Introduction: Easy As Pi - How to Make a Pi Pie

No Pi Day (March 14th) is complete without a Pi Pie. Creating one is easier than you think so don’t be afraid, it’s as easy as... Pi jokes. If Pi is beyond your comprehension, don't worry, it's just pie (labeled as so), just eat :)

Step 1: What You'll Need

- Tinfoil
- Pie dough
- Instant pudding
- Decorating Gel (Optional)

Optional Top Crust: If you'd like to create a top crust, use Jello Cook & Serve Pie Filling and cut an extra piece of dough for the top. Apply before baking the pudding filled pie. This instructable follows the faster Instant pudding/no top version.

Step 2: The Mold

Cut a piece of tinfoil about 2 ½- 3 feet long. Cut it down the middle  so you have to long strips Fold each strip to create two long ribbons about 1 ½ inch wide (see picture). Now you have 2 long strips of tinfoil. Line the ends up and fold over a few times to attach the ends. Do the same for the other ends. The result is a loop of foil.

Take the loop and begin forming the sides of the Pi symbol. This won’t be perfect at this step so don’t obsess and over work the foil. If you need some help, print and cut out the Pi template pdf attached to this instructable to use as a guide.

Next, cut a piece of tinfoil and place it under the mold. Make sure you have plenty of room around the mold. Make small cuts on the bottom piece of tinfoil going inwards towards the mold. Next, fold the the bottom tinfoil up and over the edge of the mold. This is to reinforce the strength of the mold. Repeat this stop and add tinfoil as needed. In the end you’ll have a stronger mold and can start perfecting the shape you desire.

Step 3: The Crust

Any raw pie crust should be fine. Preheat the oven and follow the instructions on the box. The Betty Crocker Pie Crust I used just required water. Roll out the dough and place the mold on top. Cut around the mold leaving about an inch or so out from the mold. Gently fit the crust into the mold. Pinch up the sides and patch weak areas with the remaining dough. Place on a cookie sheet and into the oven.  I baked for about 10 min. Keep an eye on it and check it often if you think it needs more time. The amount of time will vary depending on how thick the crust is. Let the crust cool completely. Gently remove the tinfoil mold and place gently on the platter (final destination).

Optional: Cut out letters or any sort of small decorative shape. I cut P-I-E instead of just Pi for those who have no clue. It's labled pie, just enjoy :). If you do letters or decorations, they will be in the oven for only a few minutes. Check on them frequently and remove them when they brown. Set them aside from the grand finale.

Step 4: The Puddin'

Follow the instructions on the box. Jello’s instant pudding just needs milk. After milk and powder is mixed, pour into a measuring cup. Use this and a spatula to carefully dump the pudding into the cooked pie crust. Once the pudding has filled up the crust, place it in the fridge for a while. If you have get sloppy with the pudding, just use a slightly damp paper towel to clean up the crust or platter.

Step 5: The Finale

After a half hour or more the pudding will be pretty firm. It’s time to decorate! Decorate as you please. I used a gel to write out Pi numerically on the edge of the patter. Once the decorations are in place, it’s time for the Pi eating commence!

Pi Day Pie Challenge

Participated in the
Pi Day Pie Challenge