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How to Blind Bake Pie Crust

Learn how to blind bake pie crust two ways for a partial baked pie crust and a fully baked pie crust. Easy guide for why you want to blind bake and the pies that should have a blind baked crust!

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Blind Bake Pie Crust

Have you ever read directions for a pie recipe and the recipe called for blind baking the crust? You might know what that means but there are some of you that might be like, “what is blind baking a pie crust?!”. 

You’re not alone! Maybe you’ve heard the term “par-bake” instead? Blind baking is the same thing.

Haven’t heard of par-baking a pie crust either? Don’t worry! I’ve got you covered 😎

Let’s do this!

Why Blind Bake Pie Crust

A partially blind baked pie crust will help keep the bottom pie crust from becoming soggy. If you’ve ever watched the Great British Baking Show, you’ve probably frequently heard the phrase “soggy bottom”. 

When you add very wet fillings like quiche fillings or even some fruit fillings, the bottom pie crust can become over-saturated and “soggy”. Partially blind baking the bottom crust can help prevent that. 

When it comes to custard pies, like Coconut Cream Pie, the filling is cooked separately from the crust. In cases like that, you’d want to fully blind bake your pie crust. Meaning,  you completely cook the crust without any filling.

How to Partially Blind Bake Pie Crust

Step 1. Place your crust in the pie dish

Step 2. Cover the crust with parchment paper.

Step 3. Add pie weights (the parchment paper prevents the weights from sinking and baking into the crust)

Step 4. Bake according to directions

How Long to Blind Bake Pie Crust

How long to blind bake a pie crust depends on whether you’re partially blind baking or fully baking your crust. Partially baking will take 20 minutes. A fully cooked blind baked pie crust will take 30-40 minutes.

If you’re using a store-bought crust or frozen crust, check the packaging for instructions.

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Unbaked Gluten Free Pie Crust in a white pie dish

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What Kinds of Pies Need a Blind Baked Crust?

Pies that call for a partially baked pie crust are quiches (like my Ham and Cheese Quiche and my Bacon and Swiss Quiche) and sometimes pumpkin pie and fruit pies. While I don’t do it, some people like to partially bake the bottom crust to a fruit pie to prevent having a soggy bottom.

There’s that phrase again. I feel like I’m a judge on TGBBS saying “soggy bottom” more times than you can count. Come to think of it, that might make a really fun drinking game if you’re watching with a bunch of your baking friends 🤣 

Some pies call for a fully blind baked pie crust and the filling is added after the pie crust is baked and completely cooled. Custard pies, cream pies, and pudding pies are the perfect example. Coconut Cream Pie, Chocolate Cream Pie, Butterscotch Pie, Lemon Meringue Pie, Banana Cream Pie, and French Silk Pie all call for a fully baked pie crust. 

Pie shell filled with parchment paper and dried beans to blind bake a pie crust

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Can you use a gluten free pie crust for blind baking?

YES! This blind baking guide works for both regular pie crust made with wheat flour and for gluten free pie crust. In fact, all the pictures here are of my gluten free pie crust which is the only pie crust I ever make anymore.

And don’t worry, if you don’t need a gluten free crust and you’re not into making your own crust from scratch, you can also use the store-bought pie crusts that come rolled up in a box (like Pillsbury). If you purchase a frozen crust that’s already in a pie pan, there’s probably blind baking directions included in the packaging so it would be best to follow those baking directions that are provided.

How to Bake a Pie Crust Without Shrinking

Butter, or fat of choice, in your pie crust melts during the baking process. In order from preventing the pie crust from shrinking down the sides of your pie pan, you want to line it with parchment paper and then fill the pie with pie weights or dried beans. The parchment paper prevents the weights from being baked into the crust and the weights themselves keep the pie crust in place and prevent the sides from sliding down. 

blind bake pie crust in a white pie plate

Equipment Needed to Blind Bake Crust

  • Pie Plate
  • Parchment Paper
  • Pie weights or dried beans (or a combination of both
    • Please note, dried beans that have been baked/used for pie weights can not be eaten.
    • I use a combination of pie weights and dried beans and store them in an airtight glass jar

TELL ME: Have you ever blind baked pie crust before? If so, what’s your favorite kind of pie/quiche filling for a par-baked crust?

Happy baking, friends! Enjoy!


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A blind baked pie crust in a white pie plate

How to Blind Bake Pie Crust

4.88 from 39 ratings
Learn how to blind bake pie crust two ways for a partial baked pie crust and a fully baked pie crust. Easy guide for why you want to blind bake and the pies that should have a blind baked crust!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Additional Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 1 9-inch pie crust
Print Rate Pin

Instructions

  • Prepare your pie crust and chill one hour.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Roll out the chilled dough for one 9-inch pie crust.
  • Transfer the dough to the pie dish.
  • Cover with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans.
  • Bake the pie crust for 20 minutes then remove the crust from the oven and carefully remove the pie weights and parchment paper. Use the parchment to lift the weights out of the shell. At this stage, your crust is partially baked. If your recipe calls for a partially-baked crust (like quiche), your job here is done - DO NOT continue to step 6.
  • For a fully-baked crust, prick the bottom of the crust with a fork several times once you remove the weights and parchment paper. Then return the crust to the oven and bake for an additional 10-20 minutes or until the pie crust is set and slightly browned.

Video

Notes

  • I use my gluten free pie crust recipe for this method.
  • Pie crust must be chilled at least one hour before baking.
  • The French phrase for blind baking is cuire à blanc.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1g | Calories: 250kcal

Disclaimers

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Nutrition Facts are estimated and aren't always accurate. Please consult a doctor or nutritionist if you have special dietary needs.

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Recipe Rating




  1. Tressa says:

    This was the best recipe for gf crust I’ve tried. Thank you! So happy w results.

  2. S. Taylor says:

    5 stars
    Instructions were very helpful thank you

  3. Andrea Snyder says:

    Thank you! Very easy to follow! I made 4 mini crusts for chocolate banana cream pies ❤ and they turned out perfect!

  4. FRANCES BAKER says:

    i really just wanted an answer and got a “refer to instructions” thanks for nothing