Simple Homemade Pie Crust
One of my favorite things to make in the kitchen is this simple homemade pie crust. There’s just something so comforting about a crust that turns out perfectly tender, soft, and just plain delicious. A good pie crust can truly make or break a recipe, and once you learn how to make one from scratch, it’s hard to go back to store-bought.
This easy olive oil pie crust recipe is one I absolutely love. It’s simple, reliable, and comes together with just a few basic pantry ingredients. Whether you’re making a classic fruit pie, a savory pot pie, or even homemade pop tarts, this homemade pie crust is the perfect base.
Pie crust is one of those things that can be used for so many delicious recipes. From sweet pies and tarts to savory dishes like chicken pot pie, it’s incredibly versatile. You can even bake it on its own for a simple, tasty treat. But I will say—not all pie crust is created equal. I’ve had some that turned out dense and not nearly as enjoyable. I guess you could say I’m a little picky when it comes to pie crust!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No butter or shortening needed – This is the perfect pie crust without butter, making it a great dairy-free option.
- Quick and easy to make – No pastry cutter required—just a bowl and a fork.
- Beginner-friendly – This dough is very forgiving and easy to work with.
- Tender, light texture – Thanks to the olive oil and baking powder, the crust bakes up soft and delicious.
- Perfect for sweet or savory recipes – Use it for pies, tarts, pot pies, and more.
This particular recipe is extra special to me because it came from my mother-in-law. It’s one of those tried-and-true recipes that has been passed down and perfected over time. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make. You don’t need any fancy equipment—just a bowl, a fork, and a few simple ingredients like all-purpose flour, salt, baking powder, olive oil, and ice-cold water.
In just a few minutes, you can have your dough ready to go. What makes this easy pie crust recipe a little different is that it uses olive oil instead of butter or shortening. This not only makes the process quicker (no cutting in cold butter!), but it also creates a wonderfully tender crust with a delicate texture.
Another key ingredient in this recipe is baking powder. Since this isn’t a traditional butter-based crust, the baking powder helps create a lighter texture by giving the dough a slight lift as it bakes. The result is a crust that’s soft, tender, and still sturdy enough to hold all your favorite fillings.
Unlike traditional pie crust recipes that rely on cold chunks of butter to create flaky layers, this olive oil pie crust comes together smoothly and is very forgiving to work with. The olive oil helps keep the dough moist and easy to roll out, making it a great option for beginners or anyone who wants a no-fuss homemade pie crust.
Recipe Tips
- Use a light or mild olive oil to keep the flavor neutral
- Don’t skip the baking powder—it helps create a lighter texture
- Use ice cold water for the best consistency
- Mix just until combined to keep the crust tender
- Adjust flour as needed if the dough feels too sticky
- Roll between parchment paper for easier handling
One of the best things about this pie crust without butter is that you don’t need to chill the dough. That means you can go from mixing to baking in no time at all—perfect for busy days or last-minute desserts.
One of my favorite things about making homemade pie crust is what you can do with the extra dough. If you find yourself with leftovers or just want a quick sweet treat, I have a simple tip that I’ve loved since I was a kid.
Roll the extra dough out flat on a cookie sheet, sprinkle it generously with cinnamon sugar, and bake it until it’s golden brown. Growing up, my mom always made this with leftover pie dough, and it quickly became one of my favorite snacks. It’s crispy, sweet, and incredibly addicting—in the best way!
FAQ
This easy olive oil pie crust recipe is one you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again. It’s simple enough for everyday baking, but delicious enough for holidays and special occasions. Once you try this homemade pie crust, you’ll always have a reliable, no-fuss option ready to go for all your favorite recipes.
What you’ll need for this recipe:
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, all purpose flour, salt, baking powder, and ice cold water.
- Mix until just combined.
- Place saran wrap on your counter, and transfer dough to saran wrap. (or parchment paper)
- Roll until desired thickness. I roll mine pretty thin
- Peel of top layer of saran wrap or parchment paper, and transfer to your pie plate. shape and cut off any dough overhanging the pie plate.
- Poke crust with a fork and bake if not using a filling immediately
- bake in the oven for 8 mins or until golden.
Simple Homemade Pie Crust
Equipment
- Small Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Cups/ Spoons
- Fork
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 Cups All Purpose Flour
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Baking powder I prefer aluminum free
- 1/2 Cup Olive Oil
- 3 Tbsp Ice Cold Water
Instructions
- preheat oven to 400°
- In a small bowl add in olive oil.
- Next add all purpose flour, salt, baking powder, and ice cold water
- Mix until well combined. if to crust is too wet add a little more flour, if crust is too dry add a small amount of water.
- transfer dough to saran wrap or parchment paper. place another piece of aran wrap or parchment paper on top of dough and Roll until desired thickness
- remove top layer of saran wrap or parchment paper and carefully lift dough and lay it on pie plate. Lightly press dough into pie plate. and cut off excess dough around the sides.
- Bake 400° for 8 minutes or until golden
There’s nothing like homemade pie crust that’s made from scratch. It’s worth it!