crustaed pie

Introduction:
Elevate your dessert game with a Crusted Pie that boasts a perfectly flaky crust, providing a delicious foundation for any filling you desire. Whether you’re making a classic apple pie, a rich chocolate cream pie, or a fruity berry concoction, this versatile crust recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients, you can achieve bakery-quality results right at home.

Inspiration Behind the Recipe:
The art of pie-making has been passed down through generations, celebrating seasonal fruits and sweet fillings. This crust recipe aims to capture the timeless essence of homemade pies, allowing you to create delicious memories with every bite.

Ingredients Breakdown:

  • For the Pie Crust:
    • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional)
    • 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed (2 sticks)
    • 6-8 tablespoons ice water

Step-by-Step Recipe:

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients:
    • Gather all ingredients and ensure the butter is cold to create a flaky crust.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
    • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar (if using) until well combined.
  3. Cut in the Butter:
    • Add the cold, cubed butter 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 pieces of butter.
  4. Add Ice Water:
    • Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough begins to come together. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be slightly shaggy but hold together when pressed.
  5. Form the Dough:
    • Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide it into two equal portions and shape each into a disc. Wrap each disc tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for best results.
  6. Roll Out the Dough:
    • Once chilled, remove one disc from the refrigerator. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a circle about 1/8-inch thick, ensuring even thickness.
  7. Transfer to Pie Dish:
    • Carefully transfer the rolled dough to a 9-inch pie dish. Press it gently into the dish and trim any excess dough hanging over the edges.
  8. Add Filling:
    • Fill the crust with your desired filling, whether sweet or savory. If making a double-crust pie, roll out the second disc and place it on top, sealing the edges and cutting slits for steam to escape.
  9. Bake:
    • Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake according to your pie recipe instructions. Generally, sweet pies bake for about 25-30 minutes, while savory pies may take 35-40 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
  10. Cool and Serve:
    • Allow the pie to cool before slicing. Enjoy your delicious creation with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream!

Tips for the Perfect Crusted Pie:

  1. Keep Everything Cold: Cold butter and water are crucial for a flaky crust. Avoid overworking the dough.
  2. Don’t Skip Chilling: Chilling the dough helps to relax the gluten and makes it easier to roll out.
  3. Use Quality Ingredients: High-quality butter and flour will make a noticeable difference in flavor and texture.

Variations and Customizations:

  1. Sweet Pie Crust: For a sweet crust, increase the sugar to 2 tablespoons.
  2. Savory Variants: For savory pies, add herbs or cheese to the dough for added flavor.
  3. Graham Cracker Crust: Substitute crushed graham crackers for part of the flour for a different flavor profile.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Value:

  • Portion Control: While pie can be a delightful treat, moderation is key to maintaining a balanced diet.
  • Homemade Advantage: Making your crust allows you to control the ingredients and avoid preservatives often found in store-bought options.

FAQ:

  1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
    Yes! The dough can be made and refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
  2. What if my crust shrinks while baking?
    Make sure to chill the dough before baking and avoid stretching it while fitting it into the pie dish.
  3. Can I use this recipe for other pie sizes?
    Absolutely! Adjust the ingredients accordingly for smaller or larger pie dishes.
crustaed pie

crustaed pie

Create a delectable Crusted Pie with this easy recipe, perfect for any filling you desire. Enjoy the homemade goodness that will impress your family and friends!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 1 9- inch unbaked pie crust
  • 4 large eggs
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 ½ cups milk
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg freshly ground is best

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven:

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Prepare the Pie Crust:

  • In a small bowl, separate one egg white from the egg yolk, reserving both.
  • Brush the pie crust with the beaten egg white.
  • Pre-bake the crust for 7-8 minutes. Let it cool for 10 minutes.

Make the Custard:

  • In a large bowl, whisk together the remaining 3 eggs, the reserved egg yolk, and the leftover egg white.
  • Add the sugar, salt, vanilla, heavy cream, and milk. Mix until everything is well combined.

Assemble the Pie:

  • Carefully pour the egg mixture into the cooled pie crust.
  • Sprinkle the top with nutmeg.

Bake:

  • Bake the pie for 35-45 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • The pie should still be somewhat jiggly, so avoid over-baking.

Cool and Serve:

  • Let the pie cool on a wire rack.
  • Store in the fridge and serve chilled. It tastes and cuts best when chilled.

Notes

  • Nutmeg: For the best flavor, use freshly ground nutmeg.
  • Pouring Tip: To avoid spills, pour the egg mixture into the pie crust carefully while it’s in the oven on the rack.
  • Chill Time: This pie tastes even better after chilling, so make it ahead of time for the best results.
Keyword crustaed pie
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