Bake a pie
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Make a simple fruit pie from scratch using mixing, rolling, and oven baking with adult supervision. Learn measuring, teamwork, and basic baking science.

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Step-by-step guide to make a simple fruit pie

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How to Make an Easy Apple Pie From Two Ready Pie Crust

What you need
Adult supervision required, all-purpose flour, cold unsalted butter, cornstarch, egg or milk for glaze, fruit (apples or berries), ice-cold water, knife for adult use, lemon, measuring cups and spoons, mixing bowl, oven, pastry cutter or two forks, pie dish, rolling pin, salt, sugar

Step 1

Wash your hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds.

Step 2

Ask an adult to preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 3

Measure 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour into a large mixing bowl.

Step 4

Measure and add 1 teaspoon salt and 1 tablespoon sugar into the same bowl.

Step 5

Cut 1 cup cold unsalted butter into small cubes with an adult’s help.

Step 6

Add the butter cubes to the bowl with the dry ingredients.

Step 7

Use a pastry cutter or two forks to mix the butter into the flour until the mixture looks like small peas.

Step 8

Sprinkle 6 to 8 tablespoons ice-cold water one tablespoon at a time and stir until the dough just holds together.

Step 9

Divide the dough into two equal pieces and flatten each into a disc.

Step 10

Wrap the discs and chill them in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes.

Step 11

With an adult’s help, prepare 4 cups of fruit by cutting it into bite-sized pieces.

Step 12

Mix the fruit with 1/3 cup sugar 2 tablespoons cornstarch and 1 tablespoon lemon juice in a bowl.

Step 13

Roll one chilled dough disc on a lightly floured surface into a circle and fit it into the pie dish.

Step 14

Spoon the fruit filling into the crust evenly.

Step 15

Roll the second chilled disc and place it over the filling then trim and crimp the edges and cut a few small vents in the top crust.

Step 16

Brush the top crust with a little beaten egg or milk.

Step 17

Ask an adult to bake the pie in the preheated oven for 35 to 45 minutes until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling.

Step 18

Let the pie cool for at least one hour on a wire rack so the filling sets.

Step 19

Share a photo and a short story about your finished pie on DIY.org.

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

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Help!?

What can we use instead of cold unsalted butter if it's hard to find?

If cold unsalted butter is unavailable, substitute an equal amount of cold vegetable shortening or chilled coconut oil when cutting into the 2 1/2 cups of flour and dry ingredients, noting the crust's texture and flavor will change.

The dough is crumbly and won't stick together—what should we do?

If the dough stays crumbly after sprinkling 6 to 8 tablespoons of ice-cold water, add one teaspoon of cold water at a time and gently press until the dough just holds together, then shape and chill the discs as directed.

How can we change steps for different ages of children?

For younger children let them wash hands, measure and mix the fruit filling (1/3 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, 1 tablespoon lemon juice) and spoon it into the crust while an adult handles cutting butter, oven work, and rolling, whereas older kids can measure flour, use the pastry cutter, roll and crimp the chilled discs, and cut the vents with supervision.

How can we make the pie look or taste more special?

To enhance the pie, stir 1 teaspoon cinnamon into the fruit mixture, cut decorative shapes or a lattice from the second chilled disc for the top crust, then brush the top with beaten egg or milk and sprinkle sugar before baking so the crust is shiny and sweet.

Watch videos on how to make a simple fruit pie

Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

Butterscotch Pie - a classic, old fashioned pie - PLUS, How to Blind Bake a Pie Crust

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Facts about baking for kids

🧪 Baking is science: heat makes steam and gases expand to puff crusts while proteins and starches set the structure.

📏 Measuring matters: 1 tablespoon ≈ 15 milliliters, and small changes in flour or liquid can change a pie's texture.

🔥 Oven safety: home ovens often reach 350–450°F (177–232°C) — always use adult supervision and oven mitts for hot pans.

🥧 Pies have been enjoyed for thousands of years — ancient Egyptians and Romans ate early versions of pastry-filled dishes.

🤝 Teamwork tip: breaking a recipe into jobs (measure, mix, roll, fill, bake, clean) helps everyone learn and have fun.

How do I bake a simple fruit pie with my child step-by-step?

To bake a simple fruit pie with your child, start by preheating the oven and preparing ingredients. Make a basic pastry by cutting cold butter into flour and salt, then adding cold water until the dough holds. Chill, roll out one crust, fill with mixed fruit, sugar, lemon, and a thickener, then top with the second crust or lattice. Crimp edges, vent, brush with egg wash, and bake until golden. Let the pie cool; an adult should handle knives and the oven.

What materials and ingredients do I need to bake a simple fruit pie with a child?

Ingredients and tools: all-purpose flour, cold butter or shortening, salt, cold water, fruit (apples, berries, or peaches), sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch or flour for thickening, and an egg or milk for brushing. Tools: mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons, a pastry cutter or fork, rolling pin, pie dish, sharp knife (adult only), spoon or spatula, baking sheet, oven mitts, cooling rack, and a refrigerator for chilling dough.

What ages is baking a simple fruit pie with a child suitable for?

This activity works well for kids of many ages. Toddlers (2–4) can help with pouring, stirring, and sensory play while supervised. Preschoolers and early elementary (4–7) can measure, mix, and press dough. School-age kids (7–10) can roll pastry, assemble the pie, and learn about measurements. Older children (10+) can take on more responsibility but an adult should always handle oven, sharp knives, and high-heat steps.

What safety tips should parents follow when baking a pie with children?

Safety tips: always supervise children near heat and sharp tools. Assign age-appropriate tasks and keep knives and peelers for adult use. Use oven mitts, keep pot and pan handles turned inward, and place the pie on a baking sheet to catch spills. Teach handwashing before handling food and avoid tasting raw dough with raw egg. Use a sturdy step stool for little helpers and clear a safe zone around the oven. Have a fire extinguisher nearby and cool the pie before slicing.
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Bake a pie. Activities for Kids.