This KitchenAid pie crust recipe is designed for ease and consistency, perfect for both novice and experienced bakers. Using a stand mixer simplifies the process, ensuring a flaky and tender crust every time.
With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a delicious pie crust that serves as the foundation for your favorite sweet or savory pies.
The Art of Pie Crust Preparation
Creating a pie crust that is both flaky and golden brown is a skill that can elevate any dessert. The process begins with selecting the right ingredients, ensuring that each component contributes to the overall texture and flavor.
All-purpose flour serves as the foundation, while cold butter adds richness and flakiness. A touch of salt enhances the flavor, making each bite satisfying. The key to a perfect crust lies in the temperature of the ingredients; keeping everything cold helps achieve that desired flaky texture.
Using a Stand Mixer for Convenience
Utilizing a stand mixer simplifies the pie crust-making process significantly. The paddle attachment allows for even mixing without overworking the dough, which can lead to a tough crust.
As the flour and salt combine, the gradual addition of cold butter is crucial. Mixing until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs ensures that small pieces of butter remain, which will create pockets of flakiness during baking.
The Importance of Ice Water
Adding ice water to the mixture is a delicate step that requires attention. It’s essential to add the water slowly, allowing the dough to come together without becoming overly wet or sticky.
Once the dough starts to form, it’s important to stop mixing. Overworking the dough can lead to a dense crust, which is not the goal. Instead, the dough should be gathered into a ball and divided, ready for chilling.
Chilling the Dough
Chilling the dough is a critical step that should not be overlooked. After forming the dough into disks, wrapping them in plastic wrap and refrigerating for at least an hour allows the gluten to relax.
This resting period not only makes the dough easier to roll out but also contributes to a tender crust. It’s a simple step that pays off in texture and flavor.
Rolling Out the Dough
When ready to use the dough, it’s essential to roll it out on a floured surface. This prevents sticking and allows for an even thickness, which is key for uniform baking.
Transferring the rolled-out dough to a pie dish can be done with care. A well-shaped crust with a crimped edge not only looks appealing but also holds the filling beautifully.
Ready for Filling
Once the crust is prepared, it’s ready to be filled with your choice of delicious fruit or custard. The possibilities are endless, and a well-made crust serves as the perfect canvas for your culinary creativity.
With a golden brown finish and a flaky texture, this pie crust is sure to impress. Whether for a special occasion or a simple family dessert, mastering this technique will enhance your baking repertoire.
Easy KitchenAid Pie Crust Recipe
This pie crust is made with all-purpose flour, cold butter, and a touch of salt, mixed to create a flaky texture. The recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and makes enough for one double-crust pie or two single-crust pies.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
- 6-8 tablespoons ice water
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In the KitchenAid mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Mix on low speed using the paddle attachment.
- Add Butter: Gradually add the cold butter cubes to the flour mixture. Mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.
- Add Ice Water: With the mixer on low, slowly add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough starts to come together. Do not overmix.
- Form the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gather it into a ball and divide it in half. Flatten each half into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Roll Out: When ready to use, remove one disk from the refrigerator. On a floured surface, roll it out to fit your pie dish. Transfer to the dish and fill as desired.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Servings: 1 double-crust pie or 2 single-crust pies
- Calories: 1200kcal
- Fat: 90g
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 90g