Best 20 Flaky Pie Crust Recipes

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Baking a flaky pie crust is an art form that requires careful attention to detail and a few key techniques. With the right ingredients and a little patience, you can create a golden, buttery crust that will elevate any pie to the next level. Learn how to make a flaky pie crust with step-by-step instructions, tips, and troubleshooting advice to help you achieve perfect results every time.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

BASIC FLAKY PIE CRUST



Basic Flaky Pie Crust image

It is just what it claims to be. Use as unbaked pie shell.

Provided by stephanie

Categories     Desserts     Pies     100+ Pie Crust Recipes     Pastry Crusts

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 4

1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup shortening, chilled
3 tablespoons ice water

Steps:

  • Whisk the flour and salt together in a medium size bowl. With a pastry blender, cut in the cold shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Drizzle 2 to 3 tablespoons ice water over flour. Toss mixture with a fork to moisten, adding more water a few drops at a time until the dough comes together.
  • Gently gather dough particles together into a ball. Wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes before rolling.
  • Roll out dough, and put in a pie plate. Fill with desired filling and bake.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 184.4 calories, Carbohydrate 14.9 g, Fat 13 g, Fiber 0.5 g, Protein 2 g, SaturatedFat 3.2 g, Sodium 73.2 mg, Sugar 0.1 g

PERFECTLY FLAKY PIE CRUST



Perfectly Flaky Pie Crust image

Provided by Aida Mollenkamp

Categories     dessert

Time 35m

Yield about 1 pound dough (enough for 1 (9 to 10-inch pie dish))

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons granulated sugar
3/4 teaspoon table salt
6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, small dice
1/4 cup shortening
7 to 8 tablespoons ice water

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, mix together flour, salt, and sugar until well combined. Using clean hands, add butter and toss until just coated. Rub butter between thumb and forefingers to incorporate into flour mixture until butter is in lima bean-sized pieces and comes together in quarter-sized clumps when squeezed in palm, about 2 minutes. Add shortening, toss until just coated in flour, then rub into flour mixture until mixture forms pea-size pieces (some big chunks should remain) and comes together in fist-sized clumps when squeezed, about 1 minute. Drizzle in half ice water and rake through mixture with fingers until just moistened. Drizzle in remaining water 1 tablespoon at a time and comb through mixture with fingers to moisten. It will go from being a shaggy mess to coming together. Dough is moist enough when it is moistened through but is not wet when pressed. (Do not overwork the dough or it will become tough.)
  • While rotating the bowl with 1 hand, push dough between other palm and side of bowl to gather into a ball. Turn dough onto a piece of plastic wrap, press it into a flat disk, then close in wrap. Place in coldest part of refrigerator (usually back bottom shelf) at least 30 minutes before rolling out and forming into a crust.

GRANDMOTHER'S SUPER FLAKY PIE CRUST



Grandmother's Super Flaky Pie Crust image

This pie crust is delicious for all pies. with all the butter in it, this crust always bakes perfectly, and is never tough. i got this from my Grandmother. The secret to this flaky, buttery soft pie crust is all in the margarine.

Provided by Elisebeth

Categories     Dessert

Time 45m

Yield 2 pie crusts

Number Of Ingredients 3

2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup margarine, softened
3 tablespoons water (as needed)

Steps:

  • preheat oven to 350 F degrees (Fahreinheit).
  • pour flour into medium bowl, add margarine using pastry blender (or crisscrossing with knives) until lumps are slightly smaller than pea-size.
  • Add water. mix gently with fork until dough comes away from the sides of bowl. (you may need more water) be very gentle, and try not to mix too much.
  • transfer half of dough to a sheet of wax paper lightly sprinkled with flour. sprinkle a little flour onto top of pie dough.
  • cover pie dough with another sheet of wax paper.
  • roll out so the pie crust is level, and not too thick in one place, or too thin in another. (about 11 or 12 inches in diameter).
  • peel off top layer of wax paper from dough, and place pie pan on top of dough. carefully slide your hand underneath bottom layer of wax paper, and flip.
  • Then,carefully peel the wax paper from pie dough, and ease into pan.
  • repeat steps 4-8 with other half of dough.
  • Bake for 15 min, or so or until golden brown in color.
  • Fill with any pie filling!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1063.3, Fat 69.3, SaturatedFat 12, Sodium 800.7, Carbohydrate 96.2, Fiber 3.4, Sugar 0.3, Protein 13.7

FLAKY FOOD PROCESSOR PIE CRUST



Flaky Food Processor Pie Crust image

This is a basic white flaky pie crust, made in the food processor. The secret to good crust is to have everything very cold and to handle it as little as possible. Use frozen or almost frozen lard, butter, and/or shortening as your fat and ice water, and then chill the dough well before rolling. Process the dough as little as possible and use only the amount of water needed to allow YOU to form it into a ball, not the machine.

Provided by Charlotte

Categories     Desserts     Pies     100+ Pie Crust Recipes     Pastry Crusts

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
5 tablespoons shortening
½ teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons ice water

Steps:

  • Measure the flour into the processor with the regular blade attached. Add the unsalted butter, cut into cubes, and shortening, cut into cubes. (Your fat should be frozen or very cold. You may vary the proportions, or use some lard, but the total should be 9 tablespoons.) Add salt. Pulse three times with three counts per pulse to lightly mix the ingredients.
  • With the motor running, pour ice water into the workbowl just until the dough just starts to get noticeably crumbly. Don't wait until it is a big clump or it will be way too wet and will turn out tough.
  • Stop the machine, dump the crumbly dough into a bowl, and gather the dough into a ball with your hand. you can squeeze it a bit to make it stick together. If it just won't form a ball, add a tiny bit more water. (Note that if you are making crust in the food processor, you will use less water than most recipes call for.)
  • Wrap your dough ball in wax paper or plastic wrap and chill it about 30 minutes in the refrigerator. Roll it out on a cool surface if you can. Then follow your pie recipe for baking.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 206.9 calories, Carbohydrate 17.9 g, Cholesterol 15.3 mg, Fat 14 g, Fiber 0.6 g, Protein 2.5 g, SaturatedFat 5.7 g, Sodium 146.8 mg, Sugar 0.1 g

OLD FASHIONED FLAKY PIE CRUST



Old Fashioned Flaky Pie Crust image

This recipe has been handed down for over 80 years, I'm told. It makes the flakiest crust ever! Surprisingly, it is made with oil, not lard. This is a must-try.

Provided by LaDonna Langwell

Categories     Desserts     Pies     100+ Pie Crust Recipes     Pastry Crusts

Time 10m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 4

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
½ cup vegetable oil
3 ½ tablespoons water

Steps:

  • Whisk flour with salt in a bowl; use a fork to stir in vegetable oil. Mix in water, 1 tablespoon at a time, before adding more water. Gather dough into a ball, divide in half, and roll out on a floured work surface.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 220 calories, Carbohydrate 20.9 g, Fat 13.9 g, Fiber 0.7 g, Protein 2.8 g, SaturatedFat 2.2 g, Sodium 291.4 mg, Sugar 0.1 g

FLAKY CRUST SPINACH PIE



Flaky Crust Spinach Pie image

A nice addition to any buffet or served with a salad for lunch. This pie is best served warm or at room temperature.

Provided by Richard-NYC

Categories     Lunch/Snacks

Time 1h15m

Yield 1 pie, 10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 (9 inch) deep dish pie shells (prepared or homemade)
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 (10 ounce) package frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1 dash nutmeg
1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
3 eggs (beaten)

Steps:

  • Heat butter and oil in large skillet.
  • Add onions and sauté until soft about 5 minutes.
  • Add spinach to onions and continue cooking for about three minutes until the water has evaporated from spinach.
  • Season spinach with a dash of nutmeg.
  • In large bowl combine spinach, eggs and all the cheeses.
  • Season with salt and pepper if desired.
  • Pile mixture into unbaked pie crust.
  • Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for one hour or until golden brown on top.

EXTRA-FLAKY PIE CRUST



Extra-Flaky Pie Crust image

This easy, sturdy all-butter crust has one unorthodox ingredient in it: baking powder. Cheryl Day of Back in the Day Bakery in Savannah, Ga., learned to add a splash of apple cider vinegar to the dough from her grandmother; it helps the crust stay tender by preventing gluten from forming. But the baking powder gives it "a little lift," she said, which helps the butter and flour form flaky layers - like a biscuit.

Provided by Julia Moskin

Categories     snack, pies and tarts

Time 15m

Yield 2 (9-inch) pie crusts, or 1 double crust

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 1/2 cups/320 grams unbleached all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder, preferably aluminum-free
1 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/2 cup/120 milliliters ice water
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
1 cup/225 grams cold unsalted butter (2 sticks), cut into 1-inch cubes

Steps:

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt; set aside.
  • In a measuring cup or a small bowl, combine the water and vinegar; set aside.
  • Gently toss the butter in the flour mixture until coated, then use a pastry blender to cut the butter into the flour. (You should have pieces of butter that range from sandy patches to pea-size chunks, with some larger bits as well.)
  • Drizzle in about half of the ice water mixture and stir lightly with a fork until the flour is evenly moistened and the dough starts to come together. If the dough seems dry, add a little more ice water, 1 to 2 tablespoons at a time. The dough will still look a bit shaggy at this point. If you grab a small piece of dough and press it slightly with your hand, it should mostly hold together.
  • Dump the dough out onto an unfloured work surface and gather it together into a tight mound. Using the heel of your hand, smear the dough a little at a time, pushing it away from you and working your way down the mass of dough to create flat layers of flour and butter. Gather the dough back together with a bench scraper, layering the clumps of dough on top of one another.
  • Repeat the process once or twice more; the dough should still have some big pieces of butter visible.
  • Cut the dough in half. Shape each piece into a disk and flatten it. Wrap the disks in plastic and put in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight, to rest.
  • The dough can be stored for 3 days in the refrigerator or up to 1 month in the freezer. If making the dough in advance to freeze: Roll out the dough on a piece of parchment paper, then carefully roll it up in the parchment. Write the date on the parchment and pop into the freezer to firm up, about 30 minutes. Then wrap the crust securely in plastic wrap. Defrost the dough in the refrigerator overnight or thaw it on the kitchen counter for about 30 minutes before using.)
  • Use the dough for double-crust pie recipes or cut it into disks to prepare Berry Hand Pies.

FLAKY CREAM CHEESE PIE CRUST



Flaky Cream Cheese Pie Crust image

This is my favorite pie crust. It took several years and over fifty tries to get it just right and is the soul of this book. It is unlike any other cream cheese pie crust because, in addition to being tender, it is also flaky. In fact, it is very similar in texture to almost as flaky but a little softer and more tender, and it browns more when baked, resulting in a rich golden color.

Provided by Rose Levy Beranbaum

Categories     Food Processor     Freeze/Chill     Pastry     Pie     Quick & Easy

Number Of Ingredients 24

Pastry for a 9-inch pie shell or a 9 1/2- or 10- by 1-inch tart shell
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold
1 cup + 1 tablespoon pastry flour or 1 cup (dip and sweep method) bleached all-purpose flour
1/8 teaspoon salt (for savory recipes, use 1 1/2 times the salt)
1/8 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 cup cream cheese, cold
1 tablespoon ice water
1 1/2 teaspoons cider vinegar
Pastry for a 9-inch lattice pie, a 9-inch deep-dish pie, a 10-inch pie shell, or a 12- to 14-inch free-form tart
8 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold
1 1/3 cups + 4 teaspoons pastry flour or 1 1/3 cups (dip and sweep method) bleached all-purpose flour
1/8 teaspoon salt (for savory recipes, use 1 1/2 times the salt)
1/8 teaspoon baking powder
one 3-ounce package cream cheese, cold
1 1/2 tablespoons ice water
1 1/2 teaspoons cider vinegar
Pastry for a two-crust 9-inch pie
12 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold
2 cups + 3 tablespoons pastry flour or 2 cups (dip and sweep method) bleached all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt (for savory recipes, use 1 1/2 times the salt)
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1 1/2 3-ounce packages cream cheese, cold
2 tablespoons ice water
1 tablespoon cider vinegar

Steps:

  • Food processor method:
  • Cut the butter into small (about 3/4-inch) cubes. Wrap it in plastic wrap and freeze it until frozen solid, at least 30 minutes. Place the flour, salt, and baking powder in a reclosable gallon-size freezer bag and freeze for at least 30 minutes.
  • Place the flour mixture in a food processor with the metal blade and process for a few seconds to combine. Set the bag aside.
  • Cut the cream cheese into 3 or 4 pieces and add it to the flour. Process for about 20 seconds or until the mixture resembles coarse meal. Add the frozen butter cubes and pulse until none of the butter is larger than the size of a pea. (Toss with a fork to see it better.) Remove the cover and add the water and vinegar. Pulse until most of the butter is reduced to the size of small peas. The mixture will be in particles and will not hold together. Spoon it into the plastic bag. (For a double-crust pie, it is easiest to divide the mixture in half at this point.)
  • Holding both ends of the bag opening with your fingers, knead the mixture by alternately pressing it, from the outside of the bag with the knuckles and heels of your hands until the mixture holds together in one piece and feels slightly stretchy when pulled.
  • Wrap the dough with the plastic wrap, flatten it into a disc (or discs) and refrigerate for at least 45 minutes, preferably overnight. (For a pie shell and lattice, divide it in a ratio of two thirds:one third - use about 9.5 ounces for the shell and the rest for the lattice, flattening the smaller part into a rectangle.)
  • Hand method:
  • Place a medium mixing bowl in the freezer to chill.
  • Cut the butter into small (about 3/4-inch) cubes. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes.
  • Place the flour, salt, and baking powder in a medium bowl and whisk to combine. Add the cream cheese and rub the mixture between your fingers to blend the cream cheese into the flour until it resembles coarse meal. Spoon the mixture, together with the cold butter, into a reclosable gallon-size freezer bag. Expel any air from the bag and close it. Use a rolling pin to flatten the butter into thin flakes. Place the bag in the freezer for at least 10 minutes or until the butter is very firm.
  • Transfer the mixture to the chilled bowl, scraping the sides of the bag. Set the bag aside. Sprinkle the mixture with the water and vinegar, tossing lightly with a rubber spatula. Spoon it into the plastic bag. (For a two-crust pie, it is easiest to divide the mixture in half at this point.)
  • Holding both ends of the bag opening with your fingers, knead the mixture by alternately pressing it, from the outside of the bag, with the knuckles and heels of your hands until the mixture holds together in one piece and feels slightly stretchy when pulled.
  • Wrap the dough with plastic wrap, flatten it into a disc (or discs), and refrigerate for at least 45 minutes, preferably overnight. (For a pie shell and lattice, divide it in a ratio of two thirds:one third - use about 9.5 ounces for the shell and the rest for the lattice, flattening the smaller part into a rectangle.)
  • Store:
  • Refrigerated, up to 2 days; frozen, up to 3 months.
  • Understanding
  • A classic cream cheese crust contains no water and is more tender than an all-butter crust but not at all flaky. I have found it to be so tender it is impossible to use for a lattice top and the bottom crust often develops cracks through which a filling will leak and stick to the bottom of the pan. Very little water is needed, because the cream cheese contains 51 percent water. The addition of a small amount of water connects the two gluten-forming proteins in the flour, producing the rubbery, stretchy gluten that strenghtens the structure just enough to prevent cracking when the crust bakes. This pie crust does not shrink or distort as much as an all-butter crust because there is less development of gluten. The acidity of the vinegar weakens the gluten that forms, making the crust still more tender and less likely to shrink. If desired, it can be replaced with water.
  • Cream cheese is 51 percent water and 37.7 percent fat, so 3 ounces contain 1.53 ounces (about 3 tablespoons) or water and 1.13 ounces of fat. That means that the pie crust with 6.5 ounces of flour contains the equivalent of about 4 1/2 tablespoons of water. Compared to the all-butter crust, this crust has about 1 tablespoon more water, 1.13 ounces more of fat, and .34 ounce more milk solids. The extra fat in the cream cheese coats some of the proteins in the flour, limiting the development of gluten, which would make it tougher. The milk solids add both flavor and smoothness of texture.
  • The baking powder lifts and aerates the dough slightly without weakening it, but it also makes it seem more tender.
  • In developing this recipe, I found that if not using the vinegar and baking powder to tenderize the crust, it is advisable to add one quarter of the butter together with the cream cheese when using all-purpose flour. This helps to moisture-proof it but, of course, takes away a little from the flakiness, as there is less butter available to add in larger pieces to create layers.

FLAKY VINEGAR EGG PIE CRUST



Flaky Vinegar Egg Pie Crust image

This goes back many years it is one of the better pie pastry recipes, the vinegar and the egg works magic to create a flakey easy to work with pastry! :)

Provided by Kittencalrecipezazz

Categories     Dessert

Time 15m

Yield 1-2 pie crusts

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 egg
3 cups flour
3/4 teaspoon salt (can use 1 teaspoon)
1 1/2 cups cold vegetable shortening or 1 1/2 cups lard
1 tablespoon vinegar
5 tablespoons very cold water

Steps:

  • In a bowl, mix together the salt and flour.
  • With a pastry blender, cut in cold shortening until the size of peas.
  • In a small cup, beat egg with a fork, add in the vinegar and water; whisk until well blended.
  • Add the water/egg mixture gradually to the flour mixture.
  • Shape into ball.
  • Refrigerate 1 or more hours.
  • Roll out dough, use for 2 (8" pie crust) OR 1 large deep dish pie crusts.

BASIC FLAKY PIE CRUST



Basic Flaky Pie Crust image

This pie crust is light, flaky tender and very crisp. It has a glorious butter flavor and is an ideal container for any pie or tart recipe. I strongly recommend commercial or homemade pastry flour, as it will result in a more tender crust than one made with all-purpose flour.

Provided by Rose Levy Beranbaum

Number Of Ingredients 21

1 Pastry for a 9-inch pie shell or a 9 1/2- or 10- by 1-inch tart shell
8 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold
1 1/3 cups + 4 tablespoon pastry flour or 1 1/3 cups (dip and sweep method) bleached all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt (for savory recipes, use 1 1/2 times the salt)
2 1/2 to 3 1/2 tablespoons ice water
1 1/2 teaspoons cider vinegar Optional
1/8 teaspoon baking powder (if not using, double the salt)
2 Pastry for a 9-inch lattice pie, a 9-inch deep-dish pie, a 10-inch pie shell, or a 12- to 14-inch free-form tart
9 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold
1 1/2 cups + 1 1/2 tablespoons pastry flour or 1 1/2 cups (dip and sweep method) bleached all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt (for savory recipes, use 1 1/2 times the salt)
3 1/2 to 4 1/2 tablespoons ice water
1 1/2 teaspoons cider vinegar Optional
1/8 teaspoon baking powder (if not using, double the salt)
3 Pastry for a two-crust 9-inch pie
14 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold
2 1/4 cups + 2 tablespoons pastry flour or 2 1/4 cups (dip and sweep method) bleached all-purpose flour
1/4 + 1/8 teaspoon salt (for savory recipes, use 1 1/2 times the salt)
5 to 7 tablespoons ice water
1 tablespoon cider vinegar Optional
1/4 teaspoon baking powder (if not using, double the salt)

Steps:

  • Divide the butter into two parts, about two thirds to one third:
  • For #1 2.5 ounces and 1.5 ounces (5 tablespoons and 3 tablespoons)
  • For #2 3 ounces and 1.5 ounces (6 tablespoons and 3 tablespoons)
  • For #3 4.5 ounces and 2.5 ounces (9 tablespoons and 5 tablespoons)
  • Cut the butter into 3/4-inch cubes. Wrap each portion of butter with plastic wrap, refrigerate the larger amount and freeze the smaller for at least 30 minutes. Place the flour, salt, and baking powder in a reclosable gallon-size freezer bag and freeze for at least 30 minutes.
  • Food processor method:
  • Place the flour mixture in a food processor with the metal blade and process for a few seconds to combine. Set the bag aside.
  • Add the larger amount of butter cubes to the flour and process for about 20 seconds or until the mixture resembles coarse meal. Add the remaining frozen butter cubes and pulse until all of the frozen butter is the size of peas. (Toss with a fork to see it better.)
  • Add the lowest amount of the ice water and the vinegar and pulse 6 times. Pinch a small amount of the mixture together between your fingers. If it does not hold together, add half the remaining water and pulse 3 times. Try pinching the mixture again. If necessary, add the remaining water, pulsing 3 times to incorporate it. The mixture will be in particles and will not hold together without being pinched.
  • For tiny 1-inch tartlets, omit the baking powder and allow the processing to continue just until a ball forms. The additional mixing produces a dough that is slightly less flaky but ensures that it will not puff out of shape in the tiny molds.
  • Spoon the mixture into the plastic bag. (For a double-crust pie, it is easiest to divide the mixture in half at this point.)
  • Holding both ends of the bag opening with you fingers, knead the mixture by alternately pressing it, from the outside of the bag, with the knuckles and heels of your hands until the mixture holds together in one piece and feels slightly stretchy when pulled.
  • Wrap the dough with plastic wrap, flatten it into a disc (or discs) and refrigerate for at least 45 minutes, preferably overnight. (For a pie shell and lattice, divide it in a ratio of two thirds:one third - use about 9.5 ounces for the shell and the rest for the lattice, flattening the smaller part into a rectangle.)
  • Hand method:
  • Place a medium mixing bowl in the freezer to chill.
  • Place the flour, salt, and optional baking powder in another medium bowl and whisk to combine them. Use a pastry cutter or rub the mixture between your fingers to blend the larger portion of the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse meal.
  • Spoon the mixture, together with the cold butter, into a reclosable gallon-size freezer bag. Expel any air from the bag and close it. Use a rolling pin to flatten the butter into flakes. Place the bag in the freezer for at least 10 minutes or until the butter is very firm.
  • Transfer the mixture to the chilled bowl, scraping the sides of the bag. Set the bag aside. Sprinkle the ice water and vinegar onto the mixture, tossing it lightly with a rubber spatula. Spoon the loose mixture back into the plastic bag. (For a double-crust pie, it is easiest to divide the mixture in half at this point.)
  • Holding both ends of the bag opening with your fingers, knead the mixture by alternately pressing it, from the outside of the bag, with knuckles and heels of your hands until the mixture holds together in one piece and feels slightly stretchy when pulled.
  • Wrap the dough with plastic wrap, flatten it into a disc (or discs) and refrigerate for at least 45 minutes, preferably overnight. (For a pie shell and lattice, divide it in a ratio of two thirds:one third - use about 9.5 ounces for the shell and the rest for the lattice, flattening the smaller part into a rectangle.)
  • Store:
  • Refrigerated, up to 2 days; frozen, up to 3 months.
  • Understanding:
  • Pastry flour offers the most tenderness while maintaining flakiness, but it is the addition of vinegar that relaxes the dough without losing flakiness, making it easier to roll, shrink less, and be even more tender. The baking powder lifts and aerates the dough slightly without weakening it, but it makes it seem more tender.
  • Thes secret to success is finely incorporating about two thirds of the butter into the flour, which keeps the flour from absorbing too much water and forming gluten, which would make the crust tough. The remaining one third of the butter is incorporated in larger pieces, which serve to seperate the layers, resulting in the desired flakiness. This pie crust does not shrink or distort as much as the standard all-butter crust because there is less gluten development.
  • If when adding the water, you find you need more than indicated in the recipe, chances are you haven't moisture-proofed the flour adequately (you haven't used the correct amount of butter or processed it fine enough), leaving the flour free to absorb more liquid. The resulting crust will be flakier but less tender.
  • If you find you need less water than specified in the recipe, chances are you divided the butter incorrectly and used too much of it to moisture-proof the flour, preventing it from absorbing an adequate amount of water. The resulting crust will be more tender but not very flaky.
  • Flattening the newly formed dough into a disc or discs before refrigerating makes it easier to roll without cracking. The dough is refrigerated to relax the gluten, making it less elastic and easier to roll. Chilling also firms the butter, preventing sticking and the need for extra flour when rolling, which would toughen it. Dough that has rested overnight before baking shrinks less.

BUTTER FLAKY PIE CRUST



Butter Flaky Pie Crust image

Butter makes this buttery flaky recipe the perfect crust for your pie!

Provided by Dana

Categories     Desserts     Pies     100+ Pie Crust Recipes     Pastry Crusts

Time 4h15m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 4

1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup butter, chilled and diced
¼ cup ice water

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in water, a tablespoon at a time, until mixture forms a ball. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight.
  • Roll dough out to fit a 9 inch pie plate. Place crust in pie plate. Press the dough evenly into the bottom and sides of the pie plate.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 172.8 calories, Carbohydrate 14.9 g, Cholesterol 30.5 mg, Fat 11.7 g, Fiber 0.5 g, Protein 2.1 g, SaturatedFat 7.3 g, Sodium 155 mg, Sugar 0.1 g

FLAKY CREAM CHEESE PIE CRUST



Flaky Cream Cheese Pie Crust image

This is the last crust recipe you will ever use. This wonderful crust is tender and flaky and made with cream cheese. It also browns nicely when baked, resulting in a rich golden color.

Provided by ILIANITA

Categories     Desserts     Pies     100+ Pie Crust Recipes     Pastry Crusts

Time 1h45m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 7

6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into 3/4-inch cubes
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ cup cold cream cheese
1 tablespoon iced water
1 ½ teaspoons cider vinegar

Steps:

  • Place a medium bowl into freezer to chill.
  • Wrap cubed butter in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  • Place 1 cup plus 1 tablespoon flour in a medium bowl; add salt and whisk to combine. Rub in cream cheese using clean fingers until mixture develops coarse crumbs. Place cream cheese mixture and chilled butter into a gallon-size resealable plastic bag.
  • Flatten the cream cheese-butter mixture into thin flakes through the bag, using a rolling pin. Freeze until mixture is firm, about 10 minutes. Pour mixture into the chilled bowl. Sprinkle with water and vinegar, tossing lightly with a spatula. Knead until dough holds together and is slightly elastic.
  • Place dough back into the plastic bag and flatten into a disk. Refrigerate, 45 minutes to overnight, before using.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 162.3 calories, Carbohydrate 12.9 g, Cholesterol 30.9 mg, Fat 11.3 g, Fiber 0.4 g, Protein 2.4 g, SaturatedFat 7.1 g, Sodium 95.7 mg, Sugar 0.1 g

FLAKY PIE CRUST



Flaky Pie Crust image

Provided by Leslie Land

Categories     easy, dessert

Time 4h15m

Yield Pastry for two 9-inch pies

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
3/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon sugar
5 tablespoons salted butter, cut in several pieces
6 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut in several pieces
3 tablespoons solid vegetable shortening
3 tablespoons ice water (a bit more or less may be needed)

Steps:

  • Mix flour, salt and sugar.
  • Using a processor, a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the salted butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles cornmeal. Add unsalted butter and shortening and cut them in until the lumps are the size of peas.
  • If you have been using a processor, transfer the mixture to a large bowl. Sprinkle on the ice water a little at a time and toss with a fork until the mixture comes together in lumps and holds together when pressed. If necessary, add more ice water, sparingly. Avoid kneading the dough.
  • Gather the dough into two balls, wrap each tightly in plastic wrap and chill for at least four hours.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 1211, UnsaturatedFat 34 grams, Carbohydrate 96 grams, Fat 87 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 14 grams, SaturatedFat 47 grams, Sodium 577 milligrams, Sugar 1 gram, TransFat 5 grams

SWEET ALMOND FLAKY PIE CRUST



Sweet Almond Flaky Pie Crust image

This pie crust is amazing! It makes the pie, with this crust you wont even need ice cream to eat with the pie!

Provided by CAMPBELL4

Categories     Desserts     Pies     100+ Pie Crust Recipes     Pastry Crusts

Time 20m

Yield 16

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 cup cake flour
1 cup all-purpose flour
⅛ cup baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ cup white sugar
1 ½ teaspoons brown sugar
1 ¼ cups shortening
1 egg
¼ cup cold water
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
3 teaspoons almond extract

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, stir together the cake flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, white sugar, and brown sugar. Cut in the shortening by pinching between your fingers or using a pastry blender, until the mixture has lumps no larger than peas. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, water, vanilla, and almond extract.
  • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry, and mix until the dough comes together. Divide the dough into halves, pat into a ball, and flatten slightly. Wrap each one in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight before rolling out to make a crust.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 224.8 calories, Carbohydrate 16.9 g, Cholesterol 11.6 mg, Fat 16.5 g, Fiber 0.4 g, Protein 1.9 g, SaturatedFat 4.1 g, Sodium 211.3 mg, Sugar 3.7 g

KITTENCAL'S NO-FAIL BUTTERY FLAKY PIE PASTRY/CRUST



Kittencal's No-Fail Buttery Flaky Pie Pastry/Crust image

I don't think you will find a better pie pastry, not only is this easy to handle but bakes outs flaky and light and has a rich buttery flavor! --- you could use 3 cups all purpose flour but the crust will not be as flaky --- here's a tip, to prevent a soggy pie crust brush a thin layer of egg white over the bottom crust before filling --- *NOTE* this can also be made using a processor with great results, which is the way I most always do (see instructions below the recipe) if you are making this on a food processor cube the butter and lard into about 1-inch pieces and then partially freeze.

Provided by Kittencalrecipezazz

Categories     Dessert

Time 40m

Yield 2 9-inch pastry, 16 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups cake pastry flour (or use 3 cups all purpose)
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup butter, very cold
1/4 cup lard, very cold
1 egg yolk
7 tablespoons ice water
1 teaspoon vinegar

Steps:

  • Mix both flours, sugar and salt in a large bowl.
  • With a pastry cutter cut in the very cold butter and lard until the consistency of tiny peas.
  • In a small bowl whisk the egg yolk, vinegar and water.
  • Stir the egg/water mixture into the flour mixture until moistened and dough holds together (usually it takes the full amount of water/egg mixture).
  • Gather into a ball then divide into two.
  • Cover with plastic wrap and store in the fridge for 30 minutes (or the dough may be frozen after the 30 minutes chilling time, just wrap firstly in plastic wrap and then tightly in foil, leave in fridge overnight to defrost).
  • PROCESSOR METHOD: whirl the flour, sugar and salt for a couple of seconds.
  • In a small bowl mix the egg, vinegar and water together; set aside.
  • Add in the partially frozen butter cubes and lard to the flour mixture; pulse until well mixed, then add in the water/egg mixture.
  • Process/pulse JUST until the dough holds together (do not over process, or your dough will be tough!).

GRANDMA'S FLAKY DOUBLE PIE CRUST



Grandma's Flaky Double Pie Crust image

This is my grandma's recipe. She was known for her pies. This crust is so light and flaky. Just delicious! My change to this recipe is my rolling technique. I roll between 2 sheets of parchment paper. Grandma rolled on a floured board. But it works for me!

Provided by Debbie Sue

Categories     Pies

Time 45m

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 1/2 c flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp sugar
1 c crisco
1 egg, slightly beaten
1 Tbsp lemon juice
3 Tbsp cold water

Steps:

  • 1. Mix flour, salt, and sugar in a mixing bowl. Using a pastry blender (or 2 knives), cut in the Crisco, until pea size pieces form.
  • 2. Add egg, lemon juice, and water, one tablespoon at a time. Toss with a fork until dough will form a ball. Wrap dough in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes.
  • 3. Divide dough in half, and form two, 5 inch discs. Roll a disc between 2 sheets of lightly floured parchment paper, to desired size.
  • 4. Carefully place rolled dough into a 9" pie plate. Fill with fruit filling, and top with remaining rolled dough.
  • 5. Trim, fold, and crimp edges. Cut a few vents in the top of the pie. Bake at 425 degrees, for 40 to 50 minutes.

PIE CRUST - TENDER & FLAKY



Pie Crust - Tender & Flaky image

This is another delicious Pie Crust I use. Very tender and flaky. Used this recipe for my Apple pies for Easter...everyone loves it. I originally found this recipe on the back of a box of Paula Dean flour..if not using my Aunts recipe this is the one I like. I never have had a problem with it, and I do it all in my food...

Provided by Cassie *

Categories     Pies

Time 15m

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 1/2 c all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp fine salt
3 Tbsp granulated white sugar
1/4 c vegetable shortening, cold
12 Tbsp butter, cold and cubed
1/4 - 1/2 c cup ice water
NOTE: I ACTUALLY HAVE FOUND THAT THIS CRUST NEEDS NO CHILLING...IT ROLLS OUT BEAUTIFULLY, RIGHT AS SOON AS MADE

Steps:

  • 1. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, salt and sugar.
  • 2. Add the shortening and break it up with your hands as you start to coat it all up with the flour. Add the cold butter cubes and work it into the flour with your hands or a pastry cutter. Work it quickly, so the butter doesn't get too soft, until the mixture is crumbly, like very coarse cornmeal. Add the ice water, a little at a time, until the mixture comes together forming a dough. Bring the dough together into a ball.
  • 3. When it comes together stop working it otherwise the dough will get over-worked and tough. Divide the dough in half and flatten it slightly to form a disk shape. Wrap each disk in plastic and chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. On a floured surface roll each disk out into a 10 to 11-inch circle to make a 9-inch pie.
  • 4. Note: Food processor method - which is what I use : I place the flour, salt, and sugar in processor bowl. Pulse to blend. I then add the shortening, pulse about 6 times. Add the cold butter, pulse 10 - 12 times, then add the water, pulse till all starts to come together and will hold together ...I never have to chill it. The above directions are what were on the back of the box of flour..My way is so much easier, if you have a food processor, I would suggest that method.

BASIC FLAKY PIE CRUST



Basic Flaky Pie Crust image

Make and share this Basic Flaky Pie Crust recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Steve_G

Categories     Pie

Time 45m

Yield 1 pie crust, 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 6

4 ounces unsalted butter, cold
1 1/3 cups pastry flour (plus 4 tsp) or 1 1/3 cups bleached all purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon baking powder
2 1/2-3 1/2 tablespoons ice water
1 1/2 teaspoons cider vinegar

Steps:

  • Divide the butter into two parts, about two thirds to one third.
  • Cut the butter into small cubes, about 1/2 inch.
  • Cover butter with plastic wrap.
  • Refrigerate the larger amount and freeze the smaller for a minimum of 30 minutes.
  • Place the flour, salt, and baking powder in a reclosable gallon-size freezer bag and freeze for a minimum of 30 minutes.
  • Place the flour mixture in a food processor with the metal blade and process for a few seconds to combine.
  • Set the bag aside.
  • Add the larger amount of butter cubes to the flour and process for about 20 seconds or until the mixture resembles coarse meal.
  • Add the remaining frozen butter cubes and pulse until all of the frozen butter is the size of peas.
  • Add the lowest amount of the ice water and the vinegar and pulse 6 times.
  • Pinch a small amount of the mixture together between your fingers.
  • If it does not hold together, add half the remaining water and pulse 3 times.
  • Try pinching the mixture again.
  • If necessary, add the remaining water, pulsing 3 times to incorporate it.
  • The mixture will be in particles and will not hold together without being pinched.
  • Dump the mixture back into the bag and work it from the outside of the bag gently until it comes together into a ball.
  • Refrigerate if the butter starts to melt (the heat from your hands will melt the butter) Wrap dough ball with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour before rolling (preferably overnight).
  • Don't skip this step, the gluten must relax for proper rolling!
  • You can refrigerate the dough up to 2 days, freeze up to 3 months (thaw in the refrigerator overnight).
  • Allow the dough to sit at room temperature for 10 minutes then roll the dough to about 1/8" thickness on a cool, lightly floured surface.
  • Work the dough from the center out, turning over occasionally.
  • Add the minimum amount of flour as too much will produce a tough dough.
  • Once again if the dough gets too warm allow it to rest in the fridge till cool.
  • Fold the rolled out crust in quarters and gently place into pan, unfold and tuck gently into pan, trim excess (leave about 1 inch overhang to form edge).

Nutrition Facts : Calories 184.5, Fat 11.7, SaturatedFat 7.3, Cholesterol 30.5, Sodium 80.5, Carbohydrate 17.9, Fiber 0.4, Sugar 0.1, Protein 2

FLAKY PIE CRUST DOUGH



Flaky Pie Crust Dough image

Categories     Dessert     Bake     Bon Appétit     Sugar Conscious     Kidney Friendly     Vegetarian     Pescatarian     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free     No Sugar Added     Kosher

Yield Makes one 9-inch crust

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 1/4 cups all purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
5 tablespoons chilled unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1/4 cup chilled solid vegetable shortening, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
2 tablespoons (or more) ice water

Steps:

  • Whisk flour and salt in medium bowl to blend. Add butter and shortening. Rub in with fingertips until very coarse meal forms. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons water. Toss until moist clumps form, sprinkling with more water by teaspoonfuls if mixture is dry. Gather dough into ball; flatten into disk. Wrap in plastic and chill at least 1 hour. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Keep refrigerated. Soften dough slightly at room temperature before using.)

MY FAVORITE FLAKY BUTTER PIE CRUST RECIPE



My Favorite Flaky Butter Pie Crust Recipe image

This is the crust recipe I usually use to make most of my pies.I have had the recipe for years from my sister. It is easy. It is made using a food processor. It is flaky and so buttery. I love it. Hope you all do too.

Provided by Nor Mac

Categories     Other Desserts

Time 5m

Number Of Ingredients 4

2 1/2 c all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
2 stick butter, or 1 cup chilled well
1/2 c ice water with ice in it

Steps:

  • 1. Makes a double crust: Get a measuring cup fill with ice. Add cold water. Set cup aside.
  • 2. Cut sticks of butter in half length wise. Turn over and cut in half again. You will have four pieces. Cut again width wise several times. You will have a little cubes of butter.
  • 3. In a bowl Whisk the flour and salt together. Place mixture in a food processor.
  • 4. Add butter to flour and pulse or blend until Butter is well incorporated. It should look like course crumbs.
  • 5. Add 2 TB ice water to flour butter mixture. Pulse well. Add more water as needed by 1 tablespoon at a time. You will not be using all of the water. You will be using just enough to make the crust form a ball. (Do not add ice from water)
  • 6. Turn food processor back on and pulse until it looks like it is beginning to form a ball. Remove from processor. The dough should easily form in to a pliable dough.
  • 7. Divide dough in half,and flatten in to 2 disc's. Wrap well with plastic wrap. Place disc's in refrigerator for at least 3-4 hours. You may make the night before using. You may also freeze until ready to use. Roll dough out on floured surface until 11 inch circle is formed. Place in pie pan,and trim edges. Repeat for a top crust if needed. Makes enough for 1 bottom and 1 top, or 2 shells.
  • 8. Note: before filling Crust. Beat an egg white. Brush bottom crust with egg white. This will prevent crust from getting soggy.

Tips for a Perfect Flaky Pie Crust:

  • Use cold butter: Cold butter creates pockets of steam as it bakes, resulting in a flaky crust. Keep the butter chilled until you're ready to use it.
  • Work the butter into the flour quickly: Overworking the butter will result in a tough crust. Use a pastry blender or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
  • Add ice water gradually: Add just enough ice water to bring the dough together. Too much water will make the dough tough.
  • Chill the dough before rolling: Chilling the dough helps the gluten relax, making it easier to roll and less likely to shrink in the oven.
  • Roll the dough evenly: Roll the dough out from the center to the edges, making sure to keep it even. If the dough is too thick, it will be difficult to bake evenly.
  • Trim the edges: Trim the edges of the dough evenly before transferring it to the pie plate. This will help prevent the crust from shrinking.
  • Bake the crust before filling: Pre-baking the crust helps to prevent it from becoming soggy. Bake the crust for 15-20 minutes at 350°F before filling it.

Conclusion:

A flaky pie crust is the perfect complement to any pie. With a little practice, you can master the art of making flaky pie crusts that will impress your family and friends. Remember to use cold butter, work the butter into the flour quickly, add ice water gradually, chill the dough before rolling, roll the dough evenly, trim the edges, and pre-bake the crust before filling. With these tips, you'll be able to create delicious flaky pie crusts that will make your pies the star of the show.

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