Blind baking is a straightforward technique that can be a game-changer for sweet pies that use cream-based or fruit fillings.
If you’re tired of dealing with pies that stick to the pan, this simple method can ensure perfect results every time.
To achieve a flawless crust, start by blind baking the pastry.
Once the crust is ready, add your desired filling, and then assemble the top of the pie before finishing it in the oven, if desired.
If you’re new to this technique, don’t worry! Follow these simple steps to get an amazing crust on every pie you make.
Steps for Blind Baking Pastry
You don’t need to change any of your ingredients and blind baking works with both store-bought crusts and pastry that you make at home.
The secret is all in the technique and knowing how long to blind bake pastry.
- Roll your pastry out as you normally would or take a thawed store-bought pastry sheet to line your pie pan.
- Lay the pastry in the pan being sure it fits into the shape of the pan with a slight overhang around the edge. The overhang can be up to 1cm in length.
- Prick the base of the pastry at the bottom of the pan using a fork, cooking skewer, or toothpick. The base should be perforated all over with a gap of a few millimeters between the perforations.
- Preheat your oven to 392°F or 356°F if you’re using a fan-bake setting or a convection oven.
- Line the pan (on top of the pastry) with parchment paper and then fill the pie with ceramic baking beans or baking weights. These will help to maintain the shape of the crust.
- Bake for 15 minutes and then remove the beans and parchment paper, and then bake the pastry again for up to five minutes until it turns golden brown.
- Remove your pastry crust from the oven and let it cool before filling.
With a blind-baked crust, you’ll be ready to fill the pie and finish off the top with a beautiful pastry lattice or simple cream topping.
Whether you make pies for yourself and family, friends, or even for a home business, blind baking will become one of your go-to techniques.
Get Amazing Results With These Baking Essentials
Quality baking beans and a reliable pan will ensure that you get amazing results from the blind baking method.
- Try these RocksHeat Ceramic Pie Weights Baking Beans. They’re food-grade and perfectly weighted to get the best crust you’ve ever had.
- Great pies start with quality baking pans. These Le Tauci Ceramic Pans are naturally nonstick and are perfect for all sweet and savory pies made at home. They’ll last a lifetime when well cared for.
Blind baking can be a game-changer for achieving delicious sweet pies with crispy crusts that never get soggy.
Once you master this technique, it will become one of your favorites.
By following some simple steps, you can easily blind bake like a professional and achieve perfect results every time.
