Grandma’s Pie Crust

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There’s something deeply comforting about the smell of homemade pie baking in the oven, and it all begins with a perfectly flaky crust. Grandma’s Pie Crust is a treasured recipe that brings back memories of holidays, cozy weekends, and the kind of simple joys only found in homemade baked goods. This crust is buttery, tender, and just crisp enough to hold up to any filling you throw at it—whether sweet or savory.

The beauty of this pie crust lies in its simplicity. It’s made with a few pantry staples and comes together quickly with no need for fancy equipment. Once baked, it delivers a delicate flake that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re making a fruit pie, a quiche, or a nostalgic custard pie, this is the dough that does it all.

Why You’ll Love This Grandma’s Pie Crust

You’ll fall for this crust because it gets the texture just right—light and flaky with a rich, buttery taste. It’s easy to work with, doesn’t shrink in the pan, and holds its shape even after baking. Plus, it makes any pie taste like it came straight from a grandmother’s kitchen. It’s the perfect foundation for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike.

What Kind of Fat Should I Use in Pie Crust?

This is a common question and a good one. The fat is what gives pie crust its signature flakiness and flavor. Some bakers swear by butter, while others use shortening or lard. This recipe uses butter for that rich taste and delicate crumble. You can mix in a bit of shortening if you like an even flakier texture, but butter alone does the job beautifully here.

Ingredients for the Grandma’s Pie Crust

The ingredients in this pie crust are probably already in your kitchen, but each one plays an important role in achieving that perfect texture.

• All-purpose flour: This is the base of the dough and gives the crust its structure.
• Unsalted butter: Use it cold and cut into cubes. Butter creates steam as it melts in the oven, which helps form those perfect flaky layers.
• Salt: Enhances flavor. Don’t skip it, even for sweet pies.
• Ice water: Keeps the butter cold and helps bind the dough without overworking it.
• Optional: Vinegar or lemon juice: A splash can help prevent gluten from forming, which keeps the crust tender.

How To Make the Grandma’s Pie Crust

Step 1: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. This helps evenly distribute the salt throughout the dough.

Step 2: Cut in the Butter

Add the cold cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter.

Step 3: Add Ice Water

Drizzle in ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing with a fork until the dough just comes together. It should be slightly shaggy but hold when pressed.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Divide the dough into two disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least an hour. This rest period allows the gluten to relax and the butter to firm up.

Step 5: Roll and Use

When ready to use, roll out the dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness. Carefully transfer to your pie dish, trim and crimp the edges, then fill and bake according to your pie recipe.

How to Store and Serve Grandma’s Pie Crust

This recipe makes two 9-inch pie crusts, enough for a double crust pie or two single crust pies. Once prepared, the dough can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. If you freeze it, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before rolling out.

When it comes to serving, this crust complements everything from warm apple pies to cool chocolate cream pies. Bake it blind if you’re filling it with something no-bake, or go straight in with your fruit filling if you’re making a traditional pie.

What to Serve With Grandma’s Pie Crust?

Whipped Cream

Perfect for topping sweet pies like pumpkin, chocolate, or banana cream.

Vanilla Ice Cream

A classic pairing with warm fruit pies like apple or cherry.

Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Believe it or not, a slice of cheddar with your apple pie is an old-school delight.

Fresh Berries

Add color and tang to custard or cream pies.

Lemon Curd

Use it as a filling with this buttery crust for a refreshing treat.

Coffee or Tea

The ideal sipper alongside a flaky slice of pie for a relaxing break.

Caramel Sauce

Drizzle over baked apple pies for a decadent finish.

Toasted Nuts

Sprinkle them on top of pies for added texture and nutty flavor.

Want More Pie Ideas?

If Grandma’s Pie Crust has you in a baking mood, try pairing it with these delicious options from Mia Plates:

• Old Time Oven Peach Cobbler for a fruity Southern classic.
• Hillbilly Pie (Poor Man’s Pie) for rustic simplicity and big flavor.
• Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes if you love bite-sized desserts with a crusty twist.
• Ooey Gooey Bars for something rich and indulgent.
• Cherry-Topped Coconut Macaroons for a crunchy, chewy alternative.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you try the butter-only version or mix in shortening? Did you freeze the dough ahead?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

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