Pretzel Pie Crust Recipe

A springform pan with a pretzel dessert pie crust pressed into it.

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Create unforgettable desserts with this simple Pretzel Pie Crust recipe! Sweet, salty, and oh-so-delicious. Perfect for pies of all kinds.

Prep Time5

Chilling Time to Set15

Total Time20

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American, Southern

Servings: 8-to-9-inch crust

Author: Jenny DeRemer

Cost: $1.72 per crust

Equipment

1 8-or-9-inch pie plate or springform pan
food processor

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups (150 grams) pretzels crumbs measure after crushing; I am using bite-sized pretzels
1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
8 tablespoons (113 grams) unsalted butter

Instructions

In a food processor add 4 to 4 1/2 cups of bite-sized pretzels. If using any other size, add fewer pieces and measure as you grind. Process until finely ground. Measure. Set aside.
1 1/2 cups (150 grams) pretzels crumbs
To make beurre noisette or brown butter, melt butter in a light-colored, wide saucepan over medium heat. Keep a close eye on the color to avoid rapid browning of the milk solids. Cook the butter until it reaches a rich acorn brown color and emits a slightly nutty fragrance. Transfer the brown butter to a bowl to halt the cooking process.
8 tablespoons (113 grams) unsalted butter
Add the pretzel crumbs back into the food processor. Add sugar. Pour the beurre noisette or brown butter over the crumbs and sugar and pulse the mixture until incorporated, about 3 to 5 pulses.
1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
Use a rubber spatula to scrape the crumb mixture into a lightly greased 8-or-9-inch pie dish or an 8-or-9-inch spring form pan. Press into the bottom and up the sides using the flat side of a measuring cup or other to aid you.
This dessert pie crust may be enjoyed unbaked OR baked. Refer to the recipe card instructions for your chosen pie filling to decide whether a baked or unbaked pretzel crust is best.
Chill, place the crust in the freezer for 15 minutes or until needed. Thaw before filling or baking.
Bake, place the crust into a pre-heated 350°F oven and bake for 10 minutes. Cool completely before proceeding.
Fill and garnish with your favorite pie filling.

Notes

No-Bake versus Bake - This dessert pie crust may be enjoyed unbaked OR baked. Refer to the instructions given in the pie filling recipe card regarding whether the crust should be chilled or baked.

Freezer Friendly - Freezing this crust is easy! I find using disposable pie plates work well. Stack the unbaked, assembled crusts with a sheet of parchment in between each. Load into freezer-safe bags before placing into the freezer. Thaw before baking and/or filling.

Nutrition