Homemade Pizza Dough Without Yeast - This delicious whole grain pizza crust is made without yeast or oil! A surprising ingredient helps keep the dough soft and chewy.
Who wants pizza?!
Made without oil or yeast, this is my absolute favorite whole grain crust to make, and the crew here enjoys it too!
It's soft and chewy, and it comes together super quick. No waiting around for the yeast to bloom or the dough to rise.
What can I use instead of yeast in pizza dough?
Because of various health issues, I limit my yeast intake, and have created this delicious alternative using baking powder!
A good ratio of baking powder to flour can create a crust that is very similar to one with yeast.
In this crust, the addition of a surprising ingredient (applesauce!) also lends itself to a soft and chewy texture.
How to make pizza without yeast
Ingredients needed
Recipe steps
Mix together the dry ingredients, then add in the applesauce and water and knead the dough.
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Roll out the dough, pre-bake the crust, then top the crust before the final bake.
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Personally, I'm a fan of making the crust a bit thicker, adding on healthy spoonfuls of my Homemade Pizza Sauce, tons of veggies, and a light sprinkle of raw cheddar.
The kids will even eat their vegetables this way, much to my astonishment!
FAQs
I've not tried using a gluten-free flour for this, so I can't say for sure. Please see below for some wonderful gluten-free alternatives!
The applesauce is what makes this crust soft and chewy, so I wouldn't sub it out. See my recipe for how to make Instant Pot Applesauce, and keep it on hand for other recipes or eating!
Yes, totally! You get to control what goes into the dough and avoid ingredients like sugar or preservatives that can be in store-bought crusts.
The tried and true pizza cheese for some time has been mozzarella. Though it may be taboo, I love using a combination of white cheddar and parmesan. This article details some other cheese options and why they're good.
Recipe notes
This is my favorite spelt flour to use (no affiliation).
Troubleshooting
It can be tricky to find the right consistency with homemade pizza dough if you're a beginner, so here are a few tips!
Add in the water slowly, beginning with 2/3 cup. Add one tablespoon at a time until you can begin to knead the dough without any sticking to your hands.
If you do add too much water and the dough sticks to your hands, slowly add in more flour.
The sweet spot is having the dough be moist enough that it is soft and pliable, but does NOT stick to your hands.
Looking for a good gluten-free crust? Try one of these!
Homemade Pizza Dough Without Yeast
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups spelt flour about 185 grams
- 1 Tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ⅔ - 1 cup warm water
Instructions
- Mix the flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.
- Stir in the applesauce until the mixture looks pebbly.
- Add in the water slowly, until the dough comes together. It should be neither too dry nor too sticky to the touch.
- Knead until the dough is a smooth ball, about 2-3 minutes.
- Cover the dough with the same bowl you used to mix the ingredients, letting it sit while your oven warms and you begin your topping prep.
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
- After 10 minutes, divide the dough into two balls (don't knead it), and roll out each ball to fit your pizza pan.
- Pre-bake the crusts for four minutes.
- Remove the crusts, top with sauce, veggies, and/or cheese, and bake for 8-10 more minutes (I put one on the top rack and one on the bottom rack, bake for six minutes, then switch them around) or until toppings are baked through.
- Remove, cool, slice, and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
If you have a chance to try this recipe, please leave a star rating and a comment below letting me know how you liked it!
Shared with: Full Plate Thursday, Inspire Me Monday, Fiesta Friday
Jhuls @ The Not So Creative Cook
I've tried making pizza dough without yeast, too, but I used yogurt. Using applesauce is a great idea - must try! Thanks a bunch for sharing at Fiesta Friday party! I hope to see you next week.
Lauren
Thanks, Jhuls! I too tried the yogurt, but it ended up drying my dough out quite a bit, whereas the applesauce doesn't. 🙂
Sophie
Hi Lauren! Could this dough be used to make pigs in a blanket? I have been looking all over for a spelt flour pizza dough that is also oil free. Please let me know if you think it would work!
Thank you in advance!
Lauren
Hi Sophie!
Sorry I missed your message. I do think it would be possible, as it is a sturdy dough. I've even considered pretzels, like the mall variety. Let me know if you try it, I'd love to hear if it works.
Sophie
Hi Lauren!
Thank you for getting back to me so quickly. I have bookmarked this recipe and I look forward to trying it very soon. I will definitely get back to you on how it works! Thank you again.
Tammy
I'm honestly so impressed with this pizza crust recipe! It looks so perfect and I'm blown away that it's made with applesauce and no yeast. I have to make this...thank you!
Wow!
OMG, this is the best pizza recipe ever!
Zhanna
Hello! This sounds amazing! Just wondering if I can not the baking powder? Any thoughts? I would greatly appreciate it!
Kaley
I have tried several yeast free pizza crust recipes. This is by far THE BEST! Everyone loved it! Thank you!
Jen
This is my favorite crust. I avoid yeast and oil, so this is absolutely perfect!!
Stacie
This is freak'n delicious! Seriously, wow!
Samantha
Can I use gluten free flour instead of spelt?
Lauren
Hi Samantha,
I'm not sure as I've not tried. I would guess that it would though!
Natalie
Love this recipe!! Super easy, quick and delicious!! Thanks for sharing!!!
Lauren
Thanks Natalie, it's a favorite around here as well! 🙂
kimmythevegan
Awww Happy Birthday Sammy! He is so completely adorable!!
We used to always celebrate my birthdays at home and I have fond memories of it =) That cake looks amazing!!!!! Mmmm chocolate.
And I love how simple the crust sounds - just a few ingredients. Nice!
Thanks for sharing at Healthy Vegan Fridays - I'm pinning & sharing. Have a great week, Lauren!
Lauren
Thank you Kimmy! 🙂
caileejoy
This looks so good!! What a great recipe! Hope that you're having a great weekend!
xoxo Cailee @ http://hellohealthyeating.com 🙂
JoAnn Whitley
This looks like a great one to try. I have been looking for a pizzza pan like yours that is stainless....is yours stainless or aluminum? and if stainless what is the brand?
Lauren
Hi JoAnn,
It is stainless, I'm not a fan of aluminum. I can't find the brand on it, unfortunately. It's just some old, cheap thing I got at TJMaxx, I think. Sorry for not being more helpful!