Homemade Pie Crust Recipe
An easy tutorial on how to make your own homemade pie crust! This recipe uses just a few simple ingredients and turns out perfect every single time. This post also includes several different ways that you can use this pie crust recipe!
Making your own pie crust should never be intimidating. In fact, if you have a good recipe and instructions it’s actually pretty easy.
If you’ve been following me for a while you’ve probably seen this pie crust recipe at some point. But today I wanted to share this simple recipe with you again because it’s one that I use all of the time! You’ll absolutely love this recipe because it’s:
- Super flaky
- Ridiculously easy to make
- Uses simple pantry staples you likely have on hand
- Tastes better than anything that you can buy at the store
Trust me when I say that you’ll never go back to buying store-bought pie crust again once you learn how to make your own!
Recipe Ingredients
To make this easy pie crust recipe you’ll need some all-purpose flour, salt, sugar, unsalted butter, shortening, and ice water. Each of these ingredients plays a crucial role in creating a delicious pie crust, so let’s break them down.
- Flour: I use all-purpose flour when making this homemade pie crust because it creates the perfect crust. One important thing here, make sure to measure your flour correctly. Too much flour in your pie crust can take your crust from flaky and tender to dry and crumbly. Here’s my post about how to measure flour with the spoon and level method. Or even better, use a food scale to measure your flour! You’ll need 315 grams of all-purpose flour for this recipe.
- Salt & Sugar: The salt and sugar help to enhance the flavor of the pie crust. Salt is a very important ingredient when it comes to making your own homemade pie crust, so don’t leave it out or cut the amount down. As far as the sugar, you can leave it out if you prefer.
- Fat: Some pie crust recipes call for all butter, a combination of butter and shortening, oil, etc. For this recipe, I use a combination of cold butter and cold vegetable shortening. The butter gives your pie crust a delicious buttery flavor and the shortening gives the crust structure and keeps it tender.
- One important thing – Make sure your butter and shortening are cold. Not soft, not warm, I’m talking straight from the refrigerator right before you add it to the flour mixture. Why? When you put the pie crust in the oven, you want little bits of cold fat in the crust. The little bits of fat will melt as the crust bakes and create little air pockets, which is what gives you a beautiful flaky crust.
- Ice Water: You’ll also need some ice water to help bring the dough together. Measure out some water, add some ice to it, and stir it around so it’s nice and cold. Then measure out the exact amount of ice water the recipe calls for and add it one tablespoon at a time. Too much water in your pie dough and you’ll end up with a sticky mess, too little water and you’ll end up with a crumbly dough that won’t hold together. I suggest gently mixing in one tablespoon of ice water at a time.
How To Make A Pie Crust
To start, you’ll whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and sugar. Then add the cold cubed butter and cold vegetable shortening and cut it into the dry ingredients with a pastry cutter. If you don’t have a pastry cutter you can also use a fork to cut the fat into the flour mixture.
If you want to make this step even easier, feel free to use a food processor. If you do use a food processor, I recommend just pulsing the mixture. You want to see pea-sized pieces of fat, but a few larger pieces are fine too.
Next, you’ll slowly mix in your ice water. One tablespoon at a time is the perfect amount, so you don’t end up with too much water in your dough and a sticky mess. The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of ice water, but you may not need the full amount. Just use enough ice water to get the dough to come together.
Once you add enough water, the mixture will start to look like the picture above and when you squeeze it in your hand it will hold together. Just try not to use your hands too much when making the dough because your hands are warm and can quickly melt the fat in your dough.
Once the dough comes together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and gently pack it into a ball. Cut the dough in half and flatten it out into two discs. Wrap each disc of dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate them for at least one hour. You may also store these in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If it’s too hard to roll, just let it sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes.
Once you’re ready to roll out your dough, lightly flour your surface and rolling pin. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and place it on the lightly floured surface. Using your rolling pin, apply even pressure and gently roll it from the center out, turning the dough about a quarter turn after a few rolls. Make sure to lift your dough and flour your surface and the top of the dough as needed to prevent it from sticking.
It’s best to roll the dough out to about 12 inches in diameter. I suggest using a ruler to measure the dough and make sure it’s the right size. This is the perfect size for a 9-inch pie plate, so you have a little overhang and have enough dough to decorate the edges. I like to cut off the excess, leaving about 1 inch of overhang. Then, just fold the overhang under and decorate the edges.
FAQ’s
Can I make it without shortening and use just butter in this recipe?
Yes, you can replace the shortening with the same amount of butter. Just keep in mind that this will slightly change the taste and texture of the pie crust.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
If using salted butter, reduce the salt in this recipe from 1 teaspoon to 3/4 teaspoon.
How long do you bake the pie crust?
This will depend on if you’re needing a partially baked crust or a fully-baked crust. I have a full tutorial to show you how to blind bake a pie crust here.
Can I cut this recipe in half?
Yes, absolutely! You may cut the recipe in half to make just one pie crust.
Baking Tips
- When measuring your flour, make sure to use the spoon and level method. Too much flour can lead to a crumbly, dry pie crust.
- Be sure to use cold butter and cold shortening for best results.
- Only add the ice water one tablespoon at a time and stir gently until the mixture starts to come together and you can squeeze it together in your hand.
- Want to make a lattice pie crust topping? You can find my full tutorial for how to make a lattice pie crust here.
Different Ways To Use This Recipe
- Homemade Pumpkin Pie
- Mini Pecan Pies
- Classic Apple Pie
- Coconut Cream Pie
- Mini Apple Pies
- Classic Pecan Pie
Video Tutorial
Homemade Pie Crust
Ingredients
- 2 and 1/2 cups (315 grams) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (115 grams) cold unsalted butter cubed
- 1/2 cup (95 grams) cold vegetable shortening cut into a few pieces
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) ice water
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt until well combined. Add the cold cubed butter and cold vegetable shortening. Using a pastry cutter or fork, cut them into the dry ingredients until you have small pea-sized crumbs (some larger pieces are okay).
- Slowly drizzle in one tablespoon of ice water at a time (you may not need the full 1/2 cup) and gently mix it in until the dough starts to come together. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and pack it into a ball. Cut the dough in half and flatten it into two discs. Cover each one tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour.
- To bake the pie crust: Roll the dough out to 12 inches in diameter, transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie plate, gently fit it in, trim any excess dough, and decorate the edges. Line the pie dough with parchment paper or foil, making sure to cover the bottom and the sides, then fill with pie weights (dried beans or dry rice work well too!). Bake with the pie weights at 400°F (190°C) for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven, remove the parchment paper (or foil) and the pie weights. Prick the bottom of the pie crust with a fork to prevent bubbling and return to the oven. For a partially baked pie crust: Return the crust to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes or until the bottom of the crust looks dry. For a fully baked pie crust: Return to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
Notes
Adapted from Better Homes & Garden New Cookbook 15th Edition
My pie crust seem to always shrink n the sides slide down. Not pretty. What’s the cause of this n how can I prevent this from happening. Thank you.
Hi, Mary! Do you mean when you pre-bake it? If so, you can blind-bake it with pie weights and that will help. If you’re not pre-baking it and adding the filling, it helps to let the dough rest in the pie dish in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes first before adding the filling.
Your recipe sounds fairly simple so I am going to make it today. We are making a meat pie and my huaband (the meat pie expert )says you only use a top crust. I’m in charge of the crust. Could I use a double crust do you think?
Thank you for your input, it is hreatly appreciated.
Trudy
Hi, Trudy! I’ve never made a meat pie, so it’s hard to say, but it really depends on the filling. If the filling is thicker and there’s not too much liquid using a bottom crust should be okay.
The recipe calls for unsalted butter, however, I got salted butter. Should I omit the salt from ingredients?
I would just reduce the salt by 1/4-1/2 teaspoon.
I’ve been baking pies for over 40 years and have tried many a recipe, never finding one to want to use over and over. Your recipe is the bomb! I had watched a Bon Appetit video where they formed the dough into a 1″ thick circle, quartered it and then stacked the quarters, reformed the circle, quartered it again and reformed it making layers. I tried that technique with this dough and worried that it seemed to be developing gluten (it was a little stretchy). But it made flakey layers. It’s very easy to work with and is the best tasting crust I’ve ever come across. I use Spectrum shortening as it is not made of trans fats in place of Crisco and like I stated, it is delicious.
Thank you!!
Thank you, Denise! So glad you loved the pie crust recipe!
Can you use lard instead of the Crisco? I lost my grandmothers recipe and this one seems to be the closest on every aspect except the crisco.
I think that would be fine. Just keep in mind that lard may have a different flavor and it might change the taste of the pie crust.
Have used this recipe the last 2 years for Thanksgiving and Christmas and it turns out amazing! Highly recommend- easy to understand instructions as well, very pleased!
I want to make this in a 7×11 rectangle glass dish. How will I adjust the recipe and will this change baking time? I’ve never made an apple pie so I’m not sure what I’m doing…smh…thank you
I think one pie crust should be enough for a 7×11 pan. You can either cut the recipe in half or make the full recipe and freeze the other half. The baking time will just depend on your pie recipe.
how much pie dough is enough for a 9 inch pie plate? I tried making this recipe but i didn’t have enough dough for the plate.
This recipe makes 2 pie crusts, so half of the recipe is enough for a 9-inch plate. You want to make sure to roll the crust to about 12-inches in diameter or 1/8-inch thick.
How deep should the 9” pan be?
However deep your pie recipe recommends is best. I typically use one that’s 1.5-2 inches deep.
Hi if I have only the pumpkin pie spice powder from Trader Joe’s how much would you recommend for me to put in the filling? Thank you!
Do you mean for my pumpkin pie recipe? If so, I would probably use 2 – 2.5 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice.
I would love to try your pie crust recipe, but you don’t list any measurements, or quantities. Could you email this information or post it ? Thanks
There’s a recipe card with measurements in the post. You can click jump to recipe at the top if you can’t find it 🙂
I am on a very low sodium diet & typically use no salt or a salt substitute line Mrs. Dash. Do you think substituting or omitting salt would work in this pie crust?
You could omit the salt, but it will affect the flavor of the crust.
Tried this recipe today and the pie crust turned out amazing! So easy too. Thank you!
Hi Danielle,
It has been many years (and I do mean many) since I have made a pie crust from scratch and I really want to get back into it. Your recipe sounds like a winner. Care to share on the best method to transfer the crust to the pie plate/pan?
Deb
Hi, Deb! I actually prefer to roll it up on my rolling pin then unroll it over the pie dish. I’ve found that to be the easiest way to transfer it.
Hi! I was wondering if this recipe could be made with a food processor. Will it turn out the same?
Yes, absolutely! I would just pulse the butter and shortening into the dry ingredients and few times and just make sure not to overmix the dough as you add water.
ok, thanks for the response.
yes, that’s my purpose to soften the pie crust. will try a small amount, then will update you the result.
hello.
glad that i signed-up to know the secret of making a pie and thanks for that revealing your secret though i didn’t it yet.
my question is, instead of pure all purpose flour, can i mix it with cornstarch, let’s say half and half or 2/3 and 1/3?
I honestly haven’t tried it, but cornstarch tends to soften baked goods. I’m not sure how well the pie crust would hold up with that much cornstarch in it.
Loved this recipe. Thank you so much. I made them and froze them to be ready when I want to bake a pie or chicken pot pie.
I think I added too much water, and now the dough is sticky, with a cooked-oatmeal consistency. Can I add more flour?
Additionally- how does one know which pies require baked and parbaked crusts?
You can add more flour, but that will change the texture and taste of the pie crust. I do recommend adding the water slowly to prevent that from happening. Your recipe should designate if the pie crust should be baked or parbaked. For things like coconut cream pie where you don’t bake the filling, you’ll want to fully bake the pie crust. For custard pies, like pumpkin pie, you’ll want to par-bake it.
HI! How long will this pie crust keep for in the fridge?
It will keep for 4-5 days, after that you can freeze it.
So does this makes 1 or 2 crusts? I can’t tell from the recipe. Why do you make 2 discs?
It makes 2 pie crusts, that’s why you divide it into 2 discs 🙂
My first time making a flaky crust, and this is amazing! This is now my go to pie crust recipe! Thank you so much for sharing! ?
Hello!
Have you ever made this using Crisco butter flavored shortening? I purchased some a while back for a recipe but never used it. It hasn’t expired yet so I would like to use it up but was unsure how this would work for a pie crust. This will be my first time making one….. soooo pointers and comments gladly accepted!
I haven’t, but I think it would be fine to use it for the shortening.
I just wanted to know, if a recipe calls for unbaked pie shell/crust, then you just prepare the crust(s) and fill and bake according to the recipe, correct? Because you have instructions for a partially baked crust as well as fully baked crust. There’s no mention to just prepare, fill, and bake. Please advise since I’d like to make this crust. Thank you.
Hi Dorene! If a recipe calls for an unbaked pie shell then you’ll prep the pie crust, chill it, and then fill and bake it.
How about using cream cheese instead of veg. shortening?
I haven’t tried it, so I’m not quite sure.
What do you do if you only want to do one crust?
You can just cut the recipe in half.
If I wanted to omit the shortening, do I double the amount of butter?
Yes, that’s correct.
I decided to be Betty Crocker tonight and made my first pie crust. It came out delicious.
So glad to hear that, Dolores!
What kind of shortening do you use?
I really love Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, it has a very neutral flavor and works great!
Yes I like your recipes
I’ve just prepared this Pie Crust recipe, and it is amazing, my husband loves it! thank you for sharing!
Hi,
Can I use all butter instead and not mix with shortening? Thank you
Yes, it will slightly change the texture of the pie crust but it does work fine.
Hello, not sure if this question was asked already; didn’t see it when scrolling through. I am GF and somewhat vegan, so I am not using butter nor shortening. Will coconut oil, chilled I guess to sort of be like cold butter, be okay?
I honestly haven’t tried it, but I don’t think it would create the same kind of crust as butter and shortening.
Yes I’ve made this crust recipe now several times and is the best buttery and flaky crust ever and husband says it os definitely the best crust he’s ever had and secret to this crust is to not use any ingredient warm ,need to keep oil and water and butter cold until you put in oven and guaranteed your gonna luv this recipe !!!