This Blind Baked American Pie Crust is made with thick buttery rough puff style pastry in no time. It can be part or fully baked ready for sweet or savoury fillings to make a whole range of pies, tarts and flans. You'll never buy a ready-made pastry case again!
Roll 500g American Pie Pastry out on a floured surface to around 7mm/ ¼ ” thick. Use the pie dish to make sure that it is big enough to comfortably fit the tin and up the sides.
Move the dough into the tin. I find it easiest to fold the dough square into quarters then lift it into the tin. Line up the corner of the pasty quarter with the middle of the tin.
Carefully unfold the pastry.
Then gently ease the piece of dough into the tin. Lift the sides on the dough into the centre rather than stretching the dough thinner to make it fit. Use the side of your finger to make sure the dough is comfortably fitting right into the corner of the tin.
Use a knife to cut away the excess pastry. Neaten and/or crimp the edges slightly if you fancy.
Put the tin into the fridge to chill for at least 30 minutes. Or speed up the process and put it into the freezer for 15. Just don’t forget it's in there.
Once chilled, add a round cake liner or cut piece of parchment paper into the pastry case. Use your fingers to flatten out the ridges so it fits the pastry right to the edges.
Fill the paper case as full as it will go with baking beans. I like to bank them up against the edges.
Bake the pastry for 12 minutes.
Meanwhile separate the egg white from 1 Egg. Add a tiny pinch (⅛ tsp) Salt and mix in.
Remove the pastry from the oven and turn it down to 200°c fan | 220°c | 390°f. Very carefully remove the paper liner and baking beans. You will find it safest to use a spoon to remove the beans into a heatproof container then take out the paper.
Use a brush to paint the base and sides of the pastry with a very thin layer of egg white. This will help to seal the pastry.*Stop here if making a recipe with a baked filling*
Bake for a further 10 minutes until golden.
Allow to cool in the tin then carefully remove.
If the pastry has puffed up in the middle and you prefer more filling over a super flaky base, use the back of a spoon to push down any risen pastry when it comes out the oven.