FAUX PIE
Pie vs. Tart vs. Cobbler…
What’s the Difference?
faux pie [fō pī] n. - what the
Pie Maven calls a baked dish that
resembles pie (such as tart or cobbler), but isn't. It just wishes it
was.
Go Pie!
So what's the difference between a pie and a tart? Or a cobbler? The
question has been asked since the creation of these desserts. Many have
been confused as to what actually sets them apart, as the differences
can be quite subtle. In truth, they are all really just variations of
the beloved pie. They're sort of...Pie Adjacent.
A
tart is a pastry dish, usually sweet, that is a type of pie with an
open top not covered with pastry. The Tarte Tatin is a particular kind
of "upside-down" tart, of apples, other fruit, or onions. Savory
varieties include German Zwiebelkuchen (onion tart), or Swiss cheese
tart made from Gruyere. Many of the same fillings used in pies are used
in tarts; however rich fillings are more practical in a shallow tart
than in a deep pie. All tarts are taken out of the pan and served
free-standing.
Cobbler is a traditional dish in both the United States and the United
Kingdom, although the meaning of the term is quite different in each
country. In the United States, it is usually a dessert consisting of a
fruit filling poured into a large baking dish over a batter that rises
through when baking. The batter forms as a dumpling within the cobbler
as well as a crust for the top. In the United Kingdom, a cobbler is
usually a savory casserole covered in individual scones or biscuits.
A
crisp is basically a deep-dish fruit dessert with the fruit mixture on
the bottom and topped with a crispy crust. The topping usually consists
of oats, butter and sugar. The crisp is a relatively new invention - the
earliest reference can be traced back to 1924.
A
crumble is just a crisp, but with a smoother (breadcrumb texture),
topping.
A
turnover is a sandwich-like sweet or savory meal or dessert
made of a filling wrapped in dough - usually a puff pastry or pie
dough. They can be either baked or fried and are made by
placing the filling on a piece of dough, then folding it over and
sealing it. Most fast-food "pies" are actually turnovers, as
are Hot Pockets, calzones, and empanadas.
