A kraft pie box is a brown paperboard box cut to the diameter and height of the pie it carries, with a flat base and a lid that keeps the top from being touched. TBPB makes them to your size with no minimum order, and we will beat a written quote for the same specs.
Sizing for a pie, not a pie plate
This is where most people order wrong. A nine-inch pie plate measures nine inches across the top rim, but the pie itself, with the crimped crust, is wider, and the box has to clear that. Measure the widest point of the finished pie, not the tin, then add about half an inch on each side so it slides in without catching the crust. Height is the second trap. A shallow custard pie needs about two inches of clearance, a deep-dish or lattice pie needs more, and a meringue or whipped-cream top needs room above it so the lid does not touch. Give us the plate diameter and the tallest height of your tallest pie, and we draw a dieline.
Why kraft, and what it costs you in color
Kraft board is brown, unbleached paperboard with a natural fiber look that suits bakeries, farm stands and home bakers. It signals handmade without trying. It also changes how ink behaves. Dark inks print well on kraft, light colors do not show, and a white ink print takes a careful setup. A single dark brown or black logo, stamped on a plain kraft box, is the classic combination and nearly always looks right. If your brand relies on bright color, a white-coated board prints it more faithfully, and you can compare it with our kraft window boxes.
Grease, heat and handling
Pies are greasy and warm, and plain paperboard does not like either. Butter crusts leave marks on the base within hours. Hot pies make steam, which softens the board and weakens the corners. For that reason bakers put a parchment sheet or a liner under the pie, let the pie cool before boxing, and avoid stacking boxes with a hot pie at the bottom. We do not make a food-contact or grease-proof claim for the standard box, so confirm your requirements with your own food safety adviser before relying on the box as a primary food container.
Picking up a pie is where boxes fail. A full nine-inch fruit pie is heavy, and a customer will carry it by the base with one hand. Thin board sags and the pie tilts. Ask for a heavier board for large or wet pies, and keep the box flat and level in the car, because even a good box will not stop filling from running if it is tipped. A snug fit that stops sliding does more for the crust than a thicker lid does.
Presentation is the other half. Stamp the bakery name on the lid, add a small line with the flavor on the side, and leave the rest plain. A clean kraft box with a hand-stamped look will carry a pie better than a busy full-color print, and it keeps the printing simple.
- Flat-base box with a closing lid, sized to your pie
- Kraft board, or white-coated board for bright color
- One-color or full-color printing
- Custom sizes from small tarts to large pies
Related boxes
If you sell individual slices or desserts, our kraft food boxes and kraft cupcake boxes may fit better, and you can browse the whole kraft boxes category. Labeling, allergen statements and ingredient lists on the box are your responsibility, and we print the artwork you supply.
Next step: send the pie diameter, height and a quantity, even one. We draw the dieline and quote it.
Frequently asked questions
What size pie box do I need for a 9-inch pie?
Measure the widest point of the finished pie, not the tin, then add about half an inch each side and enough height for the tallest topping. A nine-inch plate often needs a box a little over ten inches wide. Send us the numbers for a custom dieline.
Is there a minimum order for kraft pie boxes?
No. TBPB has no minimum order. A home baker can order a handful to test the fit, and a bakery can order thousands. The sizes, print and board options are the same at every quantity.
Are kraft pie boxes food safe?
We do not make a food-contact claim for the standard box. For direct contact or a greasy pie, line the base with parchment and confirm requirements with your own food safety adviser before using the box as the only food barrier.
Will grease stain a kraft pie box?
It can. Butter crusts and fruit juices can mark kraft within hours. A parchment liner under the pie and letting the pie cool before boxing protect the board, and they cost far less than printing on a box that looks stained.
What colors print well on kraft?
Dark inks such as black, dark brown, navy and deep green show well. Light colors and white do not show strongly on natural kraft. For bright color, ask about white-coated board, or print a single dark logo and let the kraft carry the look.
Can pie boxes be stacked?
Stacking works only if the pies are cool and the board is strong enough for the weight. Soft fillings and tall toppings should not carry another box. Tell us how you deliver and stack, and we advise on board weight and lid strength.
More Kraft Boxes
See the full Kraft Boxes range, or explore related options with no minimum order and our best-price guarantee:
