How to Prevent Pie Crust from Getting Soggy (2024)

Are you ready to bake the perfect pie? Learn these tips on how to prevent soggy pie crust and you'll be ready to serve up an evenly-baked, golden-brown pie.

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If there’s one secret to making a show-stopping pie, it’s learning how to prevent soggy pie crust. Having a golden-brown, flaky pie crust will make any recipe look and taste irresistible. Thankfully, there are several steps that you can take to achieve pie crust perfection.

1. Pick the Right Pan

It all starts with the pie pan. Choose a glass pie plate or metal pie plate with a dull finish. Glass heats up gradually and allows your crust to bake evenly. Plus, its transparent material makes it easy to keep an eye on how your crust is doing so that you can remove it once it’s golden and crispy. Just don’t forget to grease your glass pie dish before use.

Metal heats up quickly and allows your crust to bake evenly, although it’s a bit more difficult to keep track of your crust’s progress with a metal pan than with a glass pan. Since metal, specifically aluminum, transfers heat the quickest of any other pie pan, we suggest using an aluminum pan to achieve the golden-brown color you want. By the way, be sure to avoid these common pie mistakes.

2. Blind Bake Your Crust

How to Prevent Pie Crust from Getting Soggy (1)Westend61/Getty Images

Blind baking is a technique that requires partially baking or fully baking a pie crust before adding any filling. This helps your crust bake evenly and prevents you from ending up with a soggy-bottom pie. Here’s how it works:

First, place the dough in a pie plate and flute the edges. Line the unpricked shell with a double thickness of heavy-duty foil. If desired, fill with dried beans, uncooked rice or pie weights. The weight will keep the crust from puffing up, shrinking and slipping down the pie plate during baking. Bake at 450°F for 8 minutes. Remove foil; bake 5-6 minutes longer or until dry and crisp. Cool on a wire rack. Remove beans and cool; store for reuse.

Test Kitchen Tip: Wondering which fat to use in your pie crust? Our Test Kitchen tested butter, shortening and lard. They agree that the best method for a flaky, delicious pie crust is butter.

3. Brush Your Pie in Egg Wash

Once you’ve pre-baked your pie, brush the bottom and sides of the crust with egg wash, then reheat at 400° for 4 minutes to set the glaze. This creates a seal between the crust and the filling so that your crust stays crispy and golden once the filling is added. Baking an apple pie? Check out our secrets for the perfect apple pie crust.

4. Consider Adding an Extra Filler

This step is optional. Once you’ve pre-baked your crust and sealed it with egg wash, consider adding a dry ingredient—such as cornflakes or breadcrumbs—that acts as a “barrier” before you add the rest of the pie filling. No matter which of our delicious homemade pie recipes you’re baking, this “extra filler” will protect your gooey pie filling from making your pie crust soggy.

5. Create Slits for Double-Crust Pies

How to Prevent Pie Crust from Getting Soggy (2)LauriPatterson/Getty Images

For double-crust fruit pies, cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to get out. The escaping steam will prevent moisture from building up in your pie and creating a soggy crust. Plus, there are lots of creative ways to decorate pies that allow for this moisture to ventilate.

It’s also worth considering using a pie bird. Pie birds have a hollow center and are designed to allow steam to escape through pies for optimal ventilation. So if you want to bake pie just like Grandma, a pie bird is the way to go!

6. Bake On a Lower Rack with a Baking Sheet

Line a metal baking sheet with parchment paper and bake your pie on it. The metal baking sheet will absorb heat and transfer it to the bottom of the pie to ensure even browning. Plus, the parchment paper will protect a gooey mess from spilling onto the floor of your oven.

Lastly, bake your pie on the lowest rack in your oven. This step is absolutely crucial to a perfectly browned pie crust since the heat will transfer to the bottom of the pie quicker than the top of the pie—this will allow the bottom crust to become crisp while the top shouldn’t get overly browned.

For more pie tips, these are the best-kept pie-making secrets.

Ready to Bake? Here's Every Pie Recipe You'll Ever Need

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Easy Fresh Strawberry PieFor my mother's birthday, I made this strawberry pie recipe instead of a cake. Since it was mid-May in Oklahoma, the berries were absolutely perfect. It was a memorable occasion for the whole family. —Josh Carter, Birmingham, AlabamaAlso, check out these best Christmas pies for your sweet holiday season!Go to Recipe

Silky Chocolate PieChocolate makes the world go round! We have a family that loves chocolate pies, and this version with a splash of brandy is smooth as silk and oh, so special. —Kathy Hewitt, Cranston, Rhode Island

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Golden Apple PiePies are the dessert I like best to prepare. This one's the favorite for family get-togethers, and it has been awarded blue ribbons at a couple of local fairs. —Theresa Brazil, Petaluma, California

Check out how this soft pretzel pie crust transforms apple pie!

Yummy Texas Pecan PieThis ooey-gooey pie's luscious and creamy filling offers that good old familiar flavor so many have come to love! —Laurel Leslie, Sonora, California

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Dar's Coconut Cream PieWhen I whip up a toasted coconut cream pie, my family goes wild and the pie vanishes. —Darlene Bartos, Shoreview, Minnesota

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Juicy Cherry PieCherry season is in the heart of summer. For this pie, choose fresh tart cherries that are bright in color, shiny and plump. They also should feel relatively firm when pressed lightly. —Karen Berner, New Canaan, Connecticut

Get that homemade taste in a fraction of the time. Learn how to make canned cherry pie filling taste better with a handful of not-so-secret tricks.

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Creamy Chocolate-Banana PieYou can make almost any dessert more awesome with chocolate. In this cream pie, fresh banana and chocolate make a truly irresistible combo.—Diane Nemitz, Ludington, Michigan

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Citrus Cranberry PieTo showcase abundant fall cranberries, make this beautiful lattice-topped cranberry pie. A dollop of orange cream complements the slightly tart flavor. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Classic Pumpkin PieNothing says Thanksgiving like a slice of pie. And you can relish every luscious bite of this pumpkin pie recipe since the tender crust is made with canola oil and a mere hint of butter. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Berry-Apple-Rhubarb PieI make this family favorite every year for a gathering at my sister's, where the recipe is known as "Uncle Mike's pie." I use only fresh berries, apples and rhubarb that I grow myself. —Michael Powers, New Baltimore, Virginia

Creamy Hazelnut PieI've always been a big fan of peanut butter. Then I found chocolaty Nutella hazelnut spread and I was hooked! I even changed one of my all-time favorite pie recipes by substituting that ingredient. —Lisa Varner, El Paso, Texas

Macaroon Cherry PieI use homegrown cherries in this bountiful pie with its unique crunchy coconut topping. But I've found that purchased tart cherries yield a dessert that's nearly as delicious. I always bake this pie around Presidents Day or Valentine's Day, but it's popular with my family in any season. —Lori Daniels, Beverly, West Virginia

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Classic Sweet Potato PieThis simple but special deep-dish pie provides a down-home finish to hearty autumn meals. Pecans and pumpkin pie spices make this a comforting seasonal classic. —Paul Azzone, Shoreham, New York

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Caramel Apple Pie with Streusel ToppingI developed this recipe through the years to get it exactly where we want it. I've entered several pie contests with it and placed first each time—one bite and you'll know why this pie's a winner! —Laurel Dalzell, Manteca, California

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Cherry Hand PiesThere's nothing better than a sweet, from-scratch delight like traditional cherry pie. These precious little hand pies always go fast when I sell them at my pie bakery! —Allison Cebulla, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Dark Chocolate-Caramel Macchiato PieOne of my first entries in the National Pie Championship was this impressive pie with coffee flavor and cool chocolate curls on top. —Amy Mills, Sebring, Florida

Blueberry Dream PieThis showstopping pie can be decorated to fit any season. I like to make hearts for Valentine's Day, flowers for spring, stars for Independence Day and even leaves for fall. Have fun with it! —Kerry Nakayama, New York, New York

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Berry Pistachio PieMy grandmother used to make this pie when I was a small child. A Brooklyn woman gave her the recipe, but my grandmother could never remember the woman’s name or the name of the pie, comically dubbing it Lady from Brooklyn’s Pie. Feel free to use any flavored gelatin, or try walnuts or pecans instead of pistachios. I use a store-bought graham cracker crust, but you can also use a chocolate graham cracker crust. —Judy DeGrottole, New York, New York

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Winnie's Mini Rhubarb & Strawberry PiesEvery spring, we had strawberries and rhubarb on our farm outside Seattle. These fruity hand pies remind me of those times and of Grandma Winnie’s baking. —Shawn Carleton, San Diego, California

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Key Lime Cream PieI am very proud of this luscious no-bake beauty. It's so cool and refreshing—perfect for any summer potluck or get-together. Wherever I take this pie, it quickly disappears, and everyone asks for the recipe. —Shirley Rickis, Lady Lake, Florida

Perfect Plum & Peach PieI created this recipe for in-season summer fruit. The plums give the pie a splash of color as well as flavor, and the crumb topping is both easy and excellent! —Rachel Johnson, Shippensburg, Pennsylvania

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Deep-Dish Apple PieThis deep-dish apple pie is a winner! The crust is so flaky and the filling is sure to please everyone. —Salem Cross Inn, West Brookfield, Massachusetts

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Chocolate Cream PieOur teenage son, John, has done lots of 4-H baking. This old-fashioned chocolate cream pie recipe with a flaky crust was his favorite thing to make. —Mary Anderson, De Valls Bluff, Arkansas

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Candy Cane PieWhen my college roommate first made this pie, I couldn't get enough! Using a store-bought crust helps save time when you're in the midst of the holidays. —Charlotte Stewart, Mesa, Arizona

Sour Cherry PieWhenever my mom is invited to a party or potluck, everyone requests her homemade double-crust fruit pies. In the summer, she uses fresh tart cherries for this recipe. I love a slice topped with vanilla ice cream. —Pamela Eaton, Monclova, Ohio

Walnut-Cranberry PieAfter this ruby red pie got rave reviews on Thanksgiving, I was happy to bake it again for Christmas dinner. The naturally tart cranberries are perfectly sweetened and accented with walnuts, raisins and lemon. —Shirley Glaab, Hattiesburg, Mississippi

This double pie crust recipe is perfect for this walnut pie.

Contest-Winning German Chocolate Cream PieI've won quite a few awards in recipe contests over the past 10 years, and I was delighted that this luscious pie sent me to the Great American Pie Show finals. —Marie Rizzio, Interlochen, Michigan

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Banana Cream PieMom's pie recipe is a real treasure, and I've never found one that tastes better! —Bernice Morris, Marshfield, Missouri

Cranberry-Almond Apple PieMy grandmother made this treat every year for Christmas. It’s much better than everyday apple pie. The recipe is a family treasure. —Maxine Theriauit, Nashua, New Hampshire

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Apple Crumble PieThe crumb topping of this apple crumble pie recipe is awesome, which may explain why dessert always disappears fast. Or maybe it's the chunky apple filling. Either way, it's a family tradition. —Vera Brouwer, Maurice, Iowa

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Nutella Hand PiesThese pint-sized Nutella hand pies made with puff pastry are too good to keep to yourself! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Southern Bourbon Pecan PieWhen I first made the original recipe for this bourbon-splashed pie, I added some vanilla extract and eliminated the flour. We loved the result. —Paul Falduto, Efland, North Carolina

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Sugar Cream PieI absolutely love Indiana sugar cream pie; especially the one that my grandma made for me. Here, we serve it warm or chilled and call it "Hoosier" sugar cream pie. —Laura Kipper, Westfield, Indiana

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Rhubarb Cherry PieAs a young girl, I dreamed of being able to make pies like my mother. Her rolling pin, which I inherited, is 2 feet long and 8 inches wide! In fact, this is Mom's recipe, although I substituted cherries for the strawberries in her version. I first made this pie for a church gathering 20 years ago, and everyone's looked for it at every potluck since! —Eunice Hurt, Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Spiced Butternut Squash PieMy mom always made this dessert with her homegrown squash. It was my dad's favorite after-dinner treat. I continue to make it to this day. —Johnna Poulson, Celebration, Florida.

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Frozen Banana Split PieThis dessert is special enough to make hamburgers and fries a meal to remember! It's so tall and pretty and just like eating a frozen banana split. Make it ahead to save time. —Joy Collins, Birmingham, Alabama

Peach Crumble PieA delightful summertime pie, this dessert is overflowing with fresh peach flavor. Each sweet slice is packed with old-fashioned appeal. The streusel topping makes this peach crumble pie a little different than the ordinary and adds homemade flair. —Sally Holbrook, Pasadena, California

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Fluffy Key Lime PieFor a taste of paradise, try this no-bake Key lime pie recipe. It's low in fat, sugar and fuss. It truly is the best Key lime pie recipe ever! —Frances VanFossan, Warren, Michigan

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Shoofly Chocolate PieIf you like traditional shoofly pie, the chocolate version is even better! I sometimes serve it with vanilla ice cream, but it is just as good on its own. —Gwen Brounce Widdowson, Fleetwood, Pennsylvania

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Peanut Butter Cream PieDuring the warm months, it's nice to have this fluffy, no-bake peanut butter pie that's a snap to make. Packed with flavor, this pie gets gobbled up even after a big meal! —Jesse & Anne Foust, Bluefield, West Virginia

Granny's Rhubarb PieThis recipe originated with my grandmother, who baked many different rhubarb desserts. This was always a favorite of mine. —Blanche Baninski Minto North Dakota

Eggnog PieEven better than holiday eggnog in a glass is eggnog on a plate! This creamy pie delivers all that rich, wonderful flavor. It’s pretty, too, with a sprinkling of nutmeg on top. —Florence Shaw, East Wenatchee, Washington

We love this butter pie crust as the base for this eggnog pie.

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Star-Studded Blueberry PieFamily and friends say this patriotic pie is better than a local favorite from one of our best neighborhood restaurants. Sometimes, I switch things up and use gooseberries for half of the blueberries. —Nancy Barker, Silverton, Oregon

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Classic Lemon Meringue PieThis is the one and only lemon meringue pie recipe you'll ever need. The flaky and tender from-scratch crust is worth the effort. —Lee Bremson, Kansas City, Missouri

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Marshmallow-Almond Key Lime PieSummer is peak season for Key limes—a must for this pie’s distinctive sweet-tart flavor. Unlike other Key lime pies, mine has a smooth marshmallow layer on top. This makes it stand out as a crowd favorite. —Judy Castranova, New Bern, North Carolina

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Praline Pumpkin Pecan PieMy husband and I are not big fans of traditional pumpkin pie, but my mother and others are, so we must have pumpkin pie as one of the desserts at Thanksgiving. I decided to meet everyone halfway with this pumpkin pecan pie recipe and it was a hit. Now I bring it to Thanksgiving every year. My mother doesn't even feel the need to bake her own pumpkin pie! —Emily Reese, Glade Hill, Virginia

Hungry for more? Here’s our collection of the best pecan pie recipes.

Coconut Macaroon PieCoconut macaroons are divine, but they can be a little messy to make. I turned the batter into a pie filling, and the luscious results speak for themselves. —Becky Mollenkamp, St. Louis, Missouri

Cherry and Chocolate Ice Cream PieWe took cherry pie to a whole new level as a frozen treat. With a luscious layer of chocolate fudge inside, this is one impressive pie. —Scarlett Elrod, Newnan, Georgia

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Apple PieI remember coming home sullen one day because we'd lost a softball game. Grandma, in her wisdom, suggested that maybe a slice of hot apple pie would make me feel better. She was right. —Maggie Greene, Granite Falls, Washington

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Easy Cream PieFresh berries and cream pie—it’s a simple, classic combination just like Grandma used to make. My version gets you out of the kitchen and into your lounge chair quickly. Enjoy! —Gina Nistico, Taste of Home Food Editor

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Grandma's Sour Cream Raisin PieThe aroma of this pie baking in my farm kitchen oven reminds me of my dear grandma, who made this pretty pie for special occasions. —Beverly Medalen, Willow City, North Dakota

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Swedish Apple PieThis decadent Swedish apple pie serves up homemade flavor in every bite. This is a perfect snack with coffee or as an after-dinner treat. —Sarah Klier, Grand Rapids, Michigan

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Easy Strawberry Lemonade Freezer PieThree simple ingredients mixed together and spread into a graham cracker crust make magic while your freezer does all the work. Prep this pie ahead and freeze it overnight or even longer. Feel free to vary the fruit if you'd like! —Debbie Glassco*ck, Conway, Arkansas

Blueberry PieDuring blueberry season, this pie always makes an appearance. It has a wonderful fresh berry flavor and a bit of tang from the lemon zest. —Richard Case, Johnstown, Pennsylvania

Creamy Pineapple PieCreamy pineapple pie is a light and refreshing dessert that's quick to make and impressive to serve. This is one of our favorite ways to complete a summer meal. —Sharon Bickett, Chester, South Carolina

Traditional Pumpkin PieUsually I prepare two different desserts for our holiday dinner, but one of them must be pumpkin pie—otherwise, it just wouldn't seem like Thanksgiving. My version calls for more eggs than most, making this pie's custard filling especially rich. —Gloria Warczak, Cedarburg, Wisconsin

Creamy Coffee PieIt’s easy to stir mini marshmallows, mini chocolate chips and crushed sandwich cookies into coffee ice cream to create this irresistible frozen dessert. —Cherron Nagel, Columbus, Ohio

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Cran-Apple PieWe captured the flavor and splendor of fall in this pretty lattice fruit pie.—James Schend, Dairy Freed

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Old-Fashioned Custard PieThis recipe came from the best cook in West Virginia—my mother! I just added a little to her ingredients. I'm a widow, and my grown children live in another state. So mostly I make my custard pie for church and club functions. It's the most different pie of all the ones in my collection.

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Contest-Winning Raspberry Cream PieThis recipe is delicious with either fresh-picked or frozen raspberries. That means you can make it year-round. One bite of raspberry pie will instantly turn winter to summer. —Julie Price, Nashville, Tennessee

Easy Peanut Butter & Pretzel PieMy crispy, salty pretzel crust just begs for a creamy no-bake peanut butter filling and a layer of chocolate ganache. — Gina Nistico, Taste of Home Food Editor

Apple Slab PieApple slab pie is a terrific contribution to a covered-dish supper, picnic or potluck. It’s baked in a large 15x10 baking pan so it’s easy to make and tote, too. But be prepared—people always ask for a copy of the recipe! —Dolores Skrout, Summerhill, Pennsylvania

Spiced Plum PieThe subtle tastes of orange and nutmeg bring out the fresh flavor of plums in this comforting pie. Be sure to have a slice while it's still warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. —Lucille Mead, Ilion, New York

Limoncello Cream PieAfter a big Christmas dinner, we love the cool refreshment of a frozen lemon pie. Limoncello brings a little sophistication to each smooth, creamy slice. —Jessie Grearson-Sapat, Falmouth, Maine

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Red, White and Blueberry PieThis creamy pie gets dressed up with berries to make a showstopping display at any Fourth of July party or summer get-together. It's as pretty as it is tasty! —Kimberly McFarland, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma

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Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter PieMy mother made a chewy, gooey peanut butter pie I loved as a child. Now I continue the tradition for the next generation of peanut butter lovers. —Brianna DeBlake, Fremont, Michigan

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Easy Confetti PieSugar cone crust makes a pie that tastes like birthday cake when you add a dreamy, creamy no-bake confetti filling. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Key Lime PieWe created this refreshing mini pie with a homemade crumb crust and a pudding-like lime filling. If you can’t find Key lime juice, regular lime juice works just fine. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Easy Bourbon Pecan PieThis pie has a mellow bourbon flavor that's not too strong and not too sweet. And it is easy, crunchy and chewy—just what you want in a pecan pie. —Nick Iverson, Denver, Colorado

Old-Fashioned Banana Cream PieThis old-fashioned banana cream pie recipe is full of flavor. Because it uses instant pudding, this no-bake dessert is ready in just minutes. —Perlene Hoekema, Lynden, Washington

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Butterscotch PieThis pie's filling is like creamy pudding and is crowned with golden peaks of meringue. —Cary Letsche, Brandenton, Florida

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Cherry Almond Mousse PieTreat your loved ones to a luscious pie with chocolate, cherries and nuts in a creamy vanilla mousse. It's a sweet yet refreshing dessert. —Dorothy Pritchett, Wills Point, Texas

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Peach PieI acquired this delicious peach pie filling recipe some 40 years ago, when my husband and I first moved to southern Iowa and had peach trees growing in our backyard. It's been a family favorite since then and always brings back memories of both summer and those happy early years. — June Mueller, Sioux City, Iowa

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Li'l Pecan PiesThese tempting little tarts have all the rich traditional taste of a full-size pecan pie in a much smaller package. The tarts are perfect for two. —Christine Boitos, Livonia, Michigan

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Juicy Raspberry PieThis pie is packed with sweet raspberry flavor and looks stunning to boot. Have some fun with the top crust and cut out star shapes for a festive look. —Karen Berner, New Canaan, Connecticut

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Pumpkin Gingersnap Ice Cream PieMy family and I always try new desserts during the holidays. This one was a clear winner, so we now make it for all occasions! —Patricia Ness, La Mesa, California

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Cape Cod Blueberry PieWe Northeasterners have been baking this pie since the 18th century. Settlers would’ve used little wild blueberries and topped it with cream. I do, too. —Nancy O'Connell, Biddeford, Maine

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Fresh Blackberry PieI grew up on a farm, and we always picked fruits in early summer and used them to make desserts. This blackberry pie recipe is a real stunner. —Gladys Gibbs, Brush Creek, Tennessee

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Buckeye PieEveryone who eats this pie raves about it! You can cover the whole top with ganache, but leaving part of the filling bare is the traditional way to make it. —Mary Northrup, Alpine, New York

Homemade Pear PieI entered this pie in a local baking contest and ended up winning! Bartlett pears hold up well when baked, adding a nice layer of texture. —Darlene Jacobson, Waterford, Wisconsin

Pumpkin Ice Cream PieAlthough it looks like you fussed, this pretty layered pie is easy to assemble with convenient canned pumpkin, store-bought candy bars and a prepared crust. "This make-ahead dessert is delicious any time of year," reports Suzanne McKinley of Lyons, Georgia.

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Apple Cranberry Slab PieMy husband loves pie, so I made one with apples, raspberries and cranberries. It’s so good, I bend the rules and let the grandkids have it for breakfast. —Brenda Smith, Curran, Michigan

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Frozen Hawaiian PieCool summer pies are one of Mom's specialties. This version offers pineapple, maraschino cherries and walnuts that are folded into a fluffy filling. It's an easy yet tempting no-bake dessert. —Jennifer Mcquillan, Jacksonville, Florida

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Ultimate Chocolate Chunk Pecan PieOur family hosts an annual barn party for our close friends, complete with a pie cook-off. A few years ago, this recipe won first prize! —Janice Schneider, Kansas City, Missouri

Mixed Berry PieHere's a delightful way to enjoy summertime fruits. If you're short on one of the berries, just make up the amount with one of the other fruits in the pie. —Elaine Moody, Clever, Missouri

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Lemon Chess Pie with Berry SauceThis is one of those old-fashioned Southern desserts that makes everyone feel good. The easy-as-pie berry sauce gives it color and a tantalizing tang. —April Heaton, Branson, Missouri

Flaky Bumbleberry PieWhen you want to make an impression, make this pie! The recipe produces one of the flakiest crusts ever, and the combination of rhubarb and different berries in the filling is delicious. —Suzanne Alberts, Onalaska, Wisconsin

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Sweet & Salty Truffle PieHomemade truffles—a little bit sweet and a little bit salty—will keep you coming back for more. Store extra truffles in the fridge.—Shirley Warren, Thiensville, Wisconsin

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Creamy Lime Pie with Fresh BerriesI combined the tangy tastes of lime and cilantro with cream cheese for this unusual berry pie that showcases seasonal fruit. The ginger cookies add zip to the crust. —Anneliese Barz, Fort Mill, South Carolina

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Golden Peach PieYears ago, I entered this pie in the Park County Fair in Livingston. It won a first-place blue ribbon plus a purple ribbon for best all around! Family and friends agree with the judges—it's a perfectly peachy pie. —Shirley Olson, Polson, Montana

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Meringue Cranberry PieFolks who favor the tartness of cranberries will fall for this pretty pie. The crimson berries look so beautiful under the airy meringue topping.

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Raspberry Pie SquaresMaking pie for a crowd may seem impossible, but not when you turn to this crowd-pleasing recipe! The sweet-tart raspberry filling pairs well with a flaky homemade pastry. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Sour Cream-Lemon PieI first tasted this pie at a local restaurant and hunted around until I found a similar recipe—now it's my husband's favorite. —Martha Sorensen, Fallon, Nevada

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Mango Pie with Coconut CrustThis was the first pie I created myself. Mangoes are one of my favorite fruits, and they deserve to be represented in a pie. Of course, everything is better with coconut. —Jennifer Worrell, Niles, Illinois

Loved this recipe? Next time, treat your taste buds to our classic Mango pie.

Easy Lemon PieI’ve had this one-bowl lemon pie recipe for years. It’s my twist on chocolate French silk pie, and it's uber easy to do with refrigerated pie pastry. —Glenna Tooman, Boise, Idaho

When it comes to achieving the perfect pie, preventing a soggy crust is a game-changer. I’ve spent years experimenting with various techniques and ingredients to achieve that golden-brown, flaky crust everyone craves. Let’s break down the concepts mentioned in the article you provided:

  1. Choice of Pie Pan: The article recommends using either a glass or metal pie plate with specific qualities to ensure even baking. Glass plates heat up gradually, allowing for an even bake and easy monitoring. On the other hand, metal pans, especially aluminum ones, heat up quickly and provide a golden-brown color.

  2. Blind Baking: This technique involves partially or fully baking the pie crust before adding the filling. It helps prevent a soggy bottom crust. The process usually includes lining the dough with foil and using pie weights, dried beans, or uncooked rice to prevent the crust from puffing up.

  3. Choice of Fat in the Crust: The article's Test Kitchen suggests using butter for the best results in achieving a flaky and delicious pie crust among alternatives like shortening and lard.

  4. Egg Wash: Brushing the pre-baked crust with an egg wash and reheating briefly helps create a seal between the crust and filling, maintaining crispiness.

  5. Adding an Extra Filler: Optionally, after pre-baking the crust and sealing it with an egg wash, a dry ingredient like cornflakes or breadcrumbs can act as a barrier to prevent the filling from making the crust soggy.

  6. Slits in Double-Crust Pies: Cutting slits in the top crust allows steam to escape, preventing moisture buildup and ensuring the crust stays crisp. Additionally, using pie birds can aid in steam ventilation.

  7. Baking Techniques: Placing the pie on a lower oven rack and on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper helps absorb heat and ensures even browning, especially for the bottom crust.

  8. Recipe Varieties: The article includes a plethora of pie recipes, each showcasing different flavors and fillings, which can benefit from the mentioned techniques to achieve the perfect crust.

From selecting the right pan to incorporating the right techniques like blind baking and egg wash sealing, these steps collectively work towards preventing a soggy pie crust and ensuring a delicious, golden-brown finish, regardless of the pie type or filling used.

How to Prevent Pie Crust from Getting Soggy (2024)
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