Perfect Pâte Sucrée: French Butter Pie Pastry Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes (plus chilling time)
Yield: 2 10-inch pie shells
Category: Dessert
Keywords: European, Under 15 Minutes, Small Appliance, Easy
Description: Pâte sucrée is the quintessential French pastry dough, known for its tender, buttery texture that’s perfect for sweet pies and tarts. The secret to achieving a perfectly flaky and rich pâte sucrée lies in keeping the dough very cold and handling it minimally. For best results, make sure to freeze the butter cubes for about 10-15 minutes before starting. This ensures that the butter remains cold throughout the mixing process, creating a deliciously delicate and crisp crust.
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (sifted to remove lumps and ensure even measurement)
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar (for a touch of sweetness)
- 1 cup unsalted butter (cold and cut into small cubes)
- 1 large egg yolk (lightly beaten)
- 2 to 3 tablespoons ice water (as needed to bind the dough)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Ingredients: Start by ensuring that your butter is cold. For best results, freeze the butter cubes for about 10-15 minutes before use. This helps in creating a tender and flaky texture in the final pastry.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In the bowl of a food processor, combine the sifted all-purpose flour and granulated sugar. Pulse briefly to mix the ingredients evenly.
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Incorporate the Butter: Add the chilled butter cubes to the flour mixture. Pulse the mixture just until it resembles coarse meal or a crumbly texture. This should take no more than 10-20 seconds. Be careful not to over-process, as this can make the dough tough.
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Prepare the Egg Yolk Mixture: In a small glass or bowl, lightly beat the egg yolk. Add the ice water to the yolk and mix to combine. This mixture will help bind the dough together.
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Form the Dough: With the food processor running, gradually add the egg yolk and ice water mixture into the flour and butter mixture. Process just until the dough begins to hold together. You don’t want to overwork the dough, so keep an eye on it and stop as soon as it forms a cohesive mass.
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Chill the Dough: Remove the dough from the food processor and divide it into two equal portions. Gently shape each portion into a ball, then wrap them in plastic wrap. Be sure to handle the dough as little as possible to prevent it from becoming too warm. Chill the wrapped dough in the refrigerator for at least one hour before using. This chilling step helps the dough relax and makes it easier to roll out.
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Freezing Option: If you’re not planning to use the dough immediately, you can freeze it. Simply wrap the dough balls tightly in plastic wrap and then again in aluminum foil to protect it from freezer burn. The dough can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to use, thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight.
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Rolling Out the Dough: After chilling, lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin. Roll out one portion of dough into a circle, approximately 12 inches in diameter. Transfer it to a 10-inch pie pan, trimming any excess dough. Repeat with the second portion of dough.
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Blind Baking (Optional): If your recipe calls for pre-baking the crust (blind baking), line the dough with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes. Remove the weights and parchment, then bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
Notes: Keeping the dough cold is crucial for a successful pâte sucrée. If the dough becomes too warm while working with it, simply place it back in the refrigerator to chill again. This will help maintain the desired flaky texture. Enjoy your delicious pâte sucrée as the perfect base for a variety of sweet tarts and pies!
This classic French pastry dough, pâte sucrée, is both versatile and delightful. It’s the ideal choice for creating beautifully crisp and buttery crusts that enhance any dessert. Whether you’re preparing a luscious fruit tart or a decadent chocolate pie, this pâte sucrée will provide the perfect foundation for your culinary creations.
