How to Bake a Pie in a Cake Pan

You've just discovered a great pie recipe; the only problem is that you don't have a pie pan. This is not really a problem if you have a cake pan that is of the same approximate size. Pie pans are measured across the widest portion of the top and if you have a cake pan of equivalent size, it can be used easily to bake your pie. The result may look more like a deep-dish tart, but it will still be a pie.

Things You'll Need

• Cake pans
• Pie crust
• Pie filling

Instructions

1. Read the recipe to see what size pie pan it calls for. The choices will probably be limited to a 9 inch, a 10-inch regular or deep-dish pie pan.

2. Measure your cake pan. An 8-inch cake pan is the right size substitute for a 9-inch pie pan. An 8-inch cake pan will also double as a 9-inch deep-dish pie pan.

3. Use a 9-inch cake pan if the pie recipe calls for more than 4 cups of pie filling. This will help prevent the pie filling from spilling out during the baking process.

4. Grease the cake pan in the same way the recipe calls for a pie pan. Press the prepared pie crust into the pan, scallop the edges just as you would for a pie.

5. Bake the pie shell in the cake pan for 10 to 15 minutes and allow to cool before adding the filling. This will help keep the crust from getting soggy during the baking process of the pie. If you are doing a double crusted pie, prepare the same way you would if using a pie pan.

Tips & Warnings

• Pie recipes may take longer to bake in a cake pan. Always test the center of a pie using a toothpick after the normal cooking time. If the toothpick comes out clean, the pie is done. If not, add baking time in 10 minute intervals until done. Fruit pie fillings will be done when the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling throughout.

• Just as with pie pans, the use of shiny pans is not recommended. Shiny pans keep crusts from browning evenly.

References

• University of Nebraska: Cook's Tools
• What's Cooking America.net: Baking Dish and Pan Size Conversions?