Description
This gluten-free cheesecake crust is buttery, crisp, and perfect for any cheesecake. Choose between a shortbread-style crust for a smooth, cookie-like base or an oatmeal cookie-style crust for a slightly chewy, graham cracker-inspired flavor. Made with simple, high-quality gluten-free ingredients, this crust holds together beautifully while complementing any cheesecake filling
Ingredients
Scale
Shortbread-Style Crust:
- 1 ½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (King Arthur or Bob’s Red Mill recommended)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest (optional, for extra flavor)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Oatmeal Cookie-Style Crust:
- 1 ⅔ cups gluten-free oats (quick oats for hand-mixing, rolled oats for food processor)
- ⅓ cup coconut sugar (or brown sugar)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
For the Shortbread-Style Crust:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (176°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
- In a food processor, combine gluten-free flour, sugar, salt, and lemon zest. Pulse a few times to mix.
- Add cold butter and vanilla extract, then pulse until the mixture forms coarse crumbs (it should not become dough).
- Pour into the prepared pan and press firmly into an even layer. Use a spoon or measuring cup for an even surface.
- Poke holes with a fork to prevent air bubbles.
- Bake for 17-20 minutes, or until lightly golden. Let cool for 15 minutes before adding cheesecake filling.
For the Oatmeal Cookie-Style Crust:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (176°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
- In a food processor, pulse oats, coconut sugar, cinnamon, and salt until combined.
- Add softened butter and vanilla extract, then process for 30 seconds until the mixture holds together when pinched.
- Transfer to the pan and press evenly over the bottom.
- Bake for 14-16 minutes, until lightly browned. Let cool for 5-10 minutes before adding cheesecake filling.
Notes
- Make ahead: Store pre-baked crusts at room temperature for 24 hours, in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- For no-bake cheesecakes: Let the crust cool completely before filling.
- For a dairy-free version: Substitute butter with vegan butter or coconut oil.
- For a sugar-free crust: Use monk fruit sweetener or maple syrup instead of sugar.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice of cheesecake crust
- Calories: ~180
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: gluten-free cheesecake crust, gluten-free shortbread crust, gluten-free graham cracker crust alternative, oatmeal cookie cheesecake crust, wheat-free cheesecake crust, easy gluten-free cheesecake base