Indulge in the art of pie-making with our comprehensive guide to pie crusts. Discover the secrets to creating flaky, tender, and flavorful crusts that will elevate your pies to new heights. From classic butter crusts to healthier whole wheat options, vegan crusts, and gluten-free variations, we have a recipe for every taste and dietary preference. With step-by-step instructions and expert tips, you'll learn how to master the techniques of blind baking, lattice topping, and crimped edges. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, our pie crust recipes will equip you with the skills to create stunning and delicious pies that will impress your family and friends.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
PERFECT PIE CRUST
This classic dough contains no special ingredients, just flour, salt, butter and water, but it works like a dream. The recipe makes a single crust for a 9-inch pie; simply double it to make a double-crust pie. (If you make it by hand, you can even triple or quadruple the recipe.) If you'd prefer to use a food processor, you can, and it's a good idea if you have warm hands. To do so, pulse the butter into the flour mixture a few times, until the butter is the size of walnut halves or peas, then transfer the mixture to a medium bowl and proceed with adding the water. (Adding the water in the food processor often leads to hydration problems and overmixing, which is why you should do that part by hand no matter what.) The dough keeps in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and in the freezer for up to 3 months (thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before rolling it out).
Provided by Erin Jeanne McDowell
Categories pies and tarts, dessert
Time 30m
Yield 1 single crust for a 9-inch pie
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt to combine. Add the butter, tossing the cubes through the flour until the pieces are separated from one another and each piece is coated.
- Cut the butter into the flour by pressing the pieces between your palms or fingertips, flattening the cubes into big shards and continuing to toss them in the flour to recoat the shards. The size of the butter will vary depending on the kind of pie you're making: For fruit pies, stop when the butter pieces are about the size of walnut halves. For custard pies, stop when the butter pieces are smaller, about the size of peas.
- Make a well in the center of the mixture. Add 3 tablespoons ice water and mix it in by tossing the flour in the bowl. (This tossing movement lets the moisture incorporate without allowing too much gluten formation.)
- Continue to add ice water 1 to 2 tablespoons at a time until the dough begins to come together. As it comes together, fold it over itself a few times to make sure it's homogenous. The dough should hold together without noticeable cracks (a sign of underhydration), but it should not be wet or tacky to the touch (a sign of overhydration).
- Form the dough into a disk about 1-inch thick. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before using, and up to 2 days. (It can also be frozen for up to 3 months, then thawed overnight before using.)
PIE CRUST
Some people shy away from making pie crusts. Here is a recipe to banish all fear, a simple dough of butter and all-purpose flour, easy to make and dependable as can be. If you plan to make a pie with a top crust, double the recipe; when it's time to chill the dough, divide it in half and shape into two disks to put in the fridge. The dough will also keep for 3 months in the freezer, if you want to stash a few disks there. Defrost in the fridge overnight.
Provided by Melissa Clark
Categories pies and tarts, dessert
Time 1h45m
Yield One 9-inch single pie crust
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- In a food processor, pulse together the flour and salt. Add butter and pulse until the mixture forms lima bean-size pieces. Slowly add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, and pulse until the dough just comes together. It should be moist, but not wet.
- Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gather into a ball. Flatten into a disk with the heel of your hand. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 2 days.
EASY PIE CRUST
Prep now and enjoy wonderful pies all season. Make the crust and topping in advance and keep them in the freezer for up to three months, then defrost fully before using.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Dessert & Treats Recipes Pie & Tarts Recipes
Time 1h40m
Yield Makes 2
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- To make the dough for the pie crust, mix 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon each salt and sugar in a medium-size bowl. Cut 2 sticks chilled unsalted butter into pieces. With a pastry blender, cut in butter, working until mixture resembles coarse meal.
- Add 4 tablespoons ice water; work with hands until dough comes together. If dough is still crumbly, add more ice water a tablespoon at a time (up to 4 more tablespoons). Do not overwork.
- Divide dough in half, and flatten halves into disks. Wrap disks separately in plastic; refrigerate at least 1 hour.
- To form the pie shell, roll the dough on a floured surface into a 14-inch round. Wrap around rolling pin and carefully unroll over a 9-inch pie plate.
- Fit gently into bottom and side of plate. Use kitchen shears to trim dough to a 1-inch overhang; fold under, and seal to form a rim.
- Crimp rim with fingertips and knuckle. Repeat with remaining dough; wrap each with plastic, stack, and freeze.
PERFECT PIE CRUST
Try this recipe for Perfect Pie Crust from Food Network's Ina Garten.
Provided by Ina Garten
Categories dessert
Yield 2 (10-inch) crusts
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Dice the butter and return it to the refrigerator while you prepare the flour mixture. Place the flour, salt, and sugar in the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade and pulse a few times to mix. Add the butter and shortening. Pulse 8 to 12 times, until the butter is the size of peas. With the machine running, pour the ice water down the feed tube and pulse the machine until the dough begins to form a ball. Dump out on a floured board and roll into a ball. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Cut the dough in half. Roll each piece on a well-floured board into a circle, rolling from the center to the edge, turning and flouring the dough to make sure it doesn't stick to the board. Fold the dough in half, place in a pie pan, and unfold to fit the pan. Repeat with the top crust.
BEST EVER PIE CRUST
You can double or half the recipe without any problem. This is a simple recipe and very tasty! It will be very flaky.
Provided by Jean Haseloh
Categories Desserts Pies 100+ Pie Crust Recipes Pastry Crusts
Time 20m
Yield 16
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in water until mixture forms a ball. Divide dough in half, and shape into balls. Wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight.
- Roll out dough on a floured counter. Don't over work it. Use as directed in pie recipe.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 170.1 calories, Carbohydrate 11.9 g, Fat 13 g, Fiber 0.4 g, Protein 1.6 g, SaturatedFat 3.2 g, Sodium 145.9 mg
Tips:
- Handle the dough as little as possible: Overworking the dough will make it tough.
- Use cold butter: Cold butter will help keep the dough flaky.
- Chill the dough before rolling it out: This will also help keep the dough flaky.
- Roll the dough out evenly: This will help prevent the pie crust from shrinking in the oven.
- Trim the edges of the dough: This will help the pie crust to seal properly.
- Bake the pie crust at a high temperature: This will help the crust to brown and crisp up.
- Let the pie crust cool before filling it: This will help prevent the crust from becoming soggy.
Conclusion:
Making a perfect pie crust is all about using the right ingredients and techniques. By following the tips in this article, you can make a flaky, golden brown pie crust that will be the perfect complement to your favorite pie filling. So next time you're in the mood for a homemade pie, don't be afraid to give it a try!
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