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Gluten-Free Cheesecake

Gluten-Free Cheesecake Crust Recipe – Easy & Delicious


  • Author: Maria
  • Total Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Yield: 1 cheesecake crust (serves 8-10) 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

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:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (176°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
  2. In a food processor, combine gluten-free flour, sugar, salt, and lemon zest. Pulse a few times to mix.
  3. Add cold butter and vanilla extract, then pulse until the mixture forms coarse crumbs (it should not become dough).
  4. Pour into the prepared pan and press firmly into an even layer. Use a spoon or measuring cup for an even surface.
  5. Poke holes with a fork to prevent air bubbles.
  6. Bake for 17-20 minutes, or until lightly golden. Let cool for 15 minutes before adding cheesecake filling.

For the Oatmeal Cookie-Style Crust:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (176°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
  2. In a food processor, pulse oats, coconut sugar, cinnamon, and salt until combined.
  3. Add softened butter and vanilla extract, then process for 30 seconds until the mixture holds together when pinched.
  4. Transfer to the pan and press evenly over the bottom.
  5. 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