Are you tired of tough, gummy pie crusts? Do you dream of that perfectly golden, flaky crust that crumbles beautifully with each bite? Then look no further! This recipe, designed specifically for your KitchenAid mixer, will revolutionize your pie-making experience. Say goodbye to tedious hand-mixing and hello to a flawlessly delicious pie crust in minutes! This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, making it an ideal addition to your collection of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals.
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, very cold and cut into cubes
- ½ cup ice water
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Ensure your butter is exceptionally cold. This is key to a flaky crust! You can even chill your mixing bowl beforehand.
- Whisk together the flour and salt in the KitchenAid mixer bowl.
Mixing with Your KitchenAid:
- Fit your KitchenAid mixer with the paddle attachment.
- Add the cold butter cubes to the flour mixture.
- Mix on low speed (speed 2) until the butter is incorporated and the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Don't overmix! Overmixing develops the gluten and results in a tough crust.
- With the mixer running on low, gradually add the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough just begins to come together. It shouldn't be completely smooth; a slightly shaggy dough is perfectly fine.
Finishing Touches:
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
- Gently shape the dough into a disk. Avoid kneading!
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 days). This allows the gluten to relax, resulting in a tender crust.
Rolling and Baking:
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a circle slightly larger than your pie plate.
- Carefully transfer the dough to the pie plate.
- Trim the edges and crimp as desired.
- Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork to prevent bubbling. For a blind bake (for pies with wet fillings), line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes. Remove weights and parchment and bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until lightly golden.
Tips for Success:
- Use very cold ingredients: Cold butter is crucial for flakiness.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, leading to a tough crust.
- Chill the dough: Chilling relaxes the gluten and prevents shrinkage.
- Handle the dough gently: Avoid excessive kneading.
Variations:
- Add flavor: Incorporate herbs (rosemary, thyme), spices (cinnamon, nutmeg), or even a little sugar into the dough for unique flavor profiles.
- Use different fats: Experiment with a combination of butter and shortening for a crispier crust.
- Make a sweet crust: Add a tablespoon or two of sugar to the dough for a sweeter crust perfect for fruit pies.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the size of your pie and the filling. For a standard 9-inch pie, a single serving of the crust alone is roughly:
- Calories: 200-250
- Fat: 12-15g
- Saturated Fat: 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
- Fiber: 1-2g
- Protein: 2-3g
This delicious and easy homemade pie crust is perfect for showcasing your culinary skills. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, elevating any pie from simple to spectacular. Making this pie crust is a fantastic way to practice your homemade cooking skills. Enjoy!