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Home » Recipe » Flaky Pie Crust Recipe

Flaky Pie Crust Recipe

October 13, 2020 by Danielle Green 30 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
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Flaky Pie Crust Recipe
Flaky Pie Crust - Straight From Grandma's Kitchen! - Krafted Koch
Flaky Pie Crust & 10 Tips for the Perfect Pie Crust - Krafted Koch

This Flaky Pie Crust Recipe is an old fashioned shortening recipe that makes the BEST pie! Follow our 10 simple tips for the perfect crust with amazing flavor. You can even freeze extra pie crusts for later!

Flakey Pie Crust on marble counter

Old Fashioned Pie Crust

A good pie just isn’t the same without a fantastic Flaky Pie Crust Recipe! You may have experienced the unappealing frozen pie crusts with their factory crimped edges. If so, you are probably craving a good old fashioned homemade pie crust!

Store bought pie crusts serve their purpose. I admit that in a pinch, I have use them on occasion. The fact of the matter is that they are usually dry and tough though. They don’t even compare to a tender and flakey homemade pie crust recipe like Grandma made.

Flakey Pie Crust in white pie plate

Store Bought Pie Crust Options

Over time, I have played around with just about every imaginable alternative to homemade pie crust. There are a variety of options, some worse than others.

  • Frozen, pre-formed in the pie tin
  • Frozen chunk of dough
  • Refrigerated crusts you roll out
  • Box mixed that you just add water (Surprisingly, the best alternative I have found)

…and the list goes on! While some of those are better than others, nothing compares to old-fashioned homemade pie crust.

A flaky pie crust that is so tender it just flakes apart when you delve your fork in to it, can’t be beat. It is a must have for amazing pie recipe like Apple Pie, Cranberry Custard Pie or Homemade Peach Pie.

Old Fashioned Apple Pie on marble table with lattice crust

Shortening Pie Dough Recipe

While I have and will continue to get plenty of people who scoff at me for using shortening over butter in any recipe. The fact of the matter is it provides a slightly different texture than butter.

Recipes like this Rhubarb Streusel Coffee Cake or Sour Cream Cutout Cookies are old fashioned recipes with shortening that our moms and grandmothers used and there is no reason to mess with perfection. This shortening pie crust is no exception!

Flakey Pie Crust on marble counter with floured rolling pin

How to make a flakey Pie Crust

It may take a bit of practice to become comfortable making a pie crust recipe from scratch, but once you’ve mastered the technique, you will never go back.

I am sharing my family’s recipe and tips on how to achieve the perfect pie crust, in hopes of helping you master the art of pie crusts.

Check out my wonderful mom showing you how to make the best pie crust in step-by-step photos. She is using her old school Tupperware non-stick pastry mat, but you can simply use a well floured counter top. 

Tips & tricks for a perfect pie crust

  • Add your water very slowly. If your crust has reached the desired consistency, stop adding water. Too much water will make the dough tough, but too little water will make the crust dry and it will fall apart when you are working with it.
  • Don’t over-mix the dough or it will become tough. Use a pastry blender for the best results.
  • Roll the dough out on a non-stick pastry mat to avoid it sticking to your work surface and tearing.
  • Flaky Pie Crust Recipe
  • Flaky Pie Crust Recipe
  • Use a spatula to slowly lift the dough on all the edges and release it from the work surface, being sure not to tear the dough.
  • When transferring the crust to the pie plate, fold it in half or quarters to transport it without it tearing. Unfold the crust on your pie plate.
  • You want plenty of dough to overhang the plate, so you can fold it under for a thicker crust on the edges.
  • If you are baking the crust with no filling, be sure to poke holes on the bottom and edges with a fork, so you don’t get large air pockets.
  • When baking a pie crust, filled or not, cover the edges with tinfoil for the first half of the baking time, so the crust on the edge doesn’t get overdone.
  • Don’t waste the scraps of crust! Sprinkle them with some cinnamon and sugar. Bake them on a cookie sheet for 8-10 minutes for a snack the kids will love.
Flakey Pie Crust rolled out on marble counter with rolling pin

Can I freeze a pie crust?

If you make a double crust, but only need one at the time, freeze the second one in the glass or tin pie plate. Seal it tight and remove as much air as possible. It will store well in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Not only do the crusts freeze well alone, but most fruit pies freeze fantastic as well. Peach, blueberry and apple are just a few of the pies that you can prepare ahead of time. Seal them up and freeze them before baking.

This is a great way to preserve seasonal fruits in pie form. You can make lots of pies and enjoy them any time of the year!

Flakey Pie Crust on marble table with rolling pin

When you go to use the frozen pie crust, you can grab it from the freezer and let it thaw a little bit on the counter while you prepare your filling such as Pumpkin. Bake it as you normally would and it will be perfect!

If you are baking a prepared frozen pie there is no need to thaw them. Pop the frozen pie directly into the pre-heated oven. You will need to add 10-15 minutes onto the normal baking time for the whole pie, but they will turn out great!

Flakey Pie Crust on white counter

Favorite Pie Recipes

Be sure to check out some of my favorite pie recipes below. From adorable little mini pies perfect for hosting, to delicious homemade fruit pies perfect with fresh summer produce, they are all winners!

  • Mini Blueberry Pies
  • German Chocolate Pecan Pie
  • Rhubarb Custard Pie
  • Fruits of the Forrest Pie
  • Mini Strawberry Pies
Old Fashioned Apple Pie with lattice crust on table with apples
Continue to Content
Flakey Pie Crust on marble table with rolling pin

Flaky Pie Crust

Yield: 1 crust
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
This Flaky Pie Crust Recipe is an old fashioned shortening recipe that makes the best pie. You can even freeze extra pie crusts for later!

Ingredients

Single Crust

  • 1 1/3 c. sifted flour
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 c. shortening
  • 2 to 3 Tbsp. water

Double Crust

  • 2 c. sifted flour
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 3/4 c. shortening
  • 3 to 4 Tbsp. water

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Cut in the shortening with a pastry blender or two butter knives until the mixture is course.
  2. Sprinkle with water, a tablespoon or less at a time and toss lightly with fork. It is very important not to add too much water, or your dough will be tough. Add just enough water to reach the consistency of a firm ball.
  3. If you are making a double crust, divide the dough in half before proceeding.
  4. Press the dough into a flat circle and smooth the edges with your hands. On a lightly floured surface roll the dough into a circle 1/8 in. thick and 3-4 inches wider in diameter than your pie plate (1.5-2 inches overhang on all sides of the pie plate).
  5. Using a spatula, carefully release the edges of the crust from the table or pastry mat.
  6. Transfer your crust to your pie plate by folding it in half, so it is less prone to tearing.
  7. Once you have it positioned it right in the pie plate, unfold the crust and press it into the plate gently, so it hugs the pie plate.
  8. With a butter knife, go around the edges of the crust, to trim off any excess beyond an inch overhang. Fold the crust that overhangs the pie plate, under and pinch the edges.
  9. (see notes about freezing pie crust)
  10. To bake the crust without filling, preheat your oven to 425° and poke the bottom and sides of the crust with a fork.
  11. Bake at 425° for 10 to 15 minutes or until lightly browned.

Notes

I use butter flavored Crisco shortening for the best results.

To freeze an unbaked pie crust in a pie plate for late use, place the crust in plate in a 2 gallon resealable bag. Suck out as much air as possible and seal. Freeze up to 6 months. Thaw the crust before filling and baking a pie.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

  • Dough Blender, Top Professional Pastry Cutter 
    Dough Blender, Top Professional Pastry Cutter 
  • Large Silicone Pastry Mat
    Large Silicone Pastry Mat
  • Ziploc Freezer Bags, Two Gallon
    Ziploc Freezer Bags, Two Gallon
  • Crisco All Vegetable Shortening, Butter Flavor
    Crisco All Vegetable Shortening, Butter Flavor
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 24 Serving Size: 1/8 crust
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 159Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 6mgSodium: 146mgCarbohydrates: 13gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 2g

Provided nutrition data is only an estimate. If you are tracking these nutrients for medical purposes, please consult an outside, trusted source.

© The Creative Bite
Category: Pie

 

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Filed Under: Desserts, Pie, Recipe, Recipe Video, Vegetarian Tagged With: Pie


This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

Comments

  1. Julie @ Julie's Eats & Treats says

    August 19, 2014 at 3:29 pm

    Awesome tips and now you are hired to make all my pie crusts! Glad we got that straight 🙂

    Reply
  2. Thalia @ butter and brioche says

    August 20, 2014 at 1:19 am

    thanks for the awesome tips and pie crust recipe… definitely will be putting my new knowledge to good use and have to make a pie now!

    Reply
  3. Ashley says

    November 19, 2014 at 9:43 am

    5 stars
    Silly question, do you measure before or after you sift the flour?

    Reply
    • Danielle | Krafted Koch says

      November 19, 2014 at 11:13 am

      Not a silly question at all Ashley! I measure my flour before sifting, but am careful not to pack it down at all when filling the measuring cup or leveling it off.

      Reply
  4. Raya says

    December 1, 2014 at 11:53 pm

    I made the crust as directed. But when I started to roll it out it kept breaking apart and sticking to the rolling pin. I was finally able to roll it out but when I tried to put it in the pan (by folding it) it just broke and fell all apart. I don’t know what I did wrong 🙁 I didn’t roll it back and forth, I chilled the dough, floured the surface and the pin. Can you tell me what might have been the issue?

    Reply
    • Danielle | Krafted Koch says

      December 2, 2014 at 8:35 am

      Hey Raya, it sounds like perhaps the dough was too dry. There should be enough moisture in the dough so it is easily pliable. Next time try adding a tiny bit more water.

      Reply
      • Raya says

        December 2, 2014 at 1:18 pm

        Ok. I was so scared about adding too much water that I probably didn’t add enough. This was my first time making pie crust so you’re probably right. I’ll try a new batch with more water. Thanks!! 🙂

        Reply
        • Danielle | Krafted Koch says

          December 2, 2014 at 2:08 pm

          Pie crusts are a somewhat delicate things, so with practice I am sure you will master it!

          Reply
  5. Pam says

    July 22, 2015 at 2:49 pm

    I loved this crust,normally I only use my good old standby but thanks so much for this one. Wanted lemon meringue but only one crust.

    Reply
    • Danielle Green says

      July 22, 2015 at 3:07 pm

      So glad you loved how the crust turned out Pam!

      Reply
  6. Maureen shaffalo says

    October 28, 2015 at 7:27 am

    5 stars
    I am chief Poe maker I the family and love to try new,better and easier receipes. V.G. Pie crust!

    Reply
  7. Leslie says

    March 18, 2017 at 6:35 pm

    I looove flaky pie crusts. I like them with any pie and I usually eat a piece crust first, hah. Priorities right?

    Reply
  8. Shari May says

    August 5, 2017 at 12:28 pm

    I’m assuming that the single crust recipe fits a 9″ crust???

    Reply
    • Danielle Green says

      August 30, 2017 at 12:41 pm

      It will actually fit up to a deep dish 10″ crust so you may have some leftover scraps with a 9″ crust. We always brush them with butter and sprinkle them with cinnamon and sugar for a treat!

      Reply
  9. Lori J. says

    December 22, 2017 at 1:46 pm

    Sounds great! I don’t have any shortening so I’m not sure if using butter will ruin this recipe?

    Reply
    • Danielle Green says

      December 22, 2017 at 8:07 pm

      It won’t ruin it, but it may very slightly change the texture.

      Reply
  10. Pam says

    October 15, 2018 at 6:00 pm

    what is the best temperature to blind bake a crust and how long should it be baked? I think I bake mine too long.

    Reply
    • Danielle Green says

      October 16, 2018 at 1:03 pm

      425° for 10-15 minutes

      Reply
  11. Louise says

    August 21, 2019 at 8:51 pm

    Crisco contains soybean oil which is a GMO. I am also allergic to soy so I use a pie crust recipe that I got about 40 years ago which uses lard (as my grandmother used). It makes wonderful pastry. It’s actually recipe for first prize apple pie winner of Kleinburg, Ontario, Canada festival.

    Reply
    • Danielle Green says

      August 27, 2019 at 10:19 am

      We happily eat GMO soybeans here on our farm 😉

      Reply
  12. Sandy says

    March 27, 2020 at 10:29 am

    I usually make pie crusts with shortening and so glad other people do too. I’ve tried butter and it just doesn’t work for me. How would I make a double crust using your recipe?

    Reply
    • Danielle Green says

      March 27, 2020 at 9:25 pm

      Ya, I know shortening gets vilified, but it just works really well in some recipes! So this recipe has the ingredients listed for a double crust. If you are wanting a double batch of the double crust, I honestly would just make them separately.

      Reply
  13. Carolyn says

    June 13, 2020 at 3:52 pm

    Do you use all purpose flour or self rising?

    Reply
    • Danielle Green says

      June 13, 2020 at 7:06 pm

      all-purpose

      Reply
  14. Sarah says

    December 3, 2020 at 11:52 am

    So happy to find this! Will be trying it this weekend. It turns out I have a 2″ deep dish pie pan. I’m curious how would you adjust your measurements to accommodate a double crust pie?

    Reply
    • Danielle Green says

      December 15, 2020 at 3:05 pm

      This recipe should be enough to accommodate a deep dish pie. Normally you would end up with some leftover scraps, but you will just have fewer with a deeper pie crust.

      Reply
  15. Ricky says

    January 19, 2021 at 10:10 pm

    Is not old fashioned and not what I was looking for. I was looking for southern pie crust my grandma use to make I got a mess on my counters

    Reply

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