Pie Crust Recipe by Joanna Gaines That’s Flaky and Foolproof

Joanna Gaines’s pie crust whispers culinary magic for passionate bakers craving pastry perfection.

Butter dances through delicate flour, creating golden layers that melt on your tongue.

Each ingredient sings with simplicity, transforming humble components into extraordinary dessert foundations.

Professional chefs and weekend warriors alike revere this technique for its elegant precision.

The secret lies in gentle hands and pure ingredients that speak directly to comfort and tradition.

Her technique breaks down complex baking barriers, making flaky crusts accessible to everyone.

These tender, buttery masterpieces promise to turn your kitchen into a bakery of dreams.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 8

Joanna Gaines Pie Crust Recipe: Ingredients

• All-Purpose Flour: Opt for fresh, unbleached flour with consistent fine texture to ensure smooth dough consistency.
• Salt: Select fine-grain table salt for even distribution and balanced flavor enhancement.

• Cold Shortening: Choose high-quality vegetable shortening and keep refrigerated to maintain optimal pastry texture and flakiness.

• Ice-Cold Water: Use filtered water chilled with ice cubes to help create a tender, non-tough pie crust structure.

Pie Crust Equipment for Joanna’s Recipe

• Mixing bowl: Large, spacious container for combining dry ingredients and dough.
• Fork: Essential for mixing ingredients and creating crumbly texture.
• Pastry blender: Perfect tool for cutting shortening into flour for even distribution.
• Rolling pin: Smooth wooden or marble tool for rolling out even dough circle.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise tools for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Pastry cloth or clean countertop: Flat surface dusted with flour for rolling dough.
• Pie plate: Standard baking dish for forming and holding pie crust.
• Sharp knife or kitchen scissors: Useful for trimming excess dough edges.

Rolling Out Joanna Gaines’ Pie Crust

• Blend Dry Ingredients

Toss flour and salt together in a spacious mixing bowl, creating a soft, even base for your delightful pie crust. Break cold shortening into small chunks and work it gently into the flour mixture using fingertips or a pastry cutter until the texture resembles tiny, uneven breadcrumbs.

• Transform Dough Into Cohesive Mixture

Splash in ice-cold water, a little at a time, and tenderly fold the ingredients until the dough starts to come together. Avoid overworking the mixture, which can make the crust tough and less flaky. Stop mixing when the dough feels just barely combined and holds its shape when pressed.

• Shape and Roll Crust

Dust your work surface with a whisper of flour and place the dough ball in the center. Gently roll the dough outward from the middle, rotating occasionally to create an even, round shape that extends slightly beyond your pie plate’s diameter. The crust should be thin but strong enough to hold its structure.

• Drape Crust Into Pie Plate

Carefully fold the rolled dough in half, lift it gracefully, and nestle it into the pie plate. Unfold the dough, allowing it to settle naturally into the pan’s curves and corners. Trim the excess edges, leaving a small overhang for a beautiful, rustic finish.

• Crimp and Beautify Edges

Fold the overhanging dough under itself, creating a plump, raised border. Use your fingers to pinch and crimp the edges, giving your pie crust a professional, homemade look that will make everyone’s mouth water.

Tips for Flaky Pie Crust by Joanna Gaines

• Chill Dough for Flakiness: Refrigerate the prepared dough for 30 minutes before rolling. Cold ingredients prevent gluten development, resulting in an incredibly tender, flaky pie crust that melts in your mouth.
• Experiment with Fat Alternatives: Swap traditional shortening with butter for a richer flavor or try a combination of both. Coconut oil works wonderfully for a unique twist that adds subtle sweetness to your pie crust.
• Master the Moisture Balance: Add water sparingly to avoid a tough crust. The dough should just barely hold together when pressed – too much liquid creates a dense, chewy texture that lacks the desired delicate crumb.
• Create Decorative Edges: Use different crimping techniques to elevate your pie's appearance. Try pressing with your fingers, using a fork, or creating a braided edge that transforms an ordinary pie into a stunning centerpiece.

Serving Joanna Gaines’ Pie Crust Creation

• Serve Up Pie Perfection: Get ready to elevate your pie experience with these mouthwatering suggestions!
• Pair with Creamy Companions: Top your freshly baked pie with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a classic, indulgent treat.
• Create Flavor Harmony: Sprinkle some chopped nuts, drizzle caramel sauce, or dust with powdered sugar to add extra layers of texture and taste.
• Seasonal Sidekick Selection: Match your pie with a warm cup of coffee, herbal tea, or a chilled glass of milk to complement the rich, buttery crust and enhance the overall dining experience.

Pie Crust Storage Tips from Joanna

• Meal Planning & Storage Advice
• Refrigerate Wisely: Store your freshly prepared pie crust wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Keep it sealed to prevent moisture loss and absorption of other food odors.
• Freeze for Future Use: Wrap the unbaked pie crust in two layers of plastic wrap and one layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using to maintain its delicate texture.
• Prevent Soggy Bottoms: Always cool baked pie crusts completely before storing to avoid condensation that can make the bottom crust soggy. Place on a wire rack at room temperature for optimal cooling.
• Smart Storage Containers: Use airtight containers or professional pie carriers to protect the crust's shape and prevent breakage. Glass or hard plastic containers work best for maintaining the crust's structural integrity during storage or transportation.

Flaky Joanna Gaines Pie Crust Recipe

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4.8 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Joanna Gaines’ signature pie crust recipe delivers flaky, buttery perfection with simple ingredients and expert techniques. Bakers can create delicious homemade pastry that elevates pies from ordinary to extraordinary for memorable family gatherings.

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Ingredients

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• 1.5 cups (192 g) all-purpose flour
• 0.5 cup (113 g) vegetable shortening
• 0.5 cup (120 ml) cold water
• 0.5 tsp (2.5 g) salt

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Instructions

1. Workspace Preparation: Arrange all measured ingredients on a clean, organized surface, ensuring swift and efficient pie crust creation.
2. Mixing Process: Combine cold shortening, flour, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Use a pastry blender to blend ingredients until they resemble fine, crumbly texture with distinctive pea-sized granules.
3. Dough Formation: Introduce ice-cold water into the flour mixture, gently folding and pressing until the dough coheres seamlessly. Avoid excessive manipulation to maintain the crust’s delicate structure.
4. Dough Shaping: Transfer the dough onto a flour-dusted surface, compressing it into a compact disk with careful hand pressure. Utilize a rolling pin to transform the disk into a circular shape, maintaining consistent thickness by rotating periodically.
5. Plate Positioning: Delicately fold the rolled dough in half, transfer it to the pie plate, and unfurl gently. Softly press the dough into the plate’s contours, eliminating air pockets and ensuring smooth coverage.
6. Edge Refinement: Trim excess dough, leaving a modest overhang. Create an elegant, elevated border by folding the overhang upward and pinching between thumb and forefinger, establishing both aesthetic appeal and structural stability.

Notes

• Chill Ingredients: Keep shortening and water ice-cold to ensure a flaky, tender pie crust texture that melts in your mouth.
• Handle with Care: Minimal mixing prevents gluten development, resulting in a lighter, more delicate pastry that crumbles perfectly.
• Flour Generously: Dust work surfaces and rolling pin to prevent sticking and make dough manipulation smoother and easier.
• Perfect Crimping: Create consistent, decorative edges by using your thumb and forefinger to pinch and seal the crust evenly for a professional bakery-style finish.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 115 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg