This flaky pie crust recipe uses Crisco for a tender and delicious base for your favorite pies. It’s easy to make and perfect for both sweet and savory fillings.
With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a crust that bakes up golden and flaky, ensuring your pies have a delightful texture.
Creating the Perfect Pie Crust
Making a pie crust from scratch is a rewarding experience that brings a homemade touch to any gathering. The aroma of freshly baked pastry fills the kitchen, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
With just a few ingredients, you can achieve a flaky and golden crust that serves as the ideal base for both sweet and savory pies. The process is straightforward, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
Essential Ingredients for Flaky Crust
The foundation of a great pie crust lies in its ingredients. A combination of all-purpose flour, salt, and Crisco shortening creates the perfect balance of flavor and texture.
Using cold water helps bind the dough without overworking it, ensuring a tender result. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving that desired flaky finish.
The Mixing Process
Start by mixing the dry ingredients in a large bowl. Combining flour and salt sets the stage for the crust’s flavor profile.
Next, incorporate the Crisco shortening. Using a pastry cutter or fork, blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step is vital for creating the flaky layers that everyone loves in a pie crust.
Bringing the Dough Together
Once the dry ingredients are mixed, it’s time to add cold water. Gradually incorporate it, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough comes together.
Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to a tough crust. Once the dough is formed, divide it into two discs, wrap them in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough allows the gluten to relax, resulting in a more tender crust.
Rolling Out the Dough
After chilling, it’s time to roll out the dough. On a floured surface, take one disc and roll it out to fit your pie pan.
Transfer the rolled dough to the pan, trimming the edges for a neat finish. This step is where the pie crust begins to take shape, ready for your favorite filling.
Filling and Baking Your Pie
With the crust prepared, it’s time to fill it with your choice of delicious ingredients. Whether you prefer fruit, cream, or savory fillings, the flaky crust will complement any flavor.
Once filled, bake according to your pie recipe instructions. The result will be a beautifully golden brown pie that is sure to impress family and friends.
Easy Flaky Pie Crust with Crisco
This pie crust is made with Crisco shortening, flour, salt, and cold water. The recipe is quick to prepare and can be used for a variety of pies, serving as a reliable foundation for your baking.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup Crisco shortening
- 6 to 8 tablespoons cold water
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt.
- Cut in Shortening: Add the Crisco shortening to the flour mixture and use a pastry cutter or fork to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Water: Gradually add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. Do not overmix.
- Chill the Dough: Divide the dough in half, shape into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll Out: On a floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to fit your pie pan. Transfer to the pan and trim the edges.
- Fill and Bake: Add your desired filling and bake according to your pie recipe instructions.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 2 pie crusts
- Calories: 210kcal per serving
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 24g