Wondering what to use when your pie pan takes a hike? No need to hit pause on dessert dreams. We’ve all faced that moment—without a pie pan but ready to bake.
Maybe it’s lost in the cupboard chaos or loaned to a forgetful neighbor. Whatever the reason, we’ve got the scoop on alternatives.
Grab what’s already in your kitchen, from cake pans to skillets. These swaps keep us in the baking zone.
We’ve tried these tricks ourselves, and guess what? They work like a charm. Your pie plans are safe and sound. Get ready to bake without missing a beat.
5 Easy Pie Pan Substitutes to Try
Here are five pie pan alternatives you can easily use when your trusty pan is missing in action.
1 – Cake Pan
Cake pan filling in for our pie pan? Spot on! Pies still turn out divine. Cake pans work great in a pinch. They feature solid edges which are handy. We recommend using larger cake pans. Smaller pies overflow. Keep that in mind.
Clean-up is a breeze. Grease pans before. Pie crusts remain intact. Ensure crusts cook evenly. Pans are deeper than pie pans. Adjust filling accordingly.
Our pro tip? Line the bottom with parchment. Smooth release. Cake pans rock for consistency. They’ve got solid sides. Support structure matters. Pie never collapses. Fancy a difference? Choose a flavor packed crust. Wouldn’t swap for the world.
2 – Springform Pan
So, we dig our springform pan stand-in. It clicks open, no drama. Cakes and pies appreciate this love. Adjust size with removable sides. Pro port: it releases gently.
Line the base plus sides with parchment. Fewer fragments, always smooth. Use 9-inch diameter pan for snug fit. Fill should hit 2/3rds full max.
First-timers, go easy. Minimizes spills, maximizes outcome. Like options? springform pan replacements are explored here.
Now, baking bliss closer than you thought. Outputs tidy every time. Show off your crust. 1:1 substitute ratio rocks.
3 – Casserole Dish
Jumping in with a casserole dish as our pie pan stand-in. It’s a savory swap. Holds those pie vibes real well. Deep sides handle fillings easily. Could get hefty though. Balance is key for goodness.
Use rectangular dish for more space. Pie truly spreads out. No squeezing fillings here. Grease the sides to skip the stickiness. Baking time won’t fool you—it might take a while.
Do you roll with convenience? Grab the dish lid. Keep freshness on lock. For size match: casserole dish works 1:1 as substitute. Our quick tip? Keep an eye on depth adjustments.
4 – Tart Pan
We’ve got your back with tart pans. Tart pans hold their ground well. They hug the crust and fillings nicely. A major plus for crust enthusiasts: those shallow sides.
Tarts and pies can share thick or thin crusts. Keep to a 1:1 substitute ratio. Adjust baking time for those thin walls. Cleaning is a lighter chore. Crumbs escape without much fuss. Non-stick finish often helps.
Tart pans add flair with those edges. Toss in any filling. Shine with golden crusts. Flexibility is key. Slide fillings easily with removable bottoms. Secure base, seamless slice, zero stress.
5 – Oven-Safe Skillet
Grabbing the oven-safe skillet is like inviting a new friend to the table. Perfect for heavy duty pie baking, this sturdy buddy handles even the wildest pie adventures. Its non-stick surface saves us every time.
Fill it up the same way you would a pie pan. 1:1 substitute ratio, keeping it simple. Pies crust stays dreamy, never soggy. Use little oil to cheat sticky situations. Handles comfortably take pie straight to the oven. Quicker heat distribution means faster cooking.
Perfect for pies needing a crispy bottom. Our experience shows skillet pies hold their own at the feast. Occasionally requires careful cooling – pies slide right out.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.