/4 teaspoon of anise. 1 teaspoon of dried thyme leaves would bring out the citrusy taste in a lemon meringue pie and give off an inviting aroma as well.

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