Golden Flaky Pie Crust

🕒 Prep: 1 hour 20 min

🔥 Cook:

🍽 Serves: 8

Golden Flaky Pie Crust is a game-changer for any pie enthusiast. It's buttery, tender, and just the right amount of flaky. Perfect for any season, this crust elevates any filling from seasonal fruits to savory quiches.

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Ingredients for Golden Flaky Pie Crust

All-purpose flour forms the structure of the crust, giving it a sturdy but tender base. A touch of salt enhances the flavors, while sugar adds a hint of sweetness to balance it out. The hero here, however, is the unsalted butter, which creates those delightful flaky layers. Cold water helps combine everything without melting the butter, and apple cider vinegar adds a slight tang that complements the butter and aids in tenderizing the dough.

Tips & Tricks

Use a pastry cutter or fork to mix in the butter if you don’t have a food processor.
Keep all your ingredients as cold as possible for the best results.
If your dough feels too sticky, sprinkle a bit more flour as you roll it out.
Blind bake the crust if your filling requires a shorter baking time than the crust.

Serving Suggestions

This crust pairs beautifully with a classic apple or cherry pie. For a savory twist, try it with a quiche or pot pie. Pair your dessert pies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use salted butter?: Yes, but be sure to reduce the added salt to balance the flavors.
How long can I refrigerate the dough?: It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to two days. You can also freeze it for up to three months.
What if I don't have apple cider vinegar?: Lemon juice is a good substitute, offering a similar acidity.

Golden Flaky Pie Crust Recipe Walkthrough

Start by mixing the dry ingredients in a large bowl. Combine 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar. Make sure everything is well-mixed before moving on.

Add in the diced unsalted butter. It's important to keep the butter cold, so dice it quickly and work it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. This step is crucial for achieving that flakiness we all crave in a pie crust.

Gradually add 1/4 cup of cold water and 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. Stir the mixture gently until the dough starts coming together. It should hold its shape but not be too wet.

Once the dough forms, shape it into a ball and wrap it in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least an hour to let it rest. This chill time is essential for the dough to firm up and the flavors to meld.

After chilling, roll out the dough on a floured surface. Keep your movements gentle to avoid tearing. Aim for a size that comfortably fits your pie pan.

Carefully transfer the rolled dough into your pie pan. An easy way to do this is by rolling the dough onto your rolling pin and unrolling it over the pan. Trim any excess dough hanging over the edges, and you're ready to fill it with your favorite pie filling.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Makes a perfectly flaky crust every time
Easy to prepare with simple ingredients
Versatile for both sweet and savory pies
No special equipment required

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon granulated sugar

1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced

1/4 cup cold water

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar.

2. Add diced butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

3. Stir in cold water and apple cider vinegar gradually until the dough comes together.

4. Form the dough into a ball, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.