Transport your pies in style with this beautiful homemade pie carrier
Having an abundance of delicious pies is always a reason to celebrate. But safely transporting them to a gathering or holiday table can be a challenge. Enter your own custom-made DIY pie carrier—an innovative project that combines functionality with aesthetic appeal. This handcrafted pie carrier not only simplifies carrying multiple pies but also turns into an attractive display case that showcases your baking skills.
This project features a clear acrylic front and back, allowing your freshly baked pies to be admired even before serving. The design is perfect for holiday festivities like Thanksgiving, but it’s equally suitable for any occasion where pies are the star. Partnered with Kreg Tools, I’ll guide you through creating this sturdy, elegant pie carrier that’s as practical as it is beautiful. Plus, it’s a fabulous way to treat yourself to new Kreg Tools, especially since many are currently on sale—including the latest pocket hole jigs.
Design Overview: Double Wood Pie Box
This versatile pie carrier is designed to hold two large homemade pies comfortably. An adjustable shelf, supported by simple shelf pins, accommodates taller pies such as meringues or cheesecakes, making the carrier highly adaptable. The large, robust handle ensures easy transport, while the sliding acrylic front grants quick access to pies without disturbing their presentation. When the front is removed, the carrier transforms into a stunning display box, perfect for countertop storage and showcasing your baked creations.
Step-by-Step Guide to Building Your Pie Carrier
Tools You’ll Need:
- Kreg Adaptive Cutting System (ACS) or a circular saw with guide track
- Kreg pocket hole jig (720, 520, or 320 models are suitable)
- Power drill and impact driver (optional but recommended)
- Kreg shelf pin jig
- Drill press or drill guide
- Hammer
- Belt and disc sander
Materials Required:
- Wood boards: one 1×12 inch board (6 feet long) and one 1-inch diameter dowel (12 inches long)
- 1/8-inch thick acrylic or plexiglass sheet (20×13 inches)
- 1/4-inch thick acrylic or plexiglass sheet (11×12 inches)
- 1 1/4-inch Kreg pocket hole screws
- 5mm shelf pins
- 1-inch wire nails
- Food-grade sealer or natural oil (e.g., tung oil)
Note: You can substitute scrap wood for the sides and shelves, and choose between wood or acrylic for adjustable shelves. The overall dimensions include a height of 14 inches, with an internal space of approximately 11 1/4 inches square, providing about 9 1/2 inches of clearance for pies.
Step 1: Assembling the Main Body (Optional)
If you wish to create a decorative side design, start by gluing scraps to form the sides, ensuring the total width reaches 11 1/4 inches. Use clamps, alternating from top to bottom to prevent warping. Once dried, sand the surfaces smooth and trim to final width. Square off one edge, then cut the sides to 14 inches in length, and the top and bottom pieces to 11 1/4 inches. This step allows for customization and adds character to your carrier.
Step 2: Preparing the Side Panels
Cut the side panels to 14 inches in length. Mark a 1-inch section at the top center, then draw an angled line from this point down to 10 inches from the bottom, creating a wide arch at the top. Sand the curved peak smooth for a polished look. Drill a 1-inch diameter hole just below the peak, approximately 1/4 inch beneath the top edge. Use a drill press or guide to ensure precision. Add shelf pin holes—three or four—along the non-slanted section on each side, spaced evenly using the Kreg shelf pin jig.
Step 3: Creating Grooves for Acrylic Front
Set your saw or the Kreg ACS to cut a 1/4-inch deep groove in the side panels and bottom piece. Align the stops so that the cut is 1/4 inch from the front edge. Make a single pass on each piece, then check the fit of the acrylic sheet. Adjust the stops slightly if the groove is too narrow or too wide. Repeat as necessary, making small incremental cuts to achieve an easy slide for the acrylic front. Once satisfied, cut the top piece to match the groove width for seamless assembly.
Step 4: Assembling the Carrier
Cut a 12-inch length of dowel to serve as the handle, embedding 3/8 inch into each side panel. If desired, stain or paint the dowel beforehand. Set your pocket hole jig for 3/4-inch thick material, then drill four pocket holes at each end of the top and bottom pieces. Attach the top to one side panel, aligning it 10 inches from the bottom, using wood glue and pocket hole screws. Secure the bottom similarly, ensuring all pieces are flush. Insert the dowel into the drilled holes, then attach the other side panel by aligning the top and bottom edges, securing with screws. Wipe away excess glue, and allow the assembly to cure fully.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
Sand the entire carrier smoothly and apply a food-safe sealer, such as pure tung oil, to protect the wood while keeping it food-grade safe. Measure and cut the acrylic sheets for the back and front panels, leaving a small border for sliding into the grooves. Drill a 1-inch hole in the top center of the front panel for easy removal. Drill tiny holes along the sides of the back panel for securing with wire nails—carefully hammer them through the acrylic into the side panels.
Cut the shelf to fit inside the carrier, then place shelf pins into the holes to support it. Position your pies on the shelf, then slide the acrylic front into the grooves to enclose the pies securely. Your beautiful, functional pie carrier is now ready to transport your baked masterpieces in style!
Enjoy baking and sharing your pies, knowing your homemade carrier will impress everyone at the table. Whether for holidays, parties, or everyday baking, this project combines craftsmanship with practicality, making your pies both portable and display-worthy.
Special thanks to Kreg Tools for sponsoring this project. I only recommend tools I trust and love, and all opinions expressed are my own.
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