Hillbilly Pie (Poor Man’s Pie)

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Hillbilly Pie, also affectionately known as Poor Man’s Pie, is a nostalgic slice of Southern charm. This budget-friendly dessert was born out of necessity, blending simplicity with comfort. Its humble roots trace back to times when pantries were limited but sweet cravings still needed to be satisfied. With a custard-like filling made from pantry staples and a flaky pie crust, Hillbilly Pie delivers a creamy texture with a warm caramelized top that’s hard to resist.

This pie doesn’t need any fancy ingredients or techniques—just a little love and some baking time. Whether you’re serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoying a chilled slice with coffee, it never fails to evoke memories of grandma’s kitchen. Ideal for those seeking an easy dessert that feels like home, Hillbilly Pie proves that the best recipes often come from the simplest origins.

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What Kind of Pie Crust Should I Use?

For an authentic Hillbilly Pie, use a traditional, homemade pie crust if possible—its buttery flakiness pairs perfectly with the sweet filling. However, a store-bought pie shell works just fine if you’re short on time. The goal is to have a firm, baked base that holds the creamy filling without becoming soggy. Pre-baking the crust (blind baking) for a few minutes helps maintain that ideal crispiness.

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Ingredients for the Hillbilly Pie (Poor Man’s Pie)

Granulated Sugar
Provides the primary sweetness for the custard filling. It also helps caramelize the top during baking for that classic golden finish.

All-Purpose Flour
Thickens the filling to a pudding-like consistency without making it overly dense.

Whole Milk
Gives the pie its smooth, creamy base. Whole milk is preferred for its richness.

Vanilla Extract
Adds warmth and depth to the custard flavor. It enhances the simplicity of the other ingredients.

Unsalted Butter
Melted butter gives the filling its richness and contributes to the golden, glossy surface of the baked pie.

Unbaked Pie Crust
Serves as the base, giving structure and a flaky contrast to the soft, creamy filling.

Ground Nutmeg (optional)
Adds a cozy spice element that complements the vanilla and sugar, perfect for a holiday variation.

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How To Make the Hillbilly Pie (Poor Man’s Pie)

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place your unbaked pie crust in a 9-inch pie pan. If you prefer a crisper base, blind bake the crust for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden. Let it cool while preparing the filling.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and all-purpose flour until well combined. This ensures the flour will evenly disperse in the custard mixture without clumping.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Slowly pour in the whole milk and vanilla extract, stirring continuously until the mixture is smooth. Add the melted unsalted butter and stir until incorporated. If using ground nutmeg, sprinkle a pinch into the mixture at this stage.

Step 4: Fill the Pie Shell

Carefully pour the custard mixture into the prepared pie crust. The filling will be quite liquid, so do this step near your oven to avoid spills.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the pie on the middle rack and bake for 45 to 55 minutes. The pie should be set but slightly jiggly in the center. The top will form a light golden crust. Let the pie cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to fully set.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Slice and serve chilled or at room temperature. For an extra indulgent touch, add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

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Serving and Storing Hillbilly Pie (Poor Man’s Pie)

Hillbilly Pie is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. It’s delightful both warm and chilled, depending on your preference. For a cozy dessert, serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. If you prefer a firmer texture, refrigerate the pie and serve it cold with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream.

To store, wrap the cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual slices wrapped in parchment and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does Hillbilly Pie taste like?

It has a custard-like texture with a sweet, caramelized flavor. Think of it as a simple sugar cream pie with old-fashioned charm.

Can I use evaporated milk instead of whole milk?

Yes, evaporated milk works as a substitute and adds a slightly richer taste. Just be mindful that it can make the filling slightly thicker.

Is it necessary to blind bake the crust?

While not required, blind baking helps prevent a soggy bottom, especially if your filling is on the thinner side.

Can I add other spices or ingredients?

Absolutely! Ground cinnamon or even a splash of bourbon can be added for extra flavor. Some versions include raisins for texture.

How do I know when the pie is done baking?

The pie should be mostly set with a slight jiggle in the center. The top will have a golden, sugary crust when it’s ready.

Can I make this pie gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free pie crust and replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking.

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Want More Dessert Ideas with a Twist?

If you love the old-school charm of Hillbilly Pie, you might want to try these other nostalgic desserts that blend simplicity with irresistible flavor:

• Salted Caramel Pecan Cookies for a sweet and salty crunch.
• Lemon Churro Cookies if you crave something tangy and cinnamon-spiced.
• Chocolate Crinkle Sandwich Cookies with a gooey ganache center.
• Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies to bring back classic childhood memories.
• Brown Sugar Maple Cookies for those warm, cozy fall vibes.

Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go for nutmeg or leave it plain? Try a flavored crust or keep it classic?

I love hearing how others bring their own spin to these traditional recipes. Your feedback, tweaks, and questions are always welcome!

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