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Many a time, bakers, food lovers, and chefs need versatility; substitution usually come in handy. Situations might arise where there will be a need to use a conventional tool unconventionally.
In a case where you don’t have a pie pan lying around, especially if you are experimenting for the first time. If you don’t have a pie pan, you might be curious as to the substitute pans to make a pie. You also have wondered if you could use a cake pan instead. Will the pie come out nice?
Yes, a pie can be baked in a cake pan. This solves the problem of what to use to make a pie. Cake pans can accommodate appropriately the size of the pie to be baked.
Why A Cake Pan Can Be Used to Make Pies
A cake pan usually, is made of aluminum. It could also be made of glass, but more commonly aluminum. A cake pan usually comes in different sizes.
Sizes determine the volume and height of the cake. They are usually 8 to 9 inches in diameter and about 1-3 inches deep.
The suitable option to use is a round 8-inch cake pan. This is because they can contain the quantity of most pie recipes.
Cake Pans Vs Pie Pans
Many pie pans are usually 9 inches in diameter and 1.25 inches deep.
Deep-dish pie pans can be as deep as 1.5-2 inches. Cake pans are in different shapes and sizes with the 8-inch cake pan size being the most common. Cake pans are observably deeper than pie pans, ranging from 1.5-3 inches deep.
How to Work with A Cake Pan to Make a Pie
It is usually ideal to use an appropriate recipe based on what is available. Many types of pie recipes can be adapted to baking in a cake pan.
In making the dough, knead the dough well to about 12 to 13 inches in diameter. Place the dough into a cake pan that is 8 or 9 inches cake pan and press properly into and around the edges. Pressing the edges of the dough into the cake pan will fold the remaining part of the dough and give spaces for crimping.
Crimp the edges as desired.
Blind Baking for Pie
Blind Baking involves baking pastry without filling or topping. This is done when it will be filled with unbaked toppings. Examples are pudding or cream pies in which case the crust must be fully baked. Blind baking is also used if the filling bakes for a lesser time than the crust, in this case, the crust is baked partially.
Pie is also baked blind if it is necessary to keep the crust from becoming soggy due to wet toppings.
Blind baking gives the dough edges a flaky form rather than the regular puffed-up form when baking other pastries. Cover the dough in the cake pan with baking paper and fill the pan with pie weights or dry beans, then bake for the specified time in the recipe.
It is noteworthy that not all pie recipes require blind baking; such as a Cookie-crumb crust. Be sure of the type required in your recipe.
4 Substitutes Pie Pan Substitutes to Try
If you can’t get your hands on even cake pans in time to make your pie, here are some other alternative pie pans to consider.
1. Spring Foam Pan
A springform pan is a round latched baking pan that allows for the easy removal of the baked item. The latch helps to separate the parts of the pan. This allows for easier removal of your pie and creates a tall, straight edge for a beautiful presentation. An 8-inches springform pan will do a good job.
2. Foil Pan
Foil pans are of different shapes. They usually come in rectangular shapes. Cut your pie, not forgetting to add a few more inches. transfer this into the foil pan and bake.
3. Muffin Pan
Muffin pans are usually round and smaller. The pie could be cut into smaller round pieces to fit into the muffin pan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Grease A Pie Pan?
The purpose of greasing is to prevent the dough from sticking to the pan. It also helps to give a smooth texture. For baking a pie, it is not necessary to grease a pie pan. Doing this will give an unwanted texture. To avoid the dough from sticking to the pan, lightly spray some oil into the pan. Avoid putting too much.
Is A Cake Pan Different From A Pie Pan?
The main difference between a pie pan and a cake pan is the depth of the pan. A cake pan is usually deeper than a pie pan. A pie pan has sloped sides and is shallow in comparison to a cake pan; it often comes with a grooved rim to accommodate the crust.
What Is Pre-baking In Making Pie?
Pre-baking is also called Blind baking. It gives the dough edges a flaky form hence the reason why it is required in many recipes. Most pie recipes call for pre-baking the crust to ensure it comes out flat and crusty, not puffed up and soggy.
Can I Use a Cast Iron Skillet To Make A Pie?
A traditional pie pan is usually 9-inch round; it is best to use a 9-inch cast-iron skillet. A bigger skillet can work as well; such as a 10-inch skillet. Using any skillet bigger than 10 inches may be difficult. Ensure you have enough dough to cover the sides and bottom of the skillet.
Final Thoughts
Baking a pie in a cake pan rather than a pie pan is interesting. It gives room for versatility.
You can make a delicious pie in a cake pan as much as a pie pan. Give this a try if you want to try a recipe and there is no pie pan available. Remember to blind bake as a newbie.
