How To Cut A Pie

Are you wondering how to cut a pie? It is different than cutting a cake, but let me tell you, it isn't as hard as you might think! I consider myself to be a very proficient pie maker, so let me share all my tips for perfectly cutting your next pie. There is a lot of satisfaction in cutting a picture-perfect slice. Pie is one of our family traditions on a regular basis. As a food blogger, I have also learned how to cut a beautiful slice.

If you are still in the planning stages of your pie making and need an amazing pie crust recipe, I have just the recipe for you! Maybe you are planning pies to make, let me share some of my favorite pies? My nectarine blackberry pie is a really good fruit pie. Chocolate pecan pie is a must on our holiday tables. Or how about a maple pumpkin pie? If you are feeding a crowd, this cherry slab pie is a great option.

How To Cut A Pie

Let's get right to it.

• The first cut is always the worst. I promise the second slice will be much prettier.
• Almost every pie will be so much easier to slice if it is chilled. This helps the pie to set and simplifies slicing. So, the first step is to chill, unless you want it warm, in that case, keep reading.
• I like to cut the pie in half first, then cut it into pieces after that. So cut in half, then cut the half in half again, then continue to cut from there. After the pie is cut in half, every cut after that is cut from the center of the pie.
• A pie server is a great way to remove the pie slice from your pan. I do not like to cut with them though. Most of the time I have tried to cut with them, but the slices don't look good. They are the best for taking out the pie slice.
• It is best to cut pies with a sharp knife. A dull knife will just tear your pie apart. Depending on what pie you are cutting, with a dull knife, it can turn into a crumbly mess. I also don't like using a serrated edge knife. A sharp knife also gives it a clean cut.
• A paring knife is typically too short for cutting a pie. Especially if you are working in the world of deep dish pies. I prefer a more classic boning knife length,
• Pies with a top crust will break apart more than one with a crumb topping or streusel.
• If your crust is baked well, the bottom of your pie will remove easily. If it is underbaked or soggy, it is harder to remove. If have used a glass pie plate you can easily see this.
• Fruit pies are a little messier to cut but still manageable. Just make sure to chill them first, this makes them infinitely easier to cut and serve. With the filling firm, you can slice no problem.
• Depending on the number of slices, they will be more or less difficult. What I mean by this is, that if you are wanting to cut 14 pieces of pie as opposed to 8 or 10, they will be tricky to cut as the slices will be much smaller. Smaller pie slices vs. larger slices are more challenging to cut.
• Good pie dough will give the best results. They are flaky, but also hold together well.
• If you are cutting a cream pie, make sure to wipe your knife between each slice. This helps keep the slices clean as you are serving them.

Other Things To Know

• Hot pie is hard to cut. They taste really delicious hot or even at room temperature, but they are also pretty messy. You will have a higher success rate for prettier pieces of the pie if it is chilled. But, a lot of times, we can't resist, so we cut in! This is especially true of fruit pies- cherry and blueberry being some of the hardest!
• Ice cream pies are the easiest to cut. I like to run my sharp knife under hot water, dry it off, and slice the ice cream. If the knife starts to stick at all, run it under hot water again and continue slicing.
• Some people think there are pie hacks you can use- like this pie cutter press. They typically make a mess of your pie, with the exception of ice cream pies, which are easier to cut anyway. Cutting each piece is the best way to get pretty slices of pie.
• Don't judge the rest of the pie by the first slice of the pie. No matter how hard you try to cut it perfectly, it doesn't always turn out that way. You can always use this one as a sample slice.
• If it is a fruit pie that leaked through the filling, it could be not only hard to cut but also hard to remove. I have had many slice disasters from leaked pie crusts. The best way to remedy this is to make sure the pie dough isn't too thin or has holes in it.
• Only cut as many slices as you plan to serve. This will keep the pie from drying out. You can also wrap up the remainder of the pie with saran wrap or tin foil as well.

I hope this information has helped. Happy baking and happy serving! Get ready to impress your guests.

FAQ How To Cut A Pie