Back To Basics: Easy Old Fashioned Pie Crust From Scratch

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Learn how to make a golden brown, flaky pie crust from scratch with our step-by-step guide perfect for any pie.

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Making pie crust from scratch is a true art in the world of baking. The perfect balance between flakiness and tenderness, a homemade pie crust can elevate any dessert. While store-bought options may offer convenience, nothing compares to the rich, flavor and delicate texture that comes from creating your own homemade pie crust from scratch.

Making an old fashioned pie crust from scratch is incredibly easy to make! It uses pantry staples so you almost always have the ingredients on hand. Even if this is your first time making a pie crust from scratch don’t worry, this recipe is beginner-friendly. 

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Rolling pin
  • Fork or pastry cutter

Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup lard (Crisco, shortening, or cold unsalted butter will work also.)
  • ¼ cup ice water
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional) – If you are making a sweet pie and want a sweet pie crust add the sugar. For a more savory pie crust omit the sugar.

How to Make Simple Pie Crust From Scratch

Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients. Give it a quick whisk to evenly distribute the ingredients.

Step 2: Incorporate the Lard
Add the lard to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, cut the lard into pea-sized pieces until it resembles coarse crumbs. This step ensures that pockets of fat are distributed throughout for ultimate flakiness.

Dry ingredients in a bowl with lard.
Pie crust mixed together until it becomes crumbly.

Step 3: Add Water
Pour the water over the mixture. Using your hands work the dough together until you get a pie crust dough ball. Be careful not to overwork the dough as this can result in tough crusts.

Pie crust once it forms a ball.

Step 4: Roll Out Your Crust
Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin. Begin rolling out your crust from the center outward, rotating occasionally to maintain an even thickness of around ⅛ inch.

Pie crust turned out onto a lightly flour surface.
Pie crust rolled out.

Step 5: Fill Crust

Drape pie crust over a pie dish, generously poke holes in the bottom of the pie crust using a fork, and add your filling. Make another pie crust (this recipe makes only one pie crust, either top or bottom). Drape pie crust over the filling, trim the excess, and using a fork or your fingers crimp the edges. You can also cut a design in the center to add a vent. (Baking times for a filled pie will vary depending on the type of filling. Bake pie per filling recommendations.)

Pie crust rolled up.
Pie crust being rolled onto a pie plate.
Pie crust in a pan after being trimmed with holes poked in the bottom.
Pie crust with a design cut in the crust.

Step 6: Bake Crust

If you are baking the pie crust first and filling it afterward bake at 425°F for 15 minutes.

Notes

You can create an egg wash using one egg yolk and a tsp of milk. Whisk until thoroughly combined. Before baking using a pastry brush, brush the entire pie crust with the mixture.

Eggs wash mixed up in a bowl.
Pie that has been brushed with an egg wash.
Pie that has been baked with an egg wash on top.

FAQ’s

Can you freeze homemade pie crust?

Yes, you can place the rolled-out unbaked pie crust into a pie pan that is lined with parchment paper. Fill the pie crust with pie weights and place into the freezer to flash freeze for about 20 – 30 minutes. Remove the pie crust from the parchment paper and store the pie crusts in a freezer bag in the freezer for up to 3 months. 

Is pie crust better with butter or Crisco?

They are both great options butter adds a rich taste while Crisco creates a more neutral flavor.

Does homemade pie crust need to be baked before filling?

It does not have to be baked before being filled but it can be.

Why does pie crust get tough?

Pie crust gets tough when it has been overworked. 

What is pie crust made of?

Pie crust is made with flour, salt, lard, and water.

Pie crust with a design cut in the crust.

Old Fashioned Pie Crust From Scratch

Learn how to make a golden brown, flaky pie crust from scratch with our step-by-step guide perfect for any pie.
5 from 6 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 1 Pie Crust

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Rolling Pin
  • Fork or pastry cutter

Ingredients

  • 1 cup All purpose flour
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • ½ cup Lard (Crisco or butter will also work)
  • ¼ cup Ice water
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar (optional) If you are making a sweet pie and want a sweet crust add the sugar. For a more savory pie crust omit the sugar.

Instructions

  • Prepare the Dough
    In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar (if desired). Give it a quick whisk to evenly distribute the ingredients.
  • Incorporate the Lard
    Add the lard to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, cut the lard into pea-sized pieces until it resembles coarse crumbs. This step ensures that pockets of fat are distributed throughout for ultimate flakiness.
  • Add Water
    Pour the water over the mixture. Using your hands work the dough together until you get a dough ball. Be careful not to overwork the dough as this can result in tough crusts.
  • Roll Out Your Crust
    Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin. Begin rolling out your crust from the center outward, rotating occasionally to maintain an even thickness of around ⅛ inch.
  • Fill Crust
    Drape pie crust over a pie dish, generously poke holes in the bottom of the pie crust using a fork, and add your filling. Make another pie crust (this recipe makes only one pie crust, either top or bottom). Drape pie crust over the filling, trim the excess, and using a fork or your fingers crimp the edges. You can also cut a design in the center to add a vent. (Baking times for a filled pie will vary depending on the type of filling. Bake pie per filling recommendations.)
  • Bake Crust
    If you are baking the pie crust first and filling it afterward bake at 425°F for 15 minutes.

Notes

You can create an egg wash using one egg yolk and a tsp of milk. Whisk until thoroughly combined. Before baking using a pastry brush, brush the entire pie crust with the mixture.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 Pie crust

In conclusion, mastering the art of making a delicious pie crust is not as daunting as it may seem. With the right ingredients, technique, and a little bit of practice, anyone can create a flaky and flavorful pie crust that will leave their guests begging for more. Whether you prefer a traditional butter crust or are looking to experiment with different flavors and textures, there is no limit to the creativity that can be achieved in the world of pie-making.

If you try this recipe I would love it if you would leave a rating recipe rating is extremely helpful to me and to others. 

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