Homemade Marie Callender Pie Crust Recipe

The Secret to a Flaky, Perfect Pie Crust: Marie Callender’s Way

There’s nothing quite like a homemade pie, especially when it boasts a perfectly flaky and golden-brown crust. For years, Marie Callender’s pie crust has been a beloved staple, known for its irresistible texture and flavor. Now, you can unlock the secrets behind this classic recipe and create your own pie crust masterpieces at home.

This recipe is designed to be straightforward and accessible, even for beginner bakers. With a few simple ingredients and a touch of know-how, you’ll be rolling out beautiful, buttery crusts in no time. Get ready to elevate your baking game and impress your loved ones with pies that are truly unforgettable.

Marie Callender Pie Crust Recipe Card

A homemade Marie Callender-style pie crust, perfect for your favorite fillings.

Ingredients:

• 240 g / 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 120 g / 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• 60 g / 1/4 cup shortening, chilled
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp sugar
• 2 tbsp ice water

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar.
2. Add the cold butter and use a pastry blender or your fingers to work it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add the shortening and continue blending until the mixture is crumbly.
5. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
6. Preheat your oven to 220°C / 425°F. Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 3 mm / 1/8 inch.

Ingredients for Marie Callender Pie Crust

To make a delicious homemade pie crust, similar to Marie Callender’s, quality ingredients are essential. Ensure to have the following items in your pantry and fridge before starting.

The key to a flaky and tender crust lies in the right combination of ingredients and proper technique. Here’s a list of the necessary ingredients:

• 315 g / 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 20 g / 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 225 g / 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
• 120 ml / 1/2 cup shortening, chilled
• 60 ml / 1/4 cup ice-cold water
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Optional ingredients:
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder

Keep the butter and shortening in the refrigerator until ready to use, as cold ingredients are crucial for creating a flaky crust. With these ingredients, you’ll be well on your way to making a delicious homemade pie crust, reminiscent of Marie Callender’s.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Marie Callender Pie Crust

This recipe will guide you through creating a flaky, buttery pie crust reminiscent of the classic Marie Callender style. Follow these detailed steps and you’ll be on your way to a perfect homemade pie.

Ingredients:

• 240 g / 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 113 g / ½ cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
• 60 ml / ¼ cup ice water

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
2. Add the chilled butter pieces to the flour mixture.
3. Using a pastry blender or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Gradually add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing with a fork until the dough just comes together.
5. Divide the dough in half and form each half into a disc.
6. Wrap the discs tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 days.
7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough into a 12-inch circle.
8. Transfer the rolled dough to a 9-inch pie plate, gently pressing it into the bottom and sides.
9. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges decoratively.
10. Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork several times.
11. Refrigerate the pie crust for 15 minutes before filling and baking.

Enjoy your homemade pie crust! It’s perfect for sweet or savory pies.

Pro Tips for Making the Perfect Marie Callender Pie Crust

Making a tender, flaky pie crust requires a combination of the right ingredients, techniques, and attention to detail. Here are some expert tips to help you achieve perfection:

• Keep your ingredients cold. This is crucial for creating a flaky crust. Chill your butter and water in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before starting.
• Use the right ratio of fat to flour. Marie Callender’s original recipe uses a 3:5 ratio of fat to flour. This ensures a tender, flaky crust that’s not too crumbly or too dense.
• Don’t overwork the dough. Mix your ingredients just until they come together in a shaggy mass. Overworking can lead to a tough, dense crust.
• Chill your dough before rolling. This allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to work with and resulting in a more even crust.
• Use a light touch when rolling. Apply gentle pressure to avoid developing the gluten, which can lead to a tough crust.
• Avoid overbaking. Check your crust frequently during the baking time to prevent it from becoming too dark or crispy.

By following these pro tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a Marie Callender-style pie crust that’s tender, flaky, and perfect for any occasion.

Substitutions and Replacements in Marie Callender Pie Crust

To make adjustments to the Marie Callender Pie Crust Recipe with confidence, consider the following substitutions and replacements. These variations can help when ingredients are scarce or to suit specific tastes.

Pie Crust Substitutions

• Replace 120 g / 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour with 120 g / 1/2 cup of whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor.
• Use 60 g / 1/4 cup of cold unsalted butter and 60 g / 1/4 cup of shortening for a flakier crust.
• Substitute 1/2 teaspoon of salt with 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt for a more nuanced flavor.

When making these substitutions, keep the ingredient ratios consistent and the mixing time minimal to avoid developing the gluten. This will ensure the pie crust remains tender and flaky.

Bake the crust at 200°C / 400°F for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown, to bring out the flavors of the substituted ingredients.

Taking Your Marie Callender Pie Crust to the Next Level

The classic Marie Callender pie crust is a blank canvas for culinary creativity. Here are a few delicious variations to elevate your pie game:

1. Chocolate Dream Crust

   Add 1/4 cup (30 g) unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a rich, chocolatey crust. Bake as directed, then fill with your favorite chocolate pie filling.

2. Cinnamon Sugar Delight

   Mix 2 tablespoons (15 g) of cinnamon and 2 tablespoons (30 g) of sugar into the dry ingredients before adding the butter. This creates a sweet and aromatic crust perfect for apple or berry pies.

3. Savory Herb Twist

   Substitute 1 tablespoon (15 g) of the butter with finely chopped fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage. This adds a savory dimension to your crust, ideal for quiche or savory tarts.

Remember, these are just starting points. Feel free to experiment with different flavor combinations and create your own signature crusts!

Storing and Freezing Marie Callender Pie Crust: Tips and Tricks

Preserve your homemade pie crust’s flaky texture and flavor by storing and freezing it properly. Follow these steps for optimal results:

Short-Term Storage:

• Store the pie crust in an airtight container at room temperature (20-25°C / 68-77°F) for up to 2 days.
• Keep it away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

Long-Term Storage:

• Wrap the pie crust tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator at 4-6°C (39-43°F) for up to 5 days.

Freezing:

1. Wrap the pie crust tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container.
2. Label the bag with the date and contents.
3. Store it in the freezer at -18°C (0°F) for up to 3 months.

When ready to use, thaw the frozen pie crust in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.

Troubleshooting Common Issues with Marie Callender Pie Crust

Achieving a perfect pie crust can be challenging, but with the right solutions, common problems can be easily overcome. The Marie Callender Pie Crust Recipe is a popular choice among bakers, and like any recipe, it’s not immune to issues. To ensure a flawless baking experience, it’s essential to identify and address potential problems.

Common Issues and Fixes

The following are common problems encountered when making Marie Callender Pie Crust, along with their solutions:

• Overmixing: Mix ingredients just until they come together in a cohesive dough. Overmixing can lead to a tough crust. Solution: Stop mixing as soon as the dough forms, and gently fold it a few times until it becomes smooth.
• Cold ingredients: Ensure all ingredients, including the butter and water, are at room temperature (around 20°C / 68°F) before starting. Solution: Remove ingredients from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before beginning the recipe.
• Incorrect baking temperature: Verify the oven is preheated to the correct temperature (usually 190°C / 375°F). Solution: Invest in an oven thermometer to ensure accurate temperature readings.
• Insufficient chilling: Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to allow the gluten to relax. Solution: Refrigerate the dough for the recommended time or up to 2 hours for optimal results.

By addressing these common issues, bakers can perfect their Marie Callender Pie Crust and enjoy a delicious, flaky crust every time.

Nutrition Information for Marie Callender Pie Crust

Curious about the nutritional breakdown of your homemade Marie Callender pie crust? Here’s a glimpse:

Serving Size: 1/8 crust (approximately 30 g / 1 ounce)

• Calories: 100
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Sugar: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g

Please note that these values are estimates and may vary slightly based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Diet Tags: This recipe is not gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegan.

Key Takeaways from the Marie Callender Pie Crust Recipe

The Marie Callender Pie Crust Recipe offers valuable lessons for achieving a flaky and tender crust. A key takeaway is the importance of keeping ingredients cold, including the butter and water, to prevent the dough from becoming too warm and sticky.

• Using a combination of 240 g / 1 cup of cold unsalted butter and 120 g / 1/2 cup of shortening helps to create a balanced flavor and texture.
• Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to roll out the crust.
• Baking the crust at 220°C / 425°F for the initial 15 minutes helps to create a golden-brown color and a crispy texture.

By following these tips and using the right ingredients, pie crust beginners can achieve a delicious and flaky crust, just like Marie Callender’s. Remember to not overwork the dough and to keep the ingredients cold throughout the process.

A Little Slice of Nostalgia

There’s something about a perfectly flaky pie crust that just takes me back. Growing up, my family swore by Marie Callender’s pie crusts. They were a staple in our house, used for everything from apple pie to chicken pot pie.

Why This Recipe?

Over the years, I’ve tried countless pie crust recipes, but I always find myself coming back to this one. It’s simple, reliable, and delivers that classic, buttery flavor that I remember so fondly.

I’ve made a few tweaks to the original recipe to make it even better – a touch more cold butter for extra flakiness and a bit of cornstarch for a crispier crust.

Tips for Success

• Make sure your butter is very cold. This is key to achieving those flaky layers.
• Don’t overwork the dough. Just mix until it comes together.
• Chill the dough thoroughly before rolling it out. This will prevent it from shrinking during baking.

With these tips, you’ll be able to bake a pie crust that’s as delicious as the ones from Marie Callender’s. Enjoy!

Mastering the Marie Callender Pie Crust Recipe

With a well-practiced technique and a pinch of patience, you’ve successfully crafted a Marie Callender-style pie crust that’s sure to impress. This journey has taken you through the essential steps of combining cold ingredients, gentle mixing, and precise temperature control – resulting in a flaky, golden crust that’s perfect for your favorite fillings.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this recipe and will continue to experiment with new flavors and techniques. Be sure to try our other pie recipes, from classic apple to decadent chocolate, to take your baking mastery to the next level.