Grandmother’s Pie Crust

There’s something about a homemade pie crust that just feels like a warm hug from the past. Grandmother’s Pie Crust is the kind of recipe that’s been passed down through generations, carrying with it all the love and care of family traditions. This crust is flaky, buttery, and just the right amount of crispy. Whether you’re making an apple pie, a pumpkin pie, or a savory chicken pot pie, this crust is the perfect base to showcase your favorite fillings. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll never want store-bought again!

Why You’ll Love Grandmother’s Pie Crust

Timeless Tradition

This recipe isn’t just about making pie—it’s about family, nostalgia, and the kind of love that goes into everything homemade. With just a few simple ingredients, you’re making something that feels like it’s straight out of your grandmother’s kitchen, just waiting to be enjoyed by loved ones.

Flaky and Buttery Perfection

There’s a reason this crust is a family favorite—it’s buttery, flaky, and the perfect balance of crispy and soft. Every bite will melt in your mouth, giving your pies that comforting, homemade flavor you crave.

Simple Ingredients

No fancy ingredients here—just flour, butter, salt, and a little water. Simple, easy, and delicious. You’ll have a pie crust that tastes like it’s been made with nothing but love, with minimal effort.

Easy to Make

Making pie crust doesn’t have to be hard, and this recipe proves it. Even if you’ve never made a pie crust before, this one’s easy enough for anyone to pull off. Plus, it’s very forgiving, so you don’t need to worry about making a mistake.

Ingredients

For the Pie Crust:

• All-purpose flour: This is the base of your crust, giving it structure and that classic texture.
• Butter: Use cold, unsalted butter for the best flavor and flakiness. The colder, the better!
• Salt: Just a pinch of salt to balance out the sweetness in your pie fillings.
• Water: Ice-cold water is key for getting that perfect texture. It helps keep the dough from becoming too soft and sticky.

Instructions

1. Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by chilling your butter and measuring out all of your ingredients. The butter should be cold and cut into small cubes so it incorporates into the dough easily. It’s important to keep everything cold for the best results, so even consider chilling your flour!

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the salt throughout the flour.

3. Cut in the Butter

Add the cold butter cubes to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter scattered throughout. Don’t overwork it—the pieces of butter are what will make your crust flaky.

4. Add the Water

Gradually add ice-cold water, one tablespoon at a time, and stir until the dough just comes together. You may need a bit more or less water depending on the humidity and your flour. The dough should be moist but not sticky.

5. Form the Dough and Chill

Gather the dough into a ball and flatten it into a disk. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the dough to chill and firm up, which helps when rolling it out.

6. Roll Out the Dough

Once chilled, lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin. Roll the dough out into a circle about 1/8 inch thick. If the dough sticks, sprinkle a little more flour on top. Try to keep the dough even as you roll it.

7. Fit the Dough into Your Pie Dish

Carefully transfer the dough to your pie dish. Gently press the dough into the bottom and up the sides, being careful not to stretch it. Trim any excess dough hanging over the edge, leaving about 1 inch. Fold the edges under to create a clean, thicker crust edge.

8. Bake (if needed)

If you’re making a no-bake pie, blind bake the crust first by pricking the bottom with a fork, lining it with parchment paper, and adding pie weights or dried beans. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until golden and crisp. If your pie requires a baked crust, follow your pie’s baking instructions and add the filling once your crust is ready.

9. Enjoy!

Now that your crust is all baked and ready, fill it with your favorite pie filling and finish baking according to your pie recipe. Grandmother’s Pie Crust is perfect for everything from fruit pies to cream pies—or even savory pies like chicken pot pie!

How to Serve Grandmother’s Pie Crust

Grandmother’s Pie Crust is a perfect foundation for a variety of pies, whether sweet or savory:

• Fruit Pies: Fill it with apple, blueberry, or peach filling for a classic, comforting dessert.
• Cream Pies: Try it with banana cream pie or chocolate cream pie for a rich, velvety treat.
• Savory Pies: Use it for a chicken pot pie or shepherd’s pie for a hearty, filling dinner.
• Mini Pies: Make adorable mini pies by cutting the dough into smaller circles and using mini tart pans.

Additional Tips

1. Keep the Butter Cold

Cold butter is key to creating the flaky layers in the pie crust. Don’t let it soften before using—cold butter creates pockets in the dough that expand during baking, making it flaky and tender.

2. Use Ice-Cold Water

To prevent the butter from melting before it hits the oven, always use ice-cold water. This helps the dough stay firm and makes rolling it out easier.

3. Don’t Overwork the Dough

Overworking the dough will make it tough. Mix it just until it comes together, and avoid kneading it too much. The less you handle the dough, the flakier your crust will be.

4. Chill the Dough

Give the dough a chance to rest and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps the gluten relax and the dough become easier to roll out.

5. Blind Bake for Crispier Crust

For pies with a wet filling, like cream pies, blind bake the crust first. This ensures the bottom stays crispy and doesn’t get soggy.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use margarine instead of butter?

A1: While butter is ideal for flavor and flakiness, you can substitute margarine, but the texture may not be as flaky.

Q2: Can I make this dough ahead of time?

A2: Yes! You can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days or freeze it for up to 1 month. Just make sure to wrap it tightly.

Q3: How do I keep my crust from getting soggy?

A3: Blind bake your crust if your filling is particularly wet, or brush the crust with a bit of egg wash before baking to create a protective barrier.

Q4: Can I make this crust gluten-free?

A4: Absolutely! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour in place of regular flour, but be aware that the texture may vary slightly.

Q5: How do I know when the crust is done baking?

A5: When the crust is golden brown and crispy, it’s done. If you’re baking a filled pie, follow the pie’s instructions to know when it’s ready.

Q6: Can I freeze this dough?

A6: Yes, this dough freezes beautifully! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. Let it thaw in the fridge before using.

Q7: Can I make this pie crust in a food processor?

A7: Yes! Simply pulse the flour, salt, and butter in a food processor until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, then add ice water and pulse until it comes together.

Q8: Can I add sugar to this crust?

A8: You can add a tablespoon of sugar to the dough if you’re making a sweet pie like fruit pies or cream pies. It’ll give the crust a slightly sweet flavor.

Q9: How do I make this crust for a savory pie?

A9: For a savory pie, like chicken pot pie, omit the sugar (if you’re using it) and stick to the basic flour, butter, and water.

Q10: How long does this pie crust last?

A10: This crust will last up to 3 days in the fridge once baked or 1 month in the freezer.

Conclusion

Grandmother’s Pie Crust is a timeless recipe that brings comfort and flavor with every bite. Whether you’re baking a sweet or savory pie, this flaky, buttery crust will make the perfect base for your favorite fillings. Easy to make, with simple ingredients and a little patience, this recipe is one you’ll want to keep close. Enjoy creating memories with every delicious slice!

Print