Last Updated on January 31, 2022
If you enjoy baking, you may wonder what is blind baking? Blind baking is a common method bakers use to help ensure that their desserts turn out delish and the texture is just right. Though it may sound like a strange term, it is a relatively simple process.
Blind baking is a method that many professional bakers use and many home bakers will even use it as well. There are a couple of different methods bakers will use to achieve blind baking. If you enjoy baking pies and other pastries, it is a good method to know, as you will want to know, what is a blind bake?
Blind Baking Purpose
For blind baking, weights are placed on a layer of aluminum foil or parchment paper that is on the pie crust. The added weight prevents the pie crust from puffing up and allows for a more even bake, resulting in a more delicious pie.
After baking, the weights are removed from the pie. Once cooled, the filling is then added to the pie. Depending on the type of pie, it will then be baked again with the filling or it will be ready to eat.
Blind baking is an important part of making a pie crust, as it ensures the texture will be right. It ensures your pie crust will be crisp and golden, allowing it to hold up fillings that are soft and creamy. You can adjust the time you blind bake the pie crust depending on the type of pie that you are baking.
The temperature and time you blind bake will vary by recipe and the type of pie you are making. Depending on the recipe, you will likely preheat the oven to 375 degrees to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, bake the pie crust for around 15-16 minutes with the weights.
Next, remove the crust from the oven and remove the weights along with the parchment paper or aluminum foil. Then you will use a fork to prick holes all over the crust before returning it to the oven. If you need it fully cooked, you will likely bake it for 14-15 more minutes, if you only need it partially baked, then you will put it in for 7-8 more minutes.
If You Care Parchment Baking Paper – 70 Sq Ft Roll
What To Use For Blind Baking
Whatever weight you choose to use, you will want to use parchment paper or aluminum foil for the lining. Be certain that you make sure to only use weights that are oven safe.
Ceramic pie weights
Ceramic pie weights are the most popular option used among professional bakers. They are reliable and make a great choice as they are easy to use and are oven safe. The great thing about them is that they are long-lasting and reusable, while also providing even heat distribution.
Dried beans
Dried beans are a cheap and effective way to do a blind bake. They provide a relatively even heat distribution while baking. However, they can get very hot, so care must be taken when removing them.
Uncooked rice
Uncooked rice is another option that is affordable and effective. It does a good job weighing down the pie crust and providing an even bake. However, the rice can be messy and can even be tricky to get out.
Sugar
Though not as well known, sugar can also be a great option for blind baking. Using aluminum foil with the sugar is ideal as has even weight distribution and due to the fine texture, it gives the crust an even crispy bake free of bumps.
Two pans
If need be, you can place another pan on top of your pie crust. However, with this method, your pie crust may shrink.
What Is Docking?
Docking is another method that bakers will use to bake a pie. With docking, you simply poke holes with a fork all over the pie crust before baking. This allows for the steam to escape so it won’t puff up too much.
Though docking can work, it is generally not as effective as blind baking, as you won’t generally get as even or crispy of a bake. In addition, it does not work well for all types of pastries.
Understanding What Is Blind Baking
Blind baking is an important step in baking a pie or tart that you don’t want to skip. It can be used to partially or fully bake the crust, depending on the type of pie or tart you are baking.
Do you have any questions regarding what is blind baking? If so, please ask any questions regarding blind baking in the comment section down below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does Blind Bake Mean?
Blind baking is the process of partially or fully baking a pie crust before the filling is added. The process is also used for baking tart shells as well.
What is the Point of Blind Baking?
Blind baking prevents the crust from becoming soggy and provides a more even bake. In addition, the use of pie weights prevents pockets of steam from forming, which can cause the layers of pastry to puff up. It makes sure the crust will be fully baked no matter what kind of pie you are baking.
How Do You Bake Blind?
There are different methods that you can use to blind bake a pie crust. The most common method is lining your unbaked pie crust in the pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Then, weights are placed atop the crust and it is baked in the oven.
What Can You Use for Blind Baking?
There are different types of items you can use for blind baking. Some of the most common weights to use include ceramic pie weights, dried beans, uncooked rice, sugar or even two pans. No matter what you use, it is important to make sure that you evenly spread them out to distribute the weight, which can help ensure an even bake.
What is Blind Baking?
A blind bake is common method bakers use to get a crispy, even bake on their pie crust without it puffing up. It is especially important for soft, creamy fillings, as it prevents the crust from getting soggy. Most professional bakers will use ceramic pie weights with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
Ever since she was a young girl, Anna has been a lover of desserts. As an adult, she enjoys
baking a variety of desserts from cakes, cookies, brownies, bread, and more from scratch. She
enjoys sharing her passion for baking with others who also have a sweet tooth. From properly
measuring ingredients to making sure they are the correct temperature, Anna knows the
importance small details can make in baking. She wants to share her experience with others in
hopes they can make the most delicious baked goods. When she’s not busy blogging, Anna
enjoys trying new recipes in the kitchen.
