I absolutely love baking pies. The filling matters but what really brings pies to the top of their game is the perfect pie crust. This blog is not going to cover the making of the pie crusts, it focuses on the baking of the perfect pie crust once it is made. I have seen these steps carry through perfect pie crust whether it is white flour based or my favorite, gluten free.
Step 1: PREVENTING SOGGY BOTTOM and SIDE CRUST
Bake the pie crust for a few minutes BEFORE putting the filling in. Doing this will prevent soggy bottom and side crust. The amount of time varies depending on the pie crust ingredients but I watch it carefully, checking every couple of minutes until it starts to harden and change color. If you are prone to get distracted, you may have to set the timer for a couple of minutes at a time to keep your focus when it is most needed in this early stage 🙂
Step 2: PREVENTING TOP CRUST FROM HAVING BURNT SPOTS
A simple step I learned in my early days of pie baking is to brush an ice cube over the outside rim of the crust and if the pie has a top crust, also brushing the ice cube over the parts that stick up most and that would tend to burn. This tip works like a charm. I can’t remember the last time I had any burn marks on my pie crusts because of this method.
Step 3: PERFECT PIE CRUST CRISPNESS and MORE BURN PROTECTION
Place pie more towards center of the oven rather than further up. Having even exposure to the heat allows for more consistent cooking and burn protection.
Step 4: STALK THE PIE TOWARDS THE END OF BAKE TIME
The last few minutes of baking can make or break your pie crust. I always stay close by and set the timer for a couple of minutes at a time near the end to make sure the filling fluffs up perfectly cooked while also minding the crust doesn’t cross over that perfect golden crisp to burn in the last minutes.
I hope you enjoy baking your perfect crusts as much as I do!
Annie Botticelli
Annie Botticelli is a Radical Self-Development Mentor, Founder/Teacher at Luminous Life Multiversity www.LumeLife.com and Astaria School of Practical Magic, Inspirational Speaker, YouTube Personality, Astrologer, Author, Blogger, Founder/Alchemist at Consciousness Blossoms (Organic Bath & Body Products), and Founder/Hostess at CozyBySweetStarlight.com and AnnieHelpsYou.com.
You can see more of Annie’s blogs and offerings at www.AnnieHelpsYou.com