Baking pre-made pies is a convenient way to enjoy a delicious dessert with minimal effort. The key to a perfect result lies in understanding the type of pre-made pie you have and following specific instructions, which often vary for frozen, refrigerated, or individual hand pies.
Understanding Your Pre-Made Pie
Pre-made pies come in various forms, each requiring a slightly different baking approach. Whether it's a large frozen fruit pie, a refrigerated cream pie, or a small hand pie, knowing its type will guide your baking process.
Types of Pre-Made Pies
- Frozen Unbaked Pies: These typically come in an aluminum pan and are meant to be baked from frozen. They often require a longer baking time at a moderate temperature.
- Frozen Baked Pies: Some frozen pies are already baked and just need to be reheated to a warm serving temperature.
- Refrigerated Unbaked Pies: These are often found in the dairy section and are ready to bake. They generally have shorter baking times than frozen pies.
- Refrigerated Baked Pies: Similar to frozen baked pies, these only require reheating or can be served chilled.
- Individual Hand Pies: These smaller, portable pies are often sold frozen or refrigerated and need to be baked until golden brown.
General Steps for Baking Pre-Made Pies
While specific instructions can vary, here’s a general guide for baking most pre-made, unbaked pies:
- Preheat Your Oven: Always preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the pie's packaging. For many frozen unbaked pies, this is often around 375-425°F (190-220°C).
- Prepare the Pie:
- Remove all plastic wrapping. If the pie comes in an aluminum pan, it's usually safe to bake directly in it.
- For hand pies, place them on a baking sheet, preferably lined with parchment paper, to prevent sticking and aid cleanup.
- Baking Time and Temperature:
- Frozen Pies: Most frozen unbaked pies are baked directly from the freezer. You might start at a higher temperature for the first 15-20 minutes, then reduce it for the remainder of the baking time to ensure even cooking and a golden crust without burning. Total baking time can range from 60-90 minutes.
- Refrigerated Pies: These typically bake faster than frozen pies, often in 45-60 minutes, as they don't need to thaw in the oven.
- Hand Pies: For individual hand pies, bake them in a pre-heated 400°F (200°C) oven for approximately 45-50 minutes, or until they achieve a deep golden brown color.
- Check for Doneness:
- The crust should be golden brown.
- For fruit pies, the filling should be bubbling thickly through any vents.
- An internal temperature of 200-205°F (93-96°C) for fruit pies indicates the filling is cooked through.
- Cooling: Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set properly, preventing it from being runny. For fruit pies, this can take 2-4 hours.
Baking Guidelines for Specific Pre-Made Pie Types
Here’s a quick reference for common pre-made pie types:
| Pie Type | Preparation | Oven Temperature | Approximate Baking Time | Key Indicator of Doneness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frozen Unbaked Pie | Remove plastic wrap, place on baking sheet (optional) | 400°F for 15-20 min, then 375°F | 60-90 minutes | Golden brown crust, bubbling filling (200-205°F internal) |
| Refrigerated Unbaked Pie | Remove plastic wrap | 400-425°F | 45-60 minutes | Golden brown crust, bubbling filling |
| Individual Hand Pies | Remove plastic, place on parchment-lined baking sheet | 400°F (200°C) | 45-50 minutes | Deep golden brown color |
| Frozen Baked Pie | Remove plastic wrap, thaw slightly (optional) | 350-375°F | 20-30 minutes (reheating) | Warm through, crust slightly crisp |
Essential Tips for Perfect Pre-Made Pies
- Read the Packaging: Always prioritize the specific instructions on your pie's packaging. Manufacturers often tailor these to their unique recipes.
- Prevent Over-Browning: If your pie crust is browning too quickly before the filling is cooked, create a foil tent by loosely covering the edges of the crust (or the entire pie) with aluminum foil.
- Use a Baking Sheet: Always place your pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and ensure more even heating of the bottom crust, especially for frozen pies.
- Vent the Crust: If your unbaked pie doesn't have pre-made vents, cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Egg Wash (Optional): For a shinier, more golden crust, you can brush the top of an unbaked pie with an egg wash (one egg beaten with a tablespoon of water or milk) before baking.
By following these guidelines, you can effortlessly bake a variety of pre-made pies to perfection, bringing a delicious treat to your table.
