All-Butter Flaky Pie Crust

Elijah Grounds

This all-butter pie crust recipe is inspired by classic French pâte brisée but adapted with an American soul. It's a recipe cherished in my kitchen for its versatility, reliable flakiness, and rich flavor. Whether you're preparing a rustic fruit pie or a savory quiche, this crust will elevate your baking game with minimal ingredients and maximum technique.

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 20

Total Time 20

Course Bread

Cuisine Fusion / Other

Servings pie crust (for 9-inch pie pan)

Calories 1390 kcal

Equipment

Mixing bowl
Pastry cutter or food processor
Plastic wrap
Rolling Pin

Ingredients

1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour preferably unbleached
½ tsp fine sea salt
½ tsp granulated sugar optional, enhances browning
½ cup unsalted butter chilled and cubed, high-quality butter like Plugrá or Kerrygold recommended
3–5 tbsp ice water add gradually until dough just comes together

Instructions

Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sea salt, and sugar (if using) until well combined.
Cut in the Butter: Add the cold butter cubes to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized bits of butter. You can also use a food processor and pulse in short bursts.
Add Ice Water: Sprinkle in 3 tablespoons of ice water and gently toss with a fork. Continue adding 1 tablespoon at a time until the dough just holds together when pinched. Do not overwork—visible butter pockets are key to flakiness.
Form and Chill the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface, gather it into a disc about 1 inch thick, and wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 2 days before rolling out.

Notes

Use frozen butter grated on a box grater for even faster and easier incorporation.
For a savory twist, add 1 tsp of finely chopped rosemary or thyme to the flour mixture.
For gluten-free, substitute a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend and add 1/2 tsp xanthan gum.

Nutrition

Calories: 1390kcalCarbohydrates: 121gProtein: 17gFat: 94gSaturated Fat: 59gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 24gTrans Fat: 4gCholesterol: 244mgSodium: 1181mgPotassium: 195mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 2839IUCalcium: 53mgIron: 7mg

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