In a small bowl, combine the ground flax, hot water, and maple syrup together. Set aside.
Preheat the oven to 350° F.
In a food processor, pulse the almonds to create a fine almond flour. Add the flax mixture, 3 Tbsp cold water, and salt. Pulse until the mixture is well combined, then add in the flour.
Pulse a few more times until a smooth dough forms, adding 1-2 Tbsp more water, if needed. Do not over-process the dough – it should soft and moist not wet. If you process it too much, the dough will become tough.
Remove the dough and place it on a non-stick pat or lightly floured surface. Use a rolling pin to roll it out as thin as possible.
Transfer the dough to your 9-inch tart or pie pan. Shape and flute the edges, as desired.
Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork and bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely before filling.
Notes
• I prefer making the almond flour fresh but you can use premade almond flour as well.• If making this gluten-free, simply substitute with a gluten-free blend like Bob's Red Mill 1:1 Gluten-free Baking Flour.• The pie crust dough can be made a few days ahead and stored in the refrigerator until you are ready to use it. It can also be frozen and then thawed before using.
Keyword oil-free, pie, pie crust, pie shell, plant-based, refined sugar free, shell, tart, vegan, wfpb, whole grain