Easy Tips to Make the Best Pies

Do you want to make your pie-making game even stronger? There are a few easy-to-follow tips and tricks that can make your pies taste even better. Read on and learn the secrets to the perfect pie crust, fillings, and more. We promise your whole family will be impressed by your skills.

Look After Your Ingredients and Crust

To get that beautiful crust on pies, you need to keep some of your ingredients cold. For example, keep the butter in the refrigerator until you need it. Another great idea is to add ice cubes to a measuring cup and then fill it with more water than you may need. When making the pastry mixture, start adding a tablespoon of ice-cold water at a time.

Another tip is setting the crust by baking it on its own first. We know you’re probably used to putting already filled pies in an oven with a high initial temperature and then reducing it until the pie is baked. However, when making quiches, custard pies, and cream pies, it’s better to bake the plain crust first. This is also called “blind baking.”

Vent Double-Crust Pies and Bake Properly

Once your pie is ready to go in the oven, you can cut slits in the top crust. This is especially important if you’re making pies with fruits that contain moisture, as it allows steam to escape. You can also try and create a lattice top. It will give your pie a unique look as well.

In addition, different kinds of pies require special baking methods. Fruit pies, for example, need to be baked for longer so the filling can have enough time to boil. Custard pies, on the other hand, should never be over-baked as this can cause them to crack and pull away from the crust. You can see if a custard pie is done by inserting a knife tip into the center. If it comes out clean, your dessert is ready to serve.

Let the Pies Cool Before Serving

Don’t serve your pie as soon as you get it out of the oven. The filling usually needs some time to set. Otherwise, the pie will be runny. Keep in mind to bake yours before the holiday dinner so it has time to cool down. Plus, a warm pie is never easy to slice.

However, if you’re a fan of warm pies, you can still cover the dessert loosely with foil and warm it in a preheated 300-degree F oven. Leave it there for 15-20 minutes before serving. Fruit pies need around four hours to set, and custard ones take about two hours. With these tips, your pies will come out the right way every time!