Try This Pie Crust

Prep: 15 min Cuisine: American

A versatile flaky pie crust with a tender texture, perfect for sweet or savory fillings. Suitable for both beginners and experienced bakers seeking a classic homemade crust.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 Tbsp. vinegar (white)
  • 6 Tbsp. water
  • 1 egg
  • 3 c. flour
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1 c. lard or 1 1/2 c. shortening

Instructions

  1. Mix vinegar, water, and egg together in a bowl.
  2. Cut lard or shortening into the flour mixture until well incorporated.
  3. Combine the wet and dry ingredients to form the dough.

Tips & Substitutions

For a flakier texture, ensure your lard or shortening is chilled before mixing. You can substitute half of the lard with butter for a richer flavor. If you don't have vinegar, lemon juice works as a good alternative. When incorporating the wet ingredients, mix just until the dough comes together to avoid tough crusts.

Serving Suggestions

This pie crust is versatile and can be used for both sweet and savory pies. Serve it with a classic apple filling or a rich chocolate ganache for a dessert. For a savory option, consider filling it with a quiche mixture. Pairs beautifully with Sean'S Favorite Banana Pudding for dessert lovers.

Storage & Reheating

Wrap any leftover pie crust tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing the dough. When ready to use, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before rolling it out.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Try This Pie Crust contains roughly 213 calories, with 2g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1812mg per serving (79% of the Daily Value).

213 kcal 11% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.7g 3% DV
Total Fat 14g 18% DV
Carbs 20.2g 7% DV
Fiber 0g
Sugar 0.6g 1% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1811.8mg 79% DV
Potassium 127.4mg 3% DV
Cholesterol 69.9mg 23% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 14.2mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 0.1mg
Vitamin D 0.3mcg 2% DV
Calcium 71.6mg 6% DV
Iron 0.5mg 3% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal
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 in advance. It can be made and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Just ensure it is well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.

What can I use instead of lard?

If you prefer not to use lard, shortening is a great alternative, providing a similar texture. Additionally, you can use butter for a richer flavor, although this may slightly change the crust's texture.

How do I prevent my crust from shrinking while baking?

To prevent shrinking, make sure to chill the dough thoroughly before baking. Also, avoid stretching the dough when fitting it into the pie pan. Lastly, you can use pie weights during blind baking to help maintain its shape.

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 →