Great Pie Crust
A flaky, buttery pie crust that is perfect for sweet or savory pies, offering a tender texture and rich flavor suited for home bakers and dessert lovers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix shortening with salt and boiling water, whip until fluffy.
- Stir in 3 cups of flour until dough forms a ball.
- Sprinkle extra flour on the dough until not sticky.
- Roll out the dough and shape into pie crusts.
- Prick the crust with a fork.
- Bake at 400° until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flakier crust, ensure your shortening is very cold before mixing. If you prefer a plant-based option, you can substitute the shortening with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative. If your dough is too sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour during the mixing process. Remember, overworking the dough can lead to a tough crust, so mix just until combined.
Serving Suggestions
This pie crust is versatile and pairs beautifully with savory fillings like quiches or sweet options like fruit pies, including the delightful Picadilly Strawberry Pie. Serve your pie warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a perfect dessert. It can also be complemented with a side of G.I. Slaw for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pie crust in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you have unbaked pie crust, it can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to use, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. If baked, keep the pie covered at room temperature to maintain its texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Great Pie Crust contains roughly 1647 calories, with 2g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 181g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 all-purpose flour instead of a mix?
Yes, you can use all-purpose flour in this recipe. It will yield a slightly different texture, but it will still be delicious. If you want a richer flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of sugar to the flour mixture.
What can I do if my crust shrinks while baking?
To prevent shrinking, make sure to chill your crust after shaping it and before baking. Additionally, avoid stretching the dough too thin when rolling it out. Using pie weights can also help maintain the shape during baking.
How do I know when the crust is done baking?
The crust is ready when it turns a golden brown color. If you notice that the edges are browning too quickly, you can cover them with aluminum foil to prevent burning while the center continues to bake.
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).