Oiled Pans: Grease Or No Grease?

Whether or not you should grease a pie pan depends on what you are making and how you want it to turn out. Greasing the pan can change the texture of the pie crust, so if you want a flaky and tender crust, it is better to avoid greasing the pan. However, if you prefer a softer crust or are worried about sticking, you can lightly grease the pan with cooking spray, butter, or shortening. Glass and ceramic pie pans distribute heat evenly and do not usually need to be greased, but aluminum pans may require greasing to prevent sticking.

Glass pie pans don't need greasing

Glass pie pans are a good option for baking a pie. They allow for even baking, heat up quickly, and you can see the bottom of the pan to check if the crust is baked to your liking. Glass pans also tend to be inexpensive.

Glass pie pans do not usually require greasing. Pie crusts already contain a significant amount of fat, which helps to prevent sticking. However, if you are using a store-bought pie crust, you may want to lightly grease the pan with cooking spray, butter, or pan release. Avoid using vegetable oil, as this can negatively impact the texture of the crust.

If you plan to remove the pie from the baking dish for serving, greasing the pan can help to prevent sticking. However, if you plan to serve the pie in the same dish, greasing is not necessary.

Remember, the type of pie dish you use can affect the amount and type of grease needed, as well as the baking temperature. Always check the requirements for your specific pie dish before greasing.

Ceramic pie pans and cooking spray

Ceramic pie pans are a popular choice for bakers due to their aesthetic appeal and even heat conduction, which results in uniformly golden crusts and thoroughly cooked fillings. While ceramic pans are a great option for baking pies, some considerations should be made when it comes to using cooking spray.

Cooking spray can be used on ceramic pie pans, but it is important to use it sparingly and with caution. Excessive use of cooking spray can change the texture of the pie crust, so it is recommended to use a very light coating. Additionally, the type of cooking spray is important, as some sprays contain emulsifiers that can leave a gummy residue on the pan, making it difficult to clean. To avoid this issue, opt for a cooking spray that is 100% oil, such as avocado oil spray.

An alternative to cooking spray is to use the wrapper from a stick of butter and rub it all over the surface of the pie pan. This will provide a very light coating of grease without risking any changes to the texture of the pie crust. Another option is to use melted shortening or butter, brushed in a thin layer onto the surface of the pie pan. This ensures an even coating without any patchy spots.

When deciding whether to use cooking spray or another form of grease on a ceramic pie pan, it is important to consider the type of pie you are making and how you plan to serve it. If you intend to remove the pie from the pan before serving, a light coating of cooking spray will help prevent sticking. However, if you plan to serve the pie in the same dish it bakes in, using cooking spray is not necessary, although it can still be helpful for easy removal of the first slice.

In conclusion, when using a ceramic pie pan, it is generally recommended to use a light coating of cooking spray or another form of grease to prevent the pie from sticking. However, it is important to use these products sparingly to avoid changing the texture of the pie crust and to choose a cooking spray that will not leave a residue on the pan.

Aluminium pie pans and sticking

Aluminium pie pans are a great option for baking pies, as they are lightweight, durable, and often disposable. However, sticking can be an issue, especially if you are not careful about greasing the pan appropriately. Here are some tips to prevent sticking and ensure your pie comes out of the pan in one piece:

Know Your Pie Dough:

The type of dough you use will impact whether your pie sticks to the pan. Pie and tart doughs with high butter content are less likely to stick because the butter melts and turns into steam, browning the bottoms and creating a crispy crust. On the other hand, shortcrust pastry, often used in tarts, is more prone to sticking and may require greasing the pan.

Greasing the Pan:

While it is not always necessary to grease an aluminium pie pan, doing so can make it easier to remove the pie, especially if you plan to remove it from the pan for serving. A light coating of grease is usually sufficient, as too much can alter the texture of your crust. Here are some greasing options:

• Butter wrapper: Use the wrapper from the stick of butter to lightly grease the pan. This ensures a very light coating without altering the crust.
• Melted butter or shortening: Brush a thin layer onto the pan to avoid overdoing it or creating patchy spots.
• Aerosol non-stick spray: Use a light and even coating, holding the pan at an angle so that only the edge of the spray hits the pan. Avoid spraying directly into the pan, as this can cause pooling in the centre.
• Vegetable oil: Lightly moisten a paper towel with vegetable oil and rub it over the pan.

Other Tips to Prevent Sticking:

• Use parchment paper: While not necessary, you can place a round of parchment paper at the bottom of the pan to prevent sticking. Avoid letting the paper come up the sides, as wrinkles can bake into the crust and be difficult to remove.
• Don't over-flour: Flouring the pan is generally not recommended, as it can result in a raw flour taste on the outside of the pie. However, a light dusting of flour from rolling out the dough is okay.
• Let the pie cool: Always allow your pie to cool completely before attempting to remove it from the pan. Pies are more fragile when hot or warm and more likely to break or stick.

Choosing the Right Pan:

The type of pie dish you use can also impact sticking. Aluminium pans are a good option, but be mindful of the size and thickness. Thicker, heavier-duty pans will be less prone to sticking and provide better heat distribution. Additionally, consider the following:

• Pan size: Choose a pan that is the right size for your pie. A good rule of thumb is the pan's diameter plus twice the pan's height. For example, a 9" x 1.5" pie pan needs a 12"-diameter bottom crust.
• Pan colour: Darker-coloured pans, like grey or black, tend to produce better browning than lighter-coloured, shiny metal pans, which can result in a pale, under-baked crust.

In conclusion, by following these tips and choosing the right pan, you can minimise the chances of your pie sticking to your aluminium pie pans and enjoy a beautiful, intact creation.

Greasing pie pans and texture

The texture of a pie crust can be affected by the type of pie pan used, the ingredients, and whether or not the pan is greased.

For a flaky and tender pie crust, it is recommended to avoid greasing the pan. Greasing the pan can change the texture of the pie crust, making the bottom of the crust rough. However, if you are using an aluminium pan, greasing it lightly may help with sticking. Glass and ceramic pie pans distribute heat evenly and generally do not need greasing.

If you are making a pie with a soft crust or are concerned about sticking, you can lightly grease the pan with cooking spray, butter, shortening, or vegetable oil. It is important to be cautious not to over-grease the pan, as this can affect the texture of the crust.

Additionally, the type of dough and pan used can impact the need for greasing. Shortcrust dough, commonly used in tarts, may require greasing, especially if the tart is meant to be removed from the pan before serving. Flaky pastry dough, commonly used in pies, typically does not need greasing as the flour in the pastry helps prevent sticking.

In summary, the decision to grease a pie pan depends on the desired texture of the crust, the type of pan and dough used, and personal preference. Lightly greasing the pan can help with sticking, but it may also change the texture of the crust.

Non-stick sprays and grease pooling

If you are making a tart with a shortcrust pastry, you will likely need to grease the pan. Tarts are meant to be removed from their baking dishes before serving, and the grease will help to prevent the tart from cracking or breaking when removed. However, if you are making a pie with a flaky pastry, you may not need to grease the pan at all. Pies are usually served in the same dish they are baked in, and the risk of cracking or crumbling is lower.

If you do decide to grease your pie pan, it is important to use a very light touch with non-stick spray. Hold the pan over the sink and spritz gently in short bursts, so that just the edge of the spray hits the pan at an angle. This will help to prevent the spray from pooling in the centre of the pan, which can cause your crust to bake unevenly or bubble up in the oven.

Alternatively, you can use melted shortening or butter, vegetable oil, or even bacon fat to grease your pie pan. Simply brush a thin layer onto the surface of the pan, or lightly moisten a paper towel with the oil and rub it over the surface.

Another option is to use a butter wrapper. This will give your pie pan a very light coating of grease, without risking a change in the texture of your flaky pie crust.

Remember, it is always a good idea to double-check the specific recommendations for your particular pie dish before greasing it.

Frequently asked questions