Can I use shortening instead of butter in pie crust?
Can I use shortening instead of butter in pie crust?
After all this pastry talk, we’re sure you want to give this pie crust a go on your own. Follow along for our Test Kitchen’s standard crust recipe. We definitely preferred butter, but you can substitute the same amount of shortening or lard—or some of each—for butter here.
Is shortening good for pie crust?
The pros: Shortening has a higher melting point than lard or butter, so it’s easy to incorporate into pie dough and roll out. It’s also helpful when making any kind of decorative pie crust, because doughs made with shortening hold their shape the best during baking.
Does vegan butter make good pie crust?
Vegan Butter (recommended for best flavor). Shortening is completely flavorless so when making a pie crust with shortening, it is pretty bland in flavor. To make a pie crust that is not only flaky but also rich in flavor, using vegan butter is key.
How do you make shortening for pie crust?
Cut shortening into flour mixture using pastry blender or fork until shortening pieces are the size of peas. Gradually add just enough water, 1 Tbsp. at a time, stirring with fork just until dough holds together and forms a smooth ball. SHAPE dough into a ball for single pie crust.
What happens if you put too much shortening in pie crust?
Too much shortening makes the pastry crumbly. Add more water, 1 teaspoon at a time. Soggy bottom crust: Could be one of several things. Check out your pie pan.
Why do you put vinegar in a pie crust?
Secret ingredient: Use a dash of apple cider vinegar in your pie dough. Add 1 teaspoon to your current favorite recipe at the time in which you’re adding your ice water. Vinegar helps prevent the formation of gluten which makes for a tough crust.
Which is better lard or shortening?
Until recently, it was also thought to be healthier because it contains less saturated fat than butter and lard. However, we now know that highly processed shortening offers no health advantages over butter or lard and may in fact be a less nutritious choice ( 5 , 6 ).
What is better for pie crust lard or shortening?
Lard: If it doesn’t make you squeamish, lard makes an incredible pastry crust. It chills nicely and doesn’t break down under heat as quickly as butter. This makes for a relatively flaky crust if handled properly. While it’s not as tasty as butter, it’s flavor is still less bland than shortening or oil.
Is Crisco vegetable shortening vegan?
While you may think of Crisco as that weird oily stuff your Grandma always used in pie crust, the vegetable shortening is actually completely vegan and a great option for non-dairy treats.
How do you make a vegan pie crust?
To make the vegan pie dough:
- Whisk together the dry ingredients: plain all-purpose flour, sugar and salt.
- Add the cold vegan butter (from the fridge)
- and use your fingertips to work it into the dry ingredients until you get a mixture resembling breadcrumbs.
- Add the frozen, sliced vegan butter.
Is Crisco vegan?
Why do you put vinegar in pie crust?
Vinegar helps tenderize pie dough because it slightly inhibits gluten development, leading to a crust that is flakier and easier to work with. The great thing about vinegar is that you really only need a little bit of it to help your dough, so you won’t know what that “secret ingredient” after baking!