How To Save Your Pie Crust From Burning With A Piece Of Tin Foil

How to use aluminum foil to bake pie crust

The perfect pie crust should have a light, crispy brown color that is uniform throughout. This is where one of aluminum foil's many convenient cooking tricks comes into play. Start by cutting a piece of foil that is approximately 12 inches in size. The foil should be slightly larger than the pie's diameter. For this method, use standard-width foil, which can be either regular or heavy-duty. Keep in mind that heavy-duty foil is thicker than regular, so it might be a better choice if your pie needs a longer baking time.

Next, fold the foil into quarters by folding it in half lengthwise and then horizontally. After folding, cut a large quarter-circle from the center of the foil, ensuring the cut starts and ends along the folded edges. When you unfold the foil, it should form a square with a large circle removed from the center. Place the foil over the unbaked pie and shape the edges around the top of the pie crust. When done correctly, the crust will be covered while the pie's center remains exposed to the heat. Remove the foil towards the end of baking to let the crust achieve a golden brown color. Alternatively, you can skip the aluminum foil altogether and opt for a reusable pie crust shield, which is typically made from silicone or stainless steel.