Pie In A Bowl
Pie lovers, do I have an idea for you! You can make homemade pie in a bowl which turns out just as good as a regular pie – but is ideal for giving as a gift.
Ready for the cutest food gift idea ever? One that’s insanely practical?
Then let me introduce you to the idea of pie in a bowl.
Instead of baking pie in a pie tin, you bake it in a bowl.
“What’s the big deal?” you ask?
The magic in this idea comes when you decide it’s time to make a special treat for someone:
- New parents
- A grieving friend
- A new neighbor
- Someone who was recently hospitalized
- A close friend who you haven’t seen in a long time
Giving pie as a gift is a really nice thing to do. But there’s always the issue of returning the pie dish.
When you give pie in a bowl – specifically, a bowl that you’re comfortable giving away – your recipient will gush, and you can just leave the bowl with them.
Where To Buy Cheap Bowls
I buy cheap ovenproof bowls at thrift shops and garage sales for the sole purpose of making pies in them and giving them away.
Because they’re cheap and secondhand, there’s no need for the recipient to return the bowl. They can just keep it or re-thrift it.
Just make sure the bowl is:
- Ovenproof (check the bottom of the bowl for the ovenproof seal)
- Crack-free
Virtually any size bowl will do, from mini bowls (which make mini pies) to larger bowls that are close in size to a traditional pie plate.
What Kind Of Pie Filling?
Scroll down for my favorite, foolproof pie crust recipe.
What kind of filling can you use for pie in a bowl? Most baked pie fillings will work well, but I think this idea is perfect for baked fruit pies such as:
- Apple pie
- Blueberry pie
- Strawberry pie
- Triple berry pie
- Peach pie
Consider the depth of the bowl when choosing a recipe.
Pecan pie, for example, would be delicious but perhaps a bit too rich – especially if you have a deep bowl. (That’s a LOT of rich pecan pie filling!)
But pecan pie might be perfect if you have a small, single-serving bowl.
Baking Instructions
If you can make regular homemade pie, you can make pie in a bowl.
The process is the same:
- Once you’ve made your pie crust, roll it out and place it in your bowl – just like you’d place pie crust in a pie plate. Trim the edge 1/2-inch and crimp it, just like you would with a regular pie.
- Choose your filling and fill the bowl, within 1/2-inch of the top.
- Add a top pie crust, if using. Learn how to make a pretty lattice pie crust design.
- Top with egg wash or a dusting of granulated sugar.
- Bake according to pie directions.
Now go on, get creative, choose your favorite pie filling – and make pie in a bowl!
Got leftover pie crust? Lucky you! Make these delicious leftover pie crust cookies.
You Can Make A Cake In A Bowl Too!
If you love this idea, you should try making a cake in a bowl – also great for gifting.
Foolproof All-Butter Pie Crust
This recipe makes enough for one pie crust and one pie crust topper (for a lattice design, for example). If you don't use all the dough, wrap it in plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for another day.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups (325 grams) all-purpose flour, divided
- 1 teaspoon fine grain sea salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
- 1 cup (230 grams) cold butter, cut into cubes
- 4 to 8 tablespoons ice water
Instructions
- To make pie crust dough: Place 1 1/2 cups of flour, salt, and sugar in a food processor. Pulse 5 times until ingredients are combined.
- Add butter cubes to food processor. Pulse about 15 times, until a dough starts to ocome together.
- Add remaining 1 cup of flour to the food processor. Pulse about 5 more times, until crumbly. Remove dough from the food processor and place in a large mixing bowl.
- Sprinkle 4 tablespoons of ice water over dough. Using a dough blender or fork, start pressing down on the dough to incorporate water and make the dough uniform. If the dough is too dry, add 1 tablespoon of ice water at a time (up to 4 tablespoons) until it holds together.
- Place dough on a clean counter and press into a ball and flatten. Place in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least an hour, overnight, or up to 2 days. (Dough can be made ahead of time and frozen.)
- To roll out dough: When ready to use, place the dough ball on the counter at room temperature for a few minutes. Lightly flour clean countertop.
- The amount of dough needed will vary depending on the size of your pie tin or bowl. For a standard mini pie tin, take approximately 1/4 cup of dough (golf ball size) and roll into a flat circle with a rolling pin. The dough should extend about 1/2-inch beyond the pie tin. Carefully lift the pie crust and place into the tin. Trim dough using a kitchen scissors so it extends 1/2-inch beyond the edge.
- Repeat the process for the top crust, if using. You can either roll out an entire top or make a lattice or other design. If using a whole top crust, make a couple of cuts in the top to vent.
- Prior to baking, sprinkle top crust with a little granulated sugar. Proceed with pie recipe.