Red Seal Baker Practice Exam

What does the term "blind baking" refer to?

1. Pre-baking a filled pie crust

2. Pre-baking a pie crust without filling

3. Baking items directly on the oven rack

4. Cooking pastries in a microwave

The correct answer is: Pre-baking a pie crust without filling

The term "blind baking" refers specifically to pre-baking a pie crust without filling. This technique is commonly used to ensure that the crust is fully cooked and develops a desirable texture and flavor before any filling is added. Blind baking is particularly important for recipes where the filling may not require significant baking time or where a moist filling could lead to a soggy crust. By pre-baking the crust, bakers create a structure that can better support the filling and maintain its integrity and crispness once the final dessert is assembled. In contrast, pre-baking a filled pie crust would not fall under the definition of blind baking, as it involves an additional step that alters the intended outcome of the technique. Baking items directly on the oven rack does not necessarily relate to pie crust methods and pertains more to general baking practices. Cooking pastries in a microwave is unrelated to the traditional baking methods that blind baking entails, as it employs a different cooking technique altogether.