by renata haidle

In every bite of pie, there is a journey - a journey through time, taste, and tradition. Each mouthful speaks to the culmination of centuries of pie-making, melding with the contemporary baker's bold imagination. And as Thanksgiving dawns, the humble pie is a representation of gratitude for the past, a celebration of the present, and an embrace of the future. Pies capture the essence of life's finest moments in the delicate flakiness of the crust and the harmonious blend of flavors within. This is a reminder that while the culinary world evolves, some traditions remain steadfast.  

The Science of Crust Perfection 

Modern pie makers have delved into the science behind achieving the perfect crust. Techniques such as "blind baking" involve pre-baking the crust to prevent it from becoming soggy when filled. Innovations like adding vodka to the pie crust mixture aim to reduce gluten formation, resulting in a more tender crust. This scientific approach ensures that the foundation of every pie - its crust - is nothing short of impeccable. 

A perfect pie crust is essential, providing a delicate and flavorful base that encases the filling. The variety of pie crusts available allows for versatility in flavors, textures, and presentation. Here are some of the most common types of pie crusts without attempting to exhaust them all. 

Traditional Pie Crust 

Most people associate this classic buttery and flaky crust with pies. It's made from a simple combination of flour, cold butter or shortening, salt, and water. The key to its flakiness is keeping the fat cold and handling the dough minimally. 

Shortcrust Pastry 

Shortcrust pastry is a versatile and slightly crumbly crust often used for both sweet and savory pies. It's made by cutting fat (butter, lard, or a combination) into the flour until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs, then adding a bit of cold water to bring the dough together. 

Puff Pastry 

Puff pastry is a great alternative for pies, thanks to its light and flaky texture, as it can hold up to various fillings. Store-bought puff pastry is easy to work with, making it a good option for beginner bakers. 

Pâte Brisée 

A French-style shortcrust pastry, pâte brisée is often used for savory pies and quiches. It is similar to traditional pie crust, but the butter is usually kneaded into the flour with the heel of the hand, resulting in a tender and delicate crust texture. 

Pâte Sucrée 

A sweet pastry crust used for dessert pies and tarts, pâte sucrée is made with the addition of sugar, which is creamed with butter before adding flour. This results in a slightly sweet and crumbly base. It is perfect for fruit tarts and custard-filled pies. 

Graham Cracker Crust 

Made from crushed graham crackers combined with butter and sometimes sugar, graham cracker crusts are commonly used in no-bake pies and cheesecakes. They add a crunchy texture and a touch of sweetness. 

Oatmeal Crust 

Like graham cracker crusts, oatmeal crusts combine crushed oats with butter and often a bit of brown sugar. They're perfect for pies with nutty or fruity fillings. 

Nut Crust 

Nut crusts can be made with ground nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pecans mixed with butter and sometimes a touch of sugar. These crusts add richness and a distinct nutty flavor to pies. 

Gluten-Free Crusts 

With the rise of dietary restrictions and preferences, bakers have embraced the challenge of creating gluten-free, vegan, and allergen-friendly pies that don't compromise taste or texture. Innovative ingredient substitutions, such as almond flour crusts and aquafaba meringue, showcase the adaptability and inclusivity of modern pie-making. 

Press-In Crust 

A simple and easy option, press-in crusts are made by pressing a mixture of ingredients (usually crushed cookies, nuts, and butter) into the pie dish. They're particularly popular for no-bake pies and tarts. 

Phyllo Dough Crust 

Phyllo dough is a thin, flaky pastry commonly used for pies in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines. It is versatile and can be layered to create both sweet and savory pies, such as the spinach-filled spanakopita or the walnut and honey-layered baklava. 

Pre-Made Store-Bought Crust 

For convenience, pre-made pie crusts are available in most grocery stores. They come in various forms, such as frozen, refrigerated, or pre-baked, and can save time when making pies. 

Deconstructed Crust 

Breaking away from the traditional round and single-crust pie, modern bakers are experimenting with deconstructed and miniature versions. Deconstructed pies present layers of flavors and textures in elegant glassware, while miniature pies offer bite-sized indulgence and the opportunity to sample an assortment of flavors in one sitting. 

The choice of pie crust will ultimately come down to the type of pie you're making, personal preference, dietary restrictions, and the level of effort you're willing to invest. Every kind of crust brings its own unique texture, flavor, and character to the final pie, contributing to the overall culinary experience. 

Originally printed in the November 2023 issue of Simply Local Magazine

Never miss an issue, check out SLM's digital editions here!  

related articles: