Easy Pie Dough

Prep: 15 min Cuisine: American

This easy pie dough offers a flaky, buttery crust perfect for sweet or savory pies, ideal for bakers seeking a quick, versatile base for their favorite fillings.

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Ingredients

  • 4 cups flour
  • 1 3/4 cups Crisco
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 tablespoon vinegar
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup warm water

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients together in a bowl.
  2. Chill the mixture for 15 minutes before rolling out.
  3. Use as a crust for pies or tarts.

Tips & Substitutions

For a flakier crust, ensure your Crisco is cold before mixing. If you don't have vinegar, replace it with lemon juice or omit it entirely. You can also substitute half of the flour with whole wheat for a nuttier flavor. Remember to mix the dough just until combined to avoid toughening it. For more dessert ideas, try browsing our American recipes.

Serving Suggestions

This pie dough is versatile and can be used for sweet or savory pies. Serve it as a base for your favorite fruit pies like apple or cherry, or try it with a savory quiche. Pair it with Jersey Fresh Taffy Apple Dip for a delightful dessert experience. You can also use it for tarts or hand pies filled with your choice of fillings.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover pie dough in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before rolling out.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Easy Pie Dough contains roughly 368 calories, with 5g protein, 78g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (42% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1816mg per serving (79% of the Daily Value).

368 kcal 18% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4.9g 10% DV
Total Fat 0.6g 1% DV
Carbs 77.8g 28% DV
Fiber 5.1g 18% DV
Sugar 35.9g 72% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1816.1mg 79% DV
Potassium 558.3mg 12% DV
Cholesterol 6.5mg 2% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 1.6mcg
Vitamin C 38.1mg 42% DV
Calcium 101.7mg 8% DV
Iron 3mg 17% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Egg 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 butter instead of Crisco?

Yes, you can use unsalted butter in place of Crisco for a rich flavor. Just keep in mind that butter may not create as flaky a crust as shortening, so be sure to handle the dough gently and avoid overmixing.

How do I know when the pie crust is done baking?

A pie crust is done when it’s golden brown and firm to the touch. If you’re pre-baking the crust, it should take about 10-15 minutes at 375°F. If using a filling that requires baking, aim for a crisp outer layer while ensuring the inner crust is evenly cooked.

Can I make this dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the pie dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw it in the refrigerator before rolling it out to ensure it’s manageable.

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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