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A flaky pie crust is a classic pastry base, known for its light, layered texture, made from flour, fat (like butter or lard), salt, and ice water. It serves as the foundation for countless sweet and savory pies, originating from European baking traditions.
This crust is high in carbohydrates and fat, providing energy and some B vitamins from the flour, but minimal protein. A typical single-crust serving contains roughly 150-200 calories.
The signature flakiness is achieved by keeping the fat cold and in small pieces, which creates steam pockets during baking—a technique that transforms simple ingredients into a delicate, layered texture.