pie crust

Pie Crust

Pie crust, also referred to as pastry dough, is a fundamental ingredient in baking, providing a flaky and tender base for sweet and savory pies. Typically made from a simple combination of flour, fat (such as butter, shortening, or lard), water, and salt, pie crust creates a golden-brown shell when baked. The texture ranges from delicately crisp to richly buttery, depending on the fat used and the mixing technique. Properly prepared pie crust should be able to hold its shape and support fillings without becoming soggy. Mastering homemade pie crust recipes is key to achieving exceptional pie baking results.

Common Uses

  • Used as a base for fruit pies, offering a crisp and buttery foundation for fillings like apple, cherry, or blueberry. - Forms the bottom and/or top crust for savory pies like chicken pot pie or shepherd's pie, adding textural contrast to the creamy or meaty fillings. - Created into small tarts for bite-sized desserts or appetizers, showcasing miniature versions of classic pies or filled with custards and creams. - Blind baked to create a pre-cooked shell for no-bake pies, such as chocolate cream pie or key lime pie, providing a stable and flavorful base. - Used to make decorative pie toppings and crust designs adding visual appeal to your baked goods such as lattices, cut-outs, or crimped edges.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

134.0kcal (6.7%)

Protein

2.1g (4.18%)

Carbs

15.2g (5.54%)

Sugars

0.9g (1.9%)

Healthy Fat

4.1g

Unhealthy Fat

3.0g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Health Benefits

  • Provides carbohydrates for energy.
  • Can be a source of dietary fiber, depending on the ingredients used (whole wheat crust).
  • May contain healthy fats if made with oils like olive or avocado oil.
  • Offers a base for nutritious fillings like fruits and vegetables.
  • Homemade versions allow control over ingredients, minimizing processed additives.
  • Can be adapted to be gluten-free or lower in sugar for specific dietary needs.

Storage Tips

Unbaked pie crust dough should be tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days or frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw frozen dough in the refrigerator overnight before using. Baked pie crusts should be stored at room temperature, covered, for up to 2 days to prevent them from drying out. For longer storage, refrigerate baked crusts, but note that they may lose some crispness.

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