You don’t make pies often but have found the perfect gluten free or traditional pie crust recipe to try. The instructions say to use a pie crust shield. You don’t own one, or possibly even know what one is. No problem. Learn how to make a pie crust shield with aluminum foil. It’s quick, easy and cheap.
What is a Pie Crust Shield?
A pie crust shield is a ring shaped kitchen gadget, typically made out of metal or silicone that covers only the pie crust. This design protects the crust from over browning or burning while the pie bakes. The center of the pie remains uncovered allowing the pie to rise, while also reducing potential spillage from the edges where the top and bottom crusts meet.
How Do You Use a Pie Crust Shield
A pie shield is used in one of two ways.
The first way is to place the shield over the crust before placing the pie in the oven. It is removed during the last 5-10 minutes of baking time, allowing the crust to brown.
The second way is to place it over the pie towards the end of the baking time and prevent the crust from over browning or burning.
How to Make a Pie Crust Shield
Instead of buying one made of metal or silicone, it’s easy and inexpensive to make one out of aluminum foil. See the steps below or scroll to the bottom for the video instructions.
Step 1– Tear Off a Piece of Foil
Tear off a piece of aluminum foil that is 1 ½”-2” larger than the size of your pie plate.
Step 2 – Fold it in Half
Fold the piece of aluminum foil in half.
Step 3 – Fold it in Half Again
Fold the aluminum foil in half again to make a smaller square.
Step 4 – Cut a Curved Edge
Cut a curved edge around the opened sides of the foil square, making sure the foil is large enough to fit around the outside edge of the pie plate.
Step 5 – Cut a Second Curve
Cut another curve, starting and ending on the folded edges, that is about 3”- 4” inches from where the folded corners meet.
Step 6 – Unfold the Finished Pie Shield
Unfold the foil and the result is a large ring of foil 3”-4” wide, that has an open center.
Step 7 – Place Over Pie Crust
To use the pie crust shield, place the foil over the crust and gently crimp around the pie crust to keep in place.
If you’re baking pies often, owning a pie shield may be a gadget you need in your kitchen. For the occasional baker this easy DIY pie crust shield is the perfect solution.
More How To’s
Here are more kitchen how to’s for making life easier.
The Kitchen Aid Dime Test – Are you getting the most from stand mixer? Make sure it’s mixing properly with this easy test.
How to Cut a Watermelon – Cutting up a whole watermelon is simple and only takes a few minutes once you know the method.
How to Cut a Butternut Squash – This squash is a hard winter variety. Cut one up in no time in just a few steps.
How to Cook Bacon – Cooking bacon on the stovetop is messy! Here’s a better way to cook it.
