How To Make The Best Pie Crust with Erin McDowell | Dear Test Kitchen

[@Amlechar]

I have watched every single, solitary video with this woman presenting information (my favorite is her making a chocolate cake that I would absolutely slap my mother to eat) and she is simply amazing: an absolute master of baking, but not conceited or dismissive of the kinds of questions home cooks and bakers are definitely going to have. She's funny and warm, to boot! I think this is what utter passion combined with experience and a down-to-earth attitude yields, and I'm absolutely here for it. Give Erin her own show and watch her become world famous- she deserves every bit of success that is just out here waiting for her!

[@Kaditsu-Chronicles]

I totally agree!

[@teentraveler1790]

_For later_ 1 1/4 C. all-purpose flour 1 pinch. salt 8 TBS. butter -1/4 C. ice water Everything must be cold. Coat 1/2 in cubed butter with the flour. Squish them with fingers. Add 1 to 2 TBS of cold water into the mixture one at a time. *Don't* knead. Sift them gently together instead. Take out the big piece that's ready, continue with the leftovers that were at the bottom of the bowl. But sprinkle the water in. Toss it in the fridge for at least 30 min wrapped in plastic. Preferably more. Then roll with a small handful of flour. If too thin, fold it together in fourths. Brush excess flour away.

[@averagemobileplayergfs7383]

I have a question 🙋 When she says “chill”. Does that mean the refrigerator or freezer?

[@missmira-rv1pe]

She is so natural, that's lovely

[@food52]

Glad you enjoyed Erin's tutorial, samira!

[@brandedwithlea]

Agreed

[@judyrose4197]

@@food52 ]]

[@gingermorris7499]

That's lot of butter

[@sharonavraham290]

I just love Erin- she's captivating!

[@food52]

We agree, she's great! Glad you enjoyed, Sharon!

[@letspetpuppies]

@@food52 It's funny when she doesn't let the guy finihs his sentence and just goes on and on and on.. jfc

[@andymelendez9757]

And I love you!

[@misspinaypie]

Excellent tutorial. At first I thought, man, this is a long video. But it's all good and educational, and very entertaining. I love all the troubleshoot tips. Erin is just bright and makes you feel confident, it's like you're baking with a friend in the kitchen.

[@food52]

Glad you enjoyed Erin's tutorial!

[@jamisonblenker4769]

Erin, I just absolutely adore you. I learned so much from this video and actually from all your videos. You’re a joy to watch. Thank you!

[@rhonddacharlesworth3815]

Erin McDowell you are a gift. due to covid I'm stuck homeschooling and you are teaching me as well as my grandsons how to bake, not to mention science and math. GIRL YOU ARE THE WHOLE PACKAGE! THANK YOU a struggling grandma

[@joshb5036]

You're a natural teacher, Erin. Thank you for sharing all this amazing content. I have been on a mission to make a good crust for years and you've helped crack the code. Using your method along with half and half instead of water I made a killer crust for apple dumplings. Cubing the butter, chilling the flour, your mixing technique, and letting the dough rest before rolling out were all great tips contributing to a super flakey, delectable crust. Happy Thanksgiving and happy pie making!

[@TheShamrocKing]

....cant tell you enough how much you've helped me overcome my pie crust anxiety...thank you, Love you.

[@food52]

So glad you found Erin's tutorial helpful, Joseph!

[@vzmkitty]

This video of Erin’s method earned me the biggest compliment of my life: my pie crust lived up to my mom’s memory of my grandmother’s crust. I’ve successfully used this method for scones as well. I have rewatched this video every year since it first came out before I make pie crusts for the holidays. Thanks Erin for elevating my baking game!

[@staceyleeweeaks-hernandez8583]

To keep my ingredients cold while I'm mixing my pie dough, I freeze my enameled cast iron Dutch oven overnight and use that as my mixing bowl.

[@Brenda_with_an_ie]

Stacey Lee Weeaks-Hernandez that’s a really good idea! Thanks!

[@food52]

That's a great tip -- thanks for sharing, Stacey!

[@LondonSunflower]

Stacey Lee Weeaks-Hernandez brilliant idea

[@deeferry6520]

I like to wash my hands and rinse them in really cold water

[@robyndismon394]

Hi Stacy. Your tip was not just brilliant it was EPIC. I will be using that tip from here on out. Happy baking.🍁

[@Shannyfrizz]

She has an amazing personality. I made pie today and wish i saw this video first. these tips were incredibly helpful.

[@food52]

So glad you found Erin's tutorial useful, Shanny!

[@DonnaMingLee]

I made this crust for a peach cobbler, it was excellent,! Definitely a keeper, this will be my go to recipe for golden flakey crust, I love the way she explains size of butter chunks matter, I am an experienced cook who is learning more about baking, I bought her book, worth the money, I wish you continued success

[@summeroliney9570]

Where is the crust recipe? I cant find

[@italianchef6080]

i love Erin..so knowledgeable! Great advice and direction..will keep this in my file for forever advice each time i make a pie!

[@food52]

Thanks, so glad you found Erin's tutorial useful!

[@ayshaamin3552]

Omg !! I killed it on my first try and I’ve never had a pie before!

[@aiai-j7i]

Thank you so much! Now I know why my attempt at pie crust turned out to be more like a shortbread cookie. I also appreciate not assuming everyone has or wants to use a food processor. Simple and to the point!

[@food52]

Glad you enjoyed Erin's tutorial!

[@Indicadores-de-problemas]

Hate the food processor method

[@harmoneedreams8168]

@@Indicadores-de-problemas Can I ask why? I'm new to pie crusts, and am very curious.

[@flowerchild777]

@@harmoneedreams8168 Maybe Tee enjoys pinching the butter and flour between their fingers ?? I'm just guessing

[@bonnieraekonjevich2776]

My computer is on and in the kitchen, as your channel just came on. Now I am learning without trying while cooking/BAKING A PIE ! so articulate and comprehensive!

[@food52]

So glad you enjoyed, Bonnie!

[@reneejohnson5041]

Oh my goodness! Best pie crust tutorial ever! I've been making the pecan pies for Thanksgiving for the past 30 year. The fillings is awesome, but the crust...ok. I'm so excited to bring the best pies ever to Thanksgiving this year. Thanks for ALL the great tips! And Thanks for addressing the biggest issue with my soggy bottom crust with my custard pies!! Thank you!

[@Warmbeanity]

The lesson is really incredible. Feel more confident to make pie crusts after watching your demonstration. Thanks a lot!

[@gangGreenthumb]

I used the all butta pie dough for 6" quiches tarts today. I prebaked the crusts till fairly browned before filling them, which made them crispy and crackly. You could hear the crunch when biting into them. OMG, Erin! You are a goddess!!

[@zacharyhicks2136]

you're the first channel to address size of the butter. everyone else says "pea" size. bless you for this help and the distinction for flaky and mealy, why, and how to get there.

[@Angelia30342]

Her manner makes me smile. Love it while she shows me how to 'bake it up a notch'!!

[@victoriaoshea4865]

really love Erin's fearless style she is practical completely a master at her art and very inspirational thank you thank you thank you

[@joekaplan398]

I never comment on videos. This is the best pie tutorial I've ever seen. Must be so hard to teach intuition, and she makes it so easy to understand.

[@KR-wu7nv]

Erin is great! Such a llikeable personality! Wonderful instructions! Going to my kitchen now. I'm inspired.

[@aqeelakhan3820]

Give that woman a show on food network

[@albertledesma5173]

Ugh! Please no!! Food Network is nothing but garbage and would only ruin her.

[@a-marieboudreaux3175]

I Agree 100% Love Erin❤️

[@harmoneedreams8168]

@@albertledesma5173 That was my first thought, after reading this comment. Noooo, I like her that would be terrible!

[@karen32950]

I have been baking pies for years but still feel I can learn from “the experts!” Can we get Erin to hold a pie class in Southern California?

[@RV-there-Yet]

Please~ someone? Please do that.

[@patphares6258]

Erin…you are a breath of fresh air! So enjoy your videos. You could be talking about the composition of Mars and I’d still be captivated by your wit and neat gyrations. You rule! Thank you…

[@carmen-perezdiaz]

A master class made simple. Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@mskyn150]

I'm late to this video, but after Erin's help I made my first successful flakey pie crust last night after failed attempts with other youtube chefs/tutorials... Not as beautiful, but definitely passable and my husband LOVED it.. And he's not a pie person.. She's amazing.

[@joanies6778]

Best pie crust tutorial, bar none. Cannot wait to make my next pie! Love their reactions to the pie crusts. 🥰😍🤩

[@christaadeyemi2533]

I’ve just begun my interest in pie making. I watched a few of your classes here on KZbin before attempting my first crust. I followed your steps for a buttery crust and decided to let it chill overnight. Oh my goodness. Not once did I ever think I would be able to create something so beautiful. I did an apple pie because we had apples and the filling was a bit soggy. I know now where I went wrong and will try again. But the crust was absolutely divine. Thank you so much 🙏

[@ianscianablo8507]

That buttery flavor is heavenly. I made the single, one stick butter crust.

[@RV-there-Yet]

Absolute favorite pie crust teaching EVER!! Some seriously helpful technical bits, as well as more subtle nuances I had not, before today, considered. Gracias, wowsa AND thank you! What a lovely channel, w/some lovely & talented people =) Truly happy to have found you all today~ Sammie in New Mexico

[@food52]

Glad you enjoyed Erin's tutorial, Sammie!

[@justme8108]

For years I was very well known for my pies (the pie dough really) and then, I decided to do the 'keep it all cold' method and they were horrid, so now I have returned to the 'room temp' method, and they are once again, wonderful and everyone loves them.

[@TheLastPharm]

Yeah, it's odd how some people swear by some techniques that don't seem to work so well for others. I'm trying to re- figure out some basics with mixed success. What's got me baffled is Erin's position on metal pie plates being poor conductors of heat. I'm quite gobsmacked tbh. It almost directly flies in the face of many of her colleague's opinions. Best to try for oneself and see how it works out.

[@kmsy200]

Your pie crust recipe is the best of all videos in KZbin. Thanks for sharing . Thanks

[@food52]

So glad you enjoyed watching Erin's tutorial, Anna!

[@crimsonfancy]

Erin McDowell is so invested and it's exciting to see. So well done, Food52

[@terridavis5788]

Erin, I have to thank you for all the information you share in these entertaining videos. Plus, your pleasant personality is so uplifting I really enjoy your company, playing on my TV! I tried your all butter pie crust, even though I usually make a press in the pan oil crust (because I find it easier than rolling it out) and I have to say, the pie I made was, in my humble opinion, a Blue Ribbon Winner! It was soooo delicious my son agreed that it would win a prize in any pie contest! Thank you so much for all your videos, they are extremely helpful, and I've been baking for many, many years!!! ❤❤❤

[@terridavis5788]

I wanted to share a picture but I don't yet know how...

[@sylviagallegos5782]

I totally agree she deserves her own show. Erin explains everything so that you feel like your right next to her.

[@rosie20098]

I really appreciate how detailed she was about mixing in the water. I e always struggled with pie crust and getting the right hydration. I feel like every other video I’ve seen they just say “mix in as little water possible, while touching it as little as possible”. That has always led me to crust that is way to dry and crumbles apart after resting. I really hope this video helps!

[@valeriestudenroth3650]

You are a great teacher This is something I always wanted to learn my mom's was so good.my mom never left us help .this is the way she did it .I tried to many of times never worked for me .hope this one works for me thank you

[@merridethelong9955]

OMG! I made your pie crust today and did it exactly like you demonstrated, crimping and all, and it was awesome. It looked beautiful and it tasted like heaven! I will never make any other pie crust recipe and I will definitely never buy pre-made crust again.Thank you!

[@suecastillo4056]

You definitely need your own show on Food Network!!OMG ! I’m LOVING you!!! You’ve already got a huge fan base I’m guessing, AND I saw your Westie on another video AND I’m now obsessed!!! I think you’re fabulous!❤️❤️❤️😘🙋‼️👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🥰

[@WestieKatie]

SHE. HAS. A. WESTIE. TOO??? 😍😍😍

[@suecastillo4056]

@@WestieKatie yep! I saw him on her video!! He’s adorable as Westie are!♥️I’m a groomer so I always notice who has what!! Great name by the way Katie dear! Westie Katie♥️what’s yours named?💕🐾🐾💕guessing you’re a Westie fancier😂💕💕💕🐾‼️

[@DawsJosh]

She is amazing. The ability to have a dough that is mottled with butter but that still can be handled like a sturdy dough is insane. She's walking a tightrope effortlessly, and I now need her cookbook.

[@food52]

So glad you enjoyed Erin's tutorial!

[@GS-xt8fu]

I forgot to comment long ago. I have used this crust many times since the video. My family thinks they are incredible. I must admit ...they are. I am a former military vet and I own my own company. There is nothing I like to do more than prepare large meals for my family on the weekends. I have to be honest...I told my wife. I like being able to out cook all the woman in the family.Erin.....your pie crust is so wonderful. I love doing the two layer for apple pies. Have to be careful with the filling and its easy to get your filling to "soupy" if you are not careful.Thanks so much. The holidays are coming and I hope my pies are as successful as last year. All thanks to you....I get..my gosh...your crust are so good!!!!

[@gracestallman2379]

Has Erin met Samin Nosrat?? I feel like the two of them in the same room would be culinary/personality magic!

[@EvadoCouto]

Grace Stallman omg yes!! They would be so so fun together

[@brandedwithlea]

Yesssss

[@carriemorley356]

Erin-thanks to you I’m back starting today! Watched you for hours on a sleepless night and after many years of NOT pie baking - I’m going to get back at it today. Thank you 🙏

[@lauragonzalez1199]

You could actually see the big bits of butter in the dough looks AMAZING 👏 😋 😍

[@healthhollow7218]

I use a cheese grater for my butter that’s been chilled in the freezer. Then after I grated it, I will stick it back in the freezer before cutting it into the flour. It works wonders for my dough! 😊

[@queencleo1151]

Erin, you're simply the best! Following your videos is such a joy! Thank you

[@msmegs93]

Erin is my Julia Child- fascinating and funny, and a baker par excellence!!😊

[@food52]

Glad you enjoyed Erin's tutorial!

[@elizabethallegretto8982]

Wonderful teacher! I feel like I can try pie dough now! Where has she been my whole life !!! 👏💕

[@robbinhardy7317]

Every recipe I have tried is perfect. It shows you love to bake and cook. It is your passion to share.

[@robbinhardy7317]

THE MUSIC NEEDS TO GO

[@Brendatr0n818]

I love these videos. We all need a friend like Erin!

[@kathleenswenning9915]

What an incredible lesson in flakey pie crusts! Thank you so much! It looked so delicious, especially the apple Carmel crust!! Wow so many layers of flakiness! Your guest was soooooo knowledgeable and such a great teacher and you a great student!

[@food52]

So glad you enjoyed Erin's tutorial, Kathleen! If you'd like to watch more "Dear Test Kitchen," we've got all the episodes right over here: f52.co/dear-test-kitchen

[@gayanetovell1061]

I made this pie crust for Thanksgiving. I made an apple pie and a sour cherry pie. It was so good! Never made pie before and I am so glad I tried your recipe. With all your helpful tips it was really easy. Many thanks for the tutorial.

[@danmcdonnell6689]

Wow! You are amazing!!! Wonderful explanations on why you should do something. can't wait to try your technique.

[@susanm5692]

Best pie crust demonstration ever!

[@food52]

Glad you enjoyed watching, Susan!

[@karentaylor2160]

She's a baking boss, I just love her...awesome...

[@jennynuber4533]

Erin, you are so amazing to watch and unbelievably talented at explaining how to make things. Please keep making videos!

[@aafsterlife9647]

This woman is so good at what she does! Big thumbs up

[@food52]

Glad you enjoyed Erin's tutorial!

[@fsunole4]

Yes, she is such a natural! Enjoyed her style and skill!

[@lynnesmith6827]

Watched a few other people making apple pie but I feel Erin is the best which is why I bought her Book of Pie; an excellent resource with tips and recipes! One person said you shouldn’t make apple pie if you don’t add ginger to it. They recommended you make a galette or a Tarte Tatin. While I enjoy making those, I really love our family apple pie recipe from my mother and grandmother which doesn’t have ginger. It’s been my family’s favorite since I was a kid and before that. I say, don’t be judgy, just make whatever recipe your family likes! 😍

[@maggiejetson7904]

Thanks Erin, your video has the most know how and tips in the science of the crust.

[@josephinemurphy9421]

Erin you're a great teacher and the bear baker thanks!

[@joannegracia6463]

I began watching this video during COVID 19 when there was time to bake and an extra incentive to eat (what else to do?). 🙂 I've returned every holiday since for Erin's tips and tricks. Wonderful! Just baked apple and pumpkin pies for Thanksgiving, which very much look like hers. Thanks, Erin, and Happy Thanksgiving!

[@VeretenoVids]

Thank you very much for this video, but I ask you to please lower the music levels in future videos. (Or eliminate it entirely.) I struggled to hear the speech above the music at many places.

[@food52]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@judithbenton1475]

Excellent teacher. I don't bake that much anymore but wish I had had her tips way back then.

[@food52]

So glad you enjoyed Erin's tutorial, Judith!

[@angelasegarra2339]

Always looking to make the best pie crust. Thank you so much. Definitely going to save and store these tips away.

[@food52]

Great, so glad you found this video useful!

[@lisa_and_christian]

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I made this crust (for a sweet potato pie) and it turned out AMAZING. There could not be a more perfect pie crust. You rock!

[@food52]

So glad you found Erin's tutorial useful!

[@darlenerothenay6251]

I usually add ice to my water to keep it cold and have found that by using a gravy separator, I can strain out the ice as I pour plus control a very small stream of water. It works great!

[@sallofatani]

Thank you so much for having someone make mistakes and you correct him ❤ I appreciate it ❤❤❤

[@Chucho_Q]

Very impressive!! Best pie dough KZbin video I've ever seen! Glad I don't have to look any further. Great Job everyone!! 👊

[@crimsonfancy]

She cares so much to make the perfect pie dough and she teaches very well edit: I love to see so much thought and technique in the simplest formulas / fewest components. Experience in technique can adjust and overcome concerns when we aren't exact yet with our hands. Fixing a great effort for the best.

[@winromeo]

Thank you so much!! Erin is such a great teacher this is by far the most detailed pie crust demo! I love hoe she explains how and why things work/don't work, it makes more sense than just follow along. Now I'm much less afraid to try my first pie crust!

[@ouaie3901]

hoe?

[@michellecamp2929]

Wow she’s so smart , full of experience thank you!

[@ConnieHerzogMN]

Fun video! I use a cold pastry blender because my hands are so warm. I also use cold milk in place of the cold water. Just a preference. Great job!!

[@micheleb.7573]

Awesome tutorial! The nut pie intrigues me - would love that recipe if possible. Thank you

[@carolannpartridge6263]

Yep, you need your own show. You are AMAZING 👏 ❤🎉

[@isabelladavis1363]

Love those finished edges,beautiful can’t wait,to,try these myself! Thank you,for,sharing

[@iwillsinganewsong]

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, sifted Pinch salt 8 tablespoons butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes 1/4 cup ice water, or more as needed

[@deepsoul3256]

God thanks

[@sarahamernik4819]

Thank you

[@dinahrodriguez3755]

Such a great tutorial. Erin is an excellent teacher.

[@PhilVerryChannel]

Josh's smirks throughout. He wants to laugh a lot or he is excitable.

[@violetmaster5914]

God bless 🙌you Erin...beautiful tutorial. I must thank you you are truly blessed.

[@Siriuslyyy]

Erin is such a delight! Thank you ❤️

[@laurenandreas5950]

Wonderful video! I don’t think I’ve ever had a ‘butter crust’! I am usually disappointed with the crust and just eat the filling and leave the tasteless crust. I am definitely going to try this!!! Thank you for this very informative video! You are good instructors! 🥧

[@food52]

Thanks Lauren, so glad you enjoyed Erin's tutorial! Let us know how it goes when you try!

[@staceyleeweeaks-hernandez8583]

That's a shame. When you're eating a good crust, the filling is secondary.

[@darlenerothenay6251]

Here is a tip I use to help from incorporating too much flour while rolling. I put my crust in an extra large food bag and roll. Unless it is too sticky, it helps make a more flaky dough.

[@food52]

That's a great tip -- thanks Darlene!

[@MuzikAficionado]

After watching hundreds of pie videos, I finally feel rewarded by youtube for notifying me with this Pie 101 course! 💯 marks❣ Thanks to the Pie Princess! P.S: your channel didn't show this video in its playlists. Perhaps a better classification would help us find the recipes we're looking for!

[@food52]

Thanks for the heads up! Glad you found Erin's pie tutorial useful!!

[@faithmoore8903]

I love this pie dough. You are a very good teacher. Thank you.

[@food52]

Glad you enjoyed watching Erin's tutorial, Faith!

[@toniromero2914]

What a wonderful, beautiful video.... I absolutely LOVE fruit pie. Anxious to try...

[@food52]

So glad you enjoyed, Toni! Let us know if you try Erin's pie crust method!

[@cpp8227]

What a fabulous video; so many wonderful tips! Thank you so much!

[@food52]

Glad you found this episode of Dear Test Kitchen useful, Cynthia!

[@chelseaclerke3582]

You had me at the part where you took out the pie dough that was already wet enough to add water to those stupid dry leftover bits, that is always my issue and I end up either over working dough to get them to incorporate or under working too much because I am afraid of over working it and it falls apart! Life changing tip, mind blown!🤣

[@luthersteaching5228]

Yes, I agree about part of your dough sticking together and being perfectly hydrated but what about all the bits of powdery flour left behind? Take the perfect dough ball out and set it aside, then flick drops of water from your fingers into the dry dough and lightly toss to mix! 👏🏻 I love it! That’s the answer to my problem with pastry dough mixing. Thanks Erin!

[@flowerchild777]

Also keeping a spray mister in the fridge to barely mist water on the dryer bits

[@flowerchild777]

@@luthersteaching5228 or get a water mister and keep it in the fridge for those dryer bits

[@silverfox9833]

Hi. Watching in 2021. What an OUTSTANDING video. Very informative. Thank you for sharing.

[@maddieb7130]

I have been looking for this video my entire life!

[@food52]

Glad you found this video useful, Maddie!

[@mastiffmom2592]

She’s so fun to watch. I’m making my very first pie crust ever and I’m 56. 😂 I told my hubs and son the crust is going to fall apart. The cookbook told me to cut my butter in 2 tablespoons at a time, BAD advice. Anyway I’ll parbake and we can eat the pumpkin pie right from the pie plate. 🤣

[@LabibaLaith]

Thank you Erin! You gave me the confidence to attempt pie crusts again after avoiding it for 4 years! I did get carried away squishing the butter it's SO soothing. It was the rough puff video and this 😊🙏🏼🌷🙏🏼😊 God bless

[@rebeccaknudsen6190]

I'm buying your pie book! Is there a pre order? Because it can't come soon enough! Love love love your teaching techniques of how it should look and what challenges may arise. Thanks

[@pattymiller1080]

Have been making this, known as Josey's Adventure Bread, for years. Love it!!! So easy to throw together and nutritious.

[@food52]

Glad you enjoyed, Patty!

[@Kaditsu-Chronicles]

I love Erin and her recipes and learning from her❤❤❤

[@mariazoraiacanlas3049]

i do making a pie crust for chicken pie. but this show i learn new technique on how pie crust more flaky. thank you so much for sharing this video!

[@food52]

So glad you found Erin's tutorial useful, Maria!

[@sherleescott]

Thank you enjoyed video . Also liked tutorial on the rolling pins..

[@areu8675]

You’re a great teacher,Erin!