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Bake 27 perfect cakes without shortcrust pastry
When it comes to baking pies, a good shortcrust pastry is often the first choice. But there are plenty of alternative pastry and crusts that can take your pies to the next level. Whether you’re looking for a sweet dessert or a savoury dish, there are numerous options that can add unique flavours and textures to your pies. In this article, we’ll explore 27 delicious pie recipes that don’t require shortcrust pastry, allowing you to create perfect pies with a variety of different crusts.
1. Rustic Plum Pie
For those who love the flaky, buttery goodness of puff pastry, this rustic plum pie is a must try. The puff pastry forms the base, sides and part of the top of the pie, enveloping the rich and fruity plum filling. By doubling up on two defrosted sheets of pastry, you’ll achieve the perfect thickness to hold the plums. Whether you use tinned or fresh plums, this pie is sure to impress.
2. Layered pumpkin custard tart
When the weather turns colder, a layered pumpkin pie is a comforting treat. This recipe features a graham cracker crust that adds a delicious crunch to each slice. The layers of custard and pumpkin puree create a harmonious blend of flavours, while the whipped cream on top adds a touch of sweetness. This pie is perfect for holiday meals such as Thanksgiving.
3. Chocolate Cream Pie
If you’re a chocolate lover, this chocolate cream pie will satisfy your cravings. Instead of using plain shortcrust pastry, this recipe takes it up a notch by using a crust made from crushed Oreos or similar chocolate biscuits mixed with melted butter. The velvety chocolate pudding filling is topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings for a truly indulgent dessert.
4. Easy Peanut Butter Cake
Why settle for spreading peanut butter on a slice of bread when you can make a whole cake out of it? This Easy Peanut Butter Pie has a chocolate biscuit crust that is baked before the creamy filling is added. The filling is a delicious mix of peanut butter, peanut butter cups, cream cheese and whipping cream. The combination of flavours and textures is simply divine.
5. Ooey Gooey S’mores Pie
For a cake inspired by campfire treats, try the Ooey Gooey S’Mores Cake. The crust is made from graham cracker crumbs, enhanced with brown sugar and vanilla extract for added flavour. The cracker crust is baked and cooled to perfection before the chocolate pudding is added. This cake captures the essence of s’mores with its melting mini marshmallows and chocolate bar pieces, offering a delightful crunch and gooey texture.
6. Hot Water Crust Meat Pies
In the UK, mini pork pies with a layer of jelly surrounded by a sturdy and tasty pastry are incredibly popular. Making a hot water crust for these meat pies is easier than you might think. By heating water with vegetable lard to a boil and mixing it with flour and egg, you’ll create a sturdy and delicious crust that holds all the meaty filling inside.
7. 5 Ingredient Lemon Meringue Pie
A classic lemon meringue pie usually has a shortcrust base. However, this recipe takes a different approach by using a graham cracker crust instead. The added flavour and texture of the graham cracker crust perfectly complements the sweet and citrusy filling and the melt-in-your-mouth egg whites of the meringue. It’s a simple but delicious twist on a favourite dessert.
8. Crustless Coconut Cake
Sometimes less is more, and that’s the case with this crustless coconut cake. This recipe requires no pie crust or top, making it incredibly easy to make. Simply mix together the desiccated coconut, milk, butter and eggs and pour into a greased pie tin. Once baked and cooled, the pie can be served in slices for a deliciously creamy and coconutty dessert.
9. Best Banoffee Cake
For fans of classic banoffee pie, this recipe offers a delightful twist. Instead of a pastry case, you make a base with a mixture of brown sugar, melted butter and crumbled graham crackers. This base becomes the first layer, topped with smooth caramel, banana slices and whipped cream with icing sugar. The combination of flavours creates a truly irresistible cake.
10. Traditional Steak and Kidney Pie
Apple Crumble Pie is a delicious twist on the classic apple pie. Instead of a traditional pastry crust, this recipe uses a buttery crumble topping made from a mixture of flour, oats, brown sugar and butter. The crumble adds a delicious crunch and texture to the sweet and tangy apple filling. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate dessert experience.
12. No bake Key lime pie
If you’re looking for a refreshing and easy-to-make pie, this no-bake Key Lime Pie is the answer. The crust is made from a combination of crushed graham crackers and melted butter, providing a delicious base for the tangy and creamy key lime filling. Simply mix the ingredients together, chill until set and garnish with whipped cream and lime zest for a tropical dessert sensation.
13. Savoury mushroom and cheese tart
For a savoury pie option, this mushroom and cheese pie is a winner. Instead of using a traditional pastry crust, this recipe uses a mixture of breadcrumbs and grated cheese to form the crust. The filling consists of mushrooms, onions, garlic and thyme cooked in a creamy sauce before being topped with the cheesy breadcrumb mixture. The result is a savoury and satisfying pie that is perfect for vegetarians.
14. Blueberry Crisp Pie
Combine the best elements of a blueberry pie and a crisp with this delicious recipe. The crust is made from a sweet and buttery crumble mixture that adds a delicious crunch to the juicy blueberry filling. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a heavenly dessert that is perfect for any occasion.
15. Lemon Chess Tart
Lemon chess pie is a Southern classic, loved for its tangy-sweet flavour. This recipe uses a simple buttery pie crust instead of shortcrust. The filling is a custard-like mixture of eggs, sugar, butter, cornmeal and lemon juice, creating a rich and vibrant lemon-flavoured pie. This tart is an excellent choice for those who enjoy citrus desserts.
16. No-Bake Oreo Cake
Oreo lovers will love this no-bake Oreo pie. The crust is made from crushed Oreo cookies mixed with melted butter to create a chocolaty, crunchy base. The filling is a creamy mixture of cream cheese, icing sugar and whipped cream, with extra Oreo cookies folded in for extra indulgence. This cake is perfect for those looking for a quick and easy dessert that doesn’t require baking.
17. Coconut Cream Cake
Coconut Cream Cake is a classic dessert with a tropical twist. Instead of using shortcrust pastry, this recipe uses a buttery graham cracker crust that perfectly complements the creamy coconut filling. The filling is made from a mixture of coconut milk, sugar, cornstarch, eggs and vanilla extract, resulting in a luscious and flavourful pie that will transport you to a sunny beach.
18. Pecan Pie Bars
If you love the taste of pecan pie but prefer a hand-held treat, these pecan pie bars are the answer. Instead of a traditional pie crust, a buttery shortbread crust serves as a base for the gooey pecan filling. These bars are easy to make and can be enjoyed as a snack or dessert. They are perfect for get-togethers or to satisfy a sweet tooth.
19. No bake strawberry cheesecake cake
Indulge in the flavours of summer with this no-bake strawberry cheesecake pie. The crust is made from crushed graham crackers mixed with melted butter, creating a delicious base for the creamy cheesecake filling. Fresh strawberries are arranged on top and a strawberry glaze adds a touch of sweetness. This tart is a refreshing and delicious dessert that is sure to impress.
20. Savoury leek and potato tart
For a comforting and savoury pie option, try this leek and potato pie. Instead of using traditional shortcrust pastry, this recipe calls for a puff pastry crust, which gives the pie a flaky, buttery texture. The filling consists of sauteed
FAQS
Can I replace shortcrust pastry with other types of pastry for pies?
Absolutely you can! There are several alternatives to shortcrust pastry that can be used for pies. These include puff pastry, graham cracker crust, biscuit crust and even savoury crusts such as suet crust or cheese crust.
Are these alternative dough options difficult to work with?
Not at all! In fact, many of these alternative pastry options are quite easy to work with. Puff pastry, for example, can be easily rolled out and shaped to fit your pie tin. Graham cracker and biscuit crumb crusts can be made by simply crushing biscuits and mixing them with melted butter. The key is to follow the specific instructions for each type of pastry and crust.
Are the alternative pastry options just as delicious?
Yes, they are! Each alternative pastry option brings its own unique flavours and textures to the cake. Whether it’s a buttery puff pastry, a crunchy graham cracker crust or a sweet and crumbly biscuit crust, these variations can enhance the overall taste of your pies and make them even more delicious.
Can I use these alternative crust options for both sweet and savoury pies?
Absolutely! These alternative pie crusts are versatile and can be used for both sweet and savoury pies. For sweet pies, options such as graham cracker crusts, biscuit crumb crusts and Oreo crusts work wonderfully. For savoury pies, options such as suet crusts or cheesy breadcrumb crusts are excellent choices.
Are there any specific tips for using alternative pastry options?
While using alternative pastry options can be fun and delicious, there are a few tips to keep in mind. If using puff pastry, make sure it is kept chilled until ready to use as this will help it retain its flakiness. If you are using crumb crusts, make sure you press the mixture firmly into the pie tin to create a firm base. And if using savoury crusts, bake them lightly before adding the filling to ensure they hold well.
Can I make these alternative pastry options ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Many of these alternative pastry options can be made ahead and stored until ready to use. Puff pastry can be made ahead and stored in the fridge or frozen until needed. Crumb crusts can also be made ahead and stored in an airtight container. Just be sure to follow the storage instructions for each specific type of pastry.
Can I adapt the alternative pastry options to suit my dietary requirements?
Absolutely! These alternative biscuit options can easily be customised to suit different dietary preferences. For example, if you are on a gluten-free diet, you can use gluten-free graham crackers or cookies for the crust. You can also explore vegan alternatives for butter or use alternative sweeteners if you have specific dietary restrictions or preferences.