Last Updated on May 4, 2023 by Lori Walker
Baking a homemade pie can be a rewarding and delicious experience, but it can also be challenging.
Here are some measures on how to keep pie crust from burning while achieving a beautiful and perfect pie crust.
7 Simple Tricks to Keep Pie Crust from Burning
1. Rotate the Pie Often
One of the tips to prevent the crust from scorching is rotating it often while baking.
It gives crusts a golden brown color and helps stop burnt crust in particular places due to hot spots in your oven.
2. Use a Pie Protector
A pie crust protector is a useful accessory to keep the baked pie’s edge from over-baking.
You can also opt for other materials, including silicone pie crust shield, pie plate, pie pan, or aluminum foil.
The pie crust protector and pie plate will prevent the edges from over-browning during the baking process while allowing the center to continue cooking.
3. Use a Premade Pie Crust Shield
Using your own pie crust shield, specifically designed to fit over the edges of a pie, you can protect your crust from the oven’s direct heat.
You can easily find a pie shield in most kitchen supply stores, and they are usually made of silicone, pie plate, or even aluminum foil.
4. Skip Foil Along the Edges
Although most pies use foil to protect pie crust edges, they can overcook the edges because they reflect heat [1].
Some bakers prefer not to use foil and pie weights because it can stick to the pie crust or alter the texture of the edge.
5. Chill Dough before Baking
Chilling the dough before baking is another strategy to stop the hot pie crust from overcooking and achieve that golden brown color.
You can lay it in the refrigerator for a few hours. You can use the same method in different types of crusts.
6. Bake at the Right Temperature
The baking process of all pies must include the proper temperature to avoid overcooking the pie crust.
If your oven temperature runs cooler or hotter than the temperature you set, it’s a great idea to utilize an oven thermometer to check its accuracy.
“I started cooking professionally because I had hit a point in my life where I was just sort of lost, and cooking was something I had always loved, and so I grabbed onto it.”
– Amanda Cohen, Chef
It will ensure consistent temperature inside the oven and will help you achieve the best results when baking pies.
7. Keep an Eye When Cooking the Pie
It is critical to keep an eye on your pie as it bakes to ensure it cooks evenly and doesn’t overcook.
We recommend baking time to two minutes to prevent accidentally overbaking your pie.
What To Do With Burnt Pie Crust
There may still be hope if the filling is cooked through and still tastes fine, but the entire crust has burned.
If only the edges of the crust are overcooked, you can trim them off with a knife or kitchen scissors [2].
You can also make a pie crust cracker. Crush the crust into small pieces, sprinkle with some cinnamon and sugar, and bake in the oven until crispy.
FAQs
How do you put tin foil on a pie crust?
To put tin foil on a pie crust, create a spherical ring form, unfold the foil, and slightly indent the edges. To protect the pie crust’s edge, fit it over the crust.
Why do pie crust edges burn?
Your pie crust edges burn because your oven could be overheating. Ensure your oven is not too hot before you cook your pie crust to avoid burnt edges and achieve that golden brown color.
How do you keep pie crust from burning without foil?
Make a shield from parchment paper to keep the crust from burning without foil. To begin, rip out a sizable piece of parchment paper.
Place it flat on a surface or a large sheet or baking sheet. Turn the pie dish over and draw a circle on the parchment paper using the circumference or fold it on half as a guide.
How do you keep pie crust from burning on top?
Cover the pie crust with aluminum foil, a pie plate, or a pie shield to keep it from overcooking on top.
Does egg wash prevent the pie crust from burning?
No, egg wash does not prevent the crust from scorching. It encourages shine and browning.
Final Words
You can use a pie shield, pie cover or protector, rotating the crust, and baking at the right temperature to prevent the edges of the crust from over-browning.
When baking pies such as custard pies, fruit pies, or any other desserts, one of the biggest challenges is to prevent the edges of the pie crust from becoming overly browned.
When the crust burns, it can ruin the pie’s recipe, taste, and texture.
References:
- https://www.cnet.com/home/kitchen-and-household/why-its-a-bad-idea-to-cover-the-inside-of-your-stove-in-foil-and-an-easy-alternative/
- https://www.today.com/food/pie-problems-how-save-undercooked-burnt-or-cracked-pie-t48826
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