Simple Flaky Pie Crust Recipe

Creating a perfect pie crust is an essential skill for any baking enthusiast. The Easy Flaky Butter Pie Crust recipe offers a simple yet delicious solution for all your pie-making needs. This recipe yields a buttery, flaky crust that pairs beautifully with both sweet and savory fillings. Below, you’ll find a comprehensive guide on how to make this delightful pie crust.

Image of the Pie Crust

Below is a visual representation of a beautifully crafted pie crust, showcasing its flaky layers and golden-brown finish.

Ingredients

To make the Easy Flaky Butter Pie Crust, you will need the following ingredients:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 cup unsalted butter (cold, cut into small cubes)
6 to 8 tablespoons ice water

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your perfect flaky pie crust:

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar until well combined.
Add Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the bowl. Using a pastry blender or your fingers, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with some larger pea-sized pieces. This will ensure a flaky texture.
Incorporate Ice Water: Gradually add 6 tablespoons of ice water to the mixture, stirring with a fork until the dough starts to come together. If the dough is too crumbly, add more water, one tablespoon at a time, until it holds together but is not sticky.
Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape each into a disc. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour, or up to two days. This chilling step is crucial for developing the pie crust’s flavor and texture.
Roll Out the Dough: Once chilled, remove one disc from the refrigerator. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thick. Carefully transfer it to a 9-inch pie pan, trimming any excess dough at the edges.
Pre-Bake or Fill: You can either pre-bake the crust before adding your filling or fill it directly with your desired pie mixture. Follow your pie recipe for specific instructions.

With this Easy Flaky Butter Pie Crust, you are well on your way to creating a delicious homemade pie that will impress your friends and family. Happy baking!