What To Use Instead Of A Pie Pan [6 Alternatives]

So, you want to bake a pie! Now it's time to set up the tools. But, maybe you do not have a pie pan anymore, or you need one immediately and buying one is not an option. If that is the predicament you are in, let us take a look at some alternatives! 

First, it depends on the type of pie you want to bake. There is the standard pie, slab pies, and more. So, this list will give you alternatives to use that include different pie shapes. They are: 

• Cake pan
• Tart pan
• Springform pan
• Muffin pan
• 11x7 pan
• 13x9 pan

Of course, pies do not always have to take a round shape. You can use your imagination and cook something new up! While those are some alternatives, there are more pie ideas that you might want to consider. If you would like to get more in-depth, keep reading ahead. 

Pie Pan Alternatives

Now, let's take a look at the alternative pan ideas!

Cake Pan

Click here to see this cake pan on Amazon.

Can You Use A Round Cake Pan For Pie?

The first alternative that might have come to mind is a cake pan. After all, it is round and should be able to accommodate pie recipes, right? The only difference that an actual pie pan has over a cake pan is its sloped sides. Additionally, standard pie pans come in at 9 inches in diameter and a depth of one and a quarter of an inch.

So, can a round cake pan substitute for a pie pan? Yes, they can! Cake pans are typically in the 8-9 inch diameter range. Though, some cake pans can reach a depth of 3 inches. If you want to make a deep-dish pie, the most you would have to settle for is 2 inches.

Ideal Size

If you are good to go with a cake pan, the ideal size would be 8 inches in diameter with a depth of one and a half inches or two inches. To avoid your chances of failing to bake a pie thoroughly, choose an appropriate pie recipe. For cake pans, a deep-dish pie recipe is likely the best choice.

Crust

The crust that will most likely work with a cake pan is flaky, cookie-crumb, or graham cracker crusts. For standard pies, roll out dough at 12-13 inches in diameter. Press the dough into the seams and crimp as you'd like. For cookie-crumb or graham cracker crusts, press into the bottom and sides of the cake pan.

Springform Pan

Click here to see this springform pan on Amazon.

Can I Make A Pie In A Springform Pan?

Springform pans are also another great alternative! However, like the cake pan, it measures around six to twelve inches in diameter. For depth, a typical springform pan is 3 inches deep. So, a deep-dish pie recipe will work best with springform pans. 

If you want to know how to apply pie dough onto a springform pan, some methods can help. In general, start by spraying non-stick spray onto the pan to prevent sticking. The bottom of the pie dough should be 1/3-inch thick. It will be holding a lot of stuffing, so you want adequate support. 

Using a rolling pin, load the dough on it, and roll it slowly onto the pan. Press the dough into the bottom and the sides.

Tart Pan

Click here to see this tart pan on Amazon.

Tart pans come in a lot of shapes and sizes. If you want something to cook a round shape pie with results similar to a pie pan, tart pans are your best bet. They come in diameters ranging from 4-12 inches. Additionally, they are 3/4-2 inches deep. Depending on what tart pan you have, you can make a standard pie or a deep-dish one. 

So, if you decide to go with a tart pan, try recipes that do not require depth. As some bakers suggest, caramel apple pies may ooze in the oven. If you want to be on the safe side, you can try pumpkin pies.

How To Make A Pie Without A Pie Pan

As mentioned, pies do not have to be round necessarily. There are alternatives dishes that you may want to consider. Dishes like pie bars and pumpkin pie cookies! Additionally, a pie does not have to be a specific size. You can opt to bake mini-pies!

Without further ado, let's take a look at some pies you can make without a pie pan. 

Muffin Pan

Click here to see this muffin pan.

It might seem like an odd choice. However, you can make mini-pies using a muffin pan! All you have to utilize is the bottom of it. Take a round cutter and make tiny crusts out of the dough. 

It will depend on the muffin pan you are using. So, some of these mini-pies can reach from 3-5 inches in diameter. Once you finish with the cutouts, flip the muffin pan upside down. Use non-stick spray on the cups. 

Place the cutouts on the cups. Make sure to space them out. This way, they do not impede on one another. Once the crusts have baked to a golden brown and cooled, you can stuff them with your choice of delicious filling!

11x7 and 13x9 Pan

Click here to see this pan on Amazon.

These pans are what you will typically use to make slab pies. You can use larger pans too. When you transfer the dough onto this pan, you will want to press the bottom and the sides. 

Though, if you do not have any of these pans laying around, some suggest you can make pies on a casserole. Of course, you are going to need to adjust recipes to accommodate a larger dish. 

To give you a few ideas, here are some recipes for some slab pies:

Apple Slab Pie

Ingredients:

• 9 cups of thinly sliced peeled apples
• 1 1/4 cups of sugar 
• 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
• 1 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons of lemon juice

For more information, check out this recipe here.

Pumpkin Pie Bars

Ingredients:

• 2 eggs
• Homemade pumpkin puree
• 1 cup whipping cream
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup corn syrup
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice 
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For more information, check out this recipe here.

No Pan

If you do not have any pans, you might not need one! You can skip the steps required for pies made on a pan and opt to make hand pies or crostata. Additionally, with the help of aluminum, you can even make pie cones.

It's better to see than to read about it. So, here's a YouTube video for visual guidance:

How Do You Make A Pie Pan Out Of Tin Foil?

Desperate times call for desperate measures. If you want to make your own pan on a whim, tin foil can help. As some users suggest, you can line a ceramic bowl with foil and place the pie dough on it. Bake the pie with the lined ceramic bowl.

Once it finishes, you can remove the aluminum foil bowl from the ceramic one. If this is not what you are looking for, there are other methods you can use. We will take a look at how to make a cake pan out of tin foil!

Aluminum Foil Cake Pan

Although it is specifically a cake pan out of aluminum foil, you can modify it to accommodate pies. Or, using the information above, you can adapt recipes to fit this homemade pan.

Use 26 to 30 gauge aluminum foil and measure a 15-by-15-inch area. Using this 15-by-15-inch aluminum sheet, fold each edge upwards 3 inches high. To get a secure bond, press, pinch and crimp the edges with pliers. You will now have a 9x9 inch cake pan that is 3 inches deep.

Can You Make A Pie In A Pyrex Dish?

A pyrex dish is also another option you can choose to make pies. According to some, it is one of the best dishes to prepare pies. They conduct heat evenly. In addition, since it is see-through, you can watch if the bottom is adequately browning. 

Click here to see this pyrex dish on Amazon.

Though, there are some factors to consider. Since it is glass, you should be careful placing it on cold surfaces when it is hot. If you do, you may potentially shatter the pyrex dish.

Final Takeaway

There you have it. A lot of pie pan alternatives with some ideas to inspire you! We hope you found the information above insightful. Go on and make the pies of your dreams! 

Before you go, do you have other pie concerns? Do you wonder if apple pie freezes well? We have the answer! For more information, check out our post here. 

In addition, do you need ideas on how to store an apple pie? We also offer guidance in that area. For more information, check out our post here. Until next time!