Easy No Fail Pie Dough

Prep: 15 min Cuisine: American

A versatile and foolproof pie dough perfect for sweet or savory pies, suitable for bakers of all levels seeking a tender, flaky crust with simple ingredients.

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Ingredients

  • 2 c. flour
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 c. shortening
  • 1/2 c. warm milk
  • 3/4 tsp. baking powder
  • 1/2 c. butter

Instructions

  1. Mix the flour, salt, baking powder, shortening, warm milk, and butter until well combined.
  2. Divide the dough in half.
  3. Roll out each portion or press into a pie dish by hand.

Tips & Substitutions

For best results, ensure your butter and shortening are cold before mixing, as this helps create a flaky texture. If you're out of shortening, you can substitute with more butter or use lard. Adding a teaspoon of sugar can enhance sweetness for dessert pies. For a savory pie, consider incorporating herbs into the dough for added flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This pie dough serves as an excellent base for both sweet and savory pies. Serve it with a classic filling like apple or pumpkin for dessert, or fill it with savory ingredients like vegetables and meat for a delicious Shepherd's Pie. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Storage & Reheating

To store leftover pie dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Roll it out while still slightly chilled for easier handling.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Easy No Fail Pie Dough contains roughly 144 calories, with 4g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2235mg per serving (97% of the Daily Value).

144 kcal 7% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4g 8% DV
Total Fat 2.8g 4% DV
Carbs 25.6g 9% DV
Fiber 0.8g 3% DV
Sugar 1.6g 3% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2234.6mg 97% DV
Potassium 73mg 2% DV
Cholesterol 5.8mg 2% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 13.8mcg 2% DV
Vitamin D 0.4mcg 2% DV
Calcium 303.9mg 23% DV
Iron 1.9mg 11% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk Wheat/Gluten

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 whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but it may result in a denser dough. To maintain flakiness, consider using half all-purpose flour and half whole wheat flour for a better texture.

What should I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little extra flour on your work surface and on the dough as you roll it out. Be careful not to overdo it, as too much flour can make the dough tough.

Can I prepare the dough in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time, wrap it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw it properly before rolling 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).

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