When I say this is the easiest pie crust recipe you’ll try, I’m not kidding! This is my tried and true homemade easy pie crust recipe by hand that I use for anything that requires a flaky, buttery crust – like my mini quiches, apple pie rings, and of course the classic pumpkin pie that I bring to every Thanksgiving gathering. At this point, I can whip up a pie crust in absolutely no time, and once you try making this pie crust recipe, you will too!
This year, we moved into a new apartment right before Thanksgiving, and half of our kitchen supplies are still in storage. That meant no stand mixer, no food processor, and limited counter space. So I made all of our pies completely by hand using this recipe. And honestly? It reminded me just how easy and rewarding it is to make homemade pie crust from scratch. All you need are a few basic ingredients, cold butter, and a light touch.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Pie Crust Recipe By Hand
This recipe is so easy, it only requires a few staple ingredients and some time to make, and it’s so simple, you’ll make it perfectly every time! No special tools required; you can make it with a fork or pastry cutter!
Something I always believe is that homemade is always better, with the right recipe. Pies and pastries are always better when the crust is made from scratch. And it’s even better when the recipe is foolproof and easy to whip up! If you’re looking for a unique twist to your pumpkin pie, you can even add some spice to this easy recipe like in my pumpkin pie crust recipe.
Have I convinced you to try this pumpkin pie or apple pie crust recipe by hand for your next baking day?
What You’ll Need to Make This Easy Pie Crust Recipe by Hand
To make the best recipe, you’ll need just a few staple ingredients:
- Flour – this one’s self-explanatory. You need to have flour, as it’s a staple to any crust recipe!
- Salt & Sugar – these give the recipe it’s flavor by seasoning the crust perfectly with a balance of salty and sweet.
- Butter – of course, the star of the show is out butter, which helps bring everything together and create the flakiest and flavorful pie crust to compliment any filling of choice.
What to Make With This Pie Crust
You can seriously make so many dishes with this one recipe, which is why it’s the best pie crust recipe by hand!
How to Make This Pie Crust by Hand
- Whisk the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar.
- Cut in the butter: Add the cold, cubed butter. Use a pastry blender, fork, or even your fingers to work the butter into the flour until you have pea-sized crumbs.
- Add ice water: Slowly drizzle in ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently with a fork until the dough begins to clump together.
- Form and chill: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead a few times to bring it together. Divide into two discs, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least an hour.
- Roll and use: When ready to use, let the dough sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to soften slightly. Roll out on a floured surface and use as directed in your pie recipe.
FAQ: Storing, Reheating, Alternatives
Absolutely! You can knead the pie crust by hand if you don’t have a stand mixer. This is a great way to make sure your pie crust is evenly mixed, and delicious!
The dough can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
You can freeze the dough for 3 months, and thaw in the refrigerator the night before.
I would recommend it, especially when the filling is softer or contains more liquid. This way, your pie crust is crisp, flaky, and cooked!
Easiest Pie Crust Recipe (by hand)
Equipment
- Pie Dish
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 cup salted butter cubed
- 1/4-1/2 cup ice water
Instructions
Making the dough
- Add the dry ingredients (flour, salt, sugar, and any spices) to a large bowl and stir until combined.
- Add cold, cubed butter to the mixture. Use a fork or pastry blender to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture has a crumbly texture with pea-sized butter pieces.
- Gradually sprinkle ice water over the mixture, gently pressing and mixing with a fork. Keep adding water until the dough comes together and holds when pinched.
- Place the dough on a clean surface and form it into a ball. Divide the ball in half and shape each half into a round disk. Wrap each disk in plastic wrap or place in a ziplock bag, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Pre-baking the crust
- Once ready, let the dough sit at room temperature for a few minutes.
- On a floured surface, roll the dough out into a 12–14 inch circle, about 1/8 inch thick.
- Carefully transfer the dough to a greased or buttered pie pan, folding any excess dough under itself at the edges.
- Crimp the edges for a decorative finish and bake for 15 mintues before adding your filling and baking your pie.
Notes
Let me know in the comments below if you liked this Easy Pie Crust Recipe!
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This is also the best tasting pie crust! I’m never buying a sore bought pie crust again.