Everyone needs a tried-and-true pie crust recipe in their repertoire. This basic pie crust with shortening, which comes together with fewer than five pantry staples, is perfect for all your pastry crust needs.
![overhead view of a fresh berry pie made with the best ever pie crust](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/HNmJsn_fFfIDNDvQX1_1f3oAgfg=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/12111_best-ever-pie-crust_Rita-3x2-1-35bd89276e294c658e162b36e26a6eb7.jpg)
What Sets This Pie Crust Apart?
When it comes to pie crust, the type of fat you use makes all the difference. This pie crust calls for shortening, which is easy to incorporate into the dough and makes the crust easier to roll out. Plus, a pie crust with shortening holds its shape better than others. This means it's a great choice if you're planning to make a decorative pie.
Best Ever Pie Crust Ingredients
You can make this top-rated pie crust with just four ingredients you probably already have on hand. Here's what you'll need:
Flour
All-purpose flour is best for this pie crust recipe. It has the perfect amount of gluten, which ensures a sturdy and flaky pie crust with plenty of elasticity.
Salt
Just a teaspoon of salt adds depth of flavor. It seems like a simple step, but you definitely don't want to skip this ingredient.
Shortening
Again, shortening is what sets this pie crust apart from the rest. It's important to make sure the shortening is very cold before you incorporate it into the dough — cut it into small pieces and freeze it for about 30 minutes first.
Ice Water
Using ice-cold water is the key to a flaky, tender crust that will be impossible to resist. Room temperature water simply won't produce the same results.
How to Make Pie Crust
It's surprising how easily this pie crust comes together. You'll find the full, step-by-step recipe below — but here's a brief overview of what you can expect when you make this foolproof recipe:
Whisk together the flour and salt. Cut in cold shortening with a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the ice water in increments, stirring with a fork, until the dough is moist enough to mold easily. Chill the dough for at least four hours. When it's sufficiently chilled, roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface. Fit the dough into a pie plate, press it into the shape, and use according to your recipe.
How to Use Pie Crust With Shortening
![overhead view of homemade double crust pie made with Best Ever Pie Crust decorated with leaf-shaped pastry cutouts and fluted pastry rim](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/VDY_YfTqwaTKqlrI_AgU7zw3KVw=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/8076113-best-ever-pie-crust-photo-by-scouser-edited-2000-9c565e3e16794410ad0be36dba846914.jpg)
Like we mentioned before, a pie crust with shortening is ideal for decorative baked goods because it holds its shape very well.
Find gorgeous inspiration: 9 Creative Ways to Decorate Eye-Popping Pie Crusts
As far as filling goes, the world is your oyster. Opt for something fresh and fruity, a decadent custard, or even a fancy chiffon. Just make sure to follow your recipe, as many pie recipes require par- or pre-baking the crust.
Get the recipe ideas:
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Explore our entire collection of Pie Recipes.
Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise
"Chill EVERYTHING before beginning," advises hungdaemon. "I put the bowl and pastry cutter in the refrigerator, and I keep 1 ice cube in the water to keep it cold. It keeps the shortening from blending too much with the flour, leaving you with little pockets of shortening that result in extra flakes."
"I used this pie crust recipe to make my very first homemade apple pie," says one Allrecipes community member. "It was very easy to make and work with. It's definitely the best pie crust I've ever had!!"
"This is the perfect pie crust," raves ERMB. "Over the years I have tried other recipes that cut down on the shortening but haven't been this light and flaky. Also, the less you handle it the flakier it is. I used about 5 Tbsp. of water and that was enough – but make sure it is ice cold. Sometimes the best recipes are so basic."
Editorial contributions by Corey Williams
Ingredients
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon salt
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1 cup shortening, cut into small pieces and frozen for 30 minutes
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½ cup ice-cold water, or as needed
Directions
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Whisk together flour and salt in a large bowl. Cut in chilled shortening with a pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse, pea-sized crumbs.
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Add 1/4 cup ice-cold water; use a fork to stir the flour up from the bottom, just until it's mixed in. Press down on any chunks and continue working the dough around the bowl. Continue to add ice-cold water, in 1 tablespoon increments, mixing just until dough is moist enough to hold together when molded; you will not need more than 4 tablespoons and in fact, may need less. Do not add too much water!
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
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Gently gather dough together into a ball. Divide in half, and flatten each half into a 1-inch-thick disc. Wrap each disc in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. For best results, chill for 4 hours, or up to 2 days.
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When ready to use, roll dough on a lightly floured surface, being careful not to overwork it.
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
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Fit dough into a pie plate. If it crumbles or tears as you work it, just pinch and press it back into shape.
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Use as directed in your pie recipe.
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Recipe Tip
You can use 1/2 butter and 1/2 shortening if preferred. Just make sure they are cut into small pieces and frozen for 30 minutes prior to use.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
170 | Calories |
13g | Fat |
12g | Carbs |
2g | Protein |
Nutrition Facts | |
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Servings Per Recipe 16 | |
Calories 170 | |
% Daily Value * | |
Total Fat 13g | 17% |
Saturated Fat 3g | 16% |
Sodium 146mg | 6% |
Total Carbohydrate 12g | 4% |
Dietary Fiber 0g | 1% |
Protein 2g | 3% |
Calcium 3mg | 0% |
Iron 1mg | 4% |
Potassium 17mg | 0% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.