Perfect Pie Crust Recipe | YumAndJoy

Perfect Pie Crust Recipe

Achieve flaky, buttery perfection with this easy homemade pie crust! Made with simple ingredients and a hint of apple cider vinegar for extra tenderness, this crust is the perfect base for any pie filling. Whether you’re baking a classic apple pie, a rich chocolate tart, or a savory quiche, this foolproof recipe will give you a golden, crispy crust every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Flaky & Buttery – The perfect texture for any sweet or savory pie.
  • Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions.
  • Versatile – Works for fruit pies, custard pies, quiches, and more.
  • Tender & Crisp – Apple cider vinegar helps create a tender, non-tough crust.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly – Store in the fridge or freezer for future use.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional, for sweet pies)
  • 1 cup unsalted butter (cold, cut into cubes)
  • ¼ cup ice water (plus more if needed)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Directions

  1. Mix Dry Ingredients – In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar (if using).
  2. Cut in the Butter – Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the cold butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized butter bits.
  3. Add Liquid – Mix the ice water and apple cider vinegar. Drizzle it into the flour mixture a little at a time, stirring with a fork until the dough starts to come together.
  4. Form the Dough – Gather the dough into a ball, divide it in half, flatten into discs, and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill for at least 1 hour (or up to 2 days).
  5. Roll Out the Crust – On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a circle about 12 inches in diameter. Transfer to a pie dish.
  6. Use as Needed – Fill with your favorite pie filling and bake as directed, or blind bake for a pre-baked crust.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 1 double crust or 2 single crusts
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Chilling Time: 1 hour
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

  • All-Butter Crust – Use all butter for extra flavor.
  • Shortening Version – Swap half the butter for shortening for a softer texture.
  • Gluten-Free Option – Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
  • Sweet Crust – Add an extra tablespoon of sugar for dessert pies.
  • Savory Crust – Omit sugar and add herbs like rosemary or thyme.

Storage/Reheating

  • Refrigerator: Store wrapped dough in the fridge for up to 2 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze dough for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge before rolling.
  • Blind Baking: Pre-bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes with pie weights, then remove weights and bake for another 10 minutes until golden.

FAQs

Why add apple cider vinegar?

Vinegar helps prevent gluten from overdeveloping, keeping the crust tender and flaky.

Can I make this dough ahead of time?

Yes! Refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.

How do I keep the dough from cracking?

Let it rest at room temperature for 5 minutes before rolling to soften slightly.

What if my dough is too dry?

Add 1 teaspoon of ice water at a time until it comes together.

Can I use a food processor?

Yes! Pulse the flour and butter together, then add water until the dough forms.

How do I prevent a soggy crust?

Blind bake the crust before adding wet fillings or brush with an egg wash.

What’s the best way to roll out pie dough?

Use a lightly floured surface and roll from the center outward, rotating as you go.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Use dairy-free butter or solid coconut oil instead of butter.

How do I make a lattice crust?

Cut dough into strips and weave them over the pie filling before baking.

What’s the best way to transfer dough to the pie pan?

Roll the dough around a rolling pin and gently unroll it over the pie dish.

Conclusion

This Perfect Pie Crust Recipe is easy, flaky, and works beautifully for any pie. Whether you’re baking a holiday classic or a simple weeknight treat, this crust will deliver a buttery, crisp foundation for your favorite fillings. Try it today and elevate your homemade pies to the next level!

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Perfect Pie Crust Recipe

Perfect Pie Crust Recipe


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  • Author: asma
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 1 double-crust or 2 single-crust pies 1x

Description

Achieve flaky, buttery perfection with this easy homemade pie crust! Made with a hint of apple cider vinegar for extra tenderness, it’s the perfect base for sweet or savory pies.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar (omit for savory pies)
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 1/4 cup ice water (plus more as needed)
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Instructions

  1. Mix Dry Ingredients:
    • In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and sugar.
  2. Cut in the Butter:
    • Add cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture.
    • Use a pastry cutter or your hands to mix until the texture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter.
  3. Add Liquid:
    • Stir together ice water and apple cider vinegar.
    • Gradually add a tablespoon at a time, mixing just until the dough comes together.
    • Avoid overworking the dough—small butter bits should still be visible.
  4. Chill the Dough:
    • Divide dough into two equal discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 3 days).
  5. Roll & Use:
    • On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to fit your pie pan.
    • Use immediately for your favorite pie filling or freeze for later use.

Notes

  • For extra flakiness, use a combination of butter and shortening (½ cup of each).
  • Chill ingredients and tools (including the bowl) to keep the butter cold.
  • Blind bake for cream pies: Pre-bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes with pie weights.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • chill time: 1 hour
  • Category: Dessert, Baking
  • Method: Mixing, Chilling
  • Cuisine: American
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