Super Simple Pie Crust Recipe

You’ve probably heard the expression “easy as pie”. Well, although a pie is not that difficult to make… the reality is that the crust is somewhat involved and can even be a bit of a struggle to make properly. First you have to “cut in the butter”… try working knives in opposite directions at the same time… it’s no simple task, unless of course you happen to be ambidextrous! Then, get out your rolling pin and pie protector and roll up your sleeves to press out the sticky dough into a perfect circle (in the midst of a cloud of flour dust) and then carefully transfer that same piece of dough, while remaining in one piece, onto your pie plate. Simple pie crust? Not to my way of thinking, unless you were blessed with much dexterity, time and patience!

I’m usually short all the above qualities and want a pie “right now”. I could run to the bakery, but a pie right out of the oven with ice cream melting over it is my ideal piece of pie. A ready-made piece of refrigerated dough or a frozen pie crust could be used, but… arguably (although for me it’s an absolute fact) the crust is the best part of the pie. So, I want a homemade simple pie crust that I can make right in the pie pan yet is still light, flaky and full of delicate flavor. Impossible you say? … well, think again!

This super simple pie crust recipe is sure to please everyone at your house and could not possibly be any easier to make (or use less tools in the process). Let’s get started.

Simple Pie Crust Recipe

Simple Pie Crust Recipe

Simple Pie Crust Ingredients:

  • 1 & 1/2 Cups All-purpose Flour
  • 2 teaspoons Sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 Cup Vegetable Oil
  • 2 Tablespoons Milk

  • Simple Pie Crust Instructions:

    1) Put all of the above ingredients into a pie plate in the order listed.

    Simple Pie Crust Recipe

    2) Stir the ingredients.

    Simple Pie Crust

    3) Press the mixture along the bottom and sides of the pan. I just use my fingers (it doesn’t stick).

    Simple Pie Crust Recipe

    That’s really it, it’s as simple as 1-2-3! Your crust is complete and ready to either poke & bake or fill & bake, depending on the type of pie that you are making (see step 4, to actually complete this simple pie crust recipe).


    4) Either Poke the bottom a few times with a fork and bake at 400° for 15 minutes (for refrigerator pies) *OR* Fill with your favorite fillings first and then bake at 375° for the requested time in your recipe (for baked pies).


    Simple Pie Crust Recipe
    Simple Pie Crust Recipe

    This recipe is great for one crust pies, especially fruit pies like Pumpkin pie, pecan pie or the apple pie shown here.

    You can also make a lattice or design on top with this simple pie crust recipe (but a 2 crust pie does not come out that great). Just cut the recipe in half to make a batch for the pie top and then press out whatever design you would like to put on top of the pie.



    TIP:

    Whenever you are making a filled pie (baking the crust at the same time as the filling), place your oven rack on the bottommost position. This prevents the bottom crust from being doughy, pale or undercooked and makes the top of the pie far less susceptible to overcooking.

    How Long Does Pie Crust Last

    Pie Crust Lasts Counter or Fridge
    Fresh Pie Crust lasts for at least 1-2 Days
    Baked Pie Crust lasts for at least 3-4 Days

    Additional Info

    For another easy one pan recipe, try our cream scones.

    To find out how long pies last see our pie page.

    To find out how long other foods are good for, please visit the Dairy, Drinks, Fruits, Grains, Proteins, Vegetables and Other sections of Eat By Date or use the search function below.

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