Bakers Square, a beloved American restaurant chain, has been a staple in the hearts of many for decades. Their signature pies have become an integral part of American cuisine, with flavors that evoke a sense of nostalgia and warmth. But have you ever wondered who makes these delectable pies for Bakers Square? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of pie making and uncover the secrets behind Bakers Square’s iconic desserts.
A Brief History of Bakers Square
Before we dive into the world of pie making, let’s take a brief look at the history of Bakers Square. Founded in 1969 in Des Moines, Iowa, Bakers Square quickly gained popularity for its signature pies and homestyle cooking. The restaurant chain expanded rapidly, and by the 1980s, it had become a household name. Today, Bakers Square operates over 40 locations across the United States, with a loyal customer base that swears by their pies.
The Art of Pie Making
Pie making is an art form that requires skill, patience, and attention to detail. A good pie crust is the foundation of a great pie, and it’s what sets Bakers Square apart from other restaurants. But what makes their pie crust so special? According to pie enthusiasts, it’s all about the combination of ingredients and the technique used to make the crust.
The Secret to Bakers Square’s Pie Crust
So, what’s the secret to Bakers Square’s pie crust? While the exact recipe remains a trade secret, we can make some educated guesses based on industry insights. Here are some key ingredients that might contribute to the flaky, buttery goodness of Bakers Square’s pie crust:
- High-quality flour: Bakers Square likely uses a high-protein flour that provides structure and texture to the crust.
- Cold butter: Using cold butter helps to create a flaky crust, as it prevents the butter from melting and becoming too greasy.
- Shortening: Adding shortening to the dough helps to create a tender, flaky crust.
- Ice-cold water: Using ice-cold water helps to keep the butter and shortening from melting, resulting in a crust that’s both flaky and tender.
The Pie-Making Process
Now that we’ve explored the ingredients, let’s take a look at the pie-making process. While we can’t reveal the exact process used by Bakers Square, we can provide a general overview of how pies are typically made:
- Mixing the dough: The ingredients are combined in a large mixing bowl, and the dough is mixed until it forms a cohesive ball.
- Chilling the dough: The dough is refrigerated for at least 30 minutes to allow the butter and shortening to firm up.
- <strong.Rolling out the dough: The dough is rolled out to the desired thickness, and the pie crust is cut to size.
- <strong.Filling the pie crust: The pie crust is filled with the desired filling, whether it’s fruit, cream, or nuts.
- <strong.Baking the pie: The pie is baked in a hot oven until the crust is golden brown and the filling is cooked through.
Who Makes Pies for Bakers Square?
Now that we’ve explored the art of pie making, let’s get to the question on everyone’s mind: who makes pies for Bakers Square? While Bakers Square doesn’t reveal the exact identity of their pie makers, we can make some educated guesses based on industry insights.
In-House Pie Makers
It’s likely that Bakers Square employs in-house pie makers who are responsible for crafting their signature pies. These pie makers are trained in the art of pie making and use a combination of traditional techniques and modern equipment to produce high-quality pies.
Contracted Pie Suppliers
Another possibility is that Bakers Square contracts with external pie suppliers who provide them with pre-made pie crusts and fillings. This would allow Bakers Square to focus on their core business while still offering high-quality pies to their customers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the art of pie making is a complex process that requires skill, patience, and attention to detail. While we may never know the exact secrets behind Bakers Square’s pie crust, we can appreciate the craftsmanship and dedication that goes into making these iconic desserts. Whether it’s in-house pie makers or contracted suppliers, one thing is certain: Bakers Square’s pies are a true American treasure.
Additional Resources
If you’re interested in learning more about pie making or trying your hand at making your own Bakers Square-style pies, here are some additional resources to get you started:
- Pie-making classes: Local cooking schools and culinary institutes often offer pie-making classes that teach the fundamentals of pie making.
- <strong.Pie-making books: There are many excellent books on pie making that provide recipes, techniques, and tips for making the perfect pie.
- <strong.Online pie-making communities: Join online forums and social media groups dedicated to pie making to connect with other pie enthusiasts and learn from their experiences.
By exploring the world of pie making and uncovering the secrets behind Bakers Square’s iconic desserts, we hope to inspire a new generation of pie enthusiasts and home bakers. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, the art of pie making is a journey worth taking.
What is Bakers Square and how did it become famous for its pies?
Bakers Square is a popular American restaurant chain known for its wide variety of pies, which have been a staple of the brand since its inception in 1969. The company’s founders, Bill Marvin and Tom Schmidt, had a vision to create a restaurant that served high-quality pies, along with other American comfort food classics. Over the years, Bakers Square has become synonymous with delicious pies, and its commitment to using only the freshest ingredients has contributed to its success.
Bakers Square’s pie menu features a diverse range of flavors, from classic fruit pies like apple and cherry to cream pies like banana and coconut. The restaurant chain also offers a variety of specialty pies, including its famous French silk pie and a decadent chocolate cream pie. With over 50 years of experience in the pie-making business, Bakers Square has perfected its recipes and cooking techniques, ensuring that every pie that leaves the kitchen is a masterpiece.
Who are the pie makers behind Bakers Square, and what makes them so skilled?
The pie makers behind Bakers Square are a team of skilled bakers who have spent years perfecting their craft. Many of these bakers have been with the company for decades and have developed a deep understanding of what makes a great pie. They use traditional techniques, combined with modern ingredients and equipment, to create pies that are both delicious and visually appealing. From mixing and rolling out the dough to filling and baking the pies, every step of the process is done with care and attention to detail.
The pie makers at Bakers Square are passionate about their work and take great pride in creating pies that exceed their customers’ expectations. They are constantly experimenting with new flavors and ingredients, which helps to keep the menu fresh and exciting. Whether they’re making a classic apple pie or a more innovative flavor combination, the pie makers at Bakers Square are dedicated to producing pies that are truly exceptional.
What types of pies does Bakers Square offer, and are there any seasonal flavors?
Bakers Square offers a wide variety of pies, including fruit pies, cream pies, and specialty pies. Some of the most popular flavors include apple, cherry, blueberry, and banana cream. The restaurant chain also offers a range of specialty pies, such as its famous French silk pie and a decadent chocolate cream pie. In addition to these year-round flavors, Bakers Square also offers a range of seasonal pies, including pumpkin pie in the fall and strawberry pie in the spring.
Bakers Square’s seasonal pies are made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and are only available for a limited time. This helps to keep the menu fresh and exciting, and ensures that customers always have something new to look forward to. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic fruit pie or a more innovative flavor combination, Bakers Square has something for everyone.
How does Bakers Square ensure the quality of its pies, and what ingredients are used?
Bakers Square ensures the quality of its pies by using only the freshest ingredients and adhering to traditional baking techniques. The company’s bakers are committed to using high-quality ingredients, including real butter, pure cane sugar, and farm-fresh fruits and vegetables. This attention to detail helps to ensure that every pie that leaves the kitchen is of the highest quality.
In addition to using high-quality ingredients, Bakers Square also has a rigorous quality control process in place. Every pie is carefully inspected before it is served to ensure that it meets the company’s high standards. This includes checking the crust for flakiness and flavor, as well as ensuring that the filling is rich and flavorful. By combining high-quality ingredients with traditional baking techniques and a commitment to quality control, Bakers Square is able to produce pies that are truly exceptional.
Can I purchase Bakers Square pies to take home, and are they available for special orders?
Yes, Bakers Square pies are available for purchase to take home. In fact, many customers visit the restaurant specifically to buy pies to enjoy at home or to give as gifts. Bakers Square offers a variety of pie sizes, including whole pies, pie slices, and even mini pies. This makes it easy to find the perfect pie for any occasion, whether you’re looking for a dessert to serve at a dinner party or a sweet treat to enjoy on your own.
Bakers Square also offers special order pies for customers who want to customize their pie experience. This can include ordering a pie in a specific flavor or size, or requesting a custom design or message on the pie. The company’s bakers are happy to work with customers to create the perfect pie for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or other special event.
How has Bakers Square contributed to the world of American pies, and what impact has it had on the industry?
Bakers Square has made a significant contribution to the world of American pies by helping to popularize this classic dessert. The company’s commitment to using high-quality ingredients and traditional baking techniques has helped to raise the bar for pie makers across the country. Bakers Square’s innovative flavor combinations and beautiful presentation have also helped to inspire a new generation of pie enthusiasts.
Bakers Square’s impact on the industry can be seen in the many other restaurants and bakeries that have followed in its footsteps. The company’s success has helped to create a demand for high-quality pies, which has driven innovation and creativity in the industry. Today, there are countless pie shops and bakeries across the country that owe a debt of gratitude to Bakers Square for helping to popularize this beloved dessert.
What is the future of Bakers Square, and will the company continue to innovate and expand its pie offerings?
The future of Bakers Square is bright, with the company continuing to innovate and expand its pie offerings. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Bakers Square has remained committed to its core values of quality, innovation, and customer service. The company is constantly looking for new ways to innovate and improve its pies, whether through the use of new ingredients or the development of new flavor combinations.
In the coming years, Bakers Square plans to continue expanding its pie offerings, both in terms of new flavors and new products. The company is also exploring new ways to engage with its customers, including through social media and online ordering. By staying true to its core values and continuing to innovate and adapt, Bakers Square is well-positioned for continued success in the years to come.