1 Genius, Goof-Proof Pie Crust, 5 Amazing Ways to Use It

Basic Pastry

Trust us: making pie crust from scratch doesn't have to be a traumatic experience. This simple, buttery pastry is quick to assemble, perfectly flaky, and nearly foolproof. The secret? Handling it gently and adding some egg, which makes the dough pliant and forgiving when it comes time to roll it out.

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Basic Pastry
Basic Pastry

Plum and Blackberry Pie

Packed with sweet late-summer plums and inky blackberries, this gorgeous pie has an appealing tartness that's tempered with just the right amount of vanilla and sugar, plus a truly show-stopping ruby color. While any type of top crust will work here, a traditional lattice looks particularly dramatic against the dark fruit.

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Plum and Blackberry Pie
Plum and Blackberry Pie

Old Fashioned Whole Strawberry Pie

Who says strawberries need rhubarb? Piles of plump, juicy, whole berries are the star of this simple, homespun pie. The one modern twist: a sprinkling of freshly ground black pepper, which gives the fruit filling a subtle, spicy kick.

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Old Fashioned Whole Strawberry Pie
Old Fashioned Whole Strawberry Pie

Pear and Fresh Fig Pie

Warm spices and caramel-sweet brown sugar are a perfect marriage for juicy pears and tender, ripe figs in this stunning pie. A rustic fold-over crust not only looks lovely—it's also a technique that's simple enough for even non-crafty bakers to get right.

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Pear and Fresh Fig Pie
Pear and Fresh Fig Pie

Apricot Lemon Sponge Pie

Adapted from a recipe in a vintage New England community cookbook, this delicate, sweet-tart pie is a modern update on a classic form. During baking, the fruit and custard fillings separate to form three layers: spiced apricots, lemon pudding, and a delicate, spongy top. In other words: heaven.

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Apricot Lemon Sponge Pie
Apricot Lemon Sponge Pie

Mini Spiced Rum Peach Pies

Sometimes good things come in small packages—as in the case of these irresistible, rum- and ginger-scented peach pies. Simply swap out your usual pie plate for a muffin tin, and you'll be left with adorable mini-pies that should end any arguments over who gets the biggest slice.

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Mini Spiced Rum Peach Pies
Mini Spiced Rum Peach Pies