The Ultimate Allbutter Pie Crust

My GoTo Pie Dough with Butter Flaky Crust Every Time

By Sally ThompsonJuly 22, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Fancy a proper homemade pie crust recipe that'll knock your socks off? Honestly, have you ever bitten into a pie with a soggy bottom? Nightmare fuel, right? Let’s ditch the shop bought stuff forever and make the best pie crust recipe at home.

This recipe for pie dough with butter is simple.

Cracking Good Crusts: Why Bother?

This all butter pie crust recipe is a bit of a classic. It has roots stretching back generations. It is a staple in kitchens across the UK.

This pie dough recipe is rated medium. This flaky pie crust recipe takes around 2 hours. It's enough dough for one double crust or two single crust pies.

Benefits of Baking Your Own:

The best thing about making your own is that you know what's in it. It is great for dodging dodgy additives.

Baking is relaxing, innit? This easy pie crust recipe is perfect for Sunday lunch or a cheeky dessert. You can have savoury or sweet ones.

It's also impressive as hell! People will think you're some kind of culinary wizard.

Right then, let's get down to brass tacks. We need to talk ingredients.

Ingredients & Equipment: Your Flaky Pie Crust Recipe Arsenal

The Ultimate Allbutter Pie Crust presentation

Alright, let's talk about what you'll need for this easy pie crust adventure. It's all about getting that perfect pie dough recipe , so listen up! No more shop bought crusts.

This homemade pie crust recipe will blow your mind.

The Main Players

Okay, for your pie dough with butter , you'll need the following.

All-purpose flour: 2 ½ cups (315g), plus extra for dusting. Honestly, good quality flour matters.
Salt: 1 teaspoon (6g). Don't skip this, it balances the flavours.
Unsalted butter: 1 cup (227g) (2 sticks), incredibly cold and cubed. The colder, the better for the cold butter pie dough .
Ice water: ½ cup (120ml), maybe a splash more. Just keep it ice-cold, yeah?
Apple cider vinegar: 1 teaspoon (5ml). This is optional, but it helps create a super flaky crust.

I remember once using warm butter, what a DISASTER. The crust was tough. You've been warned.

Seasoning Sensations

We're keeping it simple here. Salt does the heavy lifting. You can add a touch of sugar to the flour for sweet pies.

Try 1-2 tablespoons would be perfect. Thinking of a savory pie crust recipe ? Add a pinch of dried herbs like thyme or rosemary.

It's a total game changer. I sometimes add smoked paprika for a richer flavor.

Your Kit - Essential Tools

Here's what you'll need in your kitchen:

Food processor: Optional, but it makes life so much easier and you can get more consistent result.
Mixing bowl: You'll need this to combine all ingredients if you don't have a food processor.
Measuring cups and spoons: Precision matters, trust me.
Plastic wrap: For chilling the dough. Super important!
Rolling pin: For rolling out the dough. A clean wine bottle can work in a pinch.
9 inch pie plate: For baking your masterpiece.

That’s all. This simple approach results in the best pie crust recipe . You'll create a pie crust recipe easy enough for beginners but tasty enough for pros.

This all butter pie crust will be epic.

Cooking Method: The Ultimate All-Butter Pie Crust

Oh my gosh, let's talk pie dough with butter ! Forget that shop bought stuff. Honestly, once you nail this all butter pie crust , you'll never go back.

It's easier than you think, promise. This flaky pie crust recipe is inspired by my Grandma's, and it's been a family staple for ages.

Prep Steps: Mise en Place is Your Mate

First, get your ingredients ready. Measure 315g of all-purpose flour, 6g of salt, 227g (2 sticks) of cold butter (cubed), 120ml of ice water, and optional 5ml of apple cider vinegar. It helps with that perfect flake!
Time saving tip? Chop the butter before it comes straight from the fridge. Honestly, you will thank me.
Safety reminder: Use caution with sharp knives. Cold butter can be slippy.

step-by-step Process: Let's Get Cracking!

Whisk flour and salt together. You can use a food processor or bowl.
Cut in the cold butter. Pulse the processor or use a pastry blender. You want coarse crumbs.
Add ice water and vinegar (if using). Mix until the pie dough recipe just comes together.
Form into two even disks. Don't overwork the dough.
Chill the dough for at least 1 hour. This is CRUCIAL. Ideally, 2 hours .
Roll out one disk on a floured surface to 12 inches .
Transfer to your 9 inch pie plate. Crimp the edges.

Pro Tips: Secret Weapons!

Cold butter dough is king! The colder, the flakier. Some people even chill their flour!
Don't overmix! Seriously, don't. It leads to a tough crust, and nobody wants that. You want a homemade pie crust recipe .
Blind baking can save you. If your filling is soggy prone, bake the crust beforehand.

Honestly, this easy pie crust is a game changer. You can even tweak this for a savory pie crust recipe .

Just omit the sugar if you are using it. A dash of herbs will be amazing! This best pie crust recipe is versatile and foolproof! You can also add 1-2 tablespoons of granulated sugar to the dry ingredients for a sweeter crust.

Recipe Notes for the Ultimate Pie

Right, so you've got the lowdown on making the best pie crust recipe , ever. But there are a few extra bits and bobs to keep in mind to really nail it.

Honestly, these little tips can make all the difference.

Serving Suggestions: Fancy Pants or Comfort Food?

First off, presentation. For a classy apple pie, think individual slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. If you are baking the best pie crust recipe for a chicken pot pie, serve it straight from the dish with a simple green salad.

A glass of chilled Pinot Grigio goes down a treat.

Storage Tips: Keep It Fresh, Keep It Real

If you have leftover pie, wrap it well. Pop it in the fridge, where it will happily sit for up to three days.

Fancy freezing it? Wrap the pie tightly in cling film and then foil. It will keep for up to three months.

Thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat in a moderate oven, about 175 degrees Celsius, until warmed through. I once froze an all butter pie crust for Christmas, and everyone loved it.

Variations: Mix It Up!

Want to make it a savory pie crust recipe ? Add some dried herbs, like thyme or rosemary, to the flour mixture.

It's seriously good. For a dietary spin, you could try a gluten-free pie dough recipe , using a gluten-free flour blend.

Just follow the package instructions, as they can be a bit temperamental.

Nutrition Basics: The Honest Truth

Let's be real: pie dough with butter isn't exactly a health food. A slice is roughly 350 calories. It does have some protein and carbs.

But, it's more about the joy, isn't it? Remember you are baking the best pie crust recipe . Everything in moderation, eh?

You can even try making a flaky pie crust recipe during seasonal holidays, using seasonal ingredients like berries during the summer, or squash during the autumn for an amazing homemade pie crust recipe .

You see, making pie dough with butter isn't just about following a recipe. It's about adding your own touch. Don't be afraid to experiment with the pie crust with vinegar ! This easy pie crust recipe can be changed.

So, give it a go, and let me know how it turns out! You've got this! And remember, even a slightly wonky cold butter pie dough still tastes amazing.

You can even try the pie crust recipe easy version.

Flaky Pie Crust Recipe Secret Ingredient for the BEST Crust

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my pie dough with butter tough? I thought this was supposed to be easy peasy!

A tough pie dough is usually the result of overworking the gluten in the flour. Make sure you're not overmixing the dough after adding the water. Also, chilling is absolutely key to relaxing that gluten! Think of it like giving the dough a spa day it needs to chill out to be its best self.

How do I keep my butter cold when making pie dough with butter? It melts so fast!

Keeping the butter cold is crucial for a flaky crust, like a proper Yorkshire pudding. Cube the butter and pop it in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before you start. You can even chill your flour and mixing bowl for an extra edge!

Work quickly and if you notice the butter getting soft, stick the whole mixture back in the fridge for a bit to cool down.

Can I make this pie dough with butter recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making the pie dough ahead of time is often recommended, and it helps with the chilling process. Wrap the dough disks tightly in plastic wrap and they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before rolling it out don't try to rush it like Black Friday shopping!

My pie crust always shrinks when I bake it. What am I doing wrong?

Pie crust shrinkage is a common baking woe. The main culprit is gluten development and insufficient chilling. Make sure you're not overworking the dough and that you're chilling it for at least an hour (or even better, two).

Another handy tip is to dock the bottom of the crust with a fork to prevent air pockets from forming and causing it to puff up and then shrink.

Can I use salted butter in my pie dough with butter?

Yes, you can substitute salted butter, but you'll need to adjust the amount of salt you add to the recipe. Reduce the salt by about half. Keep in mind that using unsalted butter gives you more control over the final flavor.

Some folks are very particular about their salt intake, you know, like when they only use Maldon sea salt!

Is there a nutritional difference between homemade and store-bought pie crust?

Generally, homemade pie crust tends to have slightly fewer preservatives and additives compared to store-bought versions, which is a win. But nutritionally, both are fairly similar high in fat and carbohydrates.

Making it yourself allows you to control the ingredients and use higher quality butter if you're feeling fancy, like using organic butter from a local farm shop.