How to Make an Easy Pie Crust Recipe
Making pie crust at home might sound tricky, but it’s easier than most people think. With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of care, you can create a crust that’s soft, buttery, and perfectly crisp around the edges. It turns every pie into something special. Whether you’re baking something sweet like apple or something savory like quiche, this easy pie crust fits the job. It rolls out smoothly, holds its shape, and bakes up golden every time. All it takes is a few steps and a little patience with the butter.
Store-bought crusts save time, but they rarely have the same texture or taste. Nothing beats the richness of a crust made with cold butter and your own hands. You can actually feel the dough come together and smell it as it bakes. That alone makes the process worth it. This easy pie crust recipe doesn’t need fancy tools or baking experience. It’s a perfect starting point for beginners and a reliable base for seasoned bakers. Once you try it, it might just become your go-to crust for every pie you make.
How to Make an Easy Pie Crust
9
servings15
minutes15
minutes3200
kcalThis easy pie crust recipe is soft, flaky, and made with just a handful of simple ingredients. It comes together quickly, rolls out smoothly, and bakes up with a golden, tender texture every time. Whether you’re filling it with fruit, custard, or something savory, this crust gives your pie a homemade touch that makes all the difference.
Ingredients
2 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for sweet pies)
6 to 8 tablespoons ice-cold water
Directions
- Start by placing the flour, salt, and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Give it a quick stir so everything blends evenly. Take your cold butter cubes and add them to the flour mixture.
- Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour. Press and rub until the mixture starts to look crumbly, like coarse crumbs with some pea-sized bits of butter still visible. This step is what gives the crust its soft and flaky texture.
- Add the ice-cold water one tablespoon at a time. Stir gently with a fork or your hands after each addition. Keep adding water just until the dough starts to come together. It should hold when pressed but not feel sticky or wet.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and shape it gently into a ball. Divide it in half if you are making a double crust pie. Flatten each half into a round disc. Wrap them in plastic wrap and place them in the fridge for at least an hour to chill.
- Once the dough is chilled, take it out and let it sit for five to ten minutes so it softens slightly. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface using steady pressure. Turn the dough occasionally to keep the shape even and prevent sticking.
- Transfer the rolled-out crust to your pie dish. Press it gently into the corners without stretching it. Trim any extra dough around the edges and shape the border however you like.
- Your pie crust is now ready to be filled and baked according to your pie recipe. You can also blind-bake it if your filling requires a pre-baked crust.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Always chill the dough for at least 1 hour before rolling it out. Chilling helps the butter firm up again and gives the dough time to rest, which makes it easier to handle and helps prevent shrinking while baking.
- Always chill the dough for at least 1 hour before rolling it out. Chilling helps the butter firm up again and gives the dough time to rest, which makes it easier to handle and helps prevent shrinking while baking.
- Make sure the butter stays cold while mixing the dough. Cold butter creates small pockets in the crust that melt during baking, giving the pie that soft and flaky texture everyone loves.
Conclusion
Making an easy pie crust from scratch is a simple process that brings out the best in your pies. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a buttery, flaky crust that adds that homemade touch to any recipe. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is both foolproof and versatile. Once you try it, you’ll understand why homemade crust is always worth the extra effort. Give it a go, and watch how this easy pie crust elevates your baking game!
