Transporting your homemade pie safely to a party, potluck, or picnic can be the final, most stressful step in the baking process. A simple bump in the road can turn a beautiful, carefully crafted dessert into a messy disaster. The right pie carrier provides crucial protection, keeping your creation intact and presentable from your kitchen to the table.
This roundup features a variety of carriers designed for different needs, from insulated bags that maintain temperature to sturdy plastic containers with secure lids. Whether you need to carry a whole pie, a single slice, or even other baked goods, there is an option here to ensure your dessert arrives looking as good as it tastes. You can travel with confidence, knowing your pie is secure.
The Best Pie Carriers for Secure Transport
- Picnic at Ascot Original Pie and Cake Carrier
- Set of 2 Polyester Fabric Round Thermal Casserole Carrier
- ATRDTO 10 Inch Portable Pie Carrier with Lid and Tray
- Rubbermaid Easy Find Vented Lid Food Storage Containers
- Juvale Pie Carrier with Lid & Handle
- I Love Pie Sweet Treats Delight Tote Bag
- PrepWorks Collapsible Cupcake Carrier
- OXO Good Grips Glass Pie Plate with Lid
- Yoiemivy Disposable Pie Carrier with Clear Lid
- Pie in the Sky Slice Carrier Single Serving Case
Picnic at Ascot Original Pie and Cake Carrier
For a premium and reliable solution, the Picnic at Ascot carrier stands out. It is backed by a lifetime warranty from a company with over 25 years of experience in designing quality carriers. This high-quality product is built to last and provides excellent protection for your baked goods.
The carrier features a 12-inch diameter and is 5.75 inches high, offering ample space for cakes, pies, muffins, and even casseroles. A key design benefit is the zippered top and bottom, which makes loading and unloading your dessert exceptionally easy and helps prevent damage during the transfer process.
Set of 2 Polyester Fabric Round Thermal Casserole Carrier
This set of two insulated carriers offers great value and functionality. The thermal design is a major advantage, using foam insulation and a thermal lining to maintain the temperature of your food. This means your pie can stay warm, or a chilled dessert can stay cold, during your journey.
Convenience is a focus with a wide zipper closure for easy access and a reinforced handle for secure carrying. The collapsible design also makes these carriers easy to store when not in use. They are versatile enough for pies, casseroles, or even as a general-purpose insulated lunch bag.
ATRDTO 10 Inch Portable Pie Carrier with Lid and Tray
The ATRDTO carrier is a versatile 3-in-1 solution for bakers. Made from food-grade, BPA-free PP plastic, it ensures your food is stored safely. The primary container is designed to hold a pie up to 9.5 inches in diameter, keeping it secure during transport.
What sets this model apart are the included removable trays. It comes with a dedicated cupcake tray and an egg tray, making it useful for a variety of baked goods and appetizers. The carrier features sturdy clamps to hold the lid firmly in place and collapsible handles for easy carrying.
Rubbermaid Easy Find Vented Lid Food Storage Containers
While not a dedicated pie carrier, this Rubbermaid food storage set offers a practical and versatile alternative. The containers are excellent for storing and transporting smaller pies, tarts, or individual slices. Their durable construction provides good protection.
A key feature is the vented lid, which helps prevent moisture buildup and allows for splatter-free microwaving with the lid on. The Easy Find Lid system, where lids snap to the base and to other same-size lids, solves the common problem of lost lids and helps keep your kitchen organized.
Juvale Pie Carrier with Lid & Handle
The Juvale carrier is a straightforward and effective option for transporting your desserts. This white plastic container has a simple design with a secure lid and a built-in handle, making it very easy to carry. It is a reusable and reliable choice for frequent use.
With dimensions of 12 inches by 4 inches, it can accommodate a 10-inch cake or a standard pie. The design is also versatile enough to be used for cheesecakes or as a general-purpose food container. Its clear lid allows you to show off your baked creation without opening it.
I Love Pie Sweet Treats Delight Tote Bag
This product is a fun and decorative tote bag for pie enthusiasts. While it is not an insulated or hard-sided carrier, it can be used to carry a pie that is already in a secure container. The charming “I Love Pie” design is a cheerful way to express your baking passion.
The bag itself is 16 by 16 inches with sturdy cotton handles, providing a spacious and convenient way to carry your items to a gathering. It is best used as a supplemental carrier or for situations where the pie is already well-protected in its own dish and container.
PrepWorks Collapsible Cupcake Carrier
If your travel needs focus on cupcakes or muffins, the PrepWorks carrier is an excellent choice. It has a 12-cup capacity, which can securely hold up to 24 cupcakes or a 9-inch round cake. The main advantage is its space-saving, collapsible design.
When not in use, the carrier folds down to half its height, making it very easy to store in a cabinet or pantry. This is a significant benefit for those with limited storage space. The design ensures your cupcakes remain upright and beautifully decorated upon arrival.
OXO Good Grips Glass Pie Plate with Lid
This product combines the function of a baking dish and a travel carrier. You can bake your pie directly in the borosilicate glass plate, which is designed to withstand extreme temperature changes without cracking. The included lid then turns it into a secure carrier.
This eliminates the need to transfer a fragile pie from a baking dish to a separate carrier, reducing the risk of damage. The plate features a generous rim for a comfortable grip and easy-read dimension markings. It’s an all-in-one solution for baking and transport.
Yoiemivy Disposable Pie Carrier with Clear Lid
For large gatherings or catering events where convenience is key, these disposable carriers are a practical choice. Sold in a 12-pack, they allow you to transport a pie and then leave the container behind, eliminating the task of cleaning and retrieving it.
Made from food-grade, BPA-free plastic, these 9-inch carriers are safe for direct food contact. The material is thickened to resist pressure and prevent breaking. The clear lid lets people see the pie inside, making it ideal for potlucks or parties where you may not be taking the container home.
Pie in the Sky Slice Carrier Single Serving Case
This unique carrier is designed for a specific purpose: transporting a single slice of pie. It is the perfect solution for taking a personal dessert to work, on a picnic, or giving a slice to a friend. The compact size is convenient and portable.
The case is engineered to hold a slice securely in place, protecting it from getting smashed or messy during travel. This ensures your single serving arrives looking perfect and ready to eat. It’s a niche product that solves a common problem for pie lovers on the go.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Pie Carriers for Travel
I’ve taken my fair share of pies on the road, from family Thanksgivings to friend’s potlucks, and I’ve learned the hard way that not all carriers are created equal. A good pie carrier does more than just hold your pie; it protects your hard work and ensures it arrives looking as good as it did when it came out of the oven. When you’re looking for the best pie carriers for travel, there are a few key things I always check for.
First, and most importantly, is the interior space and capacity. You need to know what you’re carrying. Are you a classic 9-inch pie person, or do you specialize in deep-dish creations? Measure your pie plate’s height, including any decorative crust edges or pie birds. A carrier that’s too tight can crush your masterpiece, while one that’s too loose lets the pie slide around. Some carriers are designed specifically for standard pies, while others are more versatile, accommodating taller or even rectangular slab pies.
Next, consider the insulation and temperature retention. This is a big one. If you’re carrying a warm fruit pie, you’ll want a carrier that holds that heat. Conversely, if you’re transporting a delicate, chilled cream pie, you need to keep it cool. Look for carriers with thick, foam-based insulation in the walls and lid. A good seal is also crucial here; a tight-fitting lid locks the temperature in and is your first defense against spills. For very long trips or extreme temperatures, a carrier with a pre-frozen gel pack can be a game-changer.
The security of the closure mechanism is what gives me peace of mind. I strongly prefer carriers with sturdy, latch-based closures over simple plastic clips. Latches provide a more even and reliable seal, and they’re less likely to pop open if the carrier gets jostled. Always check that the latches feel robust and secure without being flimsy.
Finally, think about the overall construction and portability. The shell should be rigid and durable enough to protect the pie from accidental bumps. A hard-sided carrier is almost always the way to go for travel. The handle is also critical—it should be comfortable to hold, especially if you’ll be carrying it for a while. A non-slip grip is a nice bonus. Some models even stack, which is fantastic for storage when not in use. By focusing on these aspects—fit, insulation, security, and build—you can confidently choose a carrier that will get your pie to its destination safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I keep my pie from sliding around inside the carrier during travel?
This is a common worry, and a sliding pie is a recipe for disaster. The best pie carriers for travel solve this with a non-slip interior base, often made from a silicone or rubberized material that grips the bottom of your pie plate. If your carrier doesn’t have this, you can create your own solution. Place a small, dampened kitchen towel or a non-slip shelf liner cut to size in the bottom of the carrier before setting your pie plate on top. This creates friction and helps keep everything stable. Just make sure the pie plate itself is completely dry on the outside to prevent any slipping.
Can I use a pie carrier to keep my pie warm for several hours?
While a well-insulated carrier will certainly help, it’s not a magic box that will keep your pie oven-hot for a full day. The insulation is designed to slow down the temperature change, not stop it completely. For the best results, pre-warm the carrier by filling it with hot water for a few minutes (dry it thoroughly afterwards) before placing your warm pie inside. This initial heat boost, combined with the insulation, can keep your pie pleasantly warm for a couple of hours. For longer periods, your pie will eventually cool to room temperature, which is still perfectly fine for serving.
Are these carriers easy to clean, especially if there’s a spill?
This is a very important practical question. A major spill can feel like a catastrophe, but a good carrier is designed for easy cleanup. Look for models where the inner insulating liner is removable and dishwasher safe. This is a huge time-saver. If the liner isn’t removable, ensure it has a smooth, seamless interior without hard-to-reach crevices where sticky fillings can hide. For most minor messes, wiping out the interior with a warm, soapy cloth will do the trick. Always let the carrier air dry completely before putting it away to prevent any moisture or odors.
What’s the difference between a pie carrier and a regular insulated food bag?
The main difference is specialized protection. A regular insulated bag is great for general items, but it lacks the structural integrity and secure fitting needed for a delicate pie. A dedicated pie carrier has a rigid, hard-sided shell that protects the pie from being crushed. More importantly, it has a fitted interior that cradles the pie plate, preventing it from tipping over. The lid is also designed to sit at a specific height, ensuring it doesn’t touch and smash the top crust or any meringue peaks. It’s all about that custom, secure fit.
Can I carry other foods in a pie carrier?
Absolutely! While they are designed for pies, their function is versatile. I’ve successfully used mine to transport other baked goods like cakes (if they fit the diameter and height), casseroles in a similar-sized dish, or even a large batch of cupcakes by removing the insert if possible. Just be mindful of the interior dimensions and ensure whatever you’re placing inside is stable and won’t tip over. The excellent insulation also makes them great for keeping a large bowl of potato salad or pasta cold for a picnic.