Grandma’s Pie Crust

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Nothing says comfort quite like a flaky, tender pie crust passed down through generations. Grandma’s Pie Crust is the kind of recipe that never lets you down, whether you’re filling it with warm apple slices or creamy custard. It’s a nostalgic bite into simpler times, one that brings the whole family together at the table.

This crust is buttery and crisp with just the right amount of softness to cradle your favorite sweet or savory fillings. What makes it special isn’t just the ingredients but the love and tradition kneaded into every fold. Whether you’re a baking pro or just learning, this pie crust will be your new go-to base.

Why You’ll Love This Pie Crust

You’ll fall in love with how forgiving and versatile this dough is. It rolls out like a dream and bakes up golden and flavorful. It’s sturdy enough to hold juicy fruit fillings without getting soggy and delicate enough to flake apart in the best way.

This crust works equally well for pies, tarts, and even rustic galettes. It’s also freezer-friendly, which means you can prep ahead and always have dough ready when inspiration hits.

What Kind of Fat Should I Use in Pie Crust?

While many modern recipes swear by all-butter crusts for flavor, Grandma’s recipe calls for a mix of butter and shortening. This blend gives you the best of both worlds: that classic buttery taste with the flakiness that shortening helps deliver.

The butter brings richness and color, while the shortening ensures a tender crumb. If you’re strictly butter-only, it still works, but for that truly old-fashioned texture, don’t skip the combo.

Ingredients for the Grandma’s Pie Crust

The ingredients in Grandma’s Pie Crust are simple, but each one has a purpose. These pantry staples come together to form a dough that’s easy to handle and consistently delicious.

• All-purpose flour
• Unsalted butter
• Vegetable shortening
• Salt
• Ice water

All-purpose flour gives the structure and is perfect for balancing tenderness and strength.

Unsalted butter adds flavor and helps with browning, giving the crust a golden color.

Vegetable shortening contributes to flakiness and keeps the dough soft and manageable.

Salt enhances all the other flavors and shouldn’t be overlooked.

Ice water helps bring the dough together without melting the fats, which is key for that flaky texture.

How To Make the Grandma’s Pie Crust

Step 1: Cut the Fat Into the Flour

Combine flour and salt in a large bowl. Add in the cold butter and shortening, cutting it into the flour using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces.

Step 2: Add Ice Water Gradually

Sprinkle the ice water over the mixture, one tablespoon at a time, tossing gently with a fork. Add just enough water until the dough begins to hold together without being wet or sticky.

Step 3: Bring It All Together

Gather the dough into a ball and divide it into two disks. Wrap each disk tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour before rolling out.

Step 4: Roll and Shape

On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk into a circle about 12 inches in diameter. Fit into your pie plate and trim the edges, then proceed with your favorite pie recipe.

Step 5: Bake or Blind Bake

Fill and bake according to your recipe. For blind baking, prick the bottom with a fork, line with parchment, add pie weights, and bake at 375°F until edges are golden.

Storing and Serving Grandma’s Pie Crust

This recipe makes enough for two 9-inch pie crusts, perfect for a double-crust pie or two single-crust pies. The dough can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Once baked, the pie crust stays crisp for a couple of days, especially when filled with dry or custard-based fillings. Serve with warm fillings or chilled desserts, depending on your creation.

What to Serve With Pie Crust?

Apple Pie Filling

A timeless match. Soft, spiced apples wrapped in this flaky crust will remind anyone of Grandma’s kitchen.

Lemon Custard

Bright and tangy, it contrasts beautifully with the buttery flavor of the crust.

Chicken Pot Pie

Use this crust for a savory twist. It holds hearty fillings like a champ.

Chocolate Silk

Silky, rich, and smooth filling that turns the crust into a chocolate lover’s dream.

Pumpkin Pie

Perfectly pairs with the soft spices and creamy texture of this fall favorite.

Quiche

This crust works great for egg-based dishes like a spinach or bacon quiche.

Fruit Galette

A rustic and easy way to showcase summer berries or peaches with one simple crust.

Want More Baking Ideas with a Homemade Feel?

If Grandma’s Pie Crust brings back memories, you’ll also love these other comforting favorites from the kitchen:

• Creamy and Easy Egg Custard Pie
• Decadent Caramel Banana Pecan Cake
• Classic French Butter Cookies
• Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
• Lemon Truffles Recipe

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest baking board so you can revisit it every time a pie craving hits.

And tell me how yours turned out! Did you go all-butter or stick with the butter-shortening blend? Do you have your own twist?

I love seeing your creations and learning how you bring these dishes to life. Ask questions anytime, or just drop a hello!

Explore beautifully curated nostalgic recipes and classic treats on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and find your next kitchen adventure.

Conclusion

Grandma’s Pie Crust is a simple, beautiful recipe that delivers every time. It’s easy enough for beginners and trusted enough for holidays and special occasions. With just five ingredients and a little love, you get the perfect base for all your baking dreams.

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