Grandmas Pie Crust is a beloved family recipe that brings warmth and nostalgia to any kitchen. This ultimate flaky, buttery homemade pie crust is made from scratch using simple ingredients like flour, butter, and shortening. It’s perfect for both sweet and savory pies, and it always turns golden and tender. Let’s dive into how to create the perfect crust that will impress family and friends alike.
Why You’ll Love This Grandmas Pie Crust
This Grandmas Pie Crust is more than just a recipe; it’s a tradition that enhances any pie experience. Here are a few reasons to love it:
- It’s a classic old-fashioned pie crust that will remind you of home.
- Made with simple, traditional ingredients, it’s easy to whip up.
- Experience the joy of a homemade pie crust that’s flaky and delicious.
- Pairs perfectly with any filling, both sweet and savory.
- This recipe yields two crusts, making it perfect for double pie recipes.
- With tips for a flaky pie crust recipe, you can achieve bakery-quality results.
- Enjoy a family recipe that has been passed down through generations.
Ingredients for Grandmas Pie Crust
Gather these items:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup vegetable shortening, cold
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 to 5 tablespoons ice water
How to Make Grandmas Pie Crust Step-by-Step
- Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Step 2: Add the cold butter and shortening. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the texture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of fat.
- Step 3: Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently with a fork until the dough comes together and holds when squeezed.
- Step 4: Divide the dough into two equal disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least one hour in the refrigerator.
- Step 5: Lightly flour your surface and roll one disk into a 12-inch circle.
- Step 6: Carefully place the rolled dough into your pie dish, trim the edges, crimp as desired, and fill as needed.
- Step 7: Bake as directed for your pie recipe or blind bake if your filling does not require baking.
Pro Tips for the Best Grandmas Pie Crust
Keep these in mind:
- Use cold butter and shortening to ensure that your crust is flaky.
- Chill the dough for at least one hour to relax the gluten.
- Don’t overwork the dough to avoid a tough crust.
- To achieve the perfect golden color, consider brushing the crust with an egg wash before baking.
- For a rich flavor, consider trying an all-butter pie crust variation.
Best Ways to Serve Grandmas Pie Crust
This family recipe pie crust can be served with a variety of fillings. Here are some ideas:
- Fill it with luscious fruits like apples or cherries for a delicious dessert.
- Use it for savory pies, such as quiches or pot pies, that will surely impress.
- Top with whipped cream or ice cream for an indulgent treat.
How to Store and Reheat Grandmas Pie Crust
To store your pie crust, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to three days or freeze it for later use. To reheat, bake it directly from the refrigerator or freezer until warmed through. This makes it a great option for meal prep and easy weeknight desserts.
Frequently Asked Questions About Grandmas Pie Crust
What’s the secret to perfect Grandmas Pie Crust?
The secret lies in using cold ingredients and not overworking the dough. This helps create the desired flaky texture. Remember, the less you handle the dough, the better!
Can I make Grandmas Pie Crust ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the crust in advance, refrigerate it for up to three days, or freeze it for longer storage. Just remember to let it thaw in the fridge before rolling it out.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Grandmas Pie Crust?
To avoid toughness, don’t overmix the dough. Also, ensure your ingredients are cold, and chill your dough before rolling it out to prevent shrinkage during baking.
Variations of Grandmas Pie Crust You Can Try
If you’re looking to switch things up, here are some variations:
- For a richer flavor, try an all-butter pie crust instead of a combination of butter and shortening.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
- Add a pinch of sugar for a sweeter crust, perfect for fruit pies.
- Experiment with different fats like lard for a unique flavor profile.
Grandmas Pie Crust: 7 Secrets to Perfectly Flaky Crust
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 pie crusts 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Grandma’s Pie Crust recipe is the ultimate flaky, buttery homemade pie crust made from scratch with simple ingredients like flour, butter, and shortening. Perfect for sweet or savory pies, it’s a classic old-fashioned crust that turns golden and tender every time.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup vegetable shortening, cold
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 to 5 tablespoons ice water
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Add the cold butter and shortening. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the texture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of fat.
- Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently with a fork until the dough comes together and holds when squeezed.
- Divide the dough into two equal disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least one hour in the refrigerator.
- Lightly flour your surface and roll one disk into a 12-inch circle.
- Carefully place the rolled dough into your pie dish, trim the edges, crimp as desired, and fill as needed.
- Bake as directed for your pie recipe or blind bake if your filling does not require baking.
Notes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Grandmas Pie Crust
