5 Crustless Pies We Tested — One Might Replace Your Old Favorite

Food Essentials
By Daniel Reed

Who says pie has to come with a crust? We tested five crustless pies that prove the filling can easily be the star of the show. From creamy custards to fudgy chocolate and even a savory surprise, these recipes skip the dough without sacrificing flavor. In fact, a few of them were so good, we didn’t miss the crust at all — and that’s saying something.

1. Crustless Coconut Custard Pie

© A Family Feast

If sunshine could be baked into dessert form, this would be it. The first bite hits you with creamy coconut flavor and a hint of vanilla warmth that feels like a mini vacation. What’s magical is how it forms its own delicate “crust” while baking — golden on the edges, silky in the center, and sweet enough to satisfy without overdoing it.

It’s the perfect crustless pie for when you want something impressive but low-effort. You toss the ingredients into a bowl, pour it into a pie dish, and let the oven do the rest. The coconut rises beautifully to the top, creating a lightly toasted layer that looks and tastes like you spent hours fussing over it.

Serve it chilled with whipped cream, or warm with a drizzle of caramel sauce if you’re feeling fancy. Either way, this pie will have you wondering why you ever bothered with pastry in the first place.

2. Crustless Chocolate Fudge Pie

© Big Green House

Some desserts should come with a warning label — and this one would say “Dangerously Easy.” One bowl, a whisk, and a few ingredients later, you’re staring at a rich, dense, chocolatey masterpiece that could make any chocoholic swoon. It’s the kind of pie that looks humble but delivers a knockout flavor punch.

Instead of a crust, the outer layer bakes into a slightly chewy shell that hugs a soft, fudgy center. Think flourless cake meets brownie — smooth, rich, and just sweet enough to make you sigh with satisfaction. It’s indulgent without being overwhelming, and that’s what makes it so perfect.

Pair it with fresh raspberries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the richness. Fair warning: it disappears fast. If you plan on sharing, make two. You’ll thank yourself later.

3. Crustless Cheesecake

© Taste of Home

This dessert proves you don’t need a crust to achieve cheesecake perfection. Each slice is creamy, smooth, and perfectly balanced — not too dense, not too airy. Without a crumbly base, the texture becomes the star, allowing that luscious tangy-sweet flavor to shine through in every bite.

It’s also much easier to make than traditional cheesecake. There’s no worrying about soggy crusts, cracks, or complicated techniques. Just mix, pour, bake, and chill. The result? A light, velvety treat that tastes like something you’d find at a fancy café but with half the effort.

Top it with whatever fits your mood — strawberries, chocolate drizzle, lemon curd, or even a handful of crushed cookies for fun. It’s elegant, customizable, and impossible to mess up. Once you try it, you might never go back to the crusted version again.

4. Crustless Apple Pie

© Salad in a Jar

This one had everyone talking. It’s all the cozy, nostalgic goodness of a traditional apple pie — the cinnamon, the buttery aroma, the tender slices — but without the fuss of rolling dough. Each bite feels like autumn wrapped in a hug, and somehow, it’s even easier to love.

Instead of a crust, a light custardy base holds everything together, giving the apples just enough structure while keeping them juicy. The edges caramelize beautifully, adding a slight crisp that mimics the best part of a baked crust. It’s the perfect shortcut for busy bakers who still want that homemade feel.

Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an instant dessert win. Trust us — once you’ve had this version, you’ll wonder why anyone ever made apple pie the hard way.

5. Crustless Spinach & Feta “Pie” (Savory Option)

© Elizabeth Chloé |

Before you think this list is all about dessert, let’s take a savory detour. This crustless spinach and feta pie tastes like your favorite Greek spanakopita but without the phyllo layers or guilt. It’s hearty, flavorful, and packed with protein — the kind of dish that works for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Fresh spinach gives it that earthy bite, while the feta adds a creamy, salty punch that keeps every forkful interesting. The eggs bind it all together into a light, quiche-like texture that’s both satisfying and comforting. It’s the kind of “pie” that makes you feel like you’re eating something special, even on a weeknight.

Pair it with a simple salad or serve it as part of a brunch spread. Bonus: it reheats beautifully, so leftovers (if you have any) are just as delicious the next day. It’s proof that pies don’t have to be sweet to steal the spotlight.