The Perfect Vegan Spelt Pie Crust (Flaky, Easy & Foolproof)

There’s nothing like homemade pie–it’s so much better than store-bought in my opinion. But the crust can really make or break it. This vegan spelt pie crust is one of those simple recipes that feels just as amazing to make as it does to eat. Made with light spelt flour, it has a subtle nutty flavour and a tender, flaky texture that works well for both sweet and savoury pies. It comes together with just a handful of ingredients, no complicated steps, and a dough that’s surprisingly easy to handle. Whatever you choose to fill it with, this Perfect Vegan Spelt Pie Crust is simple, reliable, and endlessly versatile.

Why You’ll Love This Spelt Pie Crust

100% Vegan

Unlike traditional pastry, which is often made with butter or lard, this pie crust uses non-hydrogenated plant-based butter and no shortening. This makes it perfect for those who are avoiding animal products but still want a pastry that does not contain trans fats.

Made With Ancient Grain Spelt Flour

What makes spelt unique is that, unlike modern wheat, it hasn’t changed since the days of ancient Egypt. Conversely, modern wheat has been extensively hybridized over the past 70 years, changing its gluten and starch structure to something that is difficult for many people to digest. Spelt has a weaker gluten structure, making it easier to digest, and a viable option for many with gluten intolerance.

Light, Flaky Texture

A light, flaky crust is one of the most important features of an irresistible pie. Dense crust makes a pie lacklustre and heavy rather than delicate and satisfying. This vegan spelt crust does not disappoint, providing flaky, airy layers that make this pastry a winner.

Comes Together In Minutes

With just a few ingredients and minimal mixing, this pie crust comes together in under 10 minutes. This dough is forgiving and doesn’t require perfection–just mix and chill.

Easy To Handle

This is probably what stood out most to me with this pie crust. I often struggle with pastry dough being hard to handle and falling apart easily. This one is a dream to work with. It rolls out beautifully and easily transfers to a baking dish without falling apart. It’s so easy!

Tools Needed

• Rolling pin
• 9″ pie pan
• Pastry cutter (optional)
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons

Ingredients

• Light spelt flour
• Coconut sugar (optional for sweet pies)
• Salt
• Cold plant-based butter – choose a non-hydrogenated variety like this one
• Ice-cold water

How To Make the Perfect Vegan Spelt Pie Crust

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together spelt flour, salt, and sugar (if using).

Cut In Fat

Add cold vegan butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work it in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized bits.

Add Water

Drizzle in ice water 1 tablespoon at a time, gently mixing just until the dough comes together. Do not overwork.

Chill

Form into two disks, wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes (important for spelt).

Roll & Use

Roll between parchment paper, then fit into your pie dish. Trim edges as desired.

Notes

• Pre-baking: Pierce the crust with a fork, line with parchment, add weights, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–18 minutes; then remove the weights and bake for 5 more minutes.
• Filled pie: Bake according to your filling recipe.
• Spelt has a more delicate gluten, so avoid overmixing. If dough feels sticky, dust lightly with spelt flour.
• For extra tenderness, you can replace 1 tbsp of water with apple cider vinegar.

Find more plant-based recipes on the Plant-Based Recipes page!