Never Fail Pie Crust
Everyone needs a go-to, no-fail pie crust recipe, so I wanted to share mine with you. But first, a backstory.
Every Christmas, my family has a tradition, passed down from my Swedish roots, to have a smorgasbord. Naturally, as the oldest sister, the cooking responsibility fell to me. One of the very first years I started cooking this smorgasbord, I made a French silk pie using a butter crust recipe. But for some reason, the pie crust had turned into a strange, translucent, rubber-like consistency. Mr. Gracious, who was still just my boyfriend at the time, admits now that he was pretty disappointed and concerned about my pie-making abilities since pie is his absolute favorite dessert. Everyone chewed on their rubber pie silently until I finally broke the ice and mentioned that there was obviously something wrong with it!
I have never used that recipe again. Much to Mr. Gracious’s delight, I have found the perfect flaky pie crust recipe that turns out every time. It’s flaky. It’s delicious. And best of all, it’s NOT rubbery. So here is my no-fail flaky pie crust recipe. Hopefully, my sharing will help you to never have a similar pie-baking incident.
This flaky no-fail pie crust recipe is enough for 2 crusts (a double crust). It is freezer safe, so if you only need half (the bottom shell), wrap the other half in plastic wrap and stick it in the freezer until you need it next time. I simply let the dough sit on the counter until soft all the way through to use it after freezing.
I got this recipe from Sister Lance in Virginia. It seriously cannot go wrong! It makes 5 single pie crusts and lasts forever in the freezer. Just wrap well in plastic and take out about an hour before you want to use it. I use it for quiche, hand pies, and dessert pies too.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This pie crust recipe is a baker’s dream come true. It’s incredibly versatile, making it perfect for everything from sweet dessert pies to savory quiches. The crust is wonderfully flaky, and the recipe is practically fail-proof. Plus, it freezes beautifully, so you can always have homemade pie crust ready to go.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Fork or pastry blender
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Plastic wrap
Ingredients
- 4 cups flour
- 1 3/4 cups shortening
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Using a fork or pastry blender, mix together the flour, shortening, sugar, and salt in a large bowl.
- In a separate dish, beat together the vinegar, egg, and water.
- Combine the two mixtures, stirring with a fork until all ingredients are moistened.
- Divide the dough into 5 parts and shape each into a ball.
- Chill for 15 minutes before rolling out or wrap and freeze for future use.
Tips for Success
To ensure your pie crust is perfectly flaky, make sure your shortening is chilled before mixing. Don’t overwork the dough; handle it just enough to bring it together. If your kitchen is warm, keep the dough chilled until you’re ready to roll it out.
Additional Tips or Variations
For a richer flavor, you can substitute half of the shortening with unsalted butter. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a subtly spiced crust, perfect for apple or pumpkin pies.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
This pie crust is a delightful indulgence. While it provides the essential flaky texture and buttery flavor, be mindful of the calorie content if you’re watching your intake. Each serving offers a delicious balance of fats and carbohydrates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use this pie crust recipe for savory pies?
Absolutely! This crust is perfect for both sweet and savory pies.
How do I store leftover pie crust?
Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.
Can I make this pie crust gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend.
Thank you for joining me on this pie-baking adventure! I hope you love this never-fail pie crust recipe as much as my family does. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out. Feel free to share your pie-making experiences in the comments below or tag me on social media. Happy baking!
