I have always loved pies. I remember the first time I ever made one. It was a pumpkin pie, and it turned out so well that my family was amazed. Ever since then, I have been hooked on baking pies.
However, recently I have been having trouble with looking for pie weights. I’ve looked everywhere, and I can’t seem to find any.
So, I started to look for substitutes, and I found some amazing ones! Here are the top 9 substitutes for pie weights that I found.
Substitutes to Pie Weights
- Metal Chain
- Polished River Rocks
- Pennies
- Steel Balls or Other Metal Objects
- Glass Marbles
- Sugar
- Popcorn Kernels
- Rice
- Beans
Metal Chain
While metal chains may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of pie weights, they can be a very effective substitute in many cases.
One of the benefits of using metal chains is that they are less likely to break than ceramic or glass weights.
They are also reusable, which can save you money in the long run.
You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly when substituting metal chains for traditional weights as they conduct heat more quickly.
Overall, I found that metal chains make a great alternative to traditional pie weights and can be used in various recipes.
Polished River Rocks
River rocks are a great substitute for pie weights.
There are many benefits to using river rocks to replace traditional pie weights.
For one, river rocks are a natural product that can be easily found near bodies of water.
They are also less likely to rust than metal pie weights and can be reused repeatedly.
I’ve found that they work well with fruit pies, quiches, and tarts.
Moreover, river rocks can also be used to blind bake pies, which is when the crust is baked without any filling.
This is often done for cream pies or tarts that require a cooked crust. When substituting river rocks for pie weights, you may need to use slightly more than you would of traditional weights due to their smaller size.
It would help if you also made sure that the rocks you use are food-grade and have been washed well.
Overall, river rocks are an excellent substitute for traditional pie weights, and I recommend giving them a shot.
Pennies
I’ve found from research and testing that Pennies, while strange, can also be used as a substitute for pie weights.
The benefits of using them as a substitute are that pennies are small and easy to handle, they don’t rust, and they’re cheap.
Pennies also conduct heat well so that they can help the crust to brown evenly.
One important point to note is that pennies made before 1982 are made mostly of copper, so the ones made after may react with the food and change the flavor. You will also need to wash the pennies thoroughly before using them.
If you’re using a recipe that calls for blind baking, pre-heat the oven with the pennies in the bottom of the pan.
This will help them to heat up evenly and prevent them from sticking to the crust.
When it comes time to bake the pie, remove the pennies and continue with the recipe.
Steel Balls or Other Metal Objects
Loads of people don’t realize that steel balls or other metal objects can be used as a substitute for pie weights.
There are many benefits to using this type of substitute, including the fact that it is less likely to scorch the crust and can be reused over and over again like the other alternatives.
In addition, metal objects are less likely to break the crust than glass or ceramic weights, and they conduct heat more evenly.
The best part about using steel balls or other metal objects as a substitute for pie weights is that they can be easily found in most hardware stores.
However, if you can’t find them in your local store, you can always order them online.
Glass Marbles
Another strange alternative that you can consider is glass marbles.
I found that glass marbles have several advantages over other pie weight options.
- They are non-reactive, so they will not affect the flavor of the food.
- They are easy to clean and reuse.
- They are available in various sizes, so you can find the right fit for your pie.
- Lastly, glass marbles conduct heat well, ensuring that your pie crust will be evenly cooked.
Sugar
Sugar is another option that you could consider trying as a replacement for your pie weights.
It can be used in any recipe that calls for pie weights and has several benefits over other substitutes.
First, sugar is cheaper than most pie weights and easy to find and store.
Moreover, it will not rust or break like some other substitutes.
Finally, sugar is easy to use – just put parchment paper on your pie and pour the sugar onto it.
Popcorn Kernels
One substitute for pie weights that I’ve found to be very useful is popcorn kernels.
Popcorn kernels are small and round, so they can easily fit into the crust. They also have a high heat capacity so that they won’t burn in the oven.
In addition, they’re relatively inexpensive and easy to find.
Popcorn kernels make an excellent substitute for pie weights and will work just as well as any other substitute. The only downside is that they will not pop well after use because the oven will dry them out.
Rice
Rice is inexpensive and easy to find and works well as a pie weight.
Place a layer of rice in the bottom of the crust and bake as normal.
The rice will help to keep the crust in place and prevent it from shrinking or puffing up.
It will absorb moisture and help keep the crust’s shape intact.
In addition to being an effective substitute for pie weights, rice is also a good choice for people looking for a gluten-free option.
If you’re looking for an alternative to traditional pie weights, rice is a great option that is both effective and economical.
Beans
Beans also make an excellent substitute for pie weights!
Beans are heavy and will help to keep the crust in place while it bakes.
Plus, they are inexpensive and easy to find. Just about any bean will work as a pie weight, so use whatever you have on hand.
Lentils, black beans, and kidney beans are all good choices. Just be sure to rinse the beans before using them so that they don’t add any extra flavor to your pie.
When using beans as a substitute for pie weights, you may need to bake the crust for a few minutes longer than the recipe specifies.
Other than that, there will be no need to make any other changes to your recipe.
FAQ
What is the best substitute for pie weights?
There are many substitutes for pie weights, but the best one will depend on your individual needs.
If you’re looking for an inexpensive and easy-to-find option, sugar is a good choice.
For a gluten-free option, rice is a good choice. And if you’re looking for a heavy option that is easy to use, beans are a good choice.
What are pie weights made of?
Pie weights can be made from a variety of materials, including glass, metal, ceramic, and even sugar.
What is the purpose of pie weights?
The purpose of pie weights is to prevent the crust from shrinking or puffing up. They help to keep the crust in place and absorb moisture so that the pie retains its shape.
Do I need pie weights?
No, you don’t need pie weights, but they can be very helpful in ensuring that your pie turns out perfectly.
If you don’t have any pie weights on hand, there are many substitutes that you can use.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many substitutes for pie weights.
The best one for you will depend on your individual needs. But with so many options available, you’re sure to find one that works for you.
So next time you’re in a pinch, don’t worry – just reach for one of these substitutes, and your pie will be perfect in no time!