Elevate your pies with this irresistible Butter Crunch Pie Crust, a delectable twist on the classic pastry base that adds layers of flavor and texture to your favorite desserts. This recipe pairs the buttery flakiness of a traditional crust with a sweet, nutty crunch thanks to a topping of brown sugar and chopped nuts like pecans or almonds. Perfect for both creamy fillings and fruit-based masterpieces, this crust is as versatile as it is show-stopping. Simple to prepare with pantry staples, it features a quick 20-minute prep time and bakes up golden and fragrant in just 15 minutes. Whether you're crafting a no-bake pie or baking it further with a filling, this buttery, caramelized crust guarantees a memorable treat. Impress guests with the perfect balance of sweetness, crunch, and melt-in-your-mouth flakiness!
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt.
Cut the cold unsalted butter into small cubes and add it to the flour mixture. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to combine until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough begins to come together. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender crust.
Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 days if prepping ahead).
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Once chilled, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface until it fits your pie dish. Carefully transfer the dough to the dish, trimming any excess and crimping the edges as desired.
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and chopped nuts. Sprinkle this blend evenly across the bottom of the crust, gently pressing it into the dough to create a sweet, crunchy layer.
Dock the crust by poking several holes across the base with a fork to prevent puffing during baking.
Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and fragrant. If using for a filling that requires additional baking, reduce this time to 8-10 minutes for a par-baked crust.
Allow the crust to cool completely before filling it with your desired pie filling.
Calories |
1783 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 89.8 g | 115% | |
| Saturated Fat | 31.3 g | 156% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 124 mg | 41% | |
| Sodium | 611 mg | 27% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 234.9 g | 85% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 10.9 g | 39% | |
| Total Sugars | 87.6 g | ||
| Protein | 27.0 g | 54% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 127 mg | 10% | |
| Iron | 10.6 mg | 59% | |
| Potassium | 503 mg | 11% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.