Quick and Easy 3-Ingredient Pie Crust Recipe

Quick and Easy 3-Ingredient Pie Crust Recipe
Source lifestyleofafoodie.com

Hey there fellow dessert lovers! Are you searching for an easy and quick recipe to make a pie crust? Look no further! This 3-ingredient pie crust recipe will save you time and effort without compromising on taste. Whether you are making a sweet or savory pie, this recipe is versatile and can be used for any of your favorite filling recipes. Read on to learn how to make the perfect pie crust in just a few simple steps!

What is a 3 ingredient pie crust?

A 3 ingredient pie crust is exactly what it sounds like, a pie crust recipe made with just three simple ingredients. This minimalist pie crust is perfect for those moments when you need a quick and easy pie crust recipe but don’t have all of the speciality ingredients or time needed for a more complex recipe. The three basic ingredients needed for a 3 ingredient pie crust are flour, fat, and water. These simple ingredients create a delicious, classic pie crust that can be filled with your favorite fruits, custards, or savory fillings.

One of the best things about a 3 ingredient pie crust is its adaptability. This no-fuss recipe is perfect for all types of pies, from sweet to savory, and can be used with almost any filling you can think of. Whether you’re a seasoned pie maker or a beginner baker, a 3 ingredient pie crust is a great recipe to have in your culinary arsenal.

To make a 3 ingredient pie crust, you will need to begin by mixing together your dry ingredients, this usually includes flour and salt. Once that is done, you will need to add your fat. The most common type of fat used for a 3 ingredient pie crust is butter, but you can also use vegetable shortening or even lard. The trick to getting a flaky and tender crust is to make sure that your fat is cold and cut into small pieces, similar to the size of peas.

After your fat has been cut into your dry ingredients, you will need to add your liquid. This usually includes cold water, but you can also use milk or even vodka, which is said to create an especially flaky crust. Be careful not to add too much liquid as this can make your dough tough instead of tender.

When your ingredients have been combined, you will need to refrigerate your dough for at least an hour or overnight, to allow the fat to solidify and the gluten to relax. Once your dough has chilled, you can then roll it out and use it as desired.

Whether you’re making a classic apple pie, a savory quiche, or a delicious galette, a 3 ingredient pie crust is a great recipe to have on hand. Not only is it easy to make, but it is also delicious and versatile enough to work with almost any filling you can imagine. So, the next time you’re in a hurry to make a pie or want to keep things simple in the kitchen, give this minimalist pie crust recipe a try and see how easy and delicious it can be!

Pros and cons of a 3 ingredient pie crust

A pie is one of the most classic desserts that never goes out of style. However, making the perfect pie crust can be quite challenging. Many bakers prefer traditional pie crust recipes because they believe that it provides a better taste and texture to their pies. However, there are others who enjoy the convenience of using a 3 ingredient pie crust which makes the baking process easier and quicker.

In this article, we will discuss the pros and cons of using a 3 ingredient pie crust so that you can decide which pie crust recipe works best for your baking needs.

Pros

1. Easy and quick to make

The biggest advantage of using a 3 ingredient pie crust is that it is extremely easy and quick to make. All you need are flour, fat, and water, which are readily available in your pantry. You just need to mix these three ingredients, chill the dough for a few minutes and roll it out. This saves a lot of time compared to traditional pie crust recipes, which can be rather time-consuming and require a lot of effort to get the desired texture.

2. Affordable

Another advantage of a 3 ingredient pie crust is that it is quite affordable as the ingredients are easily accessible in every household. You don’t need to buy any specialty items like almond flour or gluten-free flour, which can be quite expensive.

3. Healthier alternative

The 3 ingredient pie crust is considered a healthier alternative to the traditional pie crust. As this crust only requires flour, fat, and water, it has fewer calories and less fat than traditional pie crust recipes. Also, you have complete control over the ingredients used, which allows you to make it more healthy by substituting whole wheat flour or coconut oil for regular flour or butter.

Cons

1. Taste and texture

The biggest disadvantage of the 3 ingredient pie crust recipe is the taste and texture it provides. As it contains only three ingredients, the texture of this pie crust is not as flaky and buttery as a traditional pie crust made from scratch. The crust may also have a slightly bland taste, which could undermine the overall taste of the pie itself. The texture and taste of a pie crust are critical factors in its overall success, which is something to bear in mind if you are considering using a 3 ingredient pie crust.

2. Durability

Unlike traditional pie crusts, 3 ingredient pie crusts may not be as durable. Since it lacks gluten, it may be more prone to breakage when rolling out the dough or transferring it to a pie dish. This crust may also not hold up well when baked with wet or heavy ingredients in the pie filling.

3. Limited options

When it comes to using a 3 ingredient pie crust, you are limited in the options available to you. The recipe is fairly basic and does not allow for much variation. This crust is not suitable for all types of pies, such as deep-dish pies or pies with liquid fillings. It may not provide enough structure to hold fillings that need a sturdy base to stand upon.

In Conclusion

A 3 ingredient pie crust is a simple and easy alternative to traditional pie crust recipes. With its affordability and potential health benefits, it can be a great option for those who are looking for a quick and easy way to bake pies. However, it is not ideal for all types of pies and may result in a less desirable taste and texture. Ultimately, the choice between a traditional and 3 ingredient pie crust recipe comes down to personal preference and the type of pie you wish to bake.

How to make a 3 ingredient pie crust from scratch

When it comes to making a pie crust, it may seem daunting at first. However, with only three ingredients, this recipe is simple and easy to follow. In this article, we will be discussing step-by-step instructions on how to make a 3 ingredient pie crust from scratch.

Ingredients:

The 3 ingredients you will need for this recipe are:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
  • 1/4 cup ice water

Instructions:

Step 1: Mix the flour and butter

First, in a large mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/2 cup cubed unsalted butter. Use a fork or pastry blender to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Tip: Keep the butter as cold as possible to achieve a flakier crust.

Step 2: Add ice water

Next, add 1/4 cup of ice water to the mixture, one tablespoon at a time, while mixing the dough with a fork. Once the mixture starts to clump together, stop adding water.

Tip: Use cold water to keep the butter from melting and producing a tough crust.

Step 3: Form the dough

Once the dough has come together, place it on a lightly floured surface. Use your hands to gently form it into a ball and flatten it into a disk shape. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to chill.

Tip: Chilling the dough makes it easier to roll out and keeps it from shrinking when baked.

Step 4: Roll out the dough

After the dough has chilled, remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes. Lightly flour a surface and roll out the dough to fit your pie dish.

Tip: Roll the dough out in one direction, then turn it 90 degrees and roll again to ensure even thickness.

Step 5: Transfer the dough to the pie dish

Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to the pie dish. Gently press the dough into the corners and trim any excess dough from the edges.

Tip: Leave about a 1/2 inch overhang to crimp the edges for a decorative finish.

Step 6: Pre-bake or fill and bake

Depending on your pie recipe, you can either pre-bake the crust or fill it with your desired ingredients and bake according to your recipe’s instructions.

And there you have it, a delicious and flaky pie crust made from only three simple ingredients. With a little practice, you’ll be making perfect pie crusts every time!

Tips for using and storing a 3 ingredient pie crust

Making a 3 ingredient pie crust may seem like a simple task, but it can still be easy to make mistakes and end up with an unsatisfactory result. Here are some tips that will help you successfully make and store a 3 ingredient pie crust:

1. Use cold ingredients

The key to making a flaky, delicious pie crust is to use cold ingredients. This means using cold butter, cold water, and cold flour. The cold butter and water help create tiny air pockets in the crust, which makes it flaky. The cold flour helps keep the butter and water cold as well.

To ensure your ingredients are cold, place your butter in the freezer for 30 minutes before cutting it into cubes and adding it to the flour mixture. Use ice water when adding liquid to the dough. And for the flour, you can store it in the fridge to keep it cold.

2. Don’t overwork the dough

When mixing the dough, be careful not to overwork it. Overworking the dough can lead to a tough and chewy crust instead of a light and flaky one. Mix the dough until it just comes together, and then stop. This may leave some lumps of butter in the dough, but that’s okay. These lumps will help create the flaky texture.

After mixing the dough, place it on a floured surface and knead it a few times, just until it comes together. Then wrap it in plastic wrap and place it in the fridge to chill for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out.

3. Roll out the dough properly

When rolling out the dough, start from the center and roll outwards. This will help create an even layer of crust. Be sure to turn the dough a quarter turn after each roll to prevent it from sticking to the surface. If the dough starts to warm up while you’re rolling it out, place it back in the fridge for a few minutes to chill before continuing.

When transferring the dough to the pie dish, be gentle. Fold it in half and then in quarters to make it easier to lift. Carefully unfold it in the pie dish, and then press it down gently, making sure to press it into the corners and up the sides of the dish.

4. Storing a 3 ingredient pie crust

If you’re not using your pie crust right away, you can store it in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to use it.

To store in the fridge: Wrap it in plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to use it, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to warm up before rolling it out.

To store in the freezer: Wrap it in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before rolling it out.

By following these tips, your 3 ingredient pie crust will turn out perfectly flaky every time. Whether you’re making a sweet or savory pie, a good crust is the foundation for a delicious pie. So why not give this simple recipe a try and see the fantastic results it gives you!

Delicious Recipes Using a 3 Ingredient Pie Crust

Pie crusts are often intimidating to make, but with this simple 3 ingredient recipe, it’s a breeze to whip up a delicious crust that’s perfect for any pie recipe. And the best part? You’ll only need flour, butter, and water to make it, so it’s incredibly easy and budget-friendly. Here are five delicious recipes using a 3 ingredient pie crust that you have to try ASAP:

1. Classic Apple Pie

A classic apple pie is always a crowd-pleaser, and with this simple recipe, you’ll have a homemade pie that’s sure to be a hit. To make the filling, combine sliced apples, sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Roll out the pie crust and place it in a pie dish, then add the filling and cover with a second pie crust. Bake in the oven for about an hour at 375°F, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

2. Savory Quiche

A quiche is a versatile dish that can be served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, depending on the filling you choose. For a savory quiche, sauté onions, garlic, and spinach in a pan. Beat eggs and milk together in a separate bowl and add the sautéed vegetables. Pour the mixture into a pie crust and bake in the oven for about 30-35 minutes at 350°F. Serve hot or cold with a side salad.

3. Sweet Potato Pie

Sweet potato pie is a classic dessert that’s perfect for fall and winter. To make the filling, mix mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and eggs. Pour the mixture into a pre-baked pie crust and bake in the oven for about an hour at 375°F. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving, and if you want to add a little something extra, top it off with whipped cream or chopped pecans.

4. Lemon Meringue Pie

A tangy and sweet lemon meringue pie is a perfect way to end a meal. To make the filling, whisk together lemon juice, sugar, cornstarch, egg yolks, and butter in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until thickened, then pour into a pre-baked pie crust. To make the meringue, beat egg whites and cream of tartar until stiff peaks form, then gradually add sugar until the mixture is glossy and thick. Spread the meringue over the filling and bake in the oven for about 15-20 minutes at 350°F, or until the meringue is golden brown.

5. Chocolate Cream Pie

A chocolate cream pie is a decadent dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. To make the filling, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, cocoa powder, salt, egg yolks, and milk in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens, then add chopped chocolate and butter. Stir the mixture until the chocolate and butter are melted and the mixture is smooth. Pour the mixture into a pre-baked pie crust and let it chill in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. Serve with whipped cream and chopped chocolate.

These five delicious recipes using a 3 ingredient pie crust are the perfect way to impress your friends and family with a homemade pie that’s budget-friendly and easy to make. Give them a try and see which one becomes your new favorite!

Thank you for joining us today to learn about this quick and easy 3-ingredient pie crust recipe. As you can see, making your own pie crust does not have to be a tedious task. With just three simple ingredients, you can easily whip up a delicious crust that will impress your family and friends. We hope you enjoy experimenting with different types of pies and fillings using this recipe, and feel proud of your homemade creations. Happy baking!

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