All Butter Pie Crust

Name: All Butter Pie Crust
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 1 crust
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced; 6 to 8 tablespoons ice water

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Create the perfect foundation for your favorite pies with this All Butter Pie Crust recipe. Flaky, rich, and incredibly simple to make, this buttery crust will elevate any dessert from classic fruit pies to decadent chocolate creations. Enjoy baking with this versatile recipe that ensures a golden, mouthwatering finish every time.

Created by

Sienna Brooks

Last updated on 2025-11-29T16:44:47.432Z

This All Butter Pie Crust recipe provides a delightful base for any pie you can imagine. Its rich flavor and flaky texture are guaranteed to impress!

Mastering the Art of Pie Crust

Making a pie crust from scratch may seem intimidating at first, but with the right techniques, it becomes a rewarding experience. The key to a successful pie crust lies in using cold ingredients and not overworking the dough. The chilled butter creates a flaky texture, while the gentle handling ensures the crust remains tender. Remember, practice makes perfect, and your confidence will grow with each pie you bake.

Another vital aspect of pie crust preparation is the resting period. Allowing the dough to chill for at least an hour gives the gluten in the flour time to relax, which results in a more manageable dough. This also helps reduce shrinkage during baking. Plan your baking session accordingly, and use this resting time to prepare your pie filling or clean up the kitchen.

Filling Your Pie Crust

Once your crust is ready, the fun part begins—choosing and preparing your filling! Whether you opt for a classic fruit filling like apple or cherry, or something richer like chocolate or custard, each option complements the buttery crust beautifully. Ensure your filling is at room temperature before adding it to the crust to prevent it from becoming soggy.

For fruit fillings, consider pre-cooking your fruits slightly to reduce moisture and enhance flavor. This technique helps prevent a soggy bottom crust and enhances the overall pie experience. Experiment with spices and seasonings to elevate the taste even further, and don’t hesitate to try out different flavor combinations for a unique twist.

Baking Tips for Success

When it comes to baking your pie, preheating your oven accurately is essential for achieving that perfect golden crust. Consider placing a baking sheet on the lower rack of your oven to catch any drips, which will make clean-up easier. A hot oven helps the crust to set quickly and prevents it from becoming too soft or chewy.

Lastly, keep an eye on your pie as it bakes. Different ovens can have their quirks, and investing in an oven thermometer can be a game-changer for precision. If the edges of your crust start to brown too quickly, cover them with foil to prevent burning. Patience is key; your ideal pie will be worth the wait.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create your pie crust:

Pie Crust Ingredients

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
6 to 8 tablespoons ice water

Make sure your ingredients are perfectly measured for best results!

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your pie crust:

Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix together the flour, salt, and sugar.

Cut in the Butter

Add the chilled, diced butter into the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or fingers to work the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.

Add Ice Water

Gradually mix in ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. Do not overwork the dough.

Chill the Dough

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

Roll and Use

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to fit your pie dish. Trim excess dough, and proceed with your pie filling.

Your pie crust is ready to be filled with delicious ingredients!

Variations of Pie Crust

While this All Butter Pie Crust is a classic, there are several variations you can explore to suit your taste. For a sweeter version, consider adding a hint of vanilla extract to the dough. If you're looking for a nutty flavor, try substituting part of the flour with ground nuts like almonds or hazelnuts. Each variation brings a unique twist to the standard recipe, allowing you to tailor the crust to your preferred flavor profile.

You can also experiment with different fats. While butter provides exceptional richness and flavor, using a mixture of butter and shortening can give you an even flakier texture. Each option will impart different qualities to the baked crust, inviting you to explore and discover what you love the most.

Storage and Freezing

If you have extra dough or prepare your pie crust in advance, proper storage is crucial. Wrap the unbaked pie dough tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days or in the freezer for several weeks. When ready to use, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight before rolling out. This flexibility allows you to bake at your convenience without compromising on quality.

For baked pies, store leftovers at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate for longer freshness. To maintain the crust's crispiness, reheat the pie in a low oven for about 10-15 minutes before serving, allowing the filling to warm while restoring the flaky goodness of the crust.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One of the most common mistakes when making pie crust is overmixing the dough. Overworking the dough can lead to a tough crust rather than a tender and flaky one. Mix until the ingredients are just combined, and then let the dough rest. This crucial step helps create that ideal texture that is so sought after in pie crusts.

Another mistake is using warm butter or neglecting to chill the dough. Always ensure that your butter is cold, and after mixing, let the dough chill in the refrigerator. This keeps the butter solid during baking, which is key to achieving the flake and texture you desire in your pie crust.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use margarine instead of butter?

While it's possible, using butter will give you the best flavor and texture.

→ How long can I store the pie crust?

You can store the wrapped dough in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.