Butter Flaky Pie Crust

Excellent crust! I've made this crust many times, and I finally mastered the techniques to make it flaky (not recipe's fault but b/c inexperience). Previously, I over-worked the dough, used too much water, and/or didn't keep the dough cold enough, which made the crust tough and soggy. Tips: keep it cold & work it sparingly. Chill water in the freezer until ice crystals begin to form. Cut very cold UNSALTED butter into cubes & cut it in the flour & salt with a pastry blender (or pulse in food processor) until it resembles coarse crumbs. Transfer to large bowl & gently toss water into crumbs 1 tsp at a time with a fork. Do not use food processor to incorporate water - it's too easy to overwork the dough. The dough should have small bits of butter - this makes the crust flaky. Cool off hands under cold water, pat dry, gather the crumbs into a flattened ball, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate. Refrigeration is necessary b/c it allows the gluten to relax and prevent shrinkage. You may need to roll out the dough twice. First roll out is usually crumbly, uneven, and has large breaks. Gently gather in edges to form another ball, flip it smooth side up, and roll out again. Smooth, round, even crust should be easier the second roll out. See pics of the process.

SO flaky and tender. TIP: if you don't have a food processor or pastry cutter, try freezing the block of butter, and then grating it. I even put my grated butter back in the freezer, so the little bits FOR SURE stay solid and cold when I'm working the dough.

This is THE tastiest crust ever!!! I used to be a dedicated shortening user, but because since moving to Finland from the USA, I have been unable to find it anywhere. I am no longer lamenting my misfortunes, though! This is the best butter crust I've ever tasted, and the only recipe for such that I have ever enjoyed perfect results and consistent success with. Every time I make this it turns out beautifully... I have made just simple pie crusts with it, as well as have used it to do more intricately decorated ones; braided and woven top crusts, have made flowers, fruits and leaves to garnish tarts with, etc., and the pie dough NEVER looses it's shape, even with the most intricate of sculpted details: No melting in the oven. Yippy! I have been using this crust religiously for nigh on a year, and even if I could get Crisco here, I wouldn't even bother using it for pie crusts because this is my crust recipe for all eternity. Oh, I thought I would mention, too, that in a pinch this morning I had to use baking margarine, as I didn't have enough butter for a double-crust, and it still turned out great... ofcourse not as divinely rich and yummy, but still as flaky and tender as always. Thanks for posting the absolute best pie recipe on earth! :P

I was very satisfied with this crust. I usually make the Betty Crocker pie crust with shortening. However, I had forgotten to put the shortening in the refrigerator so I looked for a butter recipe. This one is excellent. I did double the salt since I was using unsalted butter. I think it could have used even more. I did put my flour in the refrigerator. For those new at making pie crusts, it is best to use all cold ingredients. The only other change I made was time in the refrigerator. I only put mine in the refrigerator for 40 minutes. I just didn't have the time to wait for 4 hours. I was also concerned that it would be too difficult to roll out. Before I used the rolling pin, I patted down the ball with my hands and worked the dough with my hands for awhile, until it seemed to be willing to stay together. I then proceeded with rolling it. I like to roll the crust over my rolling pin when done. It makes it easy to unroll it right into your pie pan. I also always brush the crust with a beaten egg white. This seems to help keep the crust from getting soggy. I made a coconut custard pie with this crust and it did not get soggy. Good luck to all who try this recipe. I did find it quite easy to make and very flaky, which is the true test of a good crust.

This crust was delicious! I blended the butter/salt/flour combo in the processor until crumbly (it doesn't take long). Then, slowly mix in the water little by little while kneading...I've made this many times and it never took the entire amount of water. After chilling the dough, it will initially be tough, but don't let that discourage you. Work it with a rolling pin, and in no time at all you'll have a beautifully shaped crust. This is a versatile crust, it can be made with sweet and savory dishes alike.

I used less water than called for -- I think it was 2 tablespoons. I did not refrigerate at all - just rolled it out and popped it on my pot pie. When it came out of the oven it was flaky and tender - very yummy! (and btw, I'm GLAD you published this recipe - who cares if it's similar to another! I was happy to find it when I searched for "butter pie crust".) Thanks!!

This is the perfect pie crust! I used this pie crust for a dessert pie as well as a chicken pot pie, both came out flaky and full of flavor. Buttery, flaky, wonderful! Always keep all your ingredients cold! Chill your flour in the freezer overnight. Use ICED water, not just really-cold tap water. Work your ingredients together as fast as possible. I usually get all the ingredients together with a quick mix in the cuisinart, and then I finish it off with a pastry cutter right in the cuisinart bowl to break up any big pieces of butter. It will look like a heap of white reindeer poop. Plop the poop pellets in some plastic wrap, form it into a ball, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

I can't believe how great this crust was! I had no problem rolling it, even though I only had it in the fridge for abour 2 1/2 hours! Also I used whole wheat flour. Wonderful! Thank you!

Great recipe! I was trying to find one that didn't require shortening because I didn't have it on hand at the time and when I discovered this one, I was well pleased. I'm horrible with Pie crust but this one held together well, was easy to roll out, didn't burn like so many other crusts, and it tasted great after the baking process. I use it for fruit and meat pies and I'm never disappointed. Thanks again!

WOW! This was great! I made an apple pie with this and I could have just ate the crust. It was very easy to work with... this was my first time at a crust from scratch. Just keep the dough cold. Easy easy easy.