Perfect-Easy Pie Crust
A versatile, flaky pie crust made with tender shortening and simple ingredients, perfect for sweet or savory pies, suitable for both beginner and experienced bakers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Blend the shortening, flour, salt, and sugar with an electric mixer until crumbly.
- Add the beaten egg, vinegar, and water to the mixture.
- Mix with the electric mixer until the dough is dampened.
- Form the dough into balls and roll on a lightly floured board.
- Refrigerate if sticky before rolling out.
- Use to make 4 or 5 flaky, tender pie crusts.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flakier crust, consider using half butter and half shortening for a richer flavor. If you don't have vinegar, lemon juice can be a suitable substitute. Remember to handle the dough minimally to prevent it from becoming tough. If you're preparing for a sweet pie, adding a touch of vanilla extract can enhance the flavor. For savory pies, herbs can be a delightful addition.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile pie crust can be used for both sweet and savory pies. Serve it with a classic apple filling for a comforting dessert or use it for a savory quiche. For a delightful pairing, consider making a Sour Cream Apple Pie using this crust. It also goes well with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pie crust in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the formed dough balls for up to 3 months; just thaw them overnight in the fridge before use. To reheat any baked pie, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, which helps maintain the crust's texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Perfect-Easy Pie Crust contains roughly 581 calories, with 11g protein, 122g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (97% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (38% of the Daily Value), and protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1977mg per serving (86% 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 regular flour?
Yes, all-purpose flour works perfectly for this pie crust. It provides a great texture and can be used interchangeably with the flour listed. Just ensure that you measure it properly to maintain the right consistency for the crust.
How can I make the dough sweeter for dessert pies?
To sweeten the dough for dessert pies, simply increase the sugar to 2 tablespoons instead of 1. You can also add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to enhance the flavor, making it perfect for sweet fillings like fruit or custard.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached. Alternatively, refrigerating the dough for 30 minutes can help firm it up, making it easier to handle and roll 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).