Are you ready to elevate your baking game with a pie crust that’s as flaky as a dream? Look no further than Sally's Homemade Pie Crust! This classic American recipe is not only simple to make but also guarantees a buttery, tender crust that will impress your family and friends. Whether you're filling it with luscious fruits or rich custards, this pie crust is the perfect foundation for your culinary creations. With just a handful of ingredients and a little bit of love, you can create a pie crust that will have everyone asking for seconds. Dive into this article to discover the secrets behind the perfect pie crust!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 pie crust
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
- 1/4 cup ice water
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 cup of chilled and diced unsalted butter, and 1/4 cup of ice water. Make sure the butter is well-chilled for a flaky crust.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Use a whisk or fork to mix them together until they are evenly combined.
- Add the chilled, diced unsalted butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Be careful not to overwork the dough; you want to see small pieces of butter throughout.
- Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently with a fork after each addition. Continue adding water until the dough starts to come together. You may not need all of the water, so add just enough to form a cohesive dough.
- Once the dough has come together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead the dough a few times until it is smooth. Avoid over-kneading, as this can lead to a tough crust.
- Shape the dough into a disc and wrap it in plastic wrap. Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to allow it to rest and firm up. This step is crucial for achieving a tender crust.
- After the dough has chilled, remove it from the refrigerator. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a circle about 1/8 inch thick, making sure to keep the thickness even.
- Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to a 9-inch pie pan. Gently press the dough into the bottom and sides of the pan, being careful not to stretch it. Trim any excess dough hanging over the edges, leaving about 1 inch for crimping.
- To finish, fold the overhanging dough under itself to create a thicker edge, then crimp the edges with your fingers or a fork for a decorative finish.
- At this point, your pie crust is ready to be filled with your desired filling. If you are making a baked pie, preheat your oven to the appropriate temperature and follow the instructions for blind baking if necessary.
Tips
- Chill Your Ingredients: Make sure your butter is well-chilled before you start. This is essential for achieving that flaky texture. You can even chill your flour for extra precaution!
- Don’t Overwork the Dough: When mixing the butter into the flour, aim for a coarse crumb texture. Overworking the dough can lead to a tough crust, so be gentle!
- Add Water Gradually: As you mix in the ice water, add it one tablespoon at a time. This allows you to control the moisture level and ensures you don’t end up with a sticky dough.
- Rest the Dough: After shaping your dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This resting time is crucial for a tender crust.
- Roll Evenly: When rolling out the dough, keep the thickness consistent to avoid uneven baking. Aim for about 1/8 inch thick for the perfect pie crust.
- Crimp with Care: When crimping the edges, don’t rush! A decorative finish not only looks good but also helps to seal in the filling.
- Blind Baking: If your recipe calls for a baked pie crust, remember to preheat your oven and follow the instructions for blind baking to prevent a soggy bottom.With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to mastering Sally's Homemade Pie Crust and impressing everyone with your baking prowess!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 1025kcal
Carbohydrates: 82g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 74g
Saturated Fat: 46g
Cholesterol: 195mg
