The best Gluten free Shortcrust pastry recipe. This easy gluten free pie crust is so simple to make and can be used for a sweet or savory gluten free pastry dough. It is also easily adapted for a dairy free shortcrust pastry if needed. Once you have this gluten free tart shell recipe it opens up an array of delicious recipes you can create that you once thought were a treat of the past.
While this pastry keeps its shape is doesn't crumble and fall apart like a lot of recipes I have tried in the past. It can be made in advance and kept in the fridge or be frozen making it perfect for when you need it. This recipe is the perfect amount for a gluten free pastry case and when making a pie that requires a top you can just double the recipe and this will make enough pastry for a gluten-free pie crust and top.
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What to make with gluten free pastry dough
I wanted to make an easy gluten free short crust pastry recipe that can be sweet or savory and this recipe does just that. So what next once you have your GF pastry. The list is endless and I am always adding new pie and tart recipes. I have put together a list of recipe suggestions that I love using this gluten-free pastry dough in.
- Gluten free cheese and onion quiche - Easy recipe that is perfect for a summer lunch or dinner.
- Gluten free strawberry Tart - Once you have the pastry bases this is so easy to put together for a lovely summer dessert.
- Gluten free Bakewell tart - This is one of my favorite tart recipes and a perfect for afternoon tea or dessert.
- Gluten free Apple crumble tart - Using the sweet pastry is a perfect base for fall apple pie recipes.
- Gluten free mince pies - A great little dessert during the holiday season.
Ingredients
No fancy equipment is required for this recipe. The recipe makes 450g of gluten free Short crust pastry and if making a tart or quiche I use a 9inch loose bottom tart tin which makes removing the pastry once cooked so much easier. I also used ceramic baking beans for blind baking the pastry but don't worry if you don't have any as using uncooked rice will also work well.
Ingredients
Gluten-free Shortcrust pastry
- Gluten free Plain Flour - I used Doves free from flour but you can use your preferred brand of gluten free All purpose flour.
- Butter (cubed) - Use dairy free block if you require a gluten and dairy free shortcrust pastry.
- large Egg
- Milk - You can also use dairy free milk or cold water if required.
- Xanthan Gum - A common ingredient in gluten free baking. Xanthan gum binds everything together and basically acts as the gluten would.
- Salt - If making a gluten free savory pastry add a pinch of salt.
- Sugar - If making a gluten free sweet pastry add in sugar. I usually use brown sugar but fine white sugar such as caster sugar will also work well.
See the recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Recipe steps for making gluten free pastry
- Rub together Butter, Flour and Xanthan Gum till they form a breadcrumb like consistency.
- Mix in sugar for a Gluten free sweet shortcrust pastry or salt required if you are making gluten free savory pastry.
- Make a well in the middle of the mixture and add egg and milk.
- Mix together with hands until a dough is formed. Add a little extra milk if you feel mixture is too dry.
- Wrap your pastry ball in clingfilm and place in the fridge for 30 mins. If you leave for longer than 30 mins you may need to sit it at room temperature for 10 mins before rolling out.
- Your pastry is now ready to use for your desired recipe.
- For blind baking pastry I have added further instructions in the recipe card below.
Gluten free Baking
- Gluten Free Flour – I used a shop bought Gluten free flour blend from Doves Farm Freee from range. Which is a flour blend of Rice, Potato, Tapioca, Maize and Buckwheat flour. I have had reports that others have used Bob’s Red Mill and other Gluten free All purpose blends with my recipes that have worked well. I would love to know what flour blends worked for you. So feel free to get in touch by leaving a comment below or you can contact me directly.
- Kitchen Scales - Using digital scales is recommended when baking. I always measure using scales and in grams as baking is a science. When baking gluten free it is essential to weigh out ingredients to get the best results! There is no need to purchase expensive digital scales and you can find them available cheaply online.
- Oven Temperatures - Your oven temperature may be slightly different. As all ovens vary in temperature and the baking time is used as a guide. Some ovens run hotter than others. You could invest in an oven thermometer to be more accurate.
Recipe Variations and Tips
- Always be sure to use cold butter to make the gluten free pie dough. If adding water instead of milk I recommend using cold water.
- To make rolling the gluten free pastry easier I like to roll it out between two sheets of parchment paper or clingfilm (Plastic wrap) as this will prevent it from sticking and means there is no need for extra flour on your surface so prevents the pastry from drying out.
- To make gluten and dairy free pastry just substitute for dairy free butter block and use cold water in place of milk.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, I often double up the recipe when I am making a pie that requires a top. So if you are making a pie with a top just double the recipe ingredients and follow the recipe steps.
Yes, You can substitute the butter for your preferred dairy-free butter block and use water in place of the milk for a gluten dairy free pie crust.
The pastry can be wrapped and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If preparing the day before you intend to use it.
Yes, The short crust pastry can be wrapped and frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Ready for you to use another day. Defrost at room temperature or in the refrigerator overnight.
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Other gluten-free recipes you might enjoy
Best Gluten free Shortcrust pastry
Ingredients
Shortcrust pastry
- 250 g Gluten free Plain Flour (GF All-purpose flour) (sieved)
- 110 g Unsalted Butter (cubed) Use dairy free if required
- 1 large Egg
- 3 tablespoon Milk (use dairy free or water if required)
- ¼ teaspoon Xanthan Gum
- pinch of salt for - SAVORY PASTRY ONLY
- 60 g Brown Sugar for - SWEET PASTRY ONLY
Instructions
Shortcrust pastry
- Rub together Butter, Flour and Xanthan Gum till they form a breadcrumb like consistency
- Mix in sugar or salt required if you are making sweet or savory pastry
- Make a well in the middle of the mixture and add egg and milk.
- Mix together with hands until a dough is formed. Add a little extra milk if you feel mixture is too dry.
- Wrap your pastry ball in clingfilm and place in the fridge for 30 mins. If you leave for longer than 30 mins you may need to sit it at room temperature for 10 mins before rolling out.
- Your pastry is now ready to use for your desired recipe.
Blind baking shortcrust pastry
- Preheat oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas mark 4.Remove from fridge and roll out to the desired size of your tin or dish. usually around ½cm thick. Then carefully transfer to your dish/tin.
- using a fork prick the base of the pastry several times.
- Line with greaseproof paper and gently fill using ceramic baking beads or uncooked rice.
- bake in the oven for approximately 12 minutes. Remove Beans/rice and paper and bake for a further 5 minutes until lightly golden. Now your base is ready for your preferred filling
Notes
- Always be sure to use cold butter to make the pie dough. If adding water instead of milk I recommend using cold water.
- To make rolling the gluten free pastry easier I like to roll it out between two sheets of parchment paper or clingfilm as this will prevent it from sticking and means there is no need for extra flour on your surface so prevents the pastry from drying out.
- To make gluten and dairy free pastry just substitute for dairy free butter block and use cold water in place of milk.
I hope you enjoyed this gluten free shortcrust recipe.
I would love your feedback. Please rate this recipe and leave a comment below. You can also tag me in any photos taken when trying this recipe over on my Instagram.
Kat
So happy I have found a gluten free pastry recipe!
Shilpa
Love this gluten-free pastry recipe.. I’ll try it soon.. thanks for sharing
Kayla DiMaggio
I love this shortcrust pastry and it was so flaky and delicious!
Sue
Exactly what I was looking for. This crust is perfect, and no one would guess its gluten-free. Thanks!
Cindy Mom, the Lunch Lady
What a wonderfully flaky buttery crust. Hard to believe it is gluten free!
Matej's Homecooking
Due to some issues, my wife is trying to go on a gluten free diet, so we're looking for proven gluten free recipes. I'm happy I found your blog today, now I have something to keep myself busy with 🙂