Delicious and Flaky Pie Crust Recipe – Easy to Make
As a baker, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as making a homemade pie with a buttery flaky crust. But let’s be honest, achieving that perfect pie crust can be a daunting task. Fortunately, with my favorite pie crust recipe, you can say goodbye to the days of tough or soggy crusts.
This recipe is easy to follow, and the ingredients are simple and accessible. With just flour, salt, butter (or shortening), cold water and a touch of vinegar or egg yolk, you’ll have all the components needed to create a flawless flaky pie crust.
Whether you’re using it for a lattice pie or filling it with your favorite apple pie filling, this crust delivers on both taste and texture. So before we get into the details of this recipe, trust me when I say that this is the perfect pie crust recipe that every baker needs in their arsenal. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Picture this: it’s a chilly evening, and the wind is howling through the branches of the trees outside. You’re cozied up on your couch with a hot cup of tea, and you can smell the sweet aroma of something baking in the oven. What could it be, you wonder? Why, it’s a homemade pie!
What makes this pie so special, you ask? Well, my dear friend, let me tell you about the magic of the crust. This recipe for a favorite pie crust is unlike any other. With just a few simple ingredients – all-purpose flour, salt, brown sugar, baking powder – and some cold butter and ice water, you can create a flaky and buttery masterpiece that will have everyone begging for seconds. And if that wasn’t enough to convince you, let me tell you about why this pie crust recipe is truly one-of-a-kind.
Firstly, this recipe is incredibly versatile. You can use it for any type of pie – apple, cherry, peach, pumpkin – and it will always come out perfectly. The crust is sturdy enough to hold up against even the heaviest filling, yet light and flaky enough to be devoured with ease. And because it only requires a handful of ingredients, you don’t need to worry about running to the grocery store for some obscure item.
Secondly, this recipe is foolproof. Even if you’ve never made a pie crust before in your life, I promise that you can do this. With simple instructions and some tips from yours truly (more on that later), you’ll be making homemade pies like a pro in no time.
Lastly, but certainly not least, this recipe is delicious. Words truly can’t describe how good this pie crust tastes – you simply must try it for yourself. The buttery flakiness pairs perfectly with any filling you choose, making every bite a symphony of flavor in your mouth.
So my friends, what are you waiting for? Trust me when I say that this favorite pie crust recipe will change your life forever – or at least your dessert game.
Ingredient List
Let’s talk about all the ingredients you’ll need to make the perfect pie crust. Gather these ingredients before starting and you’ll save yourself from any mid-recipe runs to the store.
Ingredients:
- 2 and 1/2 cups (315g) all-purpose flour: make sure you spoon and level your flour, over-packing can lead to a dense crust.
- 1 teaspoon salt: just a pinch is not enough, but you don’t want too much to overpower the tart or sweet filling.
- 1 tablespoon (13g) brown sugar: for a touch of sweetness that is perfect for dessert pies.
- 3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, cold and diced
- 1/4 cup vegetable shortening (57g): optional for extra flakiness, can be substituted with more butter.
- 1/2 cup (120ml) ice water: remember that the water needs to be cold, so put some ice in it before measuring.
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) white vinegar: this helps tenderize the dough, making it easy to roll out.
The above ingredients are enough for one double pie crust or two single crusts. If making a lattice pie or using decorative pie crust cutters, increase recipe by 50%.
The Recipe How-To
Let’s get down to business now! Making the perfect pie crust can seem daunting, but follow my recipe and you will end up with a buttery, flaky pie crust that will make your homemade pie taste like it was made by a professional baker.
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold, diced
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup ice water
Instructions:
-
In a bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, and salt.
-
Using a food processor, pulse the cold diced butter into the flour mixture until the mixture resembles coarse sand.
-
Slowly add ice water into the mixture, starting with 1/4 cup and adding more as needed just until the dough comes together in large clumps. Do not overwork the dough; it should be somewhat crumbly but hold its shape when squeezed together.
-
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead lightly to bring it all together. Divide dough in half and flatten each half into a disk. Wrap each disk in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour (or up to two days).
-
When ready to bake pie, remove dough from refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about five minutes until it is slightly softened but still cold.
-
Roll out one disk on a lightly floured surface or between two sheets of parchment paper or plastic wrap until it’s about 12 inches in diameter.
-
Gently transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie dish by folding it in half twice and moving it carefully into place before unfolding.
-
Trim any excess dough and decorate as desired (for example, creating a lattice pattern or using cookie cutters to cut out shapes).
-
For single-crust pies: trim any excess dough beyond the edge of the pie dish and use a fork or your fingers to crimp the edges decoratively.
-
Proceed with making your preferred filling.
Now that you’ve mastered making a perfect pie crust try experimenting with different fillings – you could use apple pie filling for classic apple pies or combine your favorite fruits for new creations!
Substitutions and Variations
For this recipe, I recommend sticking to the ingredients listed in the recipe. However, if necessary, there are a few substitutions and variations that can be made.
If you do not have all-purpose flour on hand, you can use whole wheat flour instead. Keep in mind that the crust will be denser and the texture may be slightly different.
For a vegan option, you can use vegetable shortening instead of butter. This will result in a flaky pie crust that is still buttery in texture.
You can also switch up the flavor of the pie crust by adding different spices or extracts such as cinnamon or almond extract. Just be mindful not to add too much or it can overpower the flavor of the filling.
Another variation is to make a lattice pie crust for a more decorative look. Simply roll out the dough into strips and weave them over the top of your pie filling.
Finally, for a savory pie crust, omit any sugar from the recipe and add herbs such as rosemary or thyme to the dough mixture.
Overall, it’s always fun to play around with variations in order to find your perfect pie crust recipe. But keep in mind that when making substitutions or variations, it may alter the outcome of your crust and filling in ways you might not expect.
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving and pairing your favorite pie crust recipe, the possibilities are endless. Whether you prefer a sweet or savory filling, you can find the right combination to make your homemade pie truly special.
For a classic dessert pie, you can’t go wrong with a flaky and buttery crust paired with an apple or pumpkin filling. Add a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the flavor, and serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
If you’re in the mood for something savory, consider using your favorite pie crust recipe to make a quiche or pot pie. A cheese and vegetable quiche with a buttery crust is perfect for brunch, while a hearty beef or chicken pot pie makes for a comforting dinner option.
For those who want to experiment with different flavors, try using your favorite pie crust recipe to make a dessert tart. Top with fresh fruit like berries or peaches and dust with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
No matter which way you choose to serve and pair your homemade pie, make sure to let it cool before slicing into it. This will ensure that the filling sets properly and that the crust stays flaky.
So go ahead and get creative with your favorite pie crust recipe. With so many different options for fillings and pairings, there’s no limit to what you can create in your kitchen!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
“Time is of the essence” – this proverb applies to baking as well. I know you’d love to have a homemade pie crust ready for whenever inspiration strikes! Good news: with this recipe, you can make the pie crust in advance and store it properly until you’re ready to use it.
If you want to make the pie crust ahead of time, I suggest preparing it up to three days before using it. Once the dough has been shaped into a disk or ball, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator.
Alternatively, if you want to prepare the dough a few weeks in advance, wrap it up tightly and store it in an airtight container or plastic freezer bag. Thawing shortcrust pastry is simple, just remove from the freezer and let thaw in the fridge overnight.
To ensure that your crust retains its flaky texture, avoid mixing or kneading the dough excessively when reheating. The strict no-go is microwaving! Instead, let your crust sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling and shaping as usual.
Now, reheating. If you’ve baked your pie beforehand but still have leftovers to warm up, there’s no need to worry! Simply cover the pie loosely with aluminum foil and place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
If you’re planning on making pies and tarts regularly, I recommend preparing multiple batches of crusts on a Sunday afternoon and freezing them so they’re at hand when needed. A properly made pie crust can elevate even the simplest filling into something remarkable. So go ahead – make a batch of this favorite pie crust recipe now and enjoy perfect pies all year round!
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you have the ingredients and steps to make a delicious pie crust, here are some tips to ensure perfect results every time.
1. Keep ingredients cold – One of the secrets to a flaky pie crust is using cold ingredients. Make sure that your butter and shortening are well chilled before using them. Also, use ice-cold water when mixing the dough.
2. Handle the dough lightly – Overworking the dough can result in tough pie crusts. Once you’ve mixed all the ingredients together, try to handle the dough as little as possible.
3. Use a food processor – If you own a food processor, use it to make your pie dough. The pulse action of the machine makes it easier to cut the butter into the flour without overworking it.
4. Don’t forget the salt and sugar – Adding a teaspoon of salt and brown sugar enhances the flavor of your pie crust.
5. Add vinegar and baking powder – Although these ingredients are not necessary in making a basic pie crust, they help to tenderize the dough and improve its texture and flavor.
6. Chill the dough before rolling it out – After mixing your dough, let it chill for at least an hour in the refrigerator before rolling it out.
7. Use a light touch when rolling – Start in the middle of the dough with your rolling pin and work outward towards the edges with light pressure. Rotate your dough frequently while rolling to avoid sticking or uneven thickness.
8. For lattice pie, cut strips evenly – If you’re making a lattice-topped pie, make sure that you cut your strips evenly to ensure a uniform look.
By following these eight tips, you’ll be able to create a perfect and delicious pie crust every time!
FAQ
As we wrap up this recipe article for our favorite pie crust, we understand that some questions may still linger on your mind. Therefore, in this section, we have compiled a few frequently asked questions with detailed answers for you to make the perfect pie crust! So let’s get started and clear out any confusion that you may have.
What is the secret to a good pie crust?
To bake a perfect pie, it is crucial to have the right tools at hand. These include a pastry cutter, mixing bowl, rolling pin, and a pie plate. When making the pie crust, it’s important to incorporate the butter until it resembles small peas. Opting for lard instead of butter can make your pie crust even flakier. Additionally, use ice-cold water to keep the dough firm and prevent the butter from melting. Once you have added the water, make sure not to overmix the dough, as it can toughen the crust. Keeping the dough cool also prevents the butter from melting and becoming sticky.
Selecting the right plate is also crucial to the success of your pie. The dish should be made of a material that conducts heat well and distributes it evenly. Furthermore, it should be deep enough to hold the filling and allow for a generous layer of crust on top. When it comes to baking the pie, placing the rack in the bottom of the oven allows the bottom crust to cook thoroughly.
By following these tips and using the proper techniques, baking the perfect pie is achievable for anyone.
What is the number 2 most important thing when making pie crust?
To prepare the dough, grab a cold glass of water with ice cubes ready. Slowly pour in the ice-cold water into the mixture, adding only one tablespoon or less at a time. You’ll know it’s enough water when the dough can hold its shape and stick together with a gentle squeeze. Remember not to overdo it with the water!
Is Crisco or butter better for pie crust?
When making a pie crust, utilizing both butter and shortening can result in the best outcome. Shortening has a binding effect on the crust, holding it together. Meanwhile, butter gives a flaky texture and adds flavor to the crust. The combination of these two ingredients creates a well-balanced pie crust that tastes and looks amazing. So, if you want to take your pie game to the next level, consider using both of these ingredients in your recipe.
How does Gordon Ramsay make pie crust?
The recipe suggests using tart dough instead of the usual pie crust which involves mixing flour, ice water, and cold butter. The tart dough requires softened butter, flour, sugar, and eggs to be combined in a food processor. The butter and sugar are first blitzed together until smooth and then blended with the eggs and flour until the dough reaches a cohesive consistency.
Bottom Line
In my honest opinion, this favorite pie crust recipe is a must-try for every baker out there. With its simple yet perfect combination of ingredients, you’ll be guaranteed to get a flaky, buttery, and delicious crust that your family and friends will surely love. Plus, with the tips and recommendations I’ve shared in this article, you’ll be able to achieve perfect results every single time.
So, what are you waiting for? Don’t settle for a mediocre pie crust when you can make your homemade pie crust using this recipe! Give it a try, experiment with different variations and substitutions, and have fun while doing so. Trust me; you won’t regret it.
And lastly, as someone who loves baking and sharing my creations with others, I believe that good food has the power to bring people together. So let’s continue to make tasty treats like this favorite pie crust recipe and share them with our loved ones. Happy baking!
Favorite Pie Crust Recipe
Ingredients
- 5 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 lb lard, room temperature
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons vinegar
- cold water, to make a cup
Instructions
- Measure flour, sugar, salt and baking powder into a large bowl.
- Cut in lard until the size of tiny peas.
- Break egg into measuring cup and beat with a fork.
- Add vinegar and pour in enough water to measure 1 cup.
- Pour a little at a time over flour mixture, tossing and stirring with fork until all liquid is absorbed. You may not always need all of it.
- Shape pastry into a ball.
- Divide into 4 flat patties.
- Wrap and refrigerate.
- Wrap and refrigerate.
- Use with your favorite filling recipe.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
Recommended Recipes Just For You
Steven is a chef by heritage, so it’s no wonder why baking is such a big part of who he is. To share his passion for all things sweet, he created cookiesncrepes.com. It’s the perfect platform to indulge in delicious treats, all with a sprinkle of his signature flare.