When baking pies at home, one of the most important pieces of equipment is the pie pan. The size of the pan can make a big difference in how the pie turns out and what recipes you can successfully make. So what exactly is considered a small pie pan? Let’s take a closer look.
Standard Pie Pan Sizes
There are three common sizes for pie pans:
- Small: 8-9 inches
- Medium: 9-10 inches
- Large: 10-11 inches
Based on these general guidelines, a small pie pan is one that is around 8-9 inches in diameter across the top rim. The depth is usually around 1-1.5 inches.
What Can You Bake in a Small Pie Pan?
A small, 8-9 inch pie pan is a good size for baking personal-sized pies and other petite baked goods. Here are some examples of items well-suited for a small pie pan:
- Individual fruit pies
- Mini quiches
- Individual pot pies
- Petite cobblers or crisps
- Single-serving desserts like pecan pie or key lime pie
- Small galettes
- Individual savory tarts
- Mini frittatas or crustless quiches
- Small cheesecakes or custard pies
As you can see, small pie pans are ideal for making single-serving baked goods. They provide enough capacity to hold a satisfying portion while keeping things petite. The small size also reduces overall baking time compared to a full pie.
Popular Brands of Small Pie Pans
Many kitchenware manufacturers produce quality small pie pans. Here are some of the most popular brands:
- Pyrex – Made of durable soda-lime glass to withstand high temperatures. Clear glass allows monitoring of browning/doneness.
- USA Pan – Heavy gauge aluminized steel with corrugated surface to promote even browning.
- Chicago Metallic – Carbon steel with nonstick coating for easy release and cleanup.
- OvenStuff – Ceramic pie pans with decorative fluted edges. Safe at up to 600°F.
- Emile Henry – French-made ceramic pie dishes boast high heat resistance and natural nonstick qualities.
You can find high quality metal, glass, ceramic, and stoneware small pie pans from these and other brands online or in well-stocked kitchen supply stores.
Tips for Baking in a Small Pie Pan
Follow these tips for success when baking in a small 8-9 inch pie pan:
- Adjust ingredients down by about 25% from a full size recipe.
- Use a thermometer to accurately gauge doneness.
- Reduce oven temperature by 25°F to prevent overbrowning.
- Use a foil shield or ring if needed to prevent overcooking crust edges.
- Let the pie cool completely before slicing for clean cuts.
Sample Recipes for a Small Pie Pan
To give you an idea of how recipes can be adapted for a small pie pan, here are a couple delicious options:
Mini Apple Pie
Filling Ingredients:
- 2-3 apples, peeled, cored, and sliced thin
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 Tbsp cornstarch
- Pinch of salt
Pie Crust:
- 1 refrigerated rolled pie crust
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease an 8-9″ pie pan.
- In a bowl, toss apples with sugar, cinnamon, cornstarch, and salt until coated.
- Unroll pie crust and fit into prepared pan. Trim overhang to 1/2 inch.
- Fill crust with apple mixture. Fold overhang over filling and crimp edge decoratively.
- Bake 35-45 minutes until filling is bubbling and crust is golden.
- Cool at least 1 hour before serving.
Mini Chicken Pot Pie
Filling Ingredients:
- 1 boneless chicken breast, cooked and cubed (about 1 cup)
- 1/2 cup mixed vegetables, cooked
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 Tbsp cream or milk
- Dash each salt, pepper, thyme
Biscuit Topping:
- 1/2 cup biscuit/baking mix
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 Tbsp butter, melted
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly grease an 8-9″ pie pan.
- In a bowl, mix filling ingredients until combined.
- Pour into prepared pie pan. Bake 10 minutes.
- In another bowl, stir biscuit mix, milk, and melted butter til combined.
- Drop dough over hot pie filling. Bake 18-20 minutes until topping is golden brown.
- Allow to stand 5 minutes before serving.
Finding the Right Small Pie Pan for You
When selecting a small pie pan, consider factors like material, style, price, and performance. Reflect on how often you plan to use it and what types of pies you want to bake. A good quality metal, glass, or ceramic pan can provide years of reliable service. Take time to read reviews and descriptions to choose one suited for your needs.
With a handy small pie pan in your bakeware collection, you’ll be prepared to whip up individual-sized pies, tarts, quiches, and other petite baked treats. The 8-9 inch size makes it easy to adjust standard pie recipes down for just one or two servings. Baked goods come out perfectly portioned—ideal for dessert for two or weeknight dinners. Experiment with both sweet and savory fillings to get the most use out of your small pie pan.
FAQ
What is the difference between a pie pan and a pie dish?
Pie pans are made of metal, typically aluminized steel, stainless steel, or tin. They have angled shallow sides all around. Pie dishes have straight sides and are made of materials like glass, ceramic, or stoneware. Pie dishes sometimes have a decorative fluted edge.
What size pie pan do I need for a 9 inch pie?
For a 9 inch double crust pie, you should use a 9-10 inch pie pan. The extra space allows room for the top crust to drape over the edge. For a standard 9 inch single crust pie, either a 9 inch or 10 inch pan will work well.
Can I use a cake pan for pie?
While cake pans can be used in a pinch, they are not ideal for pies. Pie is usually thicker and heavier than cake batter. Pie pans have angled sides to help support the crust as it rises. Cake pans have straight sides that don’t provide as much structure. You’re likely to have issues with soggy crust if using a cake pan for pie.
What size pie pan is best for quiche?
A 9 or 10 inch standard sized pie pan is ideal for quiche. The shallow angled sides promote even baking and browning of the eggy custard filling. Anything smaller may cause the center to be undercooked. Larger pans spread the filling too thin.
Key Takeaways
- A small pie pan is approximately 8-9 inches in diameter across the top rim.
- Small pie pans work well for individual fruit pies, mini quiches, petite cobblers, and other single serving baked goods.
- Quality brands like Pyrex, USA Pan, and Emile Henry make excellent small pie pans.
- Adjust regular pie recipes down by about 25% for a pan this size.
- Reduce oven temperature slightly to prevent overbrowning when using small pans.