Troubleshooting Pie Crust: Why is the Bottom Not Browning?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The thread discusses issues related to achieving a properly browned bottom crust when baking pies in stoneware. Participants share their personal experiences and observations regarding baking techniques and potential troubleshooting methods.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant mentions a customer's concern about the bottom crust not browning while the top is perfectly done, expressing a desire to find solutions.
  • Another participant suggests that the customer might be removing the pie too early, possibly due to the edges cooking faster.
  • One participant shares their experience of pre-cooking the bottom crust slightly before adding the filling, which they believe leads to better results.
  • Another participant notes that cooking times may need to be extended when using stoneware, typically adding 2-3 minutes.
  • One user mentions that the first batch of cookies takes longer to bake, indicating that stoneware requires additional time to heat up properly.
  • Another participant suggests checking for foil in the oven, as it might hinder the cooking process with stoneware.
  • One participant emphasizes that the bottom rack of the oven is effective for baking pies in stoneware, along with using a pie shield and extending cooking time.
  • A participant discusses the customer's desire for a brown and flaky bottom crust, questioning if this is achievable without burning the edges.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the best methods to achieve a browned bottom crust, with no clear consensus on a single solution. Participants offer various techniques and observations based on their experiences.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects personal baking experiences and troubleshooting methods among participants, particularly in relation to using stoneware for pie baking.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants and community members interested in baking techniques and troubleshooting pie crust issues may find the shared experiences relevant.

krzymomof4
Silver Member
Messages
1,682
I had a customer come up to me at a show today and ask me why her crust is never done when she uses the pie plate. She said the top of the crust if brown flaky and beautiful, but the bottom crust is never brown. I have not used mine for pies yet so I didn't know what to say, just that I would check into it and get back with her.
Any ideas?
 
Don't know. I have never had this problem. Is she baking it long enough? Maybe she is taking it out too soon because the edges are getting done to fast? Does she cover them with the pie shield or foil?
 
I always pre-cook my bottom crust a bit first. Then I place filling inside and put top on. I then cover plate with foil and cook. About five minutes before its done, remove foil and continue to cook for last 5 minutes. Pie will come out perfect!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #4
I thought maybe that might be it, but she said "I thought things cooked evenly in the stoneware." I might suggest the pie shield though.
 
You do have to cook things a few minutes longer in all of the stoneware. I usually add on 2-3 minutes more.
 
I've noticed that when I make cookies, the first batch always takes a couple of minutes longer than what the recipe calls for. Once the stone is heated up though, it doesn't take that long.
 
krzymomof4 said:
I had a customer come up to me at a show today and ask me why her crust is never done when she uses the pie plate. She said the top of the crust if brown flaky and beautiful, but the bottom crust is never brown. I have not used mine for pies yet so I didn't know what to say, just that I would check into it and get back with her.
Any ideas?

Ask her if she has foil in the bottom of her oven. I read here somewhere that this also hinders the cooking process with stones. But add the time onto your cooking also, that is another trouble shooter for stones.
 
crust not cookedclearly she is taking the pie out before it is totally cooked. The pie crust shield or strips of aluminum foil will help.

Stoneware does take a few extra minutes to heat up the stone.

Think of a frozen pot pie - it is usualliy not done when the top looks done - the top has to bee dark golden for the bottom to cook - and that's in a metal pan!

Offer to cook a pie together with her. You'll get a customer for life! :)
 
Bottom rack of the oven?When I make pies in my stoneware, I always have it on the bottom rack of my oven. I use the shield, add on a few minutes, and voila! No problems!

Diane
 
Hey guys, I was talking to krzymom about this on the phone (she's my recruit)and she was telling me that the lady isn't saying the crust isn't getting done, she is saying she wants the bottom crust to be as brown and flakey as the top layer!!! She doesn't want it white!! Is that possible? I guess she could precook the bottom layer a little bit first, but then the edges will burn unless she cuts them off before putting the filling in and putting the top layer on. Anyone ever heard of anything like this? Krzymom said she is an older lady.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my pie crust not browning on the bottom?

The bottom of your pie crust may not be browning due to insufficient heat from the oven. Make sure your oven is preheated properly and consider using a baking stone or placing your pie on a lower rack to increase heat exposure.

Am I using the right type of pie dish?

Yes, the type of pie dish can affect browning. Glass or metal pie pans tend to conduct heat better than ceramic or stoneware. If you're using a ceramic dish, try switching to a metal one for better results.

Is my oven temperature accurate?

Oven temperatures can often be inaccurate. Use an oven thermometer to check if your oven is reaching the desired temperature. If it's off, adjust the temperature accordingly to ensure proper browning.

Did I use enough fat in my pie crust?

Insufficient fat can lead to a crust that doesn't brown well. Make sure you’re using the right amount of butter or shortening in your recipe, as fat helps with browning and flavor.

Should I blind bake my pie crust?

Yes, blind baking your pie crust can help achieve a golden bottom. Pre-bake the crust for a few minutes before adding the filling, which allows the bottom to cook and brown properly.

Similar Pampered Chef Threads

  • lauriedip
  • Products and Tips
Replies
2
Views
2K
lauriedip
  • donnathepamperedchef
  • Products and Tips
Replies
7
Views
2K
rlombas
  • anoelle
  • Products and Tips
Replies
10
Views
4K
Brenda.the.chef
Replies
2
Views
2K
Jennifer E
  • trps
  • Products and Tips
Replies
5
Views
3K
doughmama
Replies
4
Views
2K
Staci
  • Renee Anderson
  • Products and Tips
Replies
8
Views
7K
nikked
  • krahema
  • Products and Tips
Replies
7
Views
3K
krahema
Replies
2
Views
2K
byrd1956
  • momoftwins
  • Products and Tips
Replies
8
Views
2K
momoftwins
Back
Top