The Rules of Pie Baking
Something you may or may not know about the world of baking, is that many classify baking as a “science”. There are rules. There are facts. .There are ingredients that, if mixed in the wrong proportions, will absolutely spell catastrophe for your recipe. Cupcakes sink. Cookies spread and burn. And flaky crust turns tough.
The latter of those examples is what I want to focus on today. More generally, I want to focus on pie baking and all of the rules that come along with it.
I’ve known far too many people that stray away from pie baking simply because there seems to be a mile long list of rules to follow, and far too many things that could (and will) create a bad outcome in the end.
So, without further adieu, here are the rules of pie baking and why you need to follow them!
Layer 1: The Rules for the Best Pie Crust
Cold Ingredients:
Keeping your ingredients cold is absolutely crucial when making pie crust. Using cold butter, shortening, iced water, and even chilled flour helps create that flaky texture you’re looking for in a good pie crust. When your fat stays cold, it doesn’t fully blend with the flour, leaving small pockets of fat that melt during baking and create those delicious layers. If your ingredients are too warm, the fat can fully integrate with the flour, resulting in a dense, tough crust. So, next time you're getting ready to bake, remember to chill your butter, use iced water, and even pop your flour in the freezer for a bit if you want to. Trust me, it’s worth the extra step to achieve that perfectly flaky pie crust every time.
Minimal Mixing/Handling:
Your pie crust dough’s worst enemy is, surprisingly, your hands. More specifically, how much you use your hands to work with your dough. Trust me, I've learned this the hard way. Overworking your dough can lead to a tough, chewy crust, which is the last thing you want after all your effort. The key is to mix your ingredients just until they come together. Those little pockets of fat and the minimal gluten development are what create that tender, flaky texture that you’re looking for. So, be gentle with your dough. Mix it just until it holds together, and then let it rest. This small bit of patience will reward you with a perfectly flaky crust that melts in your mouth.
Let It Rest:
Letting your dough rest is more important than most people care to admit when it comes to pie crust. When you give your dough time to rest, it allows the gluten to relax, which prevents the crust from shrinking while baking. Plus, it lets the flour fully hydrate, resulting in a more tender, flaky texture. After you've mixed your dough, shape it into a disk, wrap it up, and let it chill in the fridge for at least an hour. This little pause in your baking process will make rolling out the dough easier and give you a beautiful, flaky crust that bakes up perfectly every time. So, don't rush it—let your dough take a break. You’ll see and taste the difference in the end.
Layer 2: The Rules for the Most Delicious Filling
Seasonal Fruits/Flavors:
If you want to bring the most delicious and sought after pie at the gathering, ALWAYS think seasonal. Not only do seasonal fruits and spices just taste better, they tend to connect to those around you far more effectively. When you use fresh, in-season produce, like sweet summer berries or apples in the fall, your pies get an extra leg up with natural flavor and sweetness. Plus, embracing holiday flavors—think warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves during the fall and winter—adds a nostalgic, festive feel to your desserts. Seasonal and holiday-inspired pies don't just taste amazing; they also capture the essence of the time of year. If you want your loved ones to walk away talking about the pie you brought to the gathering, make sure you’re taking into account what ingredients are going to bring the highest quality possible.
Flavor Combinations
Choosing the right flavor combinations for your pie filling is crucial for a pie that hits all the right notes. It’s about finding that perfect balance. When flavors complement each other, they create a pie that's more than just tasty—it's a whole dang experience. Thoughtful pairing ensures each bite is exactly what you want it to be, with a mix of tastes and textures that leave a lasting impression. Plus, trying out new combinations keeps baking exciting and lets you discover new favorites. Be creative and pay attention to what works for you and those you are serving!
Proper Amounts
Making sure you don’t overfill or underfill your pie is key to achieving that perfect slice. Overfilling can lead to a mess in the oven, with filling bubbling over and burning on the edges, while underfilling leaves you with a sad-looking pie and too much crust. The goal is to find that sweet spot where the filling reaches just below the rim of your crust. This not only makes for a beautiful pie but also ensures each bite is balanced. Proper filling amounts create the perfect proportion of crust to filling, giving you a pie that’s as delicious as it is pretty.
Layer 3: Assembling and Topping
Leave Room to Grow
Leaving room for your pie to expand while baking is the best way to avoid a split crust and a clean up nightmare. When you fill your pie to the brim, you risk overflow and mess. As the filling heats up, it expands, and without space, it will burst through the crust and spill over the edges, burning and forcing you to spend precious time scraping up burnt fruit from the bottom of your oven. By leaving just a bit of room, you allow the filling to expand comfortably, resulting in a pie that holds together beautifully.
Crimp Tightly
Crimping isn’t just for looks! Proper crimping seals in the pie filling and prevents the crust from puffing or shrinking unevenly during baking. It helps keep the crust from separating while it’s in the oven, keeping everything neatly contained. This technique not only enhances the pie's appearance but also contributes to its structural integrity, ensuring each slice maintains its shape beautifully.
Choose the Right Topping
And last, but not least, choosing your topping wisely can take a good pie and make it great. Whether it’s dusting your top crust with cinnamon and sugar, or topping your coconut cream pie with fresh whipped cream, how you choose to put the finishing details and flavors on your pie is like wrapping it up in the perfect bow. Your topping choice should complement the pie flavor you chose, and add to it texturally as well. You should aim for more than just beauty, but the toppings and garnishes should enhance the entire experience of your pie. If you notice people scraping off the topping or laying the garnish to the side, it might be time to reconsider your decision and aim for something different on the next go.
And there you go! While I probably could compile many, many more little tips and tricks, these are the biggest rules I know that will help you make a successful pie. From using cold ingredients in your crust to choosing the right topping, each step plays a crucial role. BUT, don’t get discouraged if this list seems overwhelming. I’ve got another blog post coming about the rules that I am pretty comfortable breaking, and how doing so eases the process and makes it just a little more fun.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me!
Happy baking!
With love,
Your Baker, Hannah