Description
Hillbilly Pie, also known as Poor Man’s Pie, is a nostalgic, custard-style dessert that harks back to the Great Depression era. Made from pantry staples like sugar, flour, eggs, and milk, it delivers rich, creamy comfort in every bite. Its simplicity and old-fashioned charm make it perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pie Crust (Optional – use store-bought or homemade):
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter (cubed)
- 3–4 tablespoons ice water
For the Filling:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Pinch of salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk (or evaporated milk)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1/4 cup grape jelly or apple butter
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon or nutmeg
- Handful of raisins or rehydrated dried fruit
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare pie crust: If making from scratch, mix flour and salt, cut in butter, and add ice water until dough forms. Roll out and place into a 9-inch pie dish.
- (Optional) Blind bake crust for 10 minutes using pie weights, then cool slightly.
- In a bowl, mix sugar, flour, and salt. Add eggs, milk, vanilla, and melted butter. Whisk until smooth.
- (Optional) Spread grape jelly or apple butter on bottom of crust.
- Pour filling into crust.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, until edges are set and center jiggles slightly.
- Cool for at least 1 hour before slicing.