Dorothy'S Pie Crust
Dorothy's Pie Crust offers a flaky, tender base perfect for sweet or savory pies. Its rich flavor from shortening and a hint of vinegar creates a classic texture that suits both novice and experienced bakers looking for a versatile crust with a homemade appeal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine all dry ingredients in a mixing bowl.
- Cut in the shortening or lard until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Beat the egg with water slightly, then add the vinegar.
- Add the egg mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until combined.
- Chill the dough for 1 hour.
- Roll out on a floured board and use to line pie pans.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flakier crust, make sure your shortening or lard is very cold before cutting it into the flour mixture. If you need a dairy-free option, you can substitute with vegetable shortening or coconut oil. Adding a little more vinegar can help create a tender texture. Keep the dough chilled to prevent it from becoming tough.
Serving Suggestions
This pie crust is perfect for savory or sweet fillings, such as a Classic Chocolate Pie or Baked Peaches. Serve your pie with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream for added indulgence. It also pairs beautifully with Easy Yankee Pot Roast (Crock-Pot) if you opt for a savory pie.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftover pie crust, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake in a preheated oven at 350°F until golden brown.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dorothy'S Pie Crust contains roughly 4319 calories, with 39g protein, 446g carbohydrates, and 271g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (97% of the Daily Value), protein (79% of the Daily Value), and iron (69% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2586mg per serving (112% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use butter instead of shortening or lard?
Yes, you can use butter for a richer flavor, but it may result in a slightly less flaky texture. If using butter, keep it cold and cut it into the flour until you achieve a crumbly consistency.
How do I prevent my pie crust from shrinking during baking?
To prevent shrinking, ensure the dough is properly chilled before rolling it out and avoid stretching it when fitting it into the pie pan. You can also use pie weights while blind baking to keep the crust in place.
Can I make this pie crust ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months. Just remember to let it thaw in the refrigerator before rolling it out.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).