Pastry For Single-Crust Pie
A versatile flaky pastry perfect for single-crust pies, offering a tender, buttery texture that pairs well with sweet or savory fillings, ideal for home bakers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, stir together flour, salt, and sugar.
- Cut in shortening until pieces are the size of small peas.
- Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of water over part of the mixture; gently toss with a fork.
- Push the mixture to one side of the bowl.
- Repeat until all is moistened. Form dough into a ball.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flakier crust, try using a combination of butter and shortening instead of just shortening, as butter adds flavor. If you don't have shortening, cold butter or coconut oil can be used as substitutes. Make sure to keep your ingredients cold to achieve the best texture. If the dough is too dry, add more cold water, one tablespoon at a time.
Serving Suggestions
This pie crust is perfect for both sweet and savory pies. Pair it with fillings like pumpkin, apple, or even a savory quiche. For a delightful dessert, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. It also pairs beautifully with No Cook Strawberry Freezer Jam for a delicious fruit pie.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftover pie crust, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to three days. If you need to keep it longer, consider freezing the dough for up to three months. To thaw, place it in the refrigerator overnight. Allow it to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before rolling it out for use.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pastry For Single-Crust Pie contains roughly 149 calories, with 4g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1751mg per serving (76% 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 make this crust in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. Wrap it in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you need to store it longer, freeze it. Just remember to thaw it in the refrigerator before rolling it out.
What can I do if my dough is too crumbly?
If your dough feels crumbly and isn’t coming together, it likely needs more moisture. Gradually add more cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently with a fork until the dough holds together without being sticky.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! To make this pie crust vegan, substitute the shortening with coconut oil or a plant-based butter. Just ensure that your alternative is chilled to achieve the best texture. The rest of the ingredients remain the same.
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).