This crushed almond crust is a delightful and nutritious alternative to traditional pie crusts. With its rich, nutty flavor and a hint of sweetness from maple syrup, it pairs perfectly with a variety of fillings. Whether you're making a fruit tart or a creamy pie, this crust will add a deliciously crunchy texture to your dessert.
While most of the ingredients in this recipe are common, you might need to pay attention to coconut oil and maple syrup. Coconut oil is often found in the baking or health food section of the supermarket. Maple syrup is typically located near the breakfast items or in the natural foods aisle. Ensure you get pure maple syrup for the best flavor.
Ingredients for Crushed Almond Crust Recipe
Almonds: These are the base of the crust, providing a rich, nutty flavor and a crunchy texture.
Coconut oil: This adds moisture and helps bind the crust together while imparting a subtle coconut flavor.
Maple syrup: A natural sweetener that adds a hint of sweetness and depth of flavor to the crust.
Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients and balances the sweetness.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When pulsing the almonds in the food processor, make sure to stop and scrape down the sides occasionally to ensure an even grind. Over-processing can turn the almonds into almond butter, which will alter the texture of your crust. Aim for a consistency similar to coarse sand.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
almonds - Substitute with walnuts: Walnuts have a similar texture and nutty flavor, making them a great alternative for the crust.
almonds - Substitute with pecans: Pecans provide a slightly sweeter and buttery taste, which can enhance the flavor of the crust.
coconut oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil is a healthy fat that can bind the crust ingredients together, though it will impart a different flavor.
coconut oil - Substitute with vegan butter: Vegan butter can provide a similar consistency and richness to the crust as coconut oil.
maple syrup - Substitute with agave nectar: Agave nectar is a plant-based sweetener with a similar consistency and sweetness level to maple syrup.
maple syrup - Substitute with date syrup: Date syrup is a natural sweetener that offers a rich, caramel-like flavor, making it a good alternative to maple syrup.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in place of regular salt to provide a slightly different mineral content and flavor.
salt - Substitute with pink Himalayan salt: Pink Himalayan salt offers a unique flavor and additional trace minerals, making it a good substitute for regular salt.
Other Alternative Recipes
How To Store or Freeze This Recipe
- Allow the crushed almond crust to cool completely after baking. This ensures that it sets properly and maintains its structure.
- Once cooled, wrap the crust tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out or absorbing any unwanted odors from the fridge.
- Place the wrapped crust in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag for an extra layer of protection.
- Store the crust in the refrigerator if you plan to use it within 3-4 days. This will keep it fresh and ready for your next dessert creation.
- For longer storage, consider freezing the crust. First, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the wrapped crust with the date to keep track of its freshness.
- When ready to use, thaw the crust in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing process helps maintain its texture and flavor.
- If the crust feels a bit soft after thawing, you can re-crisp it by placing it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. Let it cool before filling.
- For individual portions, consider pre-cutting the crust into slices before freezing. This makes it easier to thaw and use only what you need.
- Always check the crust for any signs of spoilage, such as off smells or discoloration, before using it in your desserts.
How To Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the crushed almond crust on a baking sheet and cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
Use a toaster oven set to 300°F (150°C). Place the crust on a tray and cover it with foil. Heat for 8-10 minutes, checking occasionally to ensure it doesn't burn.
For a quick reheat, use a microwave. Place the crust on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through.
If you have an air fryer, set it to 300°F (150°C). Place the crust in the basket and heat for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.
To reheat on the stovetop, use a non-stick skillet over low heat. Place the crust in the skillet and cover it with a lid. Heat for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through to warm both sides evenly.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Oven: Used to preheat and bake the almond crust to a golden brown.
Food processor: Essential for pulsing the almonds until they are finely ground and for mixing in the coconut oil, maple syrup, and salt.
Pie dish: The vessel in which you will press the almond mixture to form the crust.
Measuring cups: Used to accurately measure the almonds and other ingredients.
Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring the coconut oil, maple syrup, and salt.
Spatula: Helpful for pressing the almond mixture evenly into the pie dish.
Baking sheet: Optional, but can be placed under the pie dish to catch any drips or spills during baking.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Pre-grind the almonds: Grind the almonds in advance and store them in an airtight container. This will save you time when you need to make the crust.
Melt the coconut oil in bulk: Melt a larger batch of coconut oil and keep it in a jar. This way, you can easily measure out what you need without having to melt it each time.
Use a food processor: A food processor can quickly and efficiently grind the almonds and mix the ingredients, saving you from manual labor.
Preheat the oven early: Start preheating your oven before you begin preparing the crust to ensure it’s ready when you are.
Crushed Almond Crust Recipe
Ingredients
Crust Ingredients
- 2 cups almonds
- 2 tablespoon coconut oil, melted
- 2 tablespoon maple syrup
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a food processor, pulse almonds until finely ground.
- Add melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and salt. Pulse until combined.
- Press mixture into a pie dish.
- Bake for 10 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool before filling.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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