Fishtail Braid Pie Crust (Printable)
Learn to create an elegant fishtail braid edge for stunning pie presentation.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Pie Dough
01 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
03 - 1 teaspoon salt
04 - 1 tablespoon sugar
05 - 6-8 tablespoons ice water
→ For Assembly
06 - 1 egg, beaten
07 - 1 tablespoon milk
# How-To Steps:
01 - Whisk together flour, salt, and sugar in a large bowl until evenly combined.
02 - Cut cold butter into flour mixture using a pastry cutter or fingertips until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
03 - Gradually add ice water, mixing gently just until dough comes together. Divide dough in half and form into discs. Wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
04 - Roll out one disc on lightly floured surface to fit 9-inch pie plate. Press into plate, trim edges, and refrigerate while preparing braid.
05 - Roll out second disc to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut twelve long, even strips approximately 1/2 inch wide.
06 - Group strips into three sets of four. Pinch tops together. For each set, label strips 1-2-3-4 left to right. Take left-most strip over 2, under 3, over 4. Repeat with new left-most strip until fully braided.
07 - Transfer braids to chilled pie edge, pressing gently to adhere. Trim excess and use water to seal edges if needed.
08 - Refrigerate pie for 15 minutes to firm crust. Preheat oven to 400°F.
09 - Brush braids with beaten egg mixed with milk. For blind baking, line crust with parchment and fill with pie weights.
10 - Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown. Remove weights and bake additional time if needed for crispiness.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The fishtail braid transforms an ordinary pie into something that looks like it came from a fancy bakery window
- Once you master the basic weaving motion, you will want to put this crust on everything from apple pies to savory quiches
02 -
- Working with cold dough is absolutely crucial, so if your butter starts to soften while braiding, pop everything back in the fridge for ten minutes
- The first braid will look awkward and uneven, and that is completely normal because by the third one you will develop a rhythm
03 -
- Practice the fishtail braid pattern with pieces of string or yarn first if you are feeling nervous about wasting dough
- A little extra egg wash brushed over the woven sections after baking gives the crust an incredible shine