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DIY Interchangeable Cardboard Pie

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If you know me, you know I love making “toys” out of cardboard that can be used over and over again. This interchangeable cardboard pie has quickly become one of my favorite DIYs because with one pie base, you can create endless pie toppings. Cherry pie, pumpkin pie, pecan pie, pizza pie…and honestly, whatever else you can dream up! I’ve already got ideas for blueberry, apple, key lime, and even a cookie pie.

The best part? They’re inexpensive to make, surprisingly sturdy, and perfect for pretend play, seasonal decor, or classroom activities.

Full video how to is here!

Supplies

Step 1: Change Your Blade

Before you do anything…

Change your box cutter blade. Trust me.

A sharp blade makes cleaner cuts, takes less effort, and is much safer than trying to force a dull blade through cardboard.

Step 2: Draw Your Circle

To make a perfectly round pie, tie one end of a piece of string around a pencil.

Hold the other end of the string in the center of your cardboard (you can even poke it through with a push pin if that helps). Pull the string taut and slowly rotate the pencil around the center point. It’s basically a giant homemade compass.

My pie measured 5 inches from the center to the edge, giving us a nice-sized pie.

Step 3: Cut the Pie Base

Cut out two identical circles.

These become the top and bottom of your 3D pie.

Take your time here – nice clean cuts make assembling everything so much easier later.

Step 4: Make the Pie Toppers

Using the same string method, make the string ½ inch longer than you used for the pie base.

Draw another circle using this larger measurement.

This larger circle becomes your interchangeable pie topping. Making it just a little bigger allows it to overlap the crust slightly, just like a real pie.

Cut out as many toppers as you’d like and divide them into eight pie slices.

Step 5: Build the 3D Pie

Now it’s time to create the pie itself.

Take one pie slice from your smaller pie base and trace around the edges.

I found it easiest to measure and cut three strips that were 1 inch wide:

When attaching these strips, make sure they sit inside the bottom pie piece instead of lining up with the outside edge. This keeps the finished pie the correct size instead of accidentally making it larger all the way around.

Tip: score the curved outside edge piece to more easily curve it around

Tape or hot glue the side strips in place

Step 6: Time to Decorate!

Now for the best part!

Once your 3D pie and all interchangeable pie slices are assembled, it’s time to bring them to life.

Start by reinforcing the backs of your slices with packing tape if needed, then paint everything using acrylic paints. Don’t worry about making every pie perfect—the handmade details are what make these so charming!

For the crusts, crumple and shape packing paper before gluing it around the edges. It gives the crust wonderful texture, and it’s also perfect for creating woven lattice tops for pies like apple or cherry. If you don’t have packing paper you can use more cardboard. We’ve done it both ways.

Want to add even more dimension? Cut little details from cardboard and glue them on before painting. Try making:

Once everything is dry, attach Velcro dots to the top of your 3D pie base. Then on the pie base attach sticky side up the opposite side and then press on your cardboard topper slice- this ensures for a perfect fit.

Now you can switch from cherry pie to pizza pie in seconds – or keep creating new toppings to add to your collection!

Have fun with it! There are no rules here. Mix colors, add texture, and let your creativity take over. Before you know it, you’ll have an entire bakery (and pizzeria!) made from cardboard.

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