Easy as Pie
May 29, 2025 2 Minute Read
For early summer entertaining, there are few desserts more welcome than a homemade pie, whether it features seasonal fruit or indulgent chocolate. But making a pie crust from scratch can feel challenging — plus, it can be tricky in warmer temperatures. The good news? There are plenty of pie crust shortcuts that deliver homemade goodness without the stress. Frozen pie crusts, press-in crumb crusts and refrigerated unroll-and-bake crusts are all terrific options to get you in and out of the kitchen quickly.
Whether you prefer traditional techniques or clever shortcuts, our recipes let you pick your own path to pie perfection. To ensure everyone feels welcome at the table, we’ve also included gluten-free and vegan pie options. So, are you ready to get baking?
Refrigerated unroll-and-bake crusts:
This is a great way to get the look of homemade without the work. You can even cut them into shapes or weave a lattice top. These work well for filled dessert pies, like apple pie, as well as savory pies, such as quiche or chicken pot pie. Let the crust sit at room temperature 15–20 minutes to minimize cracking when you unroll.
Choose Your Own Shortcut Crust
Frozen pie crusts:
This is one of the most convenient options — you don’t even need a pie pan! Because these crusts are frozen, they have a fresh flavor that may be lacking from shelf-stable packaged crusts. They’re perfect for pumpkin, custard or mousse pies.
Press-in crumb crusts:
Perfect for anyone with a fear of rolling out dough. Create your own crumbs by pulverizing cookies or crackers in a food processor or purchase premade boxed crumbs. Moisten with melted butter or coconut oil, then press into a pie pan and bake briefly to create a firm crust. Use crumb crusts for cold or icebox pies, such as key lime pie or chocolate cream pie.
Refrigerated unroll-and-bake crusts:
This is a great way to get the look of homemade without the work. You can even cut them into shapes or weave a lattice top. These work well for filled dessert pies, like apple pie, as well as savory pies, such as quiche or chicken pot pie. Let the crust sit at room temperature 15–20 minutes to minimize cracking when you unroll.
Choose Your Own Shortcut Crust
