Flaky Pie Crust Recipe by Pioneer Woman for Perfect Homemade Pies

The pioneer woman’s pie crust reigns supreme in the world of baking, turning ordinary pastry into a culinary masterpiece.

Its legendary status stems from an ingenious blend of simplicity and technique that makes even novice bakers feel like pros.

Generations of families have whispered about this magical recipe, passing down its secrets like precious heirlooms.

Flaky, tender, and impossibly consistent, this crust transforms ordinary ingredients into extraordinary desserts.

Professional chefs and weekend kitchen warriors alike swear by its foolproof method that guarantees delectable results every single time.

Each bite tells a story of tradition, skill, and pure deliciousness.

You’ll soon discover why this recipe has become the gold standard for pie perfection – so grab your rolling pin and let the baking adventure begin!

Cooking Steps for Pioneer Woman Pie Crust

• Create Dough Foundation

Blend flour and shortening in a spacious mixing bowl using a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles small crumbs. Whisk an egg separately and combine with the flour blend, adding splashes of cold water, vinegar, and a pinch of salt. Gently mix until the ingredients form a cohesive texture.

• Shape And Chill Dough Portions

Separate the dough into two or three sections depending on desired crust thickness. Roll each portion into smooth balls and nestle them inside large sealed bags. Gently press each ball to create a flat disc about half an inch thick. Slide the bags into the freezer for a quick 20-minute chill.

• Prepare Dough For Rolling

Remove dough from freezer and allow it to soften for quarter of an hour. Dust a clean countertop with a light layer of flour. Roll the dough from its center outward, rotating and adding flour as needed to prevent sticking. Aim to extend the dough slightly beyond the pie pan’s edge.

• Transfer And Mold Crust

Carefully lift the rolled dough using a metal spatula and drape it into the pie pan. Softly press the dough against the pan’s bottom and sides, trimming any excess around the edges. Create a decorative border by pinching and shaping the crust’s rim.

• Optional Pre-Bake Technique

For recipes requiring a pre-baked crust, puncture the dough’s bottom with a fork. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F until the crust turns a delicate golden shade. Allow the crust to cool completely on a wire rack before adding your desired filling.

Helpful Hints to Improve Pioneer Woman Pie Crust

• Customize Crust Texture: Experiment with different flour types like whole wheat or pastry flour to create unique textures and subtle flavor variations in your pie crust.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare pie dough up to 3 days in advance and store wrapped tightly in refrigerator. Freeze unbaked dough for up to 2 months to have a quick pie crust ready anytime.
• Prevent Soggy Bottom: Brush bottom of unbaked crust with beaten egg white before adding wet fillings. This creates a protective barrier that keeps crust crisp and prevents moisture from seeping through.
• Perfect Flaky Technique: Keep all ingredients ice-cold and handle dough minimally to ensure maximum flakiness. Work quickly and avoid overworking the dough to maintain those delightful, delicate layers.

What to Pair With Pioneer Woman Pie Crust

• Serve with Flair: Create a rustic pie edge by crimping the crust with your fingers, adding a homemade touch that looks both elegant and delicious.
• Pair with Perfection: Complement the pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream to enhance the overall flavor and texture.
• Make It Pretty: Dust the finished pie with powdered sugar or sprinkle some fresh herbs on top for a professional-looking presentation that will impress your guests.
• Chill and Slice: Let the pie cool completely before cutting to ensure clean, precise slices that hold their shape and look picture-perfect on the plate.

How to Store Leftovers of Pioneer Woman Pie Crust

• Preserve Pie Perfection: Smart Storage Strategies
• Refrigerate freshly baked pie within 2 hours of cooling to maintain optimal flavor and texture. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss and protect against absorbing other food odors.
• Extend Crust Lifespan: Freezing Techniques
• Prepare extra pie dough and freeze for up to 3 months. Wrap each dough portion in plastic wrap, then place inside a freezer-safe bag. Label with date and type of crust to keep track easily.
• Keep It Fresh: Serving and Shelf Life
• Store unbaked pie crust in refrigerator for 2-3 days maximum. Baked pie with filling typically stays fresh for 3-4 days when refrigerated. Always use clean utensils when serving to prevent bacterial contamination.
• Quick Reheating: Crisp Crust Restoration
• Revive refrigerated pie by warming in oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes. Place on middle rack to ensure even heating. Avoid microwave, which can make crust soggy and compromise its delicate texture.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 420 kcal

Servings: 2

Essentials You Need for Pioneer Woman Pie Crust

• All-Purpose Flour: Choose unbleached flour for better texture and richer flavor.
• Crisco Shortening: Select fresh, unopened container for maximum flakiness.
• Salt: Use fine-grain table salt for even distribution.

• Egg: Pick large, fresh eggs with bright yellow yolks.
• Cold Water: Use filtered water for clean taste.
• White Vinegar: Select clear, distilled vinegar for consistent results.

• Additional Flour: Opt for finely milled flour to prevent tough crust.
• Metal Spatula: Ensure sharp, clean edge for smooth dough transfer.

• Pie Pan: Choose light-colored metal pan for even heat distribution.

Cooking Equipment List for Pioneer Woman Pie Crust

• Large bowl: For mixing flour and Crisco.
• Pastry cutter: To blend flour and Crisco until crumbly.
• Small bowl: For beating egg.
• Fork: To beat egg and mix ingredients.
• Large zip-top bags: For storing and flattening dough portions.
• Rolling pin: To roll out dough evenly.
• Countertop: Clean surface for rolling dough.
• Metal spatula: To lift and transfer dough without tearing.
• Pie pan: For shaping and baking pie crust.
• Wire rack: To cool pre-baked crust.
• Oven: For pre-baking crust.
• Fork: To pierce crust bottom before baking.

Flaky Pioneer Woman Pie Crust Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Mastering the pioneer woman pie crust requires minimal ingredients and simple techniques for baking success. Flaky, buttery pastry creates perfect pies that home bakers can confidently prepare with practice.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups (360 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups (360 g) crisco (vegetable shortening)
• 1 large egg
• 5 tbsps (75 ml) cold water
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) white vinegar
• 1 tsp (5 g) salt

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Mixing Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and chilled vegetable shortening. Use a pastry blender to blend until the mixture resembles coarse, uneven breadcrumbs, creating a textured foundation for the pie crust.
2. Liquid Integration: Whisk the egg in a separate container, then pour into the flour mixture. Add cold water, white vinegar, and salt. Gently mix until the ingredients form a cohesive dough, being careful not to overwork the mixture.
3. Dough Preparation: Divide the dough into two or three equal portions. Place each portion into a large resealable plastic bag, gently flattening to about 1/2-inch thickness. Chill in the freezer for at least 20 minutes to relax the gluten and improve handling.
4. Rolling and Shaping: Remove dough from the freezer and let it soften slightly for 15 minutes. Dust a work surface with flour. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough from the center outward, rotating to maintain an even circular shape. Add flour as needed to prevent sticking.
5. Crust Placement: Carefully transfer the rolled dough to the pie pan using a metal spatula or by folding it in half. Gently press the dough against the pan’s bottom and sides, trimming excess around the edges. Create a decorative crimped edge by pinching the perimeter to seal and enhance appearance.
6. Pre-Baking (Optional): For a pre-baked crust, puncture the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbling. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (204°C) for 12-15 minutes until light golden brown. Cool completely on a wire rack before adding filling.

Notes

• Chill Ingredients Thoroughly: Keep shortening, water, and eggs extremely cold to ensure a flaky, tender pie crust with perfect texture.
• Handle Dough Minimally: Mix ingredients gently and avoid overworking to prevent tough, dense crust; less handling means more delicate pastry.
• Freeze Before Rolling: Letting dough rest in freezer relaxes gluten and stabilizes fat, making rolling easier and preventing shrinkage during baking.
• Use Precise Technique: Roll dough from center outward, rotating frequently to maintain even thickness and prevent uneven baking or tearing.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 37 mg