What is blind baking

After baking, the beans or rice are removed and the pie crust is filled. You can also buy special pie weights that work the same way as the beans. Actively scan device characteristics for identification. Use precise geolocation data.

Select personalised content. Create a personalised content profile. Measure ad performance. Just between us: it's complicated. Ask the Editors 'Everyday' vs. What Is 'Semantic Bleaching'? How 'literally' can mean "figuratively". Literally How to use a word that literally drives some pe Is Singular 'They' a Better Choice? The awkward case of 'his or her'. Blind bake is also called pre-bake or par-bake.

As I explained, we do this by baking a crust on its own before adding filling into it. One, so that the pie crust can harden before a wet filling is added to it, which can lead to a soggy pie bottom. Two, the pie filling may take less time to finish baking compared to the pie crust, so partially baking the crust before adding in its filling can ensure that the whole pie is evenly cooked throughout. To blind bake, you will need to get yourself some pie weights. Some people choose to use beans or rice which are cheaper, more accessible options.

Pie weights are to be placed on a piece of parchment laid in the center of your pie and covering the whole surface. As your pie crust is heated, the butter in your crust is going to melt and this creates steam. The steam will cause your dough to puff up which is something we have to avoid because a risen crust will take away space in your pie that is reserved for your filling.

A third and quite elegant method of blind baking is to use a second, smaller pie form as your weight. This should sit on top of your paper or foil, providing a heavy and flat weight to keep your dough in place. This method has the added advantage of allowing you to invert the two forms so that you can bake them upside down on a baking tray.

While the form holds the bottom of the pastry in place, gravity works in your favor by pulling the sides of the crust down, protecting against shrinkage. Why not purchase a set of nested pie forms that will allow you to take advantage of this ingenious technique? To learn about additional substitutes for pie weights, check out our article discussing the various pie weight alternatives.

Whichever method of blind baking you choose to use, some general advice can help you achieve even greater results. Firstly, chilling your crust in its form before you bake it has several advantages. As well as reducing the amount of puffing, it also holds any crimps or fluting in place, and reduces the likelihood that your baking paper will stick. If using pie weights, you may need to adjust how many you use in proportion to their weight.

Steel or ceramic balls will likely be heavier than dried beans, so you may need to use several layers to compensate. Finally, if you find that the sides of your crust are burning during blind baking, cover them with foil or use a silicone pie crust shield to protect them.

I accept the Privacy Policy. After you blind bake and add the filling, you then put the top crust on. It does prevent the soggy bottom but then I don't know how to finish the pie. Any help would be appreciated.