Pie Crust Recipe With Vegetable Shortening Made Easy

There’s something truly magical about a homemade pie crust — that perfect flaky, buttery base that cradles your favorite fillings and elevates any dessert or savory pie to new heights. While butter is the traditional choice, vegetable shortening offers a fantastic alternative that yields an incredibly tender and flaky crust with a neutral flavor.

Using vegetable shortening also makes the dough easier to work with, especially in warmer kitchens, and it helps the crust hold its shape beautifully during baking. Whether you’re crafting a classic apple pie, a rich pecan tart, or a savory quiche, this pie crust recipe with vegetable shortening is versatile and reliable.

In this blog post, I’ll walk you through every step of making this pie crust from scratch, share tips to get the best texture, and suggest some delightful variations. If you’re looking for a foolproof crust that’s quick to prepare and yields consistently delicious results, you’re in the right place.

Plus, I’ll link you to some other amazing recipes to inspire you on your culinary journey!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Vegetable shortening is a game-changer when it comes to pie crusts. Unlike butter, it has a higher melting point, which means the dough stays cooler longer, helping to create those coveted flaky layers.

This crust is easy to roll out without sticking, making it perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike. Additionally, the neutral flavor of shortening won’t overpower your pie filling, allowing the true star of your pie to shine.

This recipe is simple, requiring just a few pantry staples, and you can whip it up in under 15 minutes. The result is a tender yet sturdy crust that bakes up golden brown and holds fillings perfectly — whether sweet or savory.

If you’re interested in exploring more vegetarian dishes to pair with your pies or desserts, check out my A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion.

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup vegetable shortening, chilled and cut into cubes
• 6-8 tablespoons ice-cold water
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional, for sweet pies)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice (optional, for tenderness)

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Pastry blender or fork
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rolling pin
• Plastic wrap
• Pie dish (9-inch recommended)
• Bench scraper or spatula (optional)

Instructions

1. Combine the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar (if using). This ensures even distribution and a balanced flavor base for your crust.
2. Cut in the shortening: Add the chilled vegetable shortening cubes to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or fork, cut the shortening into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces. This step is critical for a flaky texture.
3. Add the vinegar: If using, stir in the apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to the mixture. This helps tenderize the dough by slightly weakening the gluten strands in the flour.
4. Incorporate ice water: Gradually add the ice-cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing lightly with a fork or your hands after each addition. Add just enough water for the dough to start coming together but not become sticky.
5. Form the dough: Gather the dough into a ball without overworking it. Divide it into two equal portions and flatten each into a disk. Wrap each disk tightly with plastic wrap.
6. Chill the dough: Refrigerate the dough disks for at least 1 hour, or up to 2 days. Chilling solidifies the shortening and relaxes the gluten, making it easier to roll out and resulting in a flakier crust.
7. Roll out the dough: Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin. Take one dough disk from the fridge and roll it out into a 12-inch circle, about 1/8 inch thick.
8. Transfer to pie dish: Carefully lift the dough and place it into a 9-inch pie dish, gently pressing it into the edges. Trim any excess dough, leaving about a 1-inch overhang.
9. Shape the edges: Fold the overhang under itself and crimp the edges using your fingers or a fork for a decorative finish.
10. Fill and bake: Add your desired pie filling and bake according to your pie recipe’s instructions. For blind baking, prick the bottom with a fork, line with parchment paper, and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until golden.

Tips & Variations

“Keeping your ingredients and tools cold is the secret to a flaky pie crust!”

• Cold shortening: Make sure your vegetable shortening is chilled before cutting it into the flour. Warm shortening will make the dough greasy and tough.
• Minimal handling: Handle the dough as little as possible to avoid developing gluten, which can make crusts tough instead of tender.
• Sugar for sweetness: Add sugar only if you’re making a sweet pie, like apple or cherry. Skip it for savory pies like quiche or pot pies.
• Gluten-free option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, but be aware the texture might be slightly different.
• Whole wheat variation: Replace up to 1 cup of all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and heartier crust.
• Herbed crust: Add dried herbs like rosemary or thyme to the flour for a savory crust perfect for vegetable or cheese pies.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegetable shortening pie crust pairs beautifully with a wide range of fillings. For a classic dessert, fill it with spiced apples, fresh berries, or pumpkin puree.

If you prefer savory pies, try a vegetable quiche with spinach and mushrooms or a hearty pot pie loaded with root vegetables and herbs.

For more pie filling ideas and delicious vegan recipes, be sure to explore my 9 Inch Vegan Oil Free Pie Recipe for Easy Delicious Treats and Amazing Vegan Pasta Recipes for Easy Delicious Meals.

Conclusion

Mastering the art of pie crust with vegetable shortening is a rewarding skill that will elevate your baking repertoire. This recipe offers a straightforward approach to achieving a flaky, tender crust that supports both sweet and savory fillings with ease.

The key is in using cold ingredients, minimal handling, and proper chilling, all of which come together to create that perfect texture every time.

Whether you’re baking a family favorite or trying out new pie ideas, this crust provides a reliable and delicious foundation. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different flours or add herbs to customize it for your meal.

For more inspiring recipes and culinary tips, check out my posts on Best Vegetarian Recipes No Dairy for Delicious Meals and Cheap Vegetarian Recipes For Families Everyone Will Love. Happy baking!

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