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You are here: Home / Recipes / How to Decorate Pie Crusts – Pie Crust Basics Part Two

Cooking Tips Desserts Recipes
Published: November 12, 2013 | Last Updated: October 15, 2019 | Author: Lois

How to Decorate Pie Crusts – Pie Crust Basics Part Two

Everything you need to know to decorate pie crust to make your homemade pies look beautiful. It’s easy to do if you follow these simple and easy tips!

Pies decorated with leaf pie dough cuts out from Walking on Sunshine Recipes.

How to Decorate Pie Crusts

Today I thought we’d discuss how to decorate pie crusts by learning how to crimp the edges of your pie dough into pretty designs that will wow your family and friends.  When you bring a homemade pie to the table to slice and serve to your guests, you want it to look not only delicious, but pretty.

But for some people, making homemade pie dough is a challenge. Last week we went through the basics of how easy it is to make homemade pie dough using the recipe I use all the time to make my own homemade pie dough.

How to Crimp Pie Dough Edges

Crimping the edges of a pie crust makes your pie look pretty; plain and simple.  But there is another reason why we crimp our pie crusts.  It helps hold the edges of a single pie crust in place, so the dough doesn’t slump down during baking.

The most important thing to remember is to roll the dough a little longer than the pie plate so you have enough dough to build up a high edge.   Once you have rolled out your dough, transfer it to a pie plate.  You want to make sure the overhang is even all around, so trim if necessary.  Take the overhang and roll it under so you have a “cylinder” that rests along the edge of your pie crust.

  • An easy way to crimp the edges of a pie crust are to press your thumb into dough edge at an angle, then pinch dough between thumb and knuckle of index finger.
  • Place thumb in groove left by index finger; pinch as before.
  • Repeat, rotating pie plate as you go. This is how my mother crimps her pie crust by using your index finger and your thumb, “squeeze” the dough to create a crimp. 

How to Decorate with Pie Crust Cutouts

This has to be one of the easiest ways to decorate pie crust!  All you need are small cookie cutters in the shapes you want to decorate your pie.

Using a leaf cookie cutter to help decorate pie dough.

Place the pie cut outs on the edge of the pie crust.  Make sure you first brush a little water on the edge of the pie crust to help the pie cut outs stick.

Leaf Pie Dough Cut Outs decorating pie dough.

After the pie cut outs have been added to the edge of the pie crust, fill it with the pumpkin pie filling and bake according to the recipe directions.

Decorating pie crust with leaf cut outs.

You can also bake the pie cut outs separately on a baking tray and then place them directly on top of a baked pie.

Decorated Pumpkin Pies with leaf and turkey pie cut outs from Walking on Sunshine Recipes

A few more Pie Recipes: 

Now that you know how to make your own pie crust and decorate pie crust, let’s bake something yummy! Here are a few good recipes: 

  • Summer Pies – 7 delicious recipes to bake! 
  • Pumpkin Pie
  • Apple Pie
  • The Best Thanksgiving Pies
  • Homemade Pecan Pie
  • Mini Pumpkin Pie Treats -These came out really good and were very impressive on the buffet table for holidays.

Mini Pumpkin Pie Treats with Pie Crust Leaf Shapes from Walking on sunshine Recipes

Helpful Kitchen Tools for Pie Cut Outs:

This post contains affiliate links. Your cost is the same, but I earn a commission when you shop through them.  For more information, click HERE.

  • Pastry Dough Blender
  • Leaf Pastry Cutters
  • Dough Scraper
  • Pastry Mat – helps with rolling out dough to the correct size.
  • Brush to help with the egg wash

How to Decorate Pie Crust with pretty leaf designs.

 

 

Mrs. Anderson’s Baking Cookie and Fondant Cutters, Leaf-Shaped, 7-Piece SetMore InformationR&M International 0499 Leaves 2More InformationCake Leaves Baking Pie Crust Cutters, Set of 4More InformationChicago Metallic Professional Mini-Pie Pan with Cutting Tool, 14.5-Inch-by-10.75-InchMore InformationCalphalon Nonstick Bakeware, Mini Pie Pan, 5-inch (Set of 4)More InformationAteco 4852 Plain Edge Leaf Cutters in Assorted Leaf Shapes, Stainless Steel, 7 Pc SetMore InformationPyrex 2-Pack Easy Grab Glass Pie Plate, 9.5-InchMore InformationPyrex Glass Bakeware 9-inch Pie Plate, Set of 6More InformationCHEFMADE Non-slip Silicone Pastry Mat with Measurements 23.6More InformationPastry Mat XX-Large 32’’x24’’ – PEGZOS Non-Slip Silicone Fondant Sheet, Sticks to Countertop, Mother's Day Gifts, Perfect for Rolling DoughMore Information

 


10 Comments

About Lois

Originally from Queens, NY, Lois now calls northeastern PA home. You can find her blogging over at Walking on Sunshine where she shares a little of her life, but more importantly what’s for dinner at her house tonight.

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Comments

  1. Laura Franklin says

    October 26, 2016 at 9:06 pm

    Great tips! Thanks for sharing with the Delicious Dishes Recipe party!

    Reply
  2. Emily @ Two Purple Couches says

    October 23, 2016 at 3:10 am

    I am terrible at crimping pie crusts! Earlier this week, I was baking a pie with my mom and even with her showing me how to do it (Land O Lakes style), I still couldn't get it right! I should use the cute cookie cutter shapes instead. Thanks for sharing with Merry Monday!

    Reply
  3. mickeydownunder says

    December 6, 2013 at 1:04 pm

    G'day Lois! You have totally inspired me with your post, true!
    I even ordered the leaf cookie cutters from the States and they will be arriving sometime before the New Year so thank you!
    Cheers! Joanne
    http://www.whatsonthelist.net

    Reply
  4. The Mommy says

    November 27, 2013 at 4:00 pm

    I pinned this. Thanks so much for the tips! My biggest pie problem (a First World problem, for sure): When I make a two crust pie, it always squirts out around the rim – not underneath but kinda where the bend in the pie occurs? I can't figure out what I'm doing wrong! I vent the pie, I crimp (although not nearly as pretty as you), I'm stumped! Suggestions?

    Reply
  5. Cindy Jamieson says

    November 15, 2013 at 8:04 pm

    Totally pinning this. I love the different crimping options you're teaching us! Thanks so much for sharing at Simple Supper Tuesday.

    Reply
    • Walking on Sunshine says

      November 15, 2013 at 10:47 pm

      Thank you Cindy!

      Reply
  6. Sugar Cookies to Peterbilts says

    November 14, 2013 at 4:41 am

    I always try for the way your mom does it, but I didn't know how it was done. Thanks for all the techniques, looking forward to trying some!

    Reply
    • Walking on Sunshine says

      November 14, 2013 at 2:46 pm

      Thank you Sugar Cookies! These are just a few ideas. There are so many talented bakers out there!

      Reply
  7. mickeydownunder says

    November 13, 2013 at 12:37 am

    G'day and wow…really enjoyed this post today Lois, true!
    LOVE the leaf pattern and the twist, but don't know if I could ever do…but might have to put this on my list now too! Thank you!
    Cheers! Joanne
    http://www.whatsonthelist.net

    Reply
    • Walking on Sunshine says

      November 13, 2013 at 1:38 am

      Thank you Joanne! I actually purchased a few leaf cutouts and am going to experiment soon!

      Reply

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