Perfect Homemade Pie Crust from Scratch so flaky! Baking a Moment from bakingamoment.com
Introduction
Pie crust is the foundation of a great pie. A flaky and buttery crust can make all the difference in the world. It is also one of the simplest things to make, yet many people are intimidated by it. Fear not, with this recipe, you will be making the perfect pie crust in no time.
Ingredients
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
1/4 to 1/2 cup ice water
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Before starting, make sure all the ingredients are chilled. Cut the butter into small pieces and place it in the freezer for at least 10 minutes. Measure the flour, salt, and sugar and place them in a mixing bowl.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
Add the chilled butter to the flour mixture and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough, or it will become tough.
Step 3: Chill the Dough
Divide the dough into two equal parts and flatten each into a disc. Wrap each disc in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to roll out.
Step 4: Roll Out the Dough
Remove the dough from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly. Flour a clean work surface and roll out the dough into a circle, about 1/8 inch thick. Be sure to lift and turn the dough frequently to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Place the Dough in the Pie Plate
Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to a 9-inch pie plate. Trim the edges to leave about 1/2 inch of overhang. Fold the overhang under itself to create a thick edge and crimp the edges with your fingers or a fork.
Step 6: Blind Bake
Some pie recipes require a pre-baked crust, or "blind baked." To do this, prick the bottom of the crust with a fork and line it with parchment paper. Fill the crust with pie weights or dried beans and bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 15 minutes. Remove the weights and parchment paper and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
Step 7: Fill and Bake
If your recipe calls for a filled pie, fill the crust with your desired filling and bake according to the recipe instructions. If your recipe calls for a double-crust pie, roll out the second disc of dough and place it on top of the filling. Trim the edges and crimp as desired.
Nutrition
Pie crust is not a particularly healthy food, but it is a delicious treat that can be enjoyed in moderation. A serving of pie crust (1/8 of a 9-inch pie) contains approximately 230 calories, 15 grams of fat, and 21 grams of carbohydrates. However, the exact nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used in the recipe.
Conclusion
Making a homemade pie crust is a simple and rewarding process. With this recipe, you can create a flaky and buttery crust that will impress your friends and family. Don't be intimidated, give it a try and see for yourself how easy it can be.
