Easy as pie? How about cake? Which is easier?

Pie.  That's because stores generally keep their ready made pies towards the front of the store and keep their cakes further back.

But for the "self-doers" - 

Pie =
1. Open a Pillsbury pie shell and set on a plate.
2. bake (5-10 min)
3. dump in a can of pie filling
 - voila - pie.

Cake =
1. OPen a box of cake mix, add water (or oil).
2. mix.
3. pour into cake pans.
4. bake (25-30 min).
5. test for doneness
6. When done, take out of oven and let cool.
7. Remove from pans,
8. When fully cool, open a can of frosting and dump it on.
- finally, cake.


Now if you're like me - 

Pie =

1. make a pie shell - combine flour, butter, splash of ice cold water; cut together. chill, gently roll out, make flakey, cut to fit pan).
2. Bake (~10 min)
3. Make filling (eg. cook down a pumpkin, core and slice fresh apples, pit fresh cherries)
4. Fill pie shell then put on a top crust (full top for apples, lace for cherry, none for pumpkin, etc.).
5. Bake
6. Let cool and serve.

Cake - 

1. Sift together dry ingredients (cake flour (if not available, make your own), sugar, etc.
2. Mix in liquids (eggs, milk, water, flavoring).
3. Pour into pans and bake.
4. Test for doneness.
5. Let cool.
6. Remove from pans and let cool completely.
7. Make frosting/icing (cooked or not)
8. Ice cake elegantly
9. Chill briefly (to set icing)
Of course there will be more steps for fancier cakes (angel food, chifon, baked alaska, etc.)


Bottom line - pies are easier to make.