As a lover of homemade pies, I’ve always been on the lookout for a pie crust recipe that’s both easy to make and consistently delicious. That’s why I’m excited to share with you my favorite Amish Never Fail Pie Crust recipe. This crust is perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike, and it works beautifully for both sweet and savory pies.
Quick Facts
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Serving Size: Makes 2 pie crusts (9-inch each)
Why You’ll Love It
This Amish Never Fail Pie Crust is a game-changer for several reasons:
- Easy to Make: The recipe is simple and doesn’t require any cold ingredients or long chilling times.
- Versatile: It works perfectly for hot pies, cold pies, and even hand pies.
- Flaky Texture: The combination of vegetable shortening and a special liquid mixture ensures a delicate, flaky crust every time.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 ½ cups vegetable shortening, cubed
- 1 large egg, beaten and room temperature
- 1 tablespoon distilled vinegar
- ½ cup water, room temperature
How to Make It
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Combine flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl or food processor. Pulse until well combined.
- Add Shortening: Cut in the shortening until the mixture resembles pea-sized crumbs.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, vinegar, and water.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients over the dry mixture and mix until the dough comes together. It might be sticky, but that’s okay.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Roll Out the Dough: Divide the chilled dough in half. Roll out each half to about ¼ inch thickness on a floured surface.
- Assemble the Pie: Place one half of the dough into a 9-inch pie pan. Fill with your favorite filling and cover with the second half of the dough if needed.
- Bake: Follow the baking instructions for your specific pie filling.
Serving Suggestions
This crust is perfect for:
- Apple Pies: A classic combination that never goes out of style.
- Pot Pies: Use it for savory fillings like chicken or beef.
- Hand Pies: Ideal for portable snacks or desserts.
Tips for Customization
- Use Different Fats: Experiment with butter or lard for a different flavor.
- Add Spices: Mix in some cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor in sweet pies.
- Try Different Fillings: From pumpkin to cherry, the possibilities are endless.
Nutritional Information (approximate per serving)
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 3g
FAQs
Q: Can I use this crust for cold pies?
A: Yes, this crust works well for both hot and cold pies. Just chill it as instructed and fill with your favorite cold filling.
Q: Can I substitute the shortening with butter?
A: While shortening makes the crust flaky and easier to work with, you can substitute it with butter for a richer flavor. Keep in mind that butter can make the crust slightly more delicate.
Q: How long can I store the dough?
A: You can store the dough in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months.
Q: Do I need to prebake the crust?
A: It depends on your filling. For fillings that don’t require baking, like pudding or cream, you might need to prebake the crust. For hot pies, follow the recipe’s baking instructions.
Conclusion
This Amish Never Fail Pie Crust is a reliable and delicious choice for any pie lover. Its simplicity and versatility make it perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike. Give it a try and enjoy the flakiest, most tender crust you’ve ever made!
