How to Make a Delicious Coconut Oil Pie Crust

What is Coconut Oil Pie Crust?

Coconut Oil Pie Crust

The pie crust is one of the most essential components of the entire pie. It is the foundation of the dish, providing support and structure to the filling. Generally, pie crusts are made with a combination of flour, butter, and water. However, there are several variations of the traditional pie crust recipe that exist, one of which is coconut oil pie crust. Coconut oil is a plant-based oil that is extracted from the meat of coconuts. It is known for its smooth and creamy texture, as well as its light and nutty flavor. Although it is most commonly used in cooking and baking, many people also enjoy it for its health benefits. Coconut oil is high in antioxidants and healthy fatty acids, making it an excellent substitute for traditional butter. Coconut oil pie crust is a healthier alternative to the traditional pie crust recipe as it is gluten-free, vegan, and paleo-friendly. It is made by combining coconut oil with almond flour, coconut sugar, and sea salt. Unlike the traditional pie crust recipe, coconut oil pie crust does not require any butter or shortening, making it suitable for those who are lactose intolerant or vegan. One of the most significant benefits of using coconut oil in your pie crust is that it adds a subtle coconut flavor to the dish. This enhances the overall taste of the pie, making it even more delicious. Additionally, coconut oil provides a lighter and flakier texture to the crust, creating a delightful contrast with the filling. If you are looking to make a delicious and healthy pie, then coconut oil pie crust is the way to go. Not only is it gluten-free and vegan, but it also contains several health benefits. It is low in carbs and high in healthy fats, making it an excellent choice for those who are following a low-carb or high-fat diet. Plus, it is also incredibly easy to make, taking only a few minutes to prepare. In conclusion, coconut oil pie crust is a simple and delicious recipe that is perfect for anyone who is looking to create a healthy and flavorful pie. It is gluten-free, vegan, and paleo-friendly, making it suitable for a wide range of diets. So give it a try today and impress your friends and family with a tasty and healthy dessert!

Benefits of Using Coconut Oil in Pie Crust

coconut oil pie crust

Pie crusts are the foundation of any pie. They can make or break the taste of a pie. Traditional crusts often use butter or lard, but there is a new ingredient you can add to create a flavorful and healthy alternative - coconut oil. Here are some benefits of using coconut oil in pie crusts.

  1. Health Benefits

coconut oil health benefits

Coconut oil has become increasingly popular as a healthier option for cooking and baking. It contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are metabolized differently in the body compared to other fats. MCTs are quickly absorbed and used for energy, which can help boost metabolism. In addition, coconut oil is high in lauric acid, a type of saturated fat that may increase good HDL cholesterol levels in the body. Using coconut oil in pie crusts can add nutritional value to your dessert, and it’s a great option for those who may be sensitive to dairy or gluten.

  1. Flavor Enhancer

coconut oil

Using coconut oil in a pie crust can add a subtle tropical flavor that pairs well with many pie fillings. It’s also a great option for those who may not enjoy the taste of butter or are looking for a dairy-free alternative. However, it is not recommended to solely use coconut oil as a pie crust can become too hard and crispy. Instead, it is best to use a blend of coconut oil and another type of fat, such as butter or shortening, to create a balanced flavor that is both crispy and flaky. In addition, the oil can help keep the crust from getting soggy, giving you a delicious pie with a crispy crust. When baking with coconut oil, make sure it is in a solid-state, so it can be cut into the flour mixture for the crust.

  1. Versatile Ingredient

coconut oil versatile

In addition to being a healthy and flavorful option for pie crusts, coconut oil is a versatile ingredient that can be used in many other baking recipes. It can replace butter or vegetable oil in recipes for cakes and muffins, creating a unique flavor profile that is great for tropical-inspired desserts. Coconut oil can also be used in place of shortening or lard in recipes for biscuits or pastry crusts, making it a great dairy-free option for those who have food sensitivities. In addition, coconut oil is a great alternative to butter when making vegan desserts that require a solid fat.

Using coconut oil in pie crusts is a great way to add nutritional value and flavor to your desserts. Its subtle tropical taste and versatility make it a great alternative to traditional fats. Make sure the oil is solid when mixing it with flour, and blend with other fats to create a balanced crust. Try it out for yourself and see how it can enhance the flavor and nutritional value of your pies.

How to Make Coconut Oil Pie Crust

Coconut Oil Pie Crust

Are you looking for a healthy alternative to the traditional buttery pie crust? Try making a coconut oil pie crust! This recipe is vegan, gluten-free, and oh-so delicious. Here are the steps to make your own coconut oil pie crust:

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
  • 1/2 cup coconut oil, solid and chilled
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 4-6 tablespoons ice water

Instructions:

1. Prep your equipment:

Before you begin, make sure you have all your equipment ready. You’ll need a large mixing bowl, a pastry blender or fork, a measuring cup and spoons, plastic wrap, and a rolling pin.

2. Mix your dough:

In your mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the chilled coconut oil in small pieces. Using your pastry blender or fork, cut the coconut oil into the flour mixture until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The mixture should be crumbly and clump together when squeezed. Add 4 tablespoons of ice water and use your hands to knead the dough together. If the dough is too dry, add another tablespoon of ice water. The dough should come together in a ball.

3. Chill your dough:

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step is important because it allows the dough to rest and solidify. If the dough is not chilled, it will be difficult to roll out and hold its shape.

4. Roll out your dough:

After 30 minutes, take the dough out of the refrigerator. Lightly dust your work surface with flour. Place the dough on the floured surface and dust the top with flour. Roll out the dough to fit the size of your pie pan. Fold the dough in half and transfer it to the pie pan. Unfold the dough and press it into the pan. Trim the edges of the dough with a knife.

5. Bake your pie crust:

Your coconut oil pie crust is now ready to be filled and baked. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Fill your pie crust with your desired filling and bake according to your recipe’s instructions. Depending on your recipe, you may need to pre-bake your crust before filling it.

Tips:

  • Make sure your coconut oil is solid and chilled before using it in this recipe. If it’s too soft, it will blend too much with the dough, resulting in a dense and greasy crust.
  • If you don’t have a pastry blender, you can use a fork or your hands to cut the coconut oil into the flour mixture.
  • For a sweeter crust, you can add an extra tablespoon of sugar. For a savory crust, omit the sugar.

Now that you know how to make a coconut oil pie crust, you can experiment with different fillings and flavors. Whether you’re making a fruit pie, a quiche, or a savory tart, a coconut oil crust will add a delicate and nutty flavor to your dish.

Tips for Baking with Coconut Oil Pie Crust

Tips for Baking with Coconut Oil Pie Crust

Coconut oil pie crust has become a popular choice among bakers due to its many nutritional benefits and unique taste. Making a pie crust with coconut oil is not as difficult as you might think, but there are a few tips and tricks that can help you achieve the perfect crust every time.

1. Keep your ingredients cold

Keep your ingredients cold

Just like with traditional pie crust, it is important to keep your ingredients cold when making a coconut oil pie crust. This helps create a flaky texture and prevent the crust from becoming tough. Make sure your coconut oil is solid and your water is ice-cold before you begin.

2. Don’t overwork the dough

Don’t overwork the dough

When mixing the ingredients together, try not to overwork the dough. Unlike traditional pie crust made with butter, coconut oil melts faster and can result in a tough crust if overworked. Mix the dough until it just comes together and stop once it does.

3. Use a light hand when rolling out the dough

Use a light hand when rolling out the dough

After the dough has rested in the refrigerator, it’s time to roll it out. However, it is important to use a light hand when rolling out the dough to prevent it from cracking. Coconut oil pie crust is more delicate and requires a gentle touch when rolling it out. If you find that the dough is too crumbly, try letting it rest at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly.

4. Blind bake the crust before filling it

Blind bake the crust before filling it

Blind baking is a technique where you pre-bake the crust before adding the filling to ensure that the crust is fully cooked. With coconut oil pie crust, it is especially important to blind bake as the crust can sometimes become too soft and not hold up to a heavy filling. To blind bake, line the crust with parchment paper or aluminum foil, fill with pie weights, and bake for 10-15 minutes. Remove the weights and continue baking for another 5-10 minutes until the crust is golden brown.

5. Experiment with flavors

Experiment with flavors

One of the great things about coconut oil pie crust is its versatility. You can experiment with different flavors by adding spices, herbs, or sweeteners to the dough. Cinnamon and nutmeg work great for sweet pies, while rosemary or thyme can add a savory touch to your crust. Don’t be afraid to get creative and try new flavor combinations.

With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a delicious and flaky coconut oil pie crust. Remember to keep your ingredients cold, handle the dough with care, blind bake before filling, and experiment with flavors. Happy baking!

Delicious Recipes Using Coconut Oil Pie Crust

Delicious Recipes Using Coconut Oil Pie Crust

Coconut oil is a perfect substitute for butter or vegetable shortening in pie crusts. It’s an all-natural and unrefined product made from pure coconut milk. The good thing about using coconut oil in your pie crust is that it doesn’t contain any trans fat. It is healthier and easier to digest than other types of oils used in baking. Here are five delicious recipes using coconut oil pie crust that are sure to tantalize your taste buds:

  1. Apple Pie

Apple Pie Coconut Oil Pie Crust

Apple pie made with coconut oil pie crust is a perfect dessert for Thanksgiving. To make the crust, mix together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 1/2 cup of coconut oil. Add cold water until you achieve the correct dough consistency. Roll out the dough and place it into a 9-inch pie pan. Fill with your favorite apple pie filling and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 45-50 minutes.

  1. Lemon Tart

Lemon Tart Coconut Oil Pie Crust

For a refreshing dessert, try making a lemon tart with coconut oil pie crust. To make the crust, mix together 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 1/2 cup of coconut oil. Add cold water until you achieve the correct dough consistency. Roll out the dough and place it into a tart pan. For the filling, mix together 1 cup of granulated sugar, 6 tablespoons of cornstarch, 3/4 cup of lemon juice, 1/2 cup of water, and 3 egg yolks. Cook over medium heat until thickened and bubbly. Pour the filling into the baked crust and let it cool completely in the refrigerator.

  1. Chocolate Cream Pie

Chocolate Cream Pie Coconut Oil Pie Crust

Who doesn’t love a good chocolate cream pie? For the crust, mix together 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 1/2 cup of coconut oil. Add cold water until you achieve the correct dough consistency. Roll out the dough and place it into a 9-inch pie pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until lightly golden brown. For the filling, mix together 1/2 cup of sugar, 1/4 cup of cornstarch, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 4 egg yolks, and 2 cups of milk in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until thickened and bubbly. Add 6 ounces of chopped chocolate and stir until it’s melted and smooth. Pour the filling into the baked crust and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

  1. Blueberry Pie

Blueberry Pie Coconut Oil Pie Crust

Blueberry pie made with coconut oil pie crust is a classic dessert that never goes out of style. For the crust, mix together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 1/2 cup of coconut oil. Add cold water until you achieve the correct dough consistency. Roll out the dough and place it into a 9-inch pie pan. Fill with 4 cups of fresh blueberries and 3/4 cup of sugar. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 45-50 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the blueberries are bubbly.

  1. Quiche Lorraine

Quiche Lorraine Coconut Oil Pie Crust

For a savory dish, try making a quiche Lorraine with coconut oil pie crust. For the crust, mix together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 1/2 cup of coconut oil. Add cold water until you achieve the correct dough consistency. Roll out the dough and place it into a 9-inch pie pan. For the filling, whisk together 4 eggs, 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 cup of shredded Swiss cheese, 4-6 slices of cooked and crumbled bacon, and salt and pepper to taste. Pour the filling into the baked crust and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 35-40 minutes until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.

These are just a few examples of the many delicious recipes you can make with coconut oil pie crust. Whether you’re making a sweet or savory dish, coconut oil is a healthier alternative to other types of oils and will give your pie crust a unique and delicious flavor. So give it a try and see for yourself why coconut oil pie crust is becoming the new go-to for bakers all over the world.