Go Back Email Link

Grandmother’s Pie Crust

This classic pie crust recipe creates a flaky, melt-in-your-mouth crust that pairs perfectly with any pie filling. Simple and made with just a few ingredients, it’s a must-have in your baking repertoire.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups flour
  • ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1½ cups Crisco
  • 4 to 8 tablespoons very cold water
  • 1 well-beaten egg
  • 1 tablespoon vinegar

Instructions
 

  • Chill Ingredients: Keep everything cold! Chill your flour, Crisco, and mixing bowl for 15 minutes before starting.
  • Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, and salt.
  • Cut in Crisco: Using a pastry cutter or your hands, cut the Crisco into the flour until it forms coarse crumbs.
  • Prepare the Liquid: In a small bowl, combine 4–8 tbsp cold water, the beaten egg, and vinegar. Stir well.
  • Form the Dough: Slowly add the liquid to the flour mixture, stirring gently until it holds together. Don’t overmix!
  • Chill the Dough: Shape the dough into two disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
  • Roll and Use: Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface, then fit it into your pie pan. Fill with your favorite pie filling and bake!