Gramma John’s Pie Crust

April 15, 2009

This recipe is so easy, it’s not even funny. And it’s a great recipe for kids to try. My two preschoolers loved this when we made pies this week.

(You can smooth out the crust after letting them have a go at it. It’s what Gramma John always did.)


1 cup flour
1/2 cup butter or margarine, cut into chunks
1/2 teaspoon salt
1-2 Tablespoons cold water

In medium bowl, combine flour, 1/2 cup butter and salt with a pastry blender, or two knives held together. Kids can do this with a fork if that is easier. Work these ingredients together until they form pea-sized crumbs. Quickly stir in cold water and combine until a dough forms. Pat into a pie plate, pushing the dough thin and up the sides.

Use as is in recipes that call for an unbaked pie shell. For other recipes, such as Lemon Meringue Pie, you may prebake it for 10-15 minutes at 350 degrees until light golden brown. Cool completely before pouring in your filling.

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{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }

1 Nancy M. April 15, 2009 at 5:22 pm

Wow! That does sound easy!

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2 srlsfamily April 15, 2009 at 5:50 pm

that seems so easy. have you ever made it with whole wheat flour?

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3 Heather April 15, 2009 at 6:29 pm

I’ve been looking for an easy pie crust. Guess I’ll look no further. :)

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4 Phoebe @ Cents to Get Debt Free April 15, 2009 at 6:41 pm

I love my grandma’s pie crust recipe–it is similiar. So incredibly easy, and can tastes great made with whole wheat instead! Got to love that!

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5 Emily @ Little Home April 15, 2009 at 6:52 pm

I love that this doesn’t use Crisco! I am bookmarking it for later! Thanks!

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6 Heather April 15, 2009 at 8:56 pm

Love the picture. He looks so happy with his accomplishment! I am terrible at pie crusts, but I may try this one, it looks so easy.

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7 Shari April 16, 2009 at 12:19 am

I am loving all your recipe/baking posts. I concur with the previous comment–gives me courage to try stuff when the recipe looks doable and the picture inspiring. :)

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8 Jamie April 16, 2009 at 4:44 am

How precious is he?

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9 Christy September 24, 2009 at 12:23 pm

I just found your blog, and I like it!

I have a question — should the butter be cold out of the fridge or room temperature? Does it matter?

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10 Anonymous September 26, 2009 at 4:27 pm

I'm enjoying your blog… thank you!!
Answer to Christy's question is:
Yes, the butter should be cold out of the fridge. Room temp might seem easier, but it doesn't really work.
Today I'm making meatloaf and will make squash baked with homemade apple pie filling. (pie with acorn squash as the crust)

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11 Nicci March 4, 2010 at 6:52 am

Probably a dumb question, but is the flour all-purpose?

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12 Jessica Fisher March 4, 2010 at 7:05 am

yes. I use unbleached.

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13 Ashley November 17, 2011 at 7:34 am

Quick question does this make a good top crust as well?

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14 Jessica Fisher November 17, 2011 at 7:43 am

It can, but it is very delicate. I often use a different crust recipe for rolled out recipes.

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