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You are here: Home / Recipes / Baking / Three Tips for Picture Perfect Pie Crust

Three Tips for Picture Perfect Pie Crust

14 · Nov 27, 2013 · 109 Comments

This post brought to you by Crisco // When I  was about 14 years old, I had a wise woman in my life, her name was Mrs. Robinson, who gave me some great advice… When in the kitchen, learn how to make one thing REALLY well. If you love chocolate cake, learn how to make the best chocolate cake. If you love pies, learn how to make the best pie out there. She said that if you have one really good dessert recipe, you could catch any guy you want. LOL!! Well, I decided that I wanted to make the perfect pie. To be more specific, I wanted to learn how to make the perfect pie crust. That way I could have several more options when it came to my man catching baking skills! 

I have to say, I got pretty good at it. I was always called on to make the pies in my house during the holidays and after many attempts after awhile, they turned out nice and flaky every time.    Then I met my so-to-be husband and boy was she right… He loved pies. All kinds of pies… Blueberry, Peach, Cherry & Apple.  I was golden… Thank you Mrs. Robinson!!

Recently, I was asked by the lovely folks at Crisco to become a Crisco Pie Partner and I was thrilled. I'm excited for two reasons… I'm excited to share some of my hard earned pie tips and tricks with you, and that  I could also honor my friend Mrs. Robinson, who has since passed on by sharing her sweet advice with all of you. So here you have it… Some tricks to making Picture Perfect Pie Crust EVERY TIME thanks to Mrs. Robinson.

Picture Perfect Pie Crust with Crisco-16 copy

With the holidays here, we are all gearing up to do all kinds of holiday baking and pies are always on the list. However, many of us have taken to using store bought frozen pie crust and my friends… it's just not the same. We have been tricked into thinking that pie crust is hard to make and it's not. It's really rather easy if you follow a few basic principles. Here are my tried and true pie crust secrets…

Tip #1 // Selecting the Right Ingredients

For years the debate with pie crust has been, which fat is better… Butter, Crisco or Lard? After MANY years of making pies and trying each option myself, I hands down select Crisco shortening every time. It just seems to make the lightest, flakiest crust each time. Sometimes I will do half butter, half Crisco if I'm wanting that buttery flavor but I always use Crisco or even the butter flavored Baking Sticks. The recipe I'm using today is your simple basic pie crust using just flour, salt, Crisco and water…

Picture Perfect Pie Crust with Crisco Ingredients

It's super simple click HERE to visit the recipe page. Can I just take a minute and thank Crisco for coming up with the Baking Sticks… I LOVE them!! No mess, no fuss and the measuring is done for you. PERFECT!!

Tip #2 // Cold Ingredients are your Friend

The absolute key to making good crust is to use COLD ingredients. I place my Crisco Baking Sticks in the freezer for a few hours before hand and I use ice cold water when mixing the crust. I also try not to touch the dough too much with my warm hands. That will also cause the dough to warm up and you don't want that.

The reason why you want things to stay cold is… You want your Crisco to stay solid and in small little pieces within the crust. When those little nuggets are hit by the heat in the oven that is what makes those flaky little pockets in the crust that we love so much. Without those little gems, your crust will turn out solid and tough and not a whole lot of fun to eat. 

To start, I place my flour and salt in a large bowl. Then I remove the Crisco from the freezer and cut it into small pieces…

Picture Perfect Pie Crust with Crisco-2

Sometimes, I even stick the Crisco back in the freezer for a few minutes after I have cut it, in order for it to chill again.  Then I place my shortening into the bowl with my flour and salt. Using a pastry cutter I cut the Crisco into the flour…

Picture Perfect Pie Crust with Crisco-3

Again, you want to make sure to leave your shortening in small little pea size pieces so don't over work. 

Tip #3 // The Key is a Light Hand

When it comes to working with this kind of dough. a light hand is key. Don't over mix the Crisco into the flour. Next, you will lightly fold in the cold ice water into the dough. I use a rubber spatula at this stage and gently fold in the water starting with one tablespoon and slowly mixing it just until the dough starts to come together. Again… light hand here. The more you mix the tougher the dough will be.

Picture Perfect Pie Crust with Crisco-6

For this crust, the recipe calls for 3-6 tablespoons of water. I ended up using 4 but, that will depend on your environment where you are baking. You may need more, you may need less. Then I pour the loose dough out onto a clean board and this is what it should look like…

Pour your dough on a clean surface

Now, this is the one step where I will quickly use my hands. I carefully pull the dough together and form it into a disk like so…

Picture Perfect Pie Crust with Crisco-8

Then I wrap it in plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes. Once it has chilled again, than I am ready to roll it out. On a clean floured surface I roll out my dough. I carefully turn the dough after a few passes with the rolling pin, to ensure that the dough doesn't stick to the board. You may even need to turn it and flour your surface  a few times. But, be careful not to over flour.

Then using your rolling pin as a handy tool… roll the dough onto your pie plate…

Use your rolling pin to help transfer the crust to your pie plate #pictureperfectpiecrust

I trim my edges a bit and then crimp my edges using my two finger pinching method…

crimping pie crust

Now, you have the perfect canvas for any pie that you can dream up…

Picture Perfect Pie Crust with Crisco-13

Not sure what to make? Crisco has you covered! Here are some fabulous resources for creating the perfect pie…

  • You can call the Crisco Pie Hotline 1-877-FOR PIE TIPS (877-367-7438) for all kinds of around the clock PIE help this holiday season!
  • Crisco has a Picture Perfect Pie Pinterest board that has all kinds of fabulous recipes.
  • The Crisco Kitchen has teamed up with Michele Stuart owner of Michele's pies in Connecticut, she is over at Crisco's site sharing all kinds of fun pie tips and ideas.
  • Crisco is hosting a fun Rate & Review contest for a chance to win a Michele Stuart pie prize pack. Visit the Rate & Review site to rate your favorite pie for a chance to win!

I hope Crisco and I have inspired you to pass on the freezer pie crust and try your hand in a truly homemade pie. I promise, if you follow these tips you will blow your family away with your scrumptious pies this year! In order to do just that… Crisco is giving away a fabulous Perfect Pie Prize Pack to one of you!! Here is what you will win…

  • Breville Personal Pie Maker
  • Babycakes Pie Pop Maker
  • Sur La Table® Ruffled Pie Plates
  • Lattice pie top cutter
  • Pie Pop sticks

A Prize Pack valued at $200!! Follow the directions in the Rafflecopter box below to enter. This giveaway is open to those with a shipping address within the United States and will be open from November 27-January 2 with the winner announced on January 3rd.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer // This post is sponsored by Crisco. I did receive payment for development of this post.

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Comments

  1. Amber Wright says

    November 27, 2013 at 8:57 am

    Coconut cream pie, hands down….although the more I think about it the more I want a piece of that banana cream pie. Totally not Thanksgiving-like pies, but I can eat them anytime of year!

    Reply
  2. patty williams says

    November 27, 2013 at 9:01 am

    I agree !  CRISCO is a must and ice water !  I've learned long ago to not overwork the dough.  FLAKEY delectable crust !  yum yum !

    Reply
  3. Apryl says

    November 27, 2013 at 9:04 am

    Chocolate Chess is hands down my favorite!!  But any pie is wonderful.

    Reply
  4. Angie says

    November 27, 2013 at 9:06 am

    I've never been able to make a good pie crust.  Thanks for the tips!

    Reply
  5. Tanya P. says

    November 27, 2013 at 9:06 am

    Brown Sugar Apple Pie looks yummy!

    Reply
  6. Allison says

    November 27, 2013 at 9:07 am

    Apple pie is one of my favorites to make. 

    Reply
  7. Pam Sohan says

    November 27, 2013 at 9:11 am

    Pumpkin Parmeson Empanadas.  Love these! 

    Reply
  8. lizzzzy says

    November 27, 2013 at 9:12 am

    That autumn apple cobbler is speaking to me! Mmm….

    Reply
  9. Kathryn Garner says

    November 27, 2013 at 9:13 am

    Thank you for these helpful tips.  They will come in handy for me today (since I am baking 5 pies today).  I did a review on the Georgia Peach Pie. 

    Reply
  10. Robin C. says

    November 27, 2013 at 9:13 am

    The banana cream pie is simply the best as I said in my glowing review!

    Reply
  11. Carol W. says

    November 27, 2013 at 9:15 am

    Oh yummy the pumpkin empanadas. Thank you for the pie crust recipe, giving this a try.

    Reply
  12. fawn strunk says

    November 27, 2013 at 9:15 am

    Bannana cream pie tops it all.    thanks fawn 

    [email protected]

    Reply
  13. Jeannie Murphy says

    November 27, 2013 at 9:17 am

    I make a one crust lemon pie and so the crust has to stand out. Crisco helps make it the best.

     

    Reply
  14. Becca Hill says

    November 27, 2013 at 9:18 am

    Brown Sugar Apple pie

    Reply
  15. Christy K. says

    November 27, 2013 at 9:19 am

    The coconut cream pie is my favorite!  It has always been a favorite pie in my family and I cannot wait to give this one a try.

    Reply
  16. Erin says

    November 27, 2013 at 9:19 am

    I love the flavor brown sugar adds, so I of course am all over the Brown Sugar Apple Pie

    Reply
  17. Kelley says

    November 27, 2013 at 9:20 am

    I've been making pie crust with Crisco forever – my Grandmother's recipe!  Great post!!

    Reply
  18. Vanessa says

    November 27, 2013 at 9:34 am

    I Love pecans, definitely spiced pumpkin pecan pie!

    Reply
  19. Sharon K says

    November 27, 2013 at 9:34 am

    Pineapple is my favorite or maybe Banana Cream, there is too many kinds that are goodl

    Reply
  20. Sandra says

    November 27, 2013 at 9:39 am

    Spiced pumpkin pecan pie, a combo of my 2 favorite Thanksgiving pies!

    Reply
  21. Erin Y says

    November 27, 2013 at 9:41 am

    If I had to pick one I would probably have to pick the spiced pumpkin pecan. Pumpkin and pecan are in my top three favorites. I'll have to try combining them this year!

    Reply
  22. Cheryl S. says

    November 27, 2013 at 9:46 am

    Apples, apples, apples….how can a few trees put out so much fruit? Thankfully, I LOVE apple pie!

    Reply
  23. Diana Bell says

    November 27, 2013 at 9:46 am

    Brown sugar apple… classic

    Reply
  24. katrina mccoy says

    November 27, 2013 at 9:52 am

    PECAN PIE

    Reply
  25. Jamie says

    November 27, 2013 at 9:55 am

    Mmm, spiced pumpkin pecan pie? That might actually make me like pumpkin pie!

    Reply
  26. Cori W says

    November 27, 2013 at 9:56 am

    The Brown Sugar Apple Pie looks like my favorite. I can't wait to try making it.

    Reply
  27. Le says

    November 27, 2013 at 10:07 am

    pecan pie

    Reply
  28. Laura says

    November 27, 2013 at 10:09 am

    I wish I had some of the triple berry right about now…

    Reply
  29. Lisa T says

    November 27, 2013 at 10:17 am

    The spiced pecan pumpkin pie sounds delicious!

    Reply
  30. Nancy says

    November 27, 2013 at 10:20 am

    If you don't mind, what is the name of the font that spells "picture perfect" ?   I love it.  The pie looks incredible too!

    Reply
  31. Connie says

    November 27, 2013 at 10:25 am

    I love Coconut Creme pie, that one is my favorite!

    Reply
  32. rachel says

    November 27, 2013 at 10:26 am

    apple…hands down

    Reply
  33. Cyndy says

    November 27, 2013 at 10:34 am

    Brown Sugar Apple Pie

    Reply
  34. Nina Black says

    November 27, 2013 at 11:21 am

    Did someone say pie??  Love them all but especially the coconut cream.  Also sour cream apple is a favorite.

    Reply
  35. Bonnie M says

    November 27, 2013 at 11:22 am

     I'd never use any other shortening than Crisco in it! I am intrigued by the little pie maker. I learned to make this pie crust recipe on my honeymoon many, many years ago and, like your friend said, learned to be the best at pie making that I could be. She was right 🙂

    Reply
  36. Kelly says

    November 27, 2013 at 11:23 am

    Triple Berry sounds awesome!

    Reply
  37. Bonnie M says

    November 27, 2013 at 11:24 am

    That pecan/pumpkin pie looks wonderful!!

     

    Reply
  38. Cindy B says

    November 27, 2013 at 11:28 am

    Looks great!

    Reply
  39. Ana S says

    November 27, 2013 at 11:30 am

    Mmmmmmpie. My husband’s favorite food group

    Reply
  40. Lawana whaley says

    November 27, 2013 at 11:43 am

    Love banana cream…crisco is The only way to go

    Reply
  41. marie says

    November 27, 2013 at 11:49 am

    Crisco & ice water is hands down the most important part!!

    Reply
  42. katana says

    November 27, 2013 at 11:50 am

    My mom makes epic pie crust and she also warned not to use your hands too much! Now I know why! Thanks!

    Reply
  43. Emily says

    November 27, 2013 at 12:22 pm

    The banana cream pie looks food it’s my husband’s favorite.

    Reply
  44. Tonia R says

    November 27, 2013 at 12:26 pm

    Triple berry apple hand pie fascinates me! I would definitely give that one a spin.

    Reply
  45. Terri C says

    November 27, 2013 at 12:39 pm

    The coconut cream pie is our family favorite . We love it!

    Reply
  46. Brenda says

    November 27, 2013 at 12:49 pm

    The coconut cream pie is delicious. I've been nervous to make pie crusts, but because of your tips, I'm willing to give it a try!

    Reply
  47. Debbie Ford says

    November 27, 2013 at 1:01 pm

    I never make a pie without Crisco.

    Reply
  48. Dawn says

    November 27, 2013 at 1:11 pm

    I've never seen a little pie maker like that before!  I NEED THIS.

    Reply
  49. Lauren says

    November 27, 2013 at 1:15 pm

    I rated the brown sugar apple pie. Yummy!

    Reply
  50. D-lyn says

    November 27, 2013 at 1:16 pm

    Yummy
    Just made a couple pies
    I live apple and my guy likes cherry
    But this time of year I enjoy pumpkin pie

    Reply
  51. Linda says

    November 27, 2013 at 1:16 pm

    My family loves all types of pies……pecan, chocolate, chess, pumpkin, apple, cherry, coconut, peach…..we never met a pie one of us didn't like!

     

     

     

    Reply
  52. Robin says

    November 27, 2013 at 1:17 pm

    Love pies–good tips on putting it back into the freezer in between times–

    Reply
  53. Linda Carson says

    November 27, 2013 at 1:17 pm

    My favorite thing to bake is pies!  I'm going w/the Brown Sugar Apple Pie!

    Reply
  54. Brandi Bryant says

    November 27, 2013 at 1:31 pm

    My favorite is the All-American Cherry Pie.

    Reply
  55. Debbie Craine says

    November 27, 2013 at 1:41 pm

    Coconut Creame Pie Love this one.

    Reply
  56. Sonia says

    November 27, 2013 at 2:16 pm

    love coconut cream

    Reply
  57. Trisha Brown says

    November 27, 2013 at 2:23 pm

    Banana Creme Pie. My pie crust always shrinks down so it's not at the top of the pan. Any advice or tips on this? I try to make sure it's pressed in good but still no success.

    Reply
  58. Theresa J says

    November 27, 2013 at 2:33 pm

    Georgia peach pie so yummy

    Reply
  59. Mandy R says

    November 27, 2013 at 3:07 pm

    Georgia Peach!!

    Reply
  60. April H. says

    November 27, 2013 at 3:09 pm

    i could eat coconut cream pie morning, noon, and night!!!YUMMMMM

     

    Reply
  61. Kelly F. says

    November 27, 2013 at 3:23 pm

    Triple berry apple hand pie.

    Reply
  62. Annemarie says

    November 27, 2013 at 3:25 pm

    I love apple pie

    Reply
  63. Ashley says

    November 27, 2013 at 3:28 pm

    Brown sugar apple pie; apple pie is my favorite!

    Reply
  64. stephanie says

    November 27, 2013 at 3:31 pm

    Pecan Pie is my favorite then apple pie

    Reply
  65. Sarah R. says

    November 27, 2013 at 3:35 pm

    I love the Buttermilk Lemon Pie.  A great tasting twist on a classic.

    Reply
  66. Nancy says

    November 27, 2013 at 4:38 pm

    Pumpkin Caramel Trifle!!!!

    Reply
  67. Kristine mcnairy says

    November 27, 2013 at 4:49 pm

    Apple!

    Reply
  68. Heather Mathews says

    November 27, 2013 at 5:25 pm

    Raspberry pie!!!  YUMMO!!!

     

    Reply
  69. Lindsay Mazzetta says

    November 27, 2013 at 5:51 pm

    what an amazing giveaway!!! I would love to win this for my sister!! she is a wonderful baker!!!! 🙂

    Reply
  70. Becky Hooker says

    November 27, 2013 at 5:58 pm

    The brown sugar apple pie hands down. 

    Reply
  71. Aimee says

    November 27, 2013 at 6:03 pm

    The coconut sounds amazing!!!

    Reply
  72. Ceria Fernandez says

    November 27, 2013 at 6:11 pm

    Sweet potato pie

    Reply
  73. Sheena Tatum says

    November 27, 2013 at 6:34 pm

    Spiced Pumpkin Pecan Pie

    Reply
  74. Paige says

    November 27, 2013 at 6:43 pm

    The spiced pecan pumpkin pie sounds awesome!

    Reply
  75. Debra Womack says

    November 27, 2013 at 6:45 pm

    The Autumn Apple cobbler looks soooooo good. 🙂

    Reply
  76. Heather says

    November 27, 2013 at 6:53 pm

    apple cobbler – warm, with a little touch of cinnamon or vanilla ice cream on top.  please and thank you!

    Reply
  77. Sarah B. says

    November 27, 2013 at 7:05 pm

    This time of year, I love pear pie, but I didn't see that on the list, so I'll go with apple.  During the summer, though, peach pie all the way!

    Reply
  78. Sandy Lasher says

    November 27, 2013 at 7:08 pm

    The Autumn Apple cobbler looks wonderful!!

    Reply
  79. Kasia says

    November 27, 2013 at 7:17 pm

    Pecan pie 🙂

    Reply
  80. Jenny Cantwell says

    November 27, 2013 at 7:49 pm

    Coconut cream, beautiful

    Reply
  81. Jayme says

    November 27, 2013 at 8:52 pm

    Banana! Always my fave!

    Reply
  82. jan says

    November 27, 2013 at 9:18 pm

    Love the buttermilk lemon pie

    Reply
  83. Rosalie McCracken says

    November 27, 2013 at 9:30 pm

    I have dreams of lemon meringue pies. Mmmmmm

    Reply
  84. CathyK says

    November 27, 2013 at 9:58 pm

    Coconut Creme Pie, YUM!

    Reply
  85. ritainalaska says

    November 27, 2013 at 10:02 pm

    my eighth-grade home-ec teacher taught us this recipe 60years ago, except to cut the Crisco in with crossed table knives.  I made perfect pies until the middle seventies when the dog, who never touched table food ate my four pies I had made and left on the counter  the night before thanksgiving.  haven't made a pie since.

    Reply
  86. Cheryl says

    November 27, 2013 at 10:10 pm

    I Love pie! Triple Berry pie has my vote!

    Reply
  87. Andrea Smith says

    November 27, 2013 at 10:20 pm

    Blueberry…my ultimate favorite..and watching my girls decorate their pies!  Memories I cherish!

    Reply
  88. Katie says

    November 28, 2013 at 4:32 am

    My chose Pumpkin Pie. Always a favorite of mine.

    Reply
  89. Antoinette says

    November 28, 2013 at 4:38 am

    Just got new glass pie plates from Big Lots! Can’t wait to try this method….especially in the summer! Thanks!

    Reply
  90. Jennifer says

    November 28, 2013 at 4:41 am

    Oh my! The brown sugar apple pie for sure!!!

    Reply
  91. Tracy says

    November 28, 2013 at 5:11 am

    coconut cream…………

    Reply
  92. Mary Burnett says

    November 28, 2013 at 5:42 am

    brown sugar apple pie

    Reply
  93. Valeria says

    November 28, 2013 at 7:14 am

    Nothing like the smell of apple pie coming out of the oven….mmmmm..

    Reply
  94. Michelle says

    November 28, 2013 at 10:43 am

    Still trying for the perfect pie crust! Thanks for the advice, I already have my man and he does love pie!

    Reply
  95. Des says

    November 28, 2013 at 11:16 am

    Daughter wants to catch a guy!!  Great advice!!  😉

    Reply
  96. Pat L Toler says

    November 28, 2013 at 2:41 pm

    Beautiful pie crust! My husband likes pies too, so I needed the help!!

    Reply
  97. tammigirl says

    November 28, 2013 at 6:29 pm

    I rated the brown sugar apple pie. 

    Reply
  98. Jennifer McFerran says

    November 29, 2013 at 4:21 am

    Cherry pie – yum!

    Reply
  99. Jennifer McFerran says

    November 29, 2013 at 4:23 am

    My kids declared the banana cream pie was the one they'd most like me to bake next:)

    Reply
  100. Anne says

    November 29, 2013 at 10:51 am

    Thanks for the tips.  I struggle with pie crust, whereas my mother is a master.  I did say, however, that I was going to work at it…

    Reply
  101. Nicole says

    November 29, 2013 at 3:40 pm

    Yum! I'm going with the Brown Sugar Apple Pie!

    Reply
  102. Jessica w says

    November 30, 2013 at 11:12 am

    I rated the brown sugar apple pie!

    Reply
  103. Anita K says

    November 30, 2013 at 2:00 pm

    I really need to practice making pie dough, still not my best baking skill. But I make a great chocolate cake  🙂

    Reply
  104. Katie says

    December 2, 2013 at 8:57 am

    I picked the coconut cream pie 🙂 I have never made one before, but it looks good!

    Reply
  105. Pamela says

    December 4, 2013 at 9:48 am

    My grandma made great pie crusts and she used cold ingredients too. 

    Reply
  106. Jessica says

    December 15, 2013 at 3:27 pm

    Coconut cream pie got my vote.

    Reply
  107. Ida says

    December 18, 2013 at 7:49 pm

    I love making my own pie crust dough. I usually make apple and pumpkin pies.

    Reply
  108. Kimberly says

    December 26, 2013 at 8:46 pm

    I would love to win the $200 perfect pie crust pack! I love to bake pecan, apple, pumpkin, blueberry pies. Am also learning to make them all gluten free for my hubby who was newly diagnosed with Celiac Disease right at this holiday. 🙁 I always make my own pie crust because nothing tastes better. Happy baking!

    Reply

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Hello... my name is Heather and I'm the creator of WhipperBerry a creative lifestyle blog packed full of great recipes and creative ideas for your home and family. I find I am happiest when I'm living a creative life and I love to share what I've been up to along the way... Come explore, my hope is that you'll leave inspired!

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