The Best Pretzel Pie Crust Recipe

If you’ve been looking for a way to give your pies a boost, this is it! Salted pretzels aren’t reserved for just snack-time anymore. Using them as a base for your sweet desserts is a genius hack to add a new layer of depth. The sweet and salty combination with the crunchy texture is a fantastic treat to your taste buds.

The best part is that you can prepare it in two different ways to match whatever you’re making. Bake this pie crust to hold up well to custards and have a nice crispy crunch. Or create a no-bake pie crust option for less prep time and a softer texture. Either way, this salty pretzel crust is versatile and able to transform ordinary pies into culinary masterpieces.

Since you are here and need a good pie recipe to go with this crust, check out this Chocolate Chip Cookie Pie Recipe, this Best Brownie Pie Recipe, or this Maple Pecan Pie Recipe.

Ingredients for this pretzel pie crust recipe

Here are the ingredients you will need to make this amazing crumbly crust. Scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of the page for the detailed ingredient measurements. 

• Butter: acts as the binding agent and helps the crumbs stick together to create a firm crust.
• Granulated Sugar: balances the saltiness of the crushed pretzels. You will need powdered sugar if you want the no-bake version.
• Pretzel Crumbles: is the base of the crust. You can use either whole pretzels or pretzel sticks.

How to make a baked pretzel pie crust recipe

This is how you can make this perfect crust. Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card for the oven temp, bake time, and complete instructions!

1. Preheat your oven and lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish.
2. Use a food processor or a rolling pin and ziplock bag to crush the pretzels into fine crumbs, the finer the better!
3. Combine the pretzel crumbs with sugar and melted butter in a medium bowl until evenly mixed.
4. Firmly press mixture into the bottom and up the sides of the prepared pie pan, using the back of a spoon or a measuring cup to compact it.
5. Bake until the crust is lightly golden brown and set. Let it cool completely to room temperature on a wire rack before adding your filling.

How to make a no-bake pretzel crust recipe

This is how you can make a no-bake crust. For the full instructions, scroll down to the recipe card at the end of this post!

1. Crush pretzels into fine crumbs, either using a food processor or a rolling pin with a ziplock bag.
2. In a bowl, mix the ground pretzels with powdered sugar (instead of granulated) and melted butter until it has the consistency of wet sand.
3. Press the crumb mixture into a lightly greased 9-inch pie dish in an even layer, ensuring the sides and bottom of the pie crust are packed tightly.
4. Place the crust in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up before adding your filling. You can also bake it in a preheated oven for 10 minutes just like you would a regular graham cracker crust.

Pretzel Crumb Crust Recipe Tips and Tricks

• The finer the crumbs, the better the crust will hold together.
• Use the back of a measuring cup or a spoon to press the crust mixture as firmly into the pie pan as possible.
• Use a good brand of pretzels that has a strong flavor that you enjoyed.

Why do you need to make this pretzel pie crust recipe?

• This easy pretzel crust recipe can elevate any pie, tart, or favorite cheesecake flavor you can think of.
• The salty flavor is a great switch-up from a traditional flaky pie crust.
• Use this simple recipe in place of other crust flavors like graham cracker crust or Oreo cookie crust.
• The hardest part about this recipe is just figuring out what to fill it with.

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ

Can I use gluten-free pretzels for this crust?

Yes! Gluten-free pretzels work just as well as the regular pretzels do. Just make sure they’re finely crushed for the best texture and binding.

Can I make this crust ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the crust up to 2 days in advance. Store the unbaked version in the fridge or freeze. The baked version can be store at room temperature for longer!

How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?

• Brush a thin layer of melted white or dark chocolate over the cooled crust and let it harden before adding the filling.
• If using an unbaked version, chill for longer (at least an hour) before adding the pie filling to ensure it sets properly.

Should I use salted or unsalted pretzels?

Salty pretzels are preferred but of course you can use unsalted if you want. Combo sweet and salty desserts bring an extra layer of flavor that go so well together. If you have unsalted pretzels on hand, you can always just add a pinch of salt with it.

What pies pair best with a pretzel crust?

What first comes to mind for me would be cheesecakes or mousse-style cream pies like peanut butter or chocolate. Strawberry pretzel pie seems to be a popular option online. But really all sweet pies go well with this crust. You could even use this for a breakfast quiche, just make sure to reduce the sugar to only a few teaspoons.

The Best Pretzel Pie Crust Recipe

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