Description
This Buttery Flaky Pie Crust is rich, tender, buttery, and packed with delicate flaky layers that bake beautifully every time. Perfect for sweet pies, savory pies, holiday desserts, and homemade comfort food, this easy recipe creates a golden crust with incredible texture and flavor. Whether you need quick baking ideas, classic dessert recipes, homemade pie dough, or easy food ideas for gatherings, this crust delivers bakery-style results with simple pantry ingredients.
Ingredients
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
6 tablespoons ice water
1 tablespoon additional ice water if needed
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice optional
1 egg
1 tablespoon water for egg wash optional
Instructions
1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar until evenly combined.
2. Add the cold cubed butter and cut it into the flour using a pastry cutter or food processor until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized butter pieces.
3. Slowly add the ice water one tablespoon at a time while gently mixing until the dough begins to hold together.
4. Add vinegar or lemon juice if using and lightly combine.
5. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently gather it into a ball without kneading.
6. Divide the dough into two equal disks and wrap tightly in plastic wrap.
7. Refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour before rolling.
8. Roll one dough disk into a 12-inch circle on a lightly floured surface.
9. Carefully place the dough into a 9-inch pie dish and gently press it into the bottom and sides.
10. Trim and crimp the edges as desired.
11. Chill the prepared crust for 15 to 20 minutes before baking.
12. For blind baking, line the crust with parchment paper and pie weights, then bake at 375°F for 15 minutes. Remove weights and bake another 10 to 15 minutes until lightly golden.
13. Fill and bake according to your preferred pie recipe.
Notes
Always keep the butter and water extremely cold to achieve flaky layers.
Avoid overmixing the dough to keep the crust tender instead of tough.
Chill the dough before rolling and before baking for the best texture and shape.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg