How to Make Donut-Shaped Pies!

I like pie. I like donuts. I also like baking the “wrong” item in the “wrong” pan. Why not? So began my attempt to make pie donuts. Or donut pies? Pienuts? Dopies? I don’t care what you call them but I’m calling them delish.

Q: “Aren’t they just mini pies with a hole in it?”
A: “No no no! You go make a mini pie, cut a hole out of it, then tell me what happens. Now you could cut the hole pre-baking and seal the inner edges but it might bake together in the oven. Donut pans solve this. And, it’s fun to use donut pans.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE DELICIOUS LITTLE PIE DONUTS
Wilton 6 cavity donut pan
nonstick cooking spray
1 package pie crust (I used prepared but feel free to make your own)
1 recipe pie filling (I used this cherry pie filling and this apple pie filling)
1 egg, beaten
2 tablespoons granulated sugar

HOW TO MAKE DELICIOUS LITTLE PIE DONUTS
1. Spray your donut pan with nonstick cooking spray (lightly). Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Roll out pie crusts (at room temperature). I was super official and used the top of a meringue powder container for my circles “aka” use what you have in your house that is roughly 4 inches. Then I used the bottom of a frosting tip for the inside ring. Very official. The secret is that it doesn’t have to be super exact as pie crust can stretch and mold.

3. After you have cut your 6 inside rings. Press them gently in the donut cavities (I hate that word but that’s technically what’s it called). Next, use a tablespoon scoop to fill the donut. Now friends, do not fill it too much because it will become a mess. Been there. Just a little bit. For example, see the little guy on the bottom right (picture below)? He overflowed a little. Just an FYI.

4. Now we top our donuts. I used a circle cutter slightly smaller than 4 inches but again, you can make the same size circle, it will work too. Make 6 of them. Use a small circle to cut a hole in the middle (or the bottom of a pastry tip like I did). Lay them on top of your donuts.
5. This step gets its own number, it’s important. Seal the two layers of pie crust on the outside and inside. Use your fingers and press all the way around. then on the inside too (around the ring part). You want to do this so it seals all the goodness inside rather than all over you pan and oven. With me?

6. Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle with sugar. Ta-DA!
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Watch carefully, friends. When crusts are golden brown, you’re done! Your oven may be different so watch carefully. If the two pie pieces sort of separate after baking, just push them back down after they have cooled a minute or two. All is well.

Then, after they are baked, you enjoy them because they’re so darn cute and yummy! They make the perfect fall gift or treat at a party! I plan to try some with lattice tops so stay tuned if you want to see those!

Cute huh?