Old-Fashioned Real Pie Crust(Easy To Make)

Prep: 30 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

A classic flaky pie crust, perfect for sweet or savory fillings, offering a tender, buttery texture that complements any pie and suits both novice and experienced bakers.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 4 cups sifted flour
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 1/2 cups lard at room temperature
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon vinegar
  • ice water

Instructions

  1. Add ice water to the beaten egg and vinegar to make 1/2 cup of liquid.
  2. In a bowl of a mixer, combine all dry ingredients and mix together.
  3. Add lard and mix on low speed until incorporated.
  4. Pour the egg-vinegar mixture in slowly while mixing.
  5. When all ingredients are combined, divide the dough into 4 balls and refrigerate.

Tips & Substitutions

For a flakier crust, ensure your lard is very cold before incorporating it. You can substitute lard with unsalted butter or vegetable shortening if preferred. If the dough feels too dry, add a little more ice water, one tablespoon at a time. This crust is perfect for classic pies like Raspberry Cream Pie or Special Apple Squares.

Serving Suggestions

This pie crust serves as a wonderful base for a variety of fillings. Try it with fruit-based pies or custard fillings. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Serve with a slice of Two Dollar Pizza for a delightful dinner and dessert combo.

Storage & Reheating

Wrap the unbaked pie crust tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the dough balls, and they can last up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight for best results before rolling out.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Old-Fashioned Real Pie Crust(Easy To Make) contains roughly 1815 calories, with 17g protein, 203g carbohydrates, and 105g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (42% of the Daily Value), protein (34% of the Daily Value), and potassium (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1160mg per serving (50% of the Daily Value).

1815 kcal 91% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 17g 34% DV
Total Fat 105.4g 100% DV
Carbs 202.8g 74% DV
Fiber 0.3g 1% DV
Sugar 0.3g 1% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1160mg 50% DV
Potassium 1311.5mg 28% DV
Cholesterol 600mg 100% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 151.2mcg 17% DV
Vitamin C 2.3mg 3% DV
Vitamin D 2.3mcg 11% DV
Calcium 550.7mg 42% DV
Iron 4.9mg 27% DV
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 make this pie crust ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pie crust ahead of time. After dividing the dough into balls, simply wrap them in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Just ensure to thaw the dough in the refrigerator before rolling it out.

What can I use if I don’t have lard?

If you don’t have lard, you can substitute it with an equal amount of unsalted butter or vegetable shortening. Both alternatives will yield a deliciously flaky crust, although the flavor may vary slightly, with butter providing a richer taste.

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

Your pie crust is done when it turns a golden brown color and feels firm to the touch. If you're pre-baking for a custard filling, bake it until the edges are golden, then add your filling and finish baking according to your pie recipe.

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).

American recipes → Vegetarian recipes → All recipes →