Classic Single-Crust Sweet Pie Shell
This Classic Single-Crust Sweet Pie Shell is the perfect foundation for any dessert pie, elevating the flavors of your favorite fillings, such as the delightful Lemon Cheesecake Streusel Pie. Made with a buttery, flaky texture that melts in your mouth, this pie shell is versatile enough for any sweet treat, whether it's filled with fruits, cream, or custards. Prepare this easy-to-make crust in advance and impress your family and friends with a beautiful homemade pie. Ideal for any occasion!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
All-purpose flour
1 1/3 cups (measured)
Granulated sugar
2 tablespoons (measured)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (measured)
Cold butter
1/2 cup (cubed)
Egg yolk
1 (beaten, for binding)
Ice water
2 tablespoons (chilled)
Instructions
1
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Mix well to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
2
Using a pastry blender or your fingers, cut the cold, cubed butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs, with some larger pieces remaining for texture.
3
In a small liquid measuring cup, beat the egg yolk and mix in the ice water. Gradually drizzle this mixture over the dry ingredients, mixing briskly with a fork until the dough begins to clump together.
4
Transfer the dough onto a clean surface and gather it into a ball. Flatten the ball into a disc shape, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow it to chill and firm up.
5
Once chilled, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll the pastry out to a generous 1/8-inch thickness, making sure to rotate the dough as you roll for even thickness.
6
Carefully transfer the rolled pastry to a 9-inch pie plate, gently pressing it into place. Trim the edge to leave a 3/4-inch overhang, and then fold the overhang under itself, creating a thicker edge. Crimp or flute the edges for an elegant finish.
7
To pre-bake the crust, place it in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool before adding your desired filling.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Classic Single-Crust Sweet Pie Shell?
It is a buttery, flaky pie crust designed specifically for sweet dessert fillings like fruits, creams, or custards.
What type of flour is required for this recipe?
You should use 1 1/3 cups of measured all-purpose flour.
How much sugar is added to the crust?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar to give the shell its sweet flavor.
What is the purpose of the salt in the dough?
A 1/4 teaspoon of salt is included to balance the sweetness and enhance the overall flavor of the pastry.
Why must the butter be cold?
Cold butter is essential for creating a flaky texture; it creates small steam pockets as it melts during baking.
How should I prepare the butter?
You should use 1/2 cup of cold butter that has been cut into small cubes.
What is the role of the egg yolk?
The egg yolk acts as a binding agent, adding richness and helping the dough hold its shape.
How much water do I need to add?
You need 2 tablespoons of chilled ice water.
What tool should I use to mix the butter into the flour?
You can use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour mixture.
What should the mixture look like after adding the butter?
The mixture should resemble coarse crumbs, with some larger pieces of butter remaining for texture.
How should the egg yolk and water be combined?
Beat the egg yolk in a small liquid measuring cup and then mix in the ice water before adding it to the flour.
How do I incorporate the liquid into the dry ingredients?
Gradually drizzle the liquid over the dry ingredients while mixing briskly with a fork until the dough clumps.
What is the next step after the dough begins to clump?
Transfer the dough to a clean surface, gather it into a ball, and flatten it into a disc shape.
How long should the dough be refrigerated?
The dough needs to be wrapped in plastic and chilled for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
What is the correct oven temperature for pre-baking?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) before baking the crust.
How thick should the pastry be rolled out?
Roll the pastry out on a lightly floured surface to a generous 1/8-inch thickness.
What size pie plate is this recipe designed for?
This recipe is designed for a standard 9-inch pie plate.
How do I ensure an even thickness when rolling?
Make sure to rotate the dough frequently as you roll it out.
How much overhang should I leave when trimming the dough?
Trim the edge to leave a 3/4-inch overhang beyond the rim of the pie plate.
How do I create a thicker edge on the crust?
Fold the 3/4-inch overhang under itself to create a reinforced, thicker edge.
What is the best way to finish the edges for an elegant look?
You can crimp or flute the edges of the crust for a decorative finish.
How long does the crust need to bake?
Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes.
How do I know when the crust is finished baking?
The crust is done when it has turned a light golden brown color.
Should I add the filling immediately after baking?
No, you should remove the crust from the oven and let it cool completely before adding your desired filling.
Can this crust be used for fruit pies?
Yes, it is versatile enough for fruit, cream, or custard-based sweet pies.
Is this a single-crust or double-crust recipe?
This is specifically a single-crust recipe, intended for pies that do not require a top layer of pastry.
Is this recipe suitable for a Lemon Cheesecake Streusel Pie?
Yes, this sweet pie shell is described as the perfect foundation for a Lemon Cheesecake Streusel Pie.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 total ingredients: flour, sugar, salt, butter, egg yolk, and ice water.
What tags describe this recipe?
Tags include pie crust, sweet pastry, dessert, baking, buttery crust, homemade, single crust, and flaky pastry.
Can I make this pie shell in advance?
Yes, the description suggests you can prepare this easy-to-make crust in advance for any occasion.