Perfect Pie Crust Recipe
There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of crafting a homemade pie from scratch, and a key element to its success is the perfect pie crust.
YOU WILL NEED:
- 300 g (2 1/2 cups) all-purpose flour
- 200 g (7/8 cup or 14 tablespoons) cold, unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
- 175 g (3/4 cup) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- Zest of one lemon
DIRECTIONS
- Prepare the Ingredients: Before you start, ensure that all your ingredients are at the right temperature. The butter should be cold and cut into small cubes.
- Combine the Flour and Butter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and cold butter cubes. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Sugar and Lemon Zest: Incorporate the granulated sugar and lemon zest into the flour-butter mixture. The sugar adds a delightful sweetness, while the lemon zest brings a burst of citrusy freshness.
- Add the Egg: Crack the egg into the mixture and combine until the dough begins to come together. Be careful not to overmix; you want the dough to be crumbly but able to hold its shape when pressed together.
- Form the Dough: Turn the mixture out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times until it forms a cohesive dough. Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll Out the Dough: Preheat your oven to the desired temperature for your pie recipe. On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to fit your pie dish
- Transfer to Pie Dish: Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to your pie dish, gently pressing it into the corners and edges. Trim any excess dough hanging over the edges.
- Chill Again (Optional): For a flakier crust, you can choose to chill the assembled pie crust in the refrigerator for an additional 15-20 minutes before baking.
- Bake as Needed: Follow the baking instructions for your specific pie recipe, and enjoy the delicious, buttery goodness of your homemade crust!
Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply craving a slice of homemade goodness, this pie crust recipe is a versatile and delectable choice. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a pie crust that will elevate your favorite pie recipes to new heights!
