Name: Easy Flaky All Butter Pie Crust
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour (divided); 1 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, omit for savory pies); 1 cup very cold unsalted butter (cut into tablespoon slices); 5-7 tablespoons very cold ice water; 2 tablespoons egg whites (lightly beaten for brushing on the crust)

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When it comes to baking, few things can elevate your dessert game quite like a homemade pie crust. This Easy Flaky All Butter Pie Crust is a must-have recipe in your baking arsenal. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can create a crust that is not only flaky and tender but also rich in buttery flavor. Whether you’re filling it with sweet fruits or savory ingredients, this pie crust will be the perfect base for your culinary creations. Let’s dive into the art of pie crust making!

The Upside of Easy Flaky All Butter Pie Crust

There’s something special about a pie made with an all-butter crust. The flavor is undeniably richer, and the texture is beautifully flaky. This Easy Flaky All Butter Pie Crust is not just easy to make, but it also delivers that perfect, golden-brown finish that we all dream of. With its ability to hold fillings without becoming soggy, you’ll find this crust is versatile enough for both sweet and savory pies. Plus, making your own crust allows you to customize it to your liking, ensuring that every bite is just as you imagined.

Ingredient Checklist

To make this Easy Flaky All Butter Pie Crust, gather the following ingredients:

2 cups (12 ounces) all-purpose flour, divided
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar (optional, omit for savory pies)
1 cup very cold unsalted butter, cut into tablespoon slices
5-7 tablespoons very cold ice water
2 tablespoons egg whites, lightly beaten for brushing on the crust

Prep & Cook Tools

Before you get started, make sure you have the following tools on hand:

Mixing Bowl: A large bowl for combining your ingredients.
Pastry Cutter or Fork: To cut the butter into the flour mixture.
Rolling Pin: For rolling out the dough to your desired thickness.
Pie Dish: To hold your beautifully crafted pie crust.
Plastic Wrap: For wrapping the dough to chill in the fridge.
Baking Sheet: To catch any drips while baking.

Cooking Easy Flaky All Butter Pie Crust: The Process

Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of sugar (if using). Mix them well to ensure even distribution.

Step 2: Cut in the Butter

Add the very cold unsalted butter slices into the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or a fork, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You want to see small pea-sized pieces of butter throughout the mixture, which will help create that flaky texture.

Step 3: Add Ice Water

Gradually add 5 to 7 tablespoons of very cold ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently with a fork after each addition. Stop adding water when the dough begins to hold together but is not sticky.

Step 4: Form the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it gently just until it comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as this can result in a tough texture.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Divide the dough into two equal halves, shape each into a disk, and wrap them in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 2 days. Chilling the dough helps relax the gluten and solidify the butter, ensuring a flaky crust.

Step 6: Roll Out the Dough

Once chilled, remove one disk of dough from the refrigerator. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a circle about 12 inches in diameter and 1/8 inch thick.

Step 7: Transfer to Pie Dish

Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to your pie dish. You can do this by gently rolling the dough around the rolling pin and unrolling it over the dish.

Step 8: Trim and Crimp

Trim any excess dough hanging over the edges of the pie dish, leaving about a 1-inch overhang. Fold the edges under and crimp them with your fingers or a fork for a decorative touch.

Step 9: Brush and Chill Again

Brush the edges of the crust with the lightly beaten egg whites for a beautiful golden finish. Chill the crust again for about 30 minutes before baking to help it maintain its shape.

Step 10: Pre-Bake or Fill

Depending on your pie recipe, you can either pre-bake the crust at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until lightly golden or fill it with your desired filling and bake according to your pie recipe.

Substitutions by Diet

If you’re looking for alternatives, consider these options:

Gluten-Free: Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free butter alternative.
Vegan: Replace the egg wash with a non-dairy milk wash for brushing.

Notes on Ingredients

The quality of your ingredients significantly impacts the final product. Use high-quality unsalted butter for the best flavor. If you choose to omit the sugar for savory pies, consider adding herbs or spices to the crust for added flavor. Remember, the colder your ingredients, the flakier your crust will be!

Cooling, Storing & Rewarming

After baking, allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week. To rewarm, place slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.

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Bring It Home

There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of making your own pie crust from scratch. With this Easy Flaky All Butter Pie Crust, you’ll be well on your way to creating delicious pies that will impress your family and friends. The flaky texture and buttery flavor will elevate any filling you choose. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake up something truly special. Enjoy every delicious bite!