Easy Crisco Pie Crust Recipe (Flaky & Buttery!)
Master the ultimate Crisco pie crust recipe to create tender, flaky, and delicious bases for all your favorite pies. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned baker, this complete guide to the Crisco pie crust recipe will walk you through every step—ingredient ratios, temperature control, expert techniques, troubleshooting tips, and creative variations.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- The Crisco pie crust recipe guarantees a flaky texture due to 100% shortening.
- Proper temperature control is critical—keep all ingredients cold.
- Minimal handling preserves lightness in your recipe dough.
- Double chilling prevents shrinkage in your recipe .
- Creative add-ins make the versatile for sweet and savory pies.
What Makes the Crisco Pie Crust Recipe Unbeatable?
This approach stands out because it uses 100% vegetable shortening for maximum flakiness. Unlike butter-only doughs, it creates uniform fat pockets that puff up when baked, giving you distinct, delicate layers with every bite. The method’s resilience in warmer kitchens and its forgiving nature make it perfect for bakers of all skill levels. Over time, home cooks have embraced this technique, passing it down across generations as the go-to for consistently tender, flaky crusts. Whether you’re crafting a sweet fruit pie or a savory quiche, these reliable results will elevate every recipe you try.
- Unrivaled Flakiness
With this recipe , each pea-sized chunk of shortening remains intact until baking. As steam develops, these pockets lift into flaky layers. - Superior Stability
The Crisco pie crust recipe is more forgiving in warmer kitchens. Crisco’s high melting point keeps dough workable, unlike butter that softens too quickly. - Neutral Flavor
When you use the Crisco pie crust recipe, you let your pie filling shine. The subtle taste of Crisco doesn’t compete with fruit, custard, or savory ingredients. - Consistent Results
Follow the recipe, and you’ll get repeatable outcomes every time—no more guessing whether your crust will hold its shape or crumble.
Emotional Connection: Every family gathering deserves the perfect pie. With the Crisco pie crust recipe, you’ll deliver that golden edge and tender center that spark childhood memories and smiles
Essential Ingredients
| Ingredient | Single Crust | Double Crust | Role |
| All-purpose flour | 1⅓ cups | 2 cups | Structure |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon | ¾ teaspoon | Flavor enhancer |
| Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening | ½ cup (cold) | ¾ cup (cold) | Fat for flakiness |
| Ice water | 3–6 tablespoons | 4–8 tablespoons | Hydration & dough binding |
Tip: Measuring by weight yields the most reliable Crisco pie crust recipe results.
Step-by-Step Crisco Pie Crust Recipe Instructions
1. Combine Dry Ingredients
Begin this recipe by whisking flour and salt in a large bowl. Even seasoning prevents salty pockets in the final crust.
2. Cut in the Shortening
Add cold Crisco to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender, fork, or two knives, cut until you see pea-sized crumbs. Those bits form the layers central to the Crisco pie crust recipe.
3. Add Ice Water Gradually
Sprinkle ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently. Stop once dough holds together. Avoid over-hydrating; your Crisco pie crust recipe dough should be slightly shaggy.
4. Form, Flatten, and Chill
Gather dough into a ball, divide for double crusts, and flatten each into a disk. Wrap in plastic and chill for at least 30 minutes. This resting time solidifies the fat pockets for your recipe
5. Roll Out and Fit
On a lightly floured surface, roll to about 1/8″ thickness. Rotate frequently to maintain even thickness in your recipe . Gently transfer into your pie pan without stretching.
6. Blind Bake or Fill and Bake
- Blind Bake (for cream pies): Line with parchment, fill with weights, bake 425°F for 15 minutes, remove weights, bake 5–7 minutes more.
- Fill & Bake (for fruit or savory pies): Add filling and bake according to your recipe.
Either way, following the Crisco pie crust recipe steps ensures a perfect foundation.
Pro Tips to Perfect Your Recipe
- Keep Everything Cold
Chill Crisco, water, bowl, and tools. Cold fat in the Crisco pie crust recipe prevents premature melting. - Handle Dough Minimally
Overworking develops gluten. For the Crisco pie crust recipe, mix only until combined. - Double Chill
Rest the dough before rolling, then again after lining the pan. This stops your Crisco pie crust recipe from shrinking. - Use Light Pressure
Press the dough gently. Stretching ruptures layers important to your Crisco pie crust recipe. - Monitor Browning
Bake in a glass dish for clear visibility. Tent edges with foil if they brown too quickly during the Crisco pie crust recipe bake.
Variations on the Crisco Pie Crust Recipe
Sweet Crisco Pie Crust Variation
- Stir 1 tablespoon sugar into the dry mix for dessert pies.
- Optional: add ½ teaspoon cinnamon for warmth.
Savory Herb-Infused Crust
- Mix in 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary—ideal for quiches or pot pies.
Butter-Flavored Crisco Technique
- Swap ¼ cup of shortening with cold, unsalted butter. You’ll still follow the Crisco pie crust recipe method but gain extra buttery depth.
- Each variation retains the core this recipe steps while introducing new flavors.
Troubleshooting Your Recipe
| Problem | Cause | Fix |
| Dry, Cracking Dough | Too little water | Add 1 tsp ice water until pliable. |
| Tough Crust | Overmixing | Mix until just combined; chill and re-roll. |
| Shrinking Crust | Dough overstretched or not chilled | Chill dough; avoid stretching when lining the pan. |
| Soggy Bottom | Wet filling on raw dough | Blind bake before adding filling. |
Storage & Make-Ahead Strategies
- Refrigerate: Dough disks, wrapped, last up to 3 days
- Freeze: Wrap disks in plastic + foil for up to 3 months; thaw overnight before rolling.
- Pre-Roll: Line pie pans with dough and freeze; bake straight from freezer (add 2–3 minutes to bake time).
These strategies streamline your pie recipe workflow for busy days.
Crisco Pie Crust Recipe FAQ
Q: Can I mix butter and shortening?
Yes—use a 50/50 blend to meld butter’s flavor with shortening’s flake in your Crisco pie crust recipe.
Q: Is the Crisco pie dough vegan?
Absolutely. Shortening is plant-based; ensure fillings are too for a fully vegan Crisco pie crust recipe.
Q: Why does my crust shrink?
Often from overworked dough or skipping chill time. Thorough chilling is vital to the Crisco pie crust recipe.
Q: Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes—swap up to 50% whole wheat; expect a denser texture in your recipe
For more flaky-crust inspiration, visit Allrecipes.com
You’ve mastered the Crisco pie crust recipe—from precise measurements and temperature control to expert handling techniques, troubleshooting, and make-ahead methods. By keeping ingredients cold, handling dough gently, and following each step, you’ll consistently bake crusts that are tender, flaky, and utterly delicious. Ready to bake? Gather your shortening, flour, and ice water, and let your next pie showcase your pastry prowess. Enjoy every flaky bite!