the joys of pie-making! I remember the first time I attempted a pie crust; let’s just say it was more suitable for a frisbee competition than for dessert. But over time, I’ve found that simplicity in the kitchen often leads to the most delightful results. Today, I’ll share my no-fuss pie crust recipe that promises to be as easy as pie—quite literally! This recipe is your new best friend for both sweet and savory creations, adaptable and forgiving, just like a good neighbor.

As someone who loves to cook but hates to clean, I appreciate recipes that don’t require me to pull out every gadget from my kitchen. This no-fuss pie crust, with its minimal equipment and simple ingredients, fits the bill perfectly. The process is straightforward, and the result is a beautifully flaky and tender crust that can hold up to any filling you choose. Whether it’s the season for a hearty chicken pot pie or a sweet and tangy lemon meringue, this crust is your canvas.

Equipment

• 9″ Pie dish
• Mixing Bowl

Ingredients

2 cups plain flour

1/2 cup oil of your choice

3 tbsp cold water

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp baking powder

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pie Dish: Start by lightly greasing a 9-inch pie dish with non-stick spray. This will help in easily removing the pie once it’s baked.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. These dry ingredients are the foundation of your crust, so make sure they are well combined.
3. Add Oil and Water: Pour in the oil and cold water. The oil makes the crust flaky, while the cold water will help to bind the dough without activating the gluten too much.
4. Form the Dough: Mix everything until combined, then gather the dough into a ball. It will be a bit crumbly, but that’s perfectly fine.
5. Shape the Crust: Place the ball of dough in the center of your prepared pie dish. Use your hands to spread it out towards the edges. To ensure an even thickness, you can use your knuckles or the bottom of a glass to press it down across the bottom and up the sides of the dish.
6. Crimp the Edges: For a decorative touch, crimp the top edges of your crust or simply flatten them with the tines of a fork. This not only looks good but helps to create a barrier for the filling.
7. Fill and Bake: Now that your crust is shaped, fill it with your favorite filling and bake according to the specific instructions of the pie you are making.

Notes

This pie crust can be used for both sweet and savory dishes. Feel free to experiment by adding a tablespoon of sugar for a sweet pie or some herbs for a savory option.

Tips

Chilling the Dough: If you have time, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before pressing it into the pie dish can make it easier to handle.

Customizing Your Crust: For a richer flavor, you can use melted butter or a mixture of butter and oil instead of just oil.

Pre-Baking: For pies with a wet filling, consider pre-baking your crust for 10 minutes at 375°F to prevent it from becoming soggy.

FAQs

Can I use this crust for a top crust as well? Yes, this recipe can be doubled to create a top crust. Just make sure to roll it out between two sheets of parchment paper since it’s a bit more delicate.

What types of oil are best for pie crusts? Vegetable oil, canola oil, or a light olive oil work best as they don’t impart a strong flavor. For a richer taste, coconut oil is a great option.

How do I prevent the crust from shrinking during baking? Avoid overworking the dough when mixing and shaping it into the pie dish. Overworking can activate the gluten, causing the crust to shrink.

Can I make this dough in advance? Absolutely! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for longer storage.

 

This no-fuss pie crust recipe is all about making your baking experience as easy and enjoyable as possible. So the next time you’re tasked with bringing a pie to the family gathering or just want to treat yourself, remember this recipe. It’s as reliable as it is delicious, ensuring that your pies will be the talk of the table—or at least save you from any unintended frisbee matches!