If you are looking for a delightful dessert that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you have to try this Hillbilly Pie Recipe. This charming pie combines a buttery, flaky crust with a rich, custardy filling that is perfectly sweetened with brown and white sugars. It’s comfort food at its finest, delivering a luscious texture and a nostalgic flavor that will have you coming back for seconds – and maybe even thirds. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday, family dinner, or just because, this Hillbilly Pie Recipe is guaranteed to become one of your treasured go-to sweets.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple and straightforward ingredients is what makes this recipe feel so approachable. Each one plays a pivotal role in building the creamy filling and flaky crust that define this Hillbilly Pie Recipe.
- Pre-made pie crust: A store-bought crust saves time while giving you a delicious buttery base with the perfect flaky texture.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup): Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness that enriches the custard’s flavor beautifully.
- White sugar (1/4 cup): Balances the sweetness and brings lightness to the pie filling.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Essential for thickening the filling to a creamy, custard-like consistency.
- Whole milk (1 1/2 cups): Provides richness and a smooth texture to the custard.
- Egg yolks (3 large): Help create that luscious, silky custard and give the pie its beautiful golden color.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a warm aromatic touch that enhances all the other flavors.
- Butter (1 tablespoon): Incorporates a velvety finish and richness to the filling.
How to Make Hillbilly Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Gently tuck your pre-made pie crust into your pie dish and bake it for about 10 minutes until it turns a beautiful golden color. This step ensures a crisp base that won’t get soggy once the filling is added.
Step 2: Combine Sugars and Cornstarch
In a medium saucepan, mix together the brown sugar, white sugar, and cornstarch. This dry mixture acts as the backbone for your filling, helping to sweeten and thicken it to perfection.
Step 3: Whisk in Milk Gradually
Slowly pour in the whole milk while whisking continuously to create a smooth, lump-free mixture. This gentle incorporation is key to preventing clumps and preparing the filling for cooking.
Step 4: Cook Until Thickened
Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly. Patience is your best friend here – keep the custard moving until it thickens to a creamy, pudding-like consistency that will set beautifully in the crust.
Step 5: Add Egg Yolks, Vanilla, and Butter
Remove the saucepan from heat and quickly whisk in the egg yolks, vanilla extract, and butter. The warmth of the mixture will gently cook the egg yolks without scrambling them, while the vanilla and butter enhance the flavor and texture.
Step 6: Bake the Pie
Pour the luscious filling into your pre-baked pie crust and return it to the oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the pie filling is set and just slightly wobbly in the center. This step seals in all the rich flavors and gives the pie its final beautiful structure.
Step 7: Cool Completely Before Serving
Allow your Hillbilly Pie to cool fully at room temperature. This resting time helps the custard to firm up further, making every slice hold together perfectly when served.
How to Serve Hillbilly Pie Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Hillbilly Pie Recipe, consider simple garnishes like a light dusting of powdered sugar, a dollop of freshly whipped cream, or even a sprinkle of toasted pecans. These add texture and a touch of elegance without overpowering the pie’s classic flavor.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a side of fresh berries. The contrast between the warm pie and cool cream or the tartness of berries adds a refreshing balance that keeps every bite exciting.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Hillbilly Pie Recipe in rustic ceramic dishes for that homey vibe, or plate individual slices with a drizzle of caramel sauce and a sprig of mint for a special occasion. It’s the kind of dessert that feels right at home both on weekday tables and festive gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your pie, cover any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. The pie will keep well for up to 3 days, allowing you to indulge in this sweet treat again with minimal effort.
Freezing
If you want to plan ahead, you can freeze the baked pie for up to one month. Wrap it carefully in plastic wrap and then in foil to protect it from freezer burn. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.
Reheating
Warm your Hillbilly Pie gently in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes to revive that freshly baked warmth. Avoid microwaving to maintain ideal texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I make the pie crust from scratch?
Absolutely! Making your own crust adds a wonderful homemade touch, but the pre-made crust works perfectly for a quick and reliable base in this Hillbilly Pie Recipe.
What if I don’t have cornstarch?
You can substitute cornstarch with an equal amount of all-purpose flour, though the filling may be slightly less glossy. Cornstarch is preferred for that silky finish.
Can I use a different type of milk?
Whole milk is best for richness, but you can use 2% milk in a pinch. For a lighter version, unsweetened almond or oat milk can be experimented with, though the texture might vary.
Why do I whisk in the egg yolks off the heat?
Adding the egg yolks off the heat helps prevent them from scrambling, ensuring your filling stays smooth and custardy throughout.
How long will the pie stay fresh after baking?
Stored properly in the refrigerator, your Hillbilly Pie Recipe will stay fresh for about 3 days. Beyond that, the texture and flavor may begin to decline.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend this Hillbilly Pie Recipe enough for anyone looking to create a comforting, crowd-pleasing dessert. It’s straightforward, delicious, and packed with the kind of warmth you want to share with friends and family. Give it a try at your next gathering—you might just find your new favorite pie!
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Hillbilly Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Hillbilly Pie is a comforting and nostalgic dessert featuring a creamy, sweet custard filling nestled in a flaky pre-made pie crust. With a perfect balance of brown and white sugars, and a smooth vanilla flavor, this pie is baked to a golden finish and served cooled, delivering a rich, melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s ideal for family gatherings or cozy evenings.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 1 pre-made pie crust
Filling
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Preheat and bake crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pre-made pie crust into a pie dish and bake for 10 minutes or until it turns golden and slightly crisp.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, white sugar, and cornstarch ensuring they are well blended before adding liquids.
- Add milk gradually: Slowly whisk in the whole milk into the sugar-cornstarch mixture until the mixture is completely smooth with no lumps.
- Cook filling: Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent lumps or burning. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens to a custard-like consistency, which usually takes several minutes.
- Incorporate egg yolks and flavors: Remove the saucepan from heat. Whisk in the three egg yolks, vanilla extract, and butter thoroughly until the filling is smooth and homogeneous.
- Fill and bake pie: Pour the custard filling into the pre-baked pie crust. Return the pie to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is fully set.
- Cool before serving: Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack to room temperature before slicing and serving to ensure the filling firms up nicely.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh whole milk and fresh egg yolks.
- Be sure to stir constantly when cooking the filling to avoid lumps and prevent scorching.
- You can serve the pie chilled or at room temperature according to preference.
- Adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg on top after baking can enhance the flavor.
- Use a deep dish pie pan if possible to accommodate the custard filling properly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American Southern
