A GUIDE TO 25 TYPES OF PIES
When it comes to desserts, few things can beat the charm of a well-made pie. From golden, flaky crusts to delicious fillings, pies come in various flavors and styles, making them a versatile finale to any meal. Read on to explore different types of pies, tips for baking them to perfection and insights on how to store your homemade creations.
HOW IS PIE MADE?
Generally speaking, pie is made by first lining a pie pan with either a pre-made or homemade pie crust, forming the base for the pie. Depending on the desired taste, the pastry is filled with sweet or savory ingredients. Some recipes may include a top crust, while others have an exposed filling. Pie is often placed in an oven and baked until the pastry becomes crisp and the filling is thoroughly cooked.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF PIE
Pies are a culinary canvas, spanning various flavors and textures. Explore different pie types and discover an array of scrumptious options that cater to various tastes and occasions. Whether you’re craving something sweet or savory, there’s a pie for every palate and event.
SWEET PIES
1. STRAWBERRY RHUBARB PIE
Fresh strawberries and tangy rhubarb meet in a flaky, golden crust, creating a symphony of flavors and textures. The vibrant colors that ooze out of this rich pie make for a bold dinner table centerpiece.
2. PEANUT BUTTER CHOCOLATE MOUSSE PIE
Peanut butter lovers are sure to revel in this decadent delight. Creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate mousse nestled in a chocolate cookie crust combine in this irresistibly indulgent dessert.
3. TROPICAL PASSION FRUIT MOUSSE PIE
This exquisite tropical pie combines sweetened condensed milk, passion fruit concentrate and cream with gelatin for a delicate touch. When you’re ready to serve, a burst of fresh passion fruit seeds and juice crown this masterpiece.
4. BOSTON CREAM PIE
Although it’s not a pie in the traditional sense, Boston cream pie is a classic dessert worth mentioning. It features two layers of moist sponge cake sandwiching creamy vanilla custard, all topped with a smooth, rich chocolate ganache and crushed hazelnuts.
5. BLUEBERRY LATTICE PIE
This pie is bursting with plump, tangy blueberries and covered in a flaky, golden lattice crust. Use your KitchenAid® stand mixer to easily create the homemade crust for a blueberry lattice pie.
6. GRILLED PEACH PIE
Nothing says summer like dinner on the grill, but how about dessert, too? This grilled pie combines the sweetness of peaches, the buttery flakiness of a pie crust and a little sprinkle of cinnamon.
7. CHOCOLATE COCONUT CUSTARD PIE
In this unique twist on the traditional pie, the filling bakes directly in a pie plate instead of on top of a crust or pastry shell. Use your KitchenAid® blender to help form the custardy center, top with a flavorful coconut layer and serve dusted with confectioner’s sugar.
8. TANGY KEY LIME PIE
Key lime pie is a zesty tropical treat, perfect for a post-dinner pick-me-up or afternoon snack. The tangy key lime filling is nestled in a buttery graham cracker crust and crowned with a cloud of whipped cream.
9. CHOCOLATE BANANA PEANUT BUTTER PIE
You can’t go wrong with a trio like chocolate, banana and peanut butter. With a sweet graham cracker crust, this pie combines chocolate, whipped cream and peanut butter in a decadent and rich dessert for any occasion.
10. FLUFFY MEXICAN CHOCOLATE MOUSSE PIE
With a hint of espresso and a delicious chocolate cookie crust, this cloud-like pie is a showstopper. Your KitchenAid® stand mixer comes in handy to help whip it together for your next after-dinner treat.
11. SWEET POTATO PIE WITH MAPLE BOURBON WHIPPED CREAM
This pie is a harmonious blend of silky sweet potato filling infused with the rich flavors of maple syrup and bourbon, all encased in a tender pastry crust. Sweet potato pie with maple bourbon whipped cream offers a subtle balance of sweetness and warmth, making it a comforting and sophisticated dessert choice.
12. PEAR AND HAZELNUT SALTED CARAMEL PIE WITH CHOCOLATE GRAHAM CRUST
This pie is a delectable dessert for sweet and salty aficionados, combining the flavors of sweet pears, hazelnut and salted caramel. Your KitchenAid® food processor can help you craft the delicious chocolate graham cracker crust.
13. AIR FRIED STRAWBERRY HAND PIES
A remix of the traditional pie, hand pies are perfect for an on-the-go delight. Combining a homemade pie crust and strawberry filling with a hint of lemon, these pies are the perfect handheld sweet treat.
14. BLUEBERRY CREAM CHEESE GHOST HAND PIES
If you’re embracing the spirit of fall or throwing a Halloween party, these ghost pies are the perfect addition to your spread. Use your KitchenAid® food processor to make the crusts, mix the sweet, creamy filling and enjoy!
15. PUMPKIN PIE
A traditional pie known for its place in fall spreads, pumpkin pie is a delicious classic with a flaky, perfectly browned crust and a creamy, sweet inside. Top your pumpkin pie with homemade whipped cream or ice cream.
SAVORY PIES
16. BEEF AND VEGETABLE PIE
Beef and vegetable pie is a savory and hearty dish made with tender beef, vegetables and a flaky pie crust. It’s a delicious and comforting meal that can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner.
17. SEASONAL VEGETARIAN POT PIE
Seasonal vegetarian pot pie is a comforting and flavorful dish filled with sweet potatoes, carrots, onions, mushrooms, leeks and kale in a creamy sauce. It’s topped with a golden puff pastry crust, creating a delicious combination of textures and flavors.
18. SAVORY HAND PIE
These pies are a tasty snack or lunch option made with a flaky crust and filled with a savory combination of apples, bacon and cheese. Savory hand pies are baked until golden brown and can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
19. SIMPLE SHEPHERD’S PIE
While it’s not a pie in the traditional sense, due to its lack of crust, shepherd’s pie is a comforting classic and a cold-weather dinner staple. This simple, hearty dish is made with ground meat, vegetables and a layer of mashed potatoes on top.
20. CURRIED HAND PIES
These flavor-packed curried beef hand pies have a flaky crust made with a blend of flour, shortening and butter, and a savory filling consisting of ground beef, onions, garlic, and potatoes, infused with aromatic curry spices. Cooked to perfection in a skillet, these handheld delights are perfect for snacking or lunch.
21. VEGETABLE POT PIE
Vegetable pot pie is a delectable and comforting dish filled with roasted vegetables, creamy sauce and a flaky cheddar crust. The recipe involves roasting a medley of ingredients and combining them with a flavorful sauce. It’s a wholesome and satisfying vegetarian main dish that will warm your taste buds.
22. SAVORY APPLE AND BLUE CHEESE HAND PIES
These savory apple and blue cheese hand pies feature a buttery pastry filled with a delightful combination of tart apples and creamy blue cheese. The dough can be made using your KitchenAid® stand mixer. These delicious treats are perfect for snacking or as an appetizer.
23. YUNNAN STYLE PIES WITH FRIED PORK, TOMATOES AND CHILI
Try your hand at these tantalizing Yunnan style pies with fried pork, tomatoes and chili. They feature a flaky pastry and a savory pork mixture, baked to perfection.
24. ASPARAGUS AND RED PEPPER QUICHE
This quiche features a delicate pastry crust and a savory asparagus filling. The pastry dough is meticulously prepared using a mixer like a KitchenAid® stand mixer and pastry beater attachment1 to achieve a flaky and flavorful base. The asparagus quiche is a delightful fusion of textures and flavors, making it a perfect addition to your culinary repertoire.
1. Sold separately
25. BITE-SIZED GOLDEN BEET AND GOAT CHEESE QUICHES WITH PINE NUT CRUST
These mini quiches feature a golden beet and creamy goat cheese filling nestled in a crunchy pine nut crust. The earthy sweetness of the beets pairs perfectly with the tangy goat cheese, while the pine nut crust adds a delightful nutty flavor. These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties or as an elegant appetizer.
HOW DO I STORE HOMEMADE PIE?
Homemade pies can be stored in the refrigerator, at room temperature or in the freezer, depending on the type of pie and when you plan to eat it. Read on to learn more about storing homemade pies.
REFRIGERATE CUSTARD AND CREAM PIES
For pies containing eggs like pumpkin, custard and cream pies, refrigeration is key. These types of pies don’t fare well in the freezer, so it’s advisable to keep them in the refrigerator.
FRUIT PIES AT ROOM TEMPERATURE
Enjoy your fruit pies at room temperature for up to two days. In regions with warmer climates, refrigeration after the initial two days is a good practice. Keep your pies loosely covered to maintain their freshness and help prevent them from drying out.
FREEZING BAKED FRUIT PIES
To freeze a baked fruit pie, first, let it cool. Then, place it uncovered in the freezer until it’s completely frozen. Once frozen, wrap the pie tightly or place it in a plastic freezer bag and return it to the freezer. Baked fruit pies can be kept in the freezer for up to four months.
FREEZING UNBAKED FRUIT PIES
When freezing an unbaked fruit pie, avoid cutting slits in the top crust until you’re ready to bake it. Wrap it tightly or use a plastic freezer bag to store it in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to bake, don’t thaw it; instead, bake it directly from the freezer at 425°F for 15 minutes, then reduce the heat to 375°F and bake for 30 to 45 minutes longer or until the crust is golden brown and the filling starts to bubble.
TIPS FOR BAKING PIES
Use in-season ingredients as much as possible.
It’s better to overfill your pie than have the filling sink or cook down and leave the pie looking empty.
Even if the recipe doesn’t call for it, blind baking your crust can help create a sturdy foundation for your filling.
Create a pie shield with aluminum foil while your pie is baking in case you need to cover the crust to help keep it from browning too much.
Some pies bake nicely in a cast-iron skillet. If you don’t have a pie plate, or even if you do, consider giving it a try.
- Make an egg wash and add a bit of your favorite type of sugar. Brush it over the pie during the baking process for a bit of crunch and sparkle.
- Top your pies with homemade whipped cream or ice cream.
Put your pie pan on a baking sheet to help catch any spills and keep your oven clean.
A bit of instant tapioca in a fruit pie may help it set up better and make it easier to slice.
PIE CRUST TIPS
Always work with chilled dough.
Poke small holes in the pie crust to help keep air bubbles from forming.
Use pie weights to blind bake if your filling is juicy or does not require baking.
Allow the dough time to rest in the refrigerator before rolling it out.
Don’t overwork the dough. This can result in a tough texture.
Don’t handle the dough for too long. If you do, the heat from your hands might melt the butter.
Use as little water as possible to help stave off the development of gluten in your crust.
Bake your crust until it is fully browned.
SHOP KITCHENAID® WALL OVENS AND RANGES FOR YOUR BAKING NEEDS
Whether you are perfecting your grandmother’s famous apple pie or experimenting with a new recipe for your loved ones, a KitchenAid® wall oven or range has the features you need to fuel your inspiration. Select models feature Even-Heat™ True Convection to help provide optimal temperatures for crisp, flaky baked goods.
GET MORE COOKING TIPS WITH KITCHENAID BRAND
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