
There is something deeply satisfying about making pie dough from scratch, and this version delivers that perfectly flaky, buttery crust that store-bought simply cannot match. The technique here is all about keeping the butter cold and working it in unevenly — those pea-sized and almond-sized chunks are exactly what create distinct, tender layers once the crust hits the oven. Ice water added gradually keeps everything cohesive without overworking the gluten, so you end up with a dough that rolls out beautifully and holds its shape in the dish. For anyone navigating mustard sensitivities, this recipe is a genuine relief — pre-made pastry and pie shells can harbor surprising additives, and making your own means you know exactly what went into it. The ingredient list is refreshingly short: flour, sugar, salt, butter, and water, nothing more. Chilling the finished disks gives the gluten time to relax, making the dough far easier to roll and far less likely to shrink during baking. Whether you're filling it with fruit, custard, or a savory mixture, this crust is the kind of foundation that makes every pie worth the effort.
Fig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →8 servings




Whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl until evenly combined.
Add the chilled butter cubes to the flour mixture and work them in with a pastry cutter or your fingertips, pressing each cube flat and breaking it into smaller pieces, until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized and almond-sized butter pieces still visible throughout — this uneven texture is what creates flaky layers.
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!
