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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    Best Vegan Dessert Pies & Pie Crust Recipes

    The vegan recipe developer and author Connie Edwards McGaughy in her kitchen.
    Modified: Jun 14, 2026 · Published: Mar 14, 2026 by Connie Edwards McGaughy · This post may contain affiliate links

    From flaky homemade pie crusts to rich & scrumptious favorites, these vegan dessert pie recipes prove classic pies are just as delicious plant-based. Whether baking for holidays or a cozy weekend treat, you'll find sweet inspiration here.

    A collage of vegan dessert pies including lemon meringue, apple, pumpkin, and chocolate dream pie.

    If you love a good slice of pie, you're in the right place. This collection of the best vegan dessert pies and pie crust recipes includes everything from classic fruit pies to silky cream pies and foolproof homemade crusts. Each recipe is completely plant-based but every bit as satisfying as the traditional versions many of us grew up with.

    And if you enjoy baking from scratch, you may also want to explore more beloved homemade treats like vegan shortbread cookies, classic carrot cake, and other nostalgic desserts that bring a little something sweet to the table.

    A vegan chocolate cream pie garnished with coconut whipped cream and fresh berries.

    I've always believed that pie is one of the most comforting desserts you can bake. Growing up, pies were part of family gatherings, holidays, and special celebrations. When I began recreating those favorites with plant-based ingredients, I quickly discovered that vegan pies can be just as flaky, rich, and satisfying as the originals.

    Over the years, my daughter Madison and I have enjoyed experimenting with different crusts, fillings, and techniques. We love it so much, it has become one of our favorite parts of recipe development. From bright fruit pies bursting with flavor to creamy chilled pies topped with dairy-free whipped cream, there are so many ways to make vegan pies that feel both familiar and fresh.💚

    🥧 Pies

    British Banoffee Pie

    A slice of vegan Banoffee pie on a plate.

    Light, luscious, and outrageously delicious, this banoffee pie is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! You are going to love this easy plant-based spin on a classic British dessert - made with a buttery shortbread crust, homemade caramel sauce, bananas and whipped cream.

    See the recipe🥕

    Mom's Apple Pie

    A slice of homemade vegan apple pie on a plate.

    An easy and delicious homemade apple pie made with fresh apples, cinnamon, pure maple syrup, vegan butter and a splash of lemon juice baked in a light & flaky pastry crust.

    See the recipe🥕

    Chocolate Dream Pie

    A vegan chocolate dream pie topped with coconut whipped cream and cocoa nibs.

    A quick & easy recipe made with a rich, luscious mousse-like filling in a buttery homemade graham cracker crust. This simply scrumptious vegan spin on a traditional cream pie dessert is a chocolate lover's dream.

    See the recipe🥕

    Pumpkin Pie

    A vegan pumpkin pie on a cutting board, next to a pie server imprinted with the words I'm just here for dessert.

    Enjoy the cozy fall flavors of pumpkin and spice with this creamy, dreamy vegan pumpkin pie baked in a buttery, flaky crust. It has all the flavor and texture of the classic pies your mom or grandma used to make - just without the eggs or dairy.

    See the recipe🥕

    Lemon Meringue Pie

    A beautiful vegan lemon meringue pie topped with aquafaba meringue.

    Welcome to the world's best lemon meringue pie! The silkiest smooth lemon filling with just the right balance of tart and sweet, topped with mounds of luscious vegan meringue in a golden buttery flaky crust.

    See the recipe🥕
    A promotional ad for The Carrot Underground Cookbook Volume 2 - How to bake the best vegan desserts and treats.

    🥧 Pie Crusts

    A vegan apple pie topped with a lattice crust, on a cutting board with red and green apples and a rolling pin.

    Once you master a good pie crust, the possibilities are endless. A classic flaky vegan pastry pie crust is the perfect base for fruit-filled favorites like berry or apple pies as well as savory pies, like classic veggie pot pies or quiche, while a vegan graham cracker crust works beautifully for chilled desserts such as cream pies and no-bake treats.

    Pie Crust Tips

    🥕 Keep ingredients cold
    Cold vegan butter and ice water help create a flaky pie crust.

    🥕 Don't overwork the dough
    Mix just until the dough comes together to keep the crust tender.

    🥕 Let the crust rest
    Chilling the dough before rolling makes it easier to handle and prevents shrinking during baking.

    🥕 Use parchment for blind baking
    When pre-baking a crust, line with parchment and add pie weights or dried beans.

    🥕 Allow pies to cool completely
    Fruit and cream pies set up as they cool, making them easier to slice neatly.

    🥕 Try different crusts
    Traditional pastry crusts are wonderful, but graham cracker, shortbread, cookie, and oat crumble crusts can add extra flavor and texture.

    Pastry Pie Crust

    An unbaked easy vegan pie crust in a pie dish.

    Making your own buttery vegan pastry pie crust is as easy as pie! You'll love this simple recipe for preparing the flakiest & tastiest crust that is perfect for sweet or savory pies - like my delicious vegan broccoli & cheese pot pie!

    See the recipe🥕

    Graham Cracker Crust

    A baked vegan graham cracker crust in a glass pie dish.

    This 3 ingredient recipe is simply so easy & delicious, you'll never buy a store-bought graham cracker crust again! Use this recipe for vegan cheesecakes, refrigerator pies and cream pies - like this blissfully rich chocolate dream pie.

    See the recipe🥕

    Shortbread Crust

    A vegan shortbread pie crust on a pedestal cake plate.

    This easy 4-ingredient recipe includes everything you need, to know how to make the best vegan shortbread crust. Tender, buttery, and lightly sweet - it's the perfect crust for cream pies, fruit tarts, cookies, lemon bars and more!

    See the recipe🥕

    Oat Crumble Crust

    A baking dish filled with the bottom crust for vegan cranberry oat crumble bars.

    This sweet & chewy oat crumble crust makes a tasty foundation for mini apple pies, fruit tarts, berry crumble bars, or topped with melted chocolate & caramel. You'll find the details in my recipe for cranberry oat crumble bars.

    See the recipe🥕

    🥧 FAQ's

    Can pie crust be made vegan?

    Yes. Classic pie crust can easily be made vegan by replacing butter with plant-based butter or vegetable shortening. When handled properly, vegan pie crust turns out just as flaky and tender as traditional pastry.

    What is the best fat for vegan pie crust?

    Most bakers prefer vegan butter because it creates rich flavor and flaky layers similar to traditional crust. Vegetable shortening can also be used for an extra-tender texture, and some bakers use a combination of both.

    How do you thicken fruit filling in vegan pies?

    Fruit pies are usually thickened with cornstarch, arrowroot powder, or tapioca starch. These plant-based thickeners help create a glossy filling that sets properly once the pie cools.

    Can you buy ready-made vegan pie crust?

    Yes. Many store-bought pie crusts are accidentally vegan because they're made with vegetable shortening instead of butter. Always check ingredient labels to make sure there are no dairy ingredients such as butter, milk, or lard.

    Can you make vegan pies ahead of time?

    Absolutely. Many fruit pies can be baked a day in advance and stored at room temperature or refrigerated. Cream pies should typically be kept chilled until ready to serve.

    Ready to sample the best vegan savory pies? Here you go!

    A collage of vegan savory pie dishes including Gardener's Pie, Veggie Pot Pie with Tofu, Broccoli Cheese Pot Pie, and Texas Tamale Pie.

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    About Connie Edwards McGaughy

    Connie Edwards McGaughy is a San Diego-based vegan recipe developer, cookbook author, and founder of The Carrot Underground. She began her journey toward plant-based living in 1977 and has spent nearly five decades creating plant-based recipes and inspiring compassionate living.

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    The vegan author Connie Edwards McGaughy inside her kitchen.

    Hi, I'm Connie! I created The Carrot Underground🥕 as your place to find easy & delicious recipes and inspiration for enjoying the goodness of vegan living.

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