Easy 3 Ingredient Pie Crust Recipe (3 Methods) (2024)

You will love this easy 3 ingredient pie crust made three different methods to meet your needs! With or without a food processor, a stand mixer or by hand. A no-fail all butter pie crust.

This family recipe makes enough for two deep dish 9″ pies or a 9″ double crust pie. And I just want to say, it doesn’t have to look picture perfect! I’ll show you some of my less than perfect crusts.

If you are stuck for ways to use this no fail pie crust, let me get you started with this savory leftover ham pot pie, maybe creamy butterscotch cinnamon pie, a classic pumpkin custard pie or replace the graham cracker crust on this amazing key lime pie.

I enjoy giving precise details in my recipe posts to lead my readers through any questions. If you’re just here for the printable recipe, use the Jump to Recipe to head straight there!

I’ve been using this easy pie crust recipe for decades, a never fail pie crust recipe for both savory pies and sweet pie recipes. It’s a winner and gets rave reviews from all of my recipes testers.

Simple Ingredients for 3 ingredient pie crust

• Unbleached all-purpose flour | I always use organic unbleached flour and have yet to test with bleached flour. You can also use pastry flour if you have it on hand.
• Butter | Use a good quality, COLD butter, salted or unsalted, I typically have salted butter on hand so that is what I use. I love to use Irish butter, like Kerrygold, makes a world of difference, but use the best you can afford. Use cold butter, not room temperature.
• Ice Water | Place a 4-6 ice cubes in a measuring cup with water, let them sit while you prep the rest of the ingredients. Then pour ice water amount into a mini measuring cup.
• Optional Ingredients | You might want to add a bit more kosher salt if you are using unsalted butter or add a little cane sugar if you are making a sweet pie crust.

Get the full recipe in the recipe card below.

Try Amazon Fresh Today!

Why I use Irish Butter for my Pie Crust

Because Irish butter have a higher fat content, which translates into a more tender and flaky — oh so amazing butter pie crust. I think it’s actually the trick to this recipe, makes rolling out a dream.

Do not use margarine or any butter that is soft coming out of the fridge, it will not work the same. Soft out of the fridge “butters” are actually butter blends.

Method 1 Pie Crust Food Processor Method

Step 1 | Pulse Dry Ingredients

This is key! ==>> Start with 1 ½-2 cups of flour (reserving the additional cup), add kosher salt and sugar if adding to food processor. Pulse the dry ingredients a couple of times to combine.

Step 2 Food Processor Method | Add cold, cubed butter

Drop cubed cold butter over the top of the flour mixture, as evenly as possible. Process the flour and butter mixture, pulsing until it begins to make a paste, some machines take longer than others. It will start as crumbs, then as you pulse it will become a clumpy paste.Don’t overmix it here.

Step 3 Food Processor Method | Add remaining flour

Scrape the sides and spread the paste mixture evenly back into the bowl of the food processor. Sprinkle remaining 1 ½ cups flour over the top, pulse 5-8 times on LOW until the mixture is crumbly and broken up.

Step 4 Food processor | Transfer to bowl, add ice water

Transfer the crumbly dough to a large bowl, and sprinkle with ice water (start with 3 tablespoons of water), mix using your hands or pastry blender until the crumbs start making some larger clumps.

Give it a pinch, if the dough falls apart, you need to add enough water just to hold it together. Add just a teaspoon or two at a time, working it in, folding the dough over on itself until it comes together.

Step 5 Food Processor Method | Make Pie Discs

On a lightly floured surface, gently pull the dough together (lightly now) just until it forms a large ball. Divide the dough into two dough disks, one slightly larger than the other if making a 9” deep dish pie crust.

-Press into a 1 inch flat round dough disc and wrap (both discs) in plastic wrap. Chill for 30 minutes in the fridge. If you chill too long, it will become too hard to roll out, no worries. Just let it sit out for 15-30 minutes and then roll out.

When ready to roll out, dust the rolling surface (and the pie dough)with flour for savory pies and with powdered sugar for sweet pies.

Method 2 | How to make an easy pie crust recipe without food processor

No food processor, no problem, I have handmade pie crusts for decades without a food processor. See tips below for how to make with a stand mixer.

Step 1 Without food processor method | Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl add 1 ½ cups of flour, salt and/or sugar if using, mix to combine.

Place the cold, small cubes of butter (¼ inch cubes) on top of the dry mixture.

Step 2 without food processor | Cut in Butter

Using a pastry blender (also called a pastry cutter) or two knives work the butter into the flour mixture until well combined; sprinkle ¼ cup of the remaining flour at a time, gently working in each time until all of the flour is incorporated, but the dough is still crumbly.

Step 3 no food processor| Add Ice Water

Sprinkle the dough with 4 tablespoons of ice water, working into the dough until it just starts sticking together, only adding 1 teaspoon additional ice water at a time. Once the dough starts to hold together, stop adding water. Proceed with the recipe.

Method 3 | Stand Mixer Pie Crust

Want to make your pie crust in your stand mixer? You are in luck, it’s super simple too — no pastry blender involved!

Place cubed butter in freezer while you measure out the rest of your ingredients.

Step 1 Stand mixer method | Combine dry ingredients

Combine the flour, salt and/or sugar if using in the bowl of the stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix on low until combined.

Step 2 pie crust stand mixer | Mix in butter

With the mixer on low, add a few pieces of cold butter to the flour at a time, it won’t really incorporate but you will have some bigger and smaller mashed up pieces.

Step 3 stand mixer | Add ice water

Measure out your ice water, starting with 4 tablespoons, drizzle into the pie crust mixture with mixer on low, add a little more until the mixture forms a doughy ball.

Remove from mixer onto a lightly floured surface and form the dough gently into a ball (careful not to overwork the dough here). Divide into two balls, flattening out with hand. Wrap well and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Proceed with rolling out.

How to roll out pie dough (all three methods)

Roll* the dough into a 12” circle between ¼-⅛ thick. Sprinkle with a little flour or powdered sugar as needed.

*Place the dough disk between two sheets of parchment paper or wax paper for easier rolling and cleanup.

Make sure your rolled out dough will fit the pie pan you are using; invert the pie dish over the top of the dough, the pie shell should have at least a 1-2 inch excess.

Roll the pastry dough carefully onto the rolling pin, then roll out onto the top of the pie dish, using your fingers to gently press it into the pie plate. Trim the dough with a sharp knife or scissors to about a ½ – ¾ inch outside the rim of the dish.

How to fix a torn pie crust

If you have holes, tears, splits or gaps in your dough, have no fear, tear a patch piece of pie dough that will fit the area and using a bit of water on your finger, rub the area you are patching, then press the patch onto that space.

It’s okay if it doesn’t look perfect, the flakiest pie crust is what we’re after here. Believe me, no one will care when they see your creation!

How to flute a pie crust

If making a single crust, roll pie crust onto pie plate, then fold the edges under making a smooth rimmed border. Then using two knuckles on the outside and one finger or knuckle between the knuckles on the inside, make a fluted crust.

Or use a fork and press into the crust creating a pretty design.Again, don’t worry about what this looks like, just make sure it’s fairly uniform in thickness.

How to flute a double pie crust

Place the dough disc between two sheets of parchment paper and roll the dough into a 12-13” circle between ¼ – ⅛ thick. Be sure to have at least 1 inch excess hanging over the pie plate.Alternatively, you may use a pastry mat sprinkled with flour or powdered sugar.

Roll the pastry dough carefully onto the rolling pin, then roll out onto the top of the pie dish, using your fingers to gently press it into the pie plate.

For double crust pie, place pie crust in the freezer for 15minutes if you have time.

Roll out the top crust making sure it fits the top of the pie dish. Set a damp paper towel or tea towel over the top of the pie crusts.

Fill the bottom crust with desired pie filling and top with a second crust, trimming the edges to ¾ inch and folding under, making sure to press the two seams together well, you might use a little water to help seal.

Then using two knuckles on the outside and one finger or knuckle between the knuckles on the inside, make a fluted crust, by pressing gently to form a fluted crust.

How do I get a golden, glossy pie crust

If a glossy, golden crust is desired, lightly brush with egg wash (cream or water mixed with well beaten egg). Brush the edges of the pie crust before baking. If your crust starts browning before the pie is done, use a pie shield and be sure to cut 3 or moreslits into the top of the pie crust to allow for venting.

Optional | Sprinkle with a little Demerara or coarse sanding sugar for sweet pies.Bake as directed in your recipe.

How to Par-Bake a Pie Crust (Blind Baking)

For single crust pies that will still be baked (like pumpkin pie), you will want to par-bake your crust to avoid a soggy crust.

Pierce the entire pie crust including the bottom and sides with a fork, this is called “docking”. Freeze your pie crust (in the plate) for 30-60 minutes before baking, while freezing, preheat the oven to 425°F (220 ° C), placing a foil-covered baking sheet on a rack set in the lower third of the oven.

If desired, brush the rim of the crust with egg wash for a glossy golden finish. Crumple some tin-foil or parchment paper and carefully lay in the chilled crust. Add pie weights, dried beans or rice to weigh down the crust.

Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the pie crust no longer sticks to the parchment or foil. Remove pie weights carefully and proceed with your recipe.

How to Pre-Bake Pie Crust | for Custard Pies

Proceed as with the par-baked instructions, when you get to the 15-20 minute mark, carefully remove the foil or parchment and the pie weights, returning the pie crust to the oven to bake for an additional 12-15 minutes, until the crust is golden brown. Remove from the oven and cool completely before filling with something like my Butterscotch Cinnamon Pie filling!

How to avoid a tough pie crust?

I have several tips for ways to avoid a tough pie crust:

1. Dough too warm | Cold ingredients are best! Then, working as quickly as possible. If the butter warms enough that it starts to melt into the flour, it will cause your dough to be tough.
2. Over-handling | Working too much or too firmly with the dough will toughen it up, this will cause an over development of gluten.
3. Not enough liquid | Liquid is what binds the fat and the flour. Remember to keep that water ice cold, that will help things.
4. Just Chill | Let your dough rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes and if you have time after rolling it out, pop it in the fridge or freezer for 30 minutes or so.

High Altitude Pie Crust

You might think you need to make adjustments for high altitude pie crust, but you do not! Follow all of my tips and you will be golden — at altitude or sea level!

How to Make a Great Gluten-Free Pie Crust

This recipe has been tested using a good cup-for-cup gluten-free all-purpose flour and yields excellent results. I’ve also tested it using fine ground almond flour and doing a 50/50 mix of the two flours. Delish!

How to make Dairy Free Pie Crust (Vegan pie crust)

Replace the butter with a quality vegan butter, the kind that is hard and comes in sticks like regular butter, not soft. Proceed with recipe.

Pie Crust with Coconut Oil

Or you could try freezing coconut oil and cutting into cubes.

Ways to use your no fail pie crust recipe

• Bake your favorite quiche in this perfect flaky pie crust.
• Fill with apple pie filling, pumpkin pie filling, coconut cream pie — any pie filling you desire!
• Make yourself a turkey pot pie, ham pot pie, chicken pot pie or Shepherd’s pie (use this filling).
• Bake hand-pies or tarts.

How to make pastry dough cut outs and use leftover pie dough

The best part, okay, maybe not, but still yummy! Make some pastry cut outs, or cinnamon sugar bites!

• Roll out the dough and use a cookie cutter, like these fall leaves that I made. If you want them glossy, brush with egg wash and a little sprinkle of sugar. Bake at 425 for 15-20 minutes.
• Or roll out pieces or scraps, then sprinkle with a little cinnamon sugar or even better, and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. This is how my mom always used up our scraps or the extra piece of pastry if only baking a single crust pie. Bake at 425 for 15-20 minutes.

Storage for 3 Ingredient Pie Crust

Pie dough may be made and formed into discs (double wrapped in plastic) and sealed well in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the fridge. Be sure to remove from fridge for 60 minutes before rolling.

Freeze | Pie dough may be frozen up to 3 months, better at 2 months and make sure it’s really well sealed as the pie dough will absorb fridge and freezer odors quickly! Ew!

Store unbaked or baked pie crust (cooled), double wrapped in plastic wrap and then placed in baggie in fridge or freezer.

Our favorite pie recipes

It’s okay if it’s not the perfect pie crust

I guarantee you when it comes time to dig into this pie, nobody will care if it shrunk, is pieced together or isn’t crimped perfectly. They will just care how it tastes, and this all-butter pie crust tastes AMAZING!

I hope you loved this 3 ingredient pie crust — if you did, would you share your creation onInstagram,FacebookandPinterest? And be sure to comment below!