{"id":7220,"date":"2022-07-26T23:41:51","date_gmt":"2022-07-27T03:41:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bakingnook.com\/?p=7220"},"modified":"2022-09-29T16:29:44","modified_gmt":"2022-09-29T20:29:44","slug":"how-to-effectively-use-pie-weights-to-get-a-perfect-pie","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bakingnook.com\/how-to-effectively-use-pie-weights-to-get-a-perfect-pie\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Effectively Use Pie Weights to Get a Perfect Pie"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"has-text-color\" style=\"color:#7b7b7b\"><em>This post contains affiliate links.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Do you love pies, but can never seem to get the crust just right? If so, you need to start using pie weights! Pie weights are a simple tool that helps ensure your crust is evenly cooked and doesn&#8217;t puff up. In this blog post, I will teach you how to use them effectively for the perfect pie every time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>To effectively use pie weights:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Prepare your pie crust<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Line it in parchment paper making sure there&#8217;s enough overhang space left<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Pour the pie weights into the parchment paper<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Be sure to evenly distribute the pie weights in the crust<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Now bake following the recipe instructions<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Below, I go deeper into this topic and tell you why you may want to use pie weights and how to use them.<\/p>\n\n\n<figure class=\"aligncenter wp-block-post-featured-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bakingnook.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/How-To-Use-Pie-Weights.jpg\" class=\"attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"How To Use Pie Weights\" style=\"object-fit:cover;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bakingnook.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/How-To-Use-Pie-Weights.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.bakingnook.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/How-To-Use-Pie-Weights-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Is The Best Way To Use Pie Weights?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>As a whole, the best way to use pie weights is with parchment paper. Prep your pie crust and line with parchment paper making sure there is enough space overhang. Pour your pie weights into the parchment paper. Make sure that the weights are evenly distributed over the entire surface of the crust.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The parchment paper and pie weights will keep your crust from puffing up or becoming uneven. After baking using the recipe&#8217;s instructions, carefully gather the edges of the parchment paper. Slowly lift the weights and parchment paper out of the pie shell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><em>Parchment paper is a great way to ensure that your pie weights don&#8217;t stick to the crust.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bakingnook.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/How-Many-Pie-Weights-Per-Pie-Size.jpg\" alt=\"How Many Pie Weights Per Pie Size\" class=\"wp-image-7224\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bakingnook.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/How-Many-Pie-Weights-Per-Pie-Size.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.bakingnook.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/How-Many-Pie-Weights-Per-Pie-Size-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption><strong>How Many Pie Weights Do You Need Per Pie Size?<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">I&#8217;ve been using <strong>Ceramic Pie Weights<\/strong> for as long as I could remember and it saved my pie crusts on so many occasions. As a general rule, you should <strong>use about 2.2 lbs of pie weights for every 9-inch pie you make.<\/strong> I use these <strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B07QX3SPB8?tag=dnfproduction-20+,aps,242&amp;sr=8-10&amp;linkCode=sl1&amp;tag=dnfproduction-20&amp;linkId=714b8dd0cccf4ec8287844349867e16c&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl\" target=\"_blank\">Ceramic Pie Weights<\/a><\/strong> that you can check out on Amazon!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Leave the weights in a bowl while the pie crust cools completely. Now you are ready to add your pie filling and continue with your scrumptious recipe!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Knowing how the pie weights work is an important aspect of creating the perfect pie. This is why I talk about everything you need to know when using pie weights, below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Many Pie Weights Do You Need Per Pie Size?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Generally speaking, it takes approximately 2 pounds of pie weights for a 9-inch pie, give or take a few ounces. For a smaller pie, like a tart pan, you can get away with using just 12 oz.&nbsp;of weights. Using too little will prevent even distribution of the weights which causes uneven rising of the crust.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It&#8217;s important to know how many pie weights you would need. Here&#8217;s a table illustrating how much you would need:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>4 Ounce Pie<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>9 Ounce Pie<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>10 Ounce Pie<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">0.5 Pounds of Weights<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">2.2 Pounds of Weights<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">2.8 Pounds of Weights<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote has-medium-font-size\"><p><em><strong>As a general rule of thumb, you should use about 2 lbs. of pie weights for a 9-inch pie. This will ensure that your entire pie crust is covered and won&#8217;t puff up unevenly.<\/strong><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>*By the way,<\/strong> I recently wrote an article about <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bakingnook.com\/simple-pie-weight-substitutes-that-you-have-at-home\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"7236\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Best Pie Weight Substitutes.<\/a><\/strong> This article breaks down <strong><em>all the substitutes for pie weights that you might have at home right now<\/em><\/strong> to use for your pie baking adventures. You can check out this article here!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A 4-inch mini pie only needs about half a pound of pie weight. If you&#8217;re using something like dried beans, you&#8217;ll need around a cup. A larger pie, such as a 10-inch pie, will need closer to three pounds of pie weight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Do Pie Weights Work?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>As a whole, pie weights weigh down the dough as it bakes. This prevents the dough from puffing up. The weights also help to prevent the formation of large air pockets, which can cause the crust to become uneven. When baking, the crust tends to rise which can be controlled by using the pie weights.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the major problems many bakers face when baking pies is that the dough puffs up in the oven, causing the crust to become uneven. By using pie weights, you can prevent this from happening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I have also faced issues with bubbling. As the fat in the dough starts melting, it can cause the dough to bubble up. This is not only unattractive, but it can also cause the crust to become uneven.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Again, by using pie weights you can prevent this from happening.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pie weights also ensure that the dough stays nestled firmly against the sides of the pie pan. This is important because it helps to prevent the formation of large air pockets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>*By the way,<\/strong> I recently wrote an article about <strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bakingnook.com\/best-ways-to-keep-your-pie-crust-from-shrinking\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"6007\" target=\"_blank\">The Best Ways To Prevent Your Pie Crusts From Shrinking.<\/a><\/strong> This article breaks down all the reasons <strong>why your pie crusts might be shrinking<\/strong> and how to avoid it! You can check out this article here!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do You Really Need Pie Weights?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>If you want to bake the perfect pie, then the answer is yes. Pie weights are a simple tool that can make a big difference in the quality of your pies. While you can technically bake a pie without using pie weights, your crust is more likely to become uneven and puff up without them.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are some more benefits of using pie weights:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"text-transform:capitalize\">They help in baking the pie<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Pie weights conduct heat. So, if you are looking for an evenly baked pie, then using these weights is the way to go. They will help bake the pie from the inside out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"text-transform:capitalize\">They help to maintain the shape of the pie crust<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>As mentioned earlier, one of the main benefits of using pie weights is that they help to prevent the formation of large air pockets. This in turn helps to keep the crust in shape and also prevents it from becoming uneven.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"text-transform:capitalize\">They prevent sogginess<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>I have had occasions when my crust has become soggy. This is usually because the filling is too runny. By using pie weights, you can prevent this from happening as they help to keep the dough firm and in place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"text-transform:capitalize\">They prevent bubbling<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Pie or pastry dough is prone to bubbling. This is because of the fat in the dough. However, by using pie weights you can prevent this from happening as they help to weigh down the dough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Are Pie Weights Worth It?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>As a whole, pie weights are a simple and inexpensive way to bake the perfect pie which makes buying them worth it. While you can bake a pie without using pie weights, it is not recommended. The reason is that you want to execute the perfect pie crust without it puffing up or cooking unevenly.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bakingnook.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Pie-Weights.jpg\" alt=\"Pie Weights\" class=\"wp-image-7226\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bakingnook.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Pie-Weights.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.bakingnook.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Pie-Weights-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption><strong>Pie Weights Are Definitely Worth Having!<\/strong> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">I usually specifically look for <strong>Ceramic Pie Pans<\/strong> when baking pies. I recently came across a <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3jgOdfM\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Set of Two Ceramic Pie Pans for Baking<\/a><\/strong> that work perfectly for baking pies in the oven with no problem. You can check out this Set of Ceramic Pie Pans on Amazon!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Comparing the price of common pie weights and the benefits they offer, it is easy to see that pie weights are worth every penny. Not only do they help to bake the perfect pie, but they also prevent common pie-baking issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are serious about baking pies, then pie weights are a kitchen tool you cannot afford to be without. This is especially the case if you are running a business or are baking for a large event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Are Pie Weights Reusable?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>As a general rule, most pie weights are washable and reusable. You can find these pie weights made of ceramic, glass, or metal. Once you are done using them, simply wash them with soap and warm water. The ones that are not reusable tend to be made of raw rice and are disposed of once done.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On the other hand, some pie weights are not reusable. These weights are usually made of raw rice, dried beans, or sand. Once you are done baking with them, simply discard them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><em>You may need to replace your reusable pie weights after a few uses. This is because they can start to lose their shape and become less effective over time.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>*Side Note:<\/strong> You might also be interested in knowing <strong>If It Is Possible to Bake a Pie to be Square.<\/strong> I recently wrote an article that talks about <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bakingnook.com\/how-to-bake-a-square-pie\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"3592\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">How To Bake A Square Pie,<\/a><\/strong> which you can check out here!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Can I Use Instead Of Pie Weights?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As a general rule, pie weights can be substituted by dried beans or even raw rice. Make sure the beans or rice you use are raw and completely dry. You may need to use them a lot as they do not have much weight. Another substitute is a secure bag of sand that spreads out easily along the crust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Final Thoughts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Pie weights are a simple and effective way to bake the perfect pie! They help to prevent common baking issues, such as uneven crusts and bubbling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pie weights are also reusable, which makes them a great investment for any baker!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Do you love pies, but can never seem to get the crust just right? If so, you need to start using pie weights! Pie weights are a simple tool that<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":7223,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[159],"tags":[35,28,516,598,27,161,474,696,160,698,49,45,697,584],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bakingnook.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7220"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bakingnook.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bakingnook.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bakingnook.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bakingnook.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7220"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.bakingnook.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7220\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7933,"href":"https:\/\/www.bakingnook.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7220\/revisions\/7933"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bakingnook.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7223"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bakingnook.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7220"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bakingnook.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7220"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bakingnook.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7220"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}