Perfect Flaky Pie Crust Recipe
I have often talked about my Grandma, as she was well known for her baking. She is the same grandma that passed down the Devil’s Food cake recipe that our entire family loves. I sadly don’t remember her as she passed away when I was only 3. But I have been able to inherit a lot of her recipes. One of my favorite recipes from my Grandma was her prefect flaky pie crust recipe!
This pie crust recipe is one that everyone in my family uses. It is known that come Thanksgiving there will be lots of pie all featuring the same crust! Why? Because it is the perfect flaky crust!
For years, I was lazy and would just buy a premade crust. Because it was easier. I mean seriously when you have a baby underfoot; why not just get a premade crust?
But a few years ago, I had my sister help me learn how to make my grandma’s pie crust recipe. And let me tell you, I can’t go back! The difference is amazing!
This crust comes out so light and flaky! And it has the best flavor that isn’t overpowering so your pie can really shine!
Flaky Pie Crust Recipe
The key to this flaky pie crust recipe is to ensure that all your ingredients are cold. And I’m talking really cold! We always put our Crisco into the fridge for a few hours before making this recipe to ensure that it is chilled enough. And the water, well we use ice water. Cold is key!
This allows the Crisco to form tiny pockets in the crust. And then when they are baked, it melts thus leaving the perfect air pockets for the flaky texture!
Perfect Flaky Pie Crust Recipe
The best recipe for the perfect flaky pie crust.
Ingredients
- 1 1/3 cup Sifted flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup Crisco
- 3 Tablespoons ice water
Instructions
- First you have to sift the flour to make sure it is light and fluffy.
- Then mix the flour and salt together.
- Cut in the Crisco.
- Sprinkle with water one tablespoon at a time. You don't want to just put all the water in at once. It will mess up the texture. Have patience and go one tablespoon at a time.
- Work the mixture into a ball with your hands. But don't overmix it. Just enough to lightly form the dough.
- Lightly flower a surface and then roll out the crust on the floured surface.
- Gently lay it into the pie pan and trim 1/2 beyond the edge of the pie plate.
- For a single pie crust then you can bake at 425 degrees for 10-15 minutes
For a filled pie, then you will add the filling. And make another pie crust (following the same recipe) for the top pie crust. Then crimp the edges together and bake according to the filled pie instructions.
For added perfection, if you are cooking a filled pie with this crust you can add a sugared crust. Take one egg white and whisk it. And then brush it onto the top of the pie crust.
Then sprinkle with sugar!
This helps the crust to bake evenly, prevents edges from burning, and gives it the perfect sugar coating top you have ever tasted!
Now the hardest trick is making this recipe enough that you can make it look beautiful! Just like my Strawberry Rhubarb Pie recipe, that I have been saving for the last 2 years. I haven’t published this recipe before because I have had to work on making my pie crust look beautiful. Well, I’m tired of waiting. I’ve made leaps and bounds, but still I’m only half as good as my sister! Now she can make a beautiful pie!
But don’t be discouraged if your pie crust doesn’t look beautiful! It is the taste that matters isn’t it? And believe me, you will love the taste! So you will be willing to put up with an ugly pie for a while until your skill improves.
What is the first pie you will make with this flaky pie crust recipe?
The crust is SO important when it comes to pie, is it not? Store-bought is so-so…but wow, homemade is insanely good.
I am always looking for a great crust recipe. The last one I made was WAY too thick and very not flaky at all. I am going to try this one next time.
I’ll admit, I usually rely on a boxed pie crust, there’s something about making crust from scratch that intimidates me. I think you’ve inspired me to try your family recipe, fingers crossed I can do it justice!
This pie crust looks amazing. It inspires me to recreate one for my allergy friendly family.
I have always struggles with making the perfect pie crust. I would use the apple pie recipe my mom passed down to me.
I struggle with pie crust. I can never quite get mine to taste as good as my mom and grandma’s recipe. I will try your tip about the cold ingredients! I want to make apple pie!
oh I adore apple pie! This crust is perfect with a great apple pie filling recipe!
Thanks for sharing this recipe. I always have a terrible time getting a good pie crust.
I love family recipes, they are great traditions to hand down. This sounds like an amazing pie crust!
My sister chose to make our holiday pies from scratch last year and I definitely noticed a difference with the crust. I will have to see how the recipe she used compares to this family one you shared.
Your crust looks wonderful not to thick not to thin. ill have to save the recipe for the holidays. Thank you for sharing.
I want to make this crust and with an apple pie or cherry pie. YUM
Flaky pie crust is the best pie crust! I would love some blueberry pie right now with that flaky crust.
Ha, ha, ha… My crust never looks beautiful, but like you said, it is all about the taste 🙂 I will totally be trying this recipe. Thanks for sharing.
This looks like a delicious pie in the photos. I am going to make a apple pie with this crust recipe. I am sure it will be a big hit.
I love to bake pies. My favorite is Strawberry Rhubarb. I am going to try this recipe tomorrow.
The crust reall does make the pie. I will have to try this crust recipe. I am going to make a peach pie.
A flaky pie crust is a good pie crust 😉 And your recipe looks fantastic! I’ll have to give it a shot–pinning for later!
That texture is always what I try to go for. I really like a blueberry pie with a nice flaky crust.
That is such a neat connection you can have with your grandmother through the recipes she left behind. I recently made some cherry pie filling for a pie…then I started eating it with a spoon from the jar and within a few days, it was gone. LOL It would have been extra good with this pie crust!
Thanks for the tip! Making and rolling out a pie crust is usually one of my least favorite parts of baking!
I’m glad I came across this! I must admit, I often cheat and purchase store bought pie crust. Lol
this looks like a really good recipe. my mouth is watering looking at the photos. lol
I always feel like I fail at making pretty pie crusts. My pies taste amazing, but always look hacked.
this 89 yr old man will make this pie crust witr in the hour. it`s going to make the smokies mts. shin dack