5 Simple Tricks to Make Store-Bought Pie Crust Taste Homemade

Making a pie from scratch is a labor of love, but when you're short on time, there's no shame in opting for shortcuts. If you're in the mood for pie but don’t have hours to spare (or you’re not feeling confident about making your own crust), a store-bought pie crust is a smart way to save time and effort without compromising on flavor.

While store-bought crusts are a convenient option, they often fall short in terms of texture and flavor when compared to homemade versions. Thankfully, we've asked professional bakers and pastry chefs for their expert advice on how to elevate a store-bought crust, and here's what they had to say:

1. Opt for a Trusted Brand that Uses Real Butter

Pastry chef and food blogger Claire Wells of Baked By Claire recommends steering clear of budget generic crusts and instead choosing a well-known brand like Pillsbury. She emphasizes reading the ingredients list carefully and picking a crust made with real butter, even if it's just a small amount—because it will give the crust a much richer, more flavorful taste than those that use no butter at all.

Baking expert Michelle Keldgord from BakingHow echoes Wells' sentiment about the importance of butter in store-bought pie crusts, saying, "While fats like lard can certainly offer good flavor and texture, butter is the gold standard. It delivers a rich taste and creates a wonderfully flaky texture that’s hard to beat."

2. Choose Sheets of Pre-Made Pie Dough and Shape the Crust Yourself

When you're picking up pie crust at the store, you'll typically find two types: flat sheets of dough and pre-formed crusts already in pie tins. While pre-formed crusts are convenient, chef-instructor Kierin Baldwin from the Institute of Culinary Education suggests opting for dough sheets. She explains, "Shaping the dough by hand will make the crust look more homemade and authentic."

3. Brush with Butter (and Maybe Add a Sprinkle of Crushed Cookies) for Extra Moisture and Texture

Since store-bought pie crusts can dry out easily, our experts recommend adding a moisture boost to enhance flavor and texture. Wells suggests brushing the crust with melted butter and topping it with crushed cookies: "I love brushing store-bought dough with butter and adding crushed buttery shortbread with a dash of cinnamon. Be sure to grind the cookies finely, and either roll them into the dough with a rolling pin or gently press them in with parchment paper for a perfect finish."

4. Add Depth, Shine, and Flavor with a Cream Wash, Sugar, and a Splash of Liquor

Chef Jason Smith, winner of Food Network's 'Holiday Baking Championship' and 'Next Food Network Star,' also swears by a layer of melted butter for his store-bought crusts. His twist? Adding vanilla and bourbon. "I mix ¼ cup melted butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and ½ tablespoon bourbon, then brush this mixture over the crust’s edges and bottom before blind baking or filling it. For a double-crust pie, I do the same for the top. The result? A buttery, vanilla-sweet, bourbon-infused crust that will have everyone saying, 'This is homemade!'" says Smith.

Baldwin has a different take on enhancing store-bought pie crusts. She believes in brushing a cream wash (instead of egg wash) on the edges of the crust before baking. "I use heavy cream for its rich dairy flavor, which also helps the crust brown beautifully. A light dusting of turbinado sugar on the edges adds a delightful crunch and extra texture," Baldwin suggests.

5. The Key Is in the Filling: Go for an Outstanding Homemade Recipe

When it comes to transforming a store-bought crust into something truly special, the experts agree that a flavorful homemade filling is the game-changer. Baldwin says, "The best way to elevate a store-bought crust is with a filling you made from scratch. While you can’t entirely change the flavor or texture of the crust, an incredible homemade filling will distract from it and make the whole pie taste like it’s from your own kitchen."