If you’re searching for a sweet, comforting dessert that feels like a warm hug from the past, look no further than this Hillbilly Pie Recipe. This old-fashioned Southern treat combines a rich, creamy custard with a perfectly flaky pie crust, delivering a nostalgic flavor experience that’s both simple and irresistible. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up a pie that’s bound to become a beloved favorite around your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Hillbilly Pie Recipe are straightforward but each one plays a crucial role in crafting that perfectly textured, flavorful dessert. From the buttery crust to the silky custard filling, every component works harmoniously to deliver those classic, homey vibes.
- Pre-made pie crust: Saves time while providing a crisp, buttery base that holds the creamy filling beautifully.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup): Adds deep, caramel notes that enrich the custard’s flavor.
- White sugar (1/4 cup): Balances the sweetness and helps create a smooth texture.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Acts as the thickening agent, turning the milk into a luscious, creamy custard.
- Whole milk (1 1/2 cups): The creamy base that gives the filling its rich, velvety consistency.
- Egg yolks (3 large): Essential for the custard’s silky texture and adds richness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses the pie with a warm, inviting aroma and flavor.
- Butter (1 tablespoon): Adds smoothness and a subtle richness to the custard.
How to Make Hillbilly Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place your pre-made pie crust into a pie dish and bake it for about 10 minutes or until it turns a lovely golden brown. This step ensures a crisp crust that won’t get soggy once the filling is added.
Step 2: Combine Sugars and Cornstarch
In a saucepan, mix together the brown sugar, white sugar, and cornstarch. This dry combination is the foundation of your custard’s sweetness and smooth texture.
Step 3: Add Milk Gradually
Slowly whisk in the whole milk until the mixture is smooth and lump-free. This careful incorporation prevents clumps and sets the stage for the creamy custard filling.
Step 4: Thicken the Custard
Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir continuously. As the mixture warms, it will start to thicken and reach that perfect custard-like consistency. Patience here is key to avoid burning and to get that silky smooth texture.
Step 5: Enrich the Filling
Remove the saucepan from heat, then whisk in the egg yolks, vanilla extract, and butter. This enriches the custard, making it richer and giving it that classic depth of flavor you crave in a Hillbilly Pie Recipe.
Step 6: Bake the Pie
Pour the custard filling into your pre-baked pie crust and place it back in the oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the pie is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. This ensures a perfectly creamy, luscious pie.
Step 7: Cool Before Serving
Once out of the oven, let your pie cool completely. This resting time lets the custard firm up, making it easier to slice and even more delicious to eat.
How to Serve Hillbilly Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Top your Hillbilly Pie with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra touch of homemade comfort. A few toasted pecans or a drizzle of caramel sauce also elevate the pie’s flavor and presentation.
Side Dishes
This pie is a perfect standalone dessert, but it pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a serving of fresh berries to balance its sweetness with bright, fruity notes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Hillbilly Pie Recipe in individual mini tart pans or ramekins to create personal dessert portions. You could also offer a pie bar with an array of toppings like nuts, cinnamon sugar, or fruit compotes for guests to customize their slices.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover Hillbilly Pie tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making it a wonderful make-ahead dessert.
Freezing
If you want to save pie for later, you can freeze it. Wrap the pie securely in foil and plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. It’s best enjoyed within 1 month of freezing and should be thawed overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
To reheat your Hillbilly Pie, warm slices gently in a low oven (around 300°F) for 10-15 minutes, or enjoy it chilled for a more classic custard experience. Avoid microwaving to preserve the delicate texture of the custard filling.
FAQs
Can I use a homemade pie crust for this Hillbilly Pie Recipe?
Absolutely! A homemade crust will add a personal touch and can make the pie even more flavorful, but the pre-made crust saves time and still yields excellent results.
Is it necessary to use whole milk?
Whole milk gives the custard its creamy richness, but you can substitute 2% milk if needed. Skim milk is not recommended as it may result in a thinner filling.
How do I know when the pie is fully set?
The pie should be mostly firm with just a slight jiggle in the center when gently shaken. It will continue to set as it cools.
Can I make this pie dairy-free?
Yes, you can try using dairy-free milk like coconut or almond milk and a dairy-free butter substitute, though the texture and taste may vary slightly from the traditional recipe.
Why does the recipe use only egg yolks?
Egg yolks create a rich, smooth custard texture without the rubbery effect that whole eggs can sometimes cause in pies. They’re essential for that luscious mouthfeel characteristic of this Hillbilly Pie Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Hillbilly Pie Recipe is more than just a dessert—it’s a sweet reminder of simple pleasures and cozy gatherings. Whether you’re making it for family, friends, or just yourself, it’s sure to bring smiles and warm hearts. Give it a try and discover why this humble pie continues to charm so many taste buds!
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Hillbilly Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
Hillbilly Pie is a sweet and creamy custard pie made with a buttery pre-made crust and a rich filling of brown and white sugars, milk, egg yolks, and vanilla. This comforting Southern-style dessert features a smooth, thick custard baked until perfectly set, making it ideal for gatherings and cozy family treats.
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 Blind Bake Pie 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 the crust turns golden brown, preparing it for the filling.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a saucepan, mix together the brown sugar, white sugar, and cornstarch to create the base for the custard filling.
- Add Milk Gradually: Slowly whisk in the whole milk to the dry ingredients, ensuring the mixture remains smooth and free of lumps before heating.
- Cook Custard Mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly to prevent burning. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens to a creamy, custard-like consistency.
- Incorporate Egg Yolks, Vanilla, and Butter: Remove the saucepan from heat. Quickly whisk in the egg yolks, vanilla extract, and butter until the filling is smooth and fully combined.
- Fill Pie and Bake: Pour the prepared custard filling into the pre-baked pie crust. Return to the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the pie filling is fully set and slightly firm to the touch.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the pie to cool completely at room temperature before slicing and serving to ensure the custard sets perfectly.
Notes
- Use whole milk for the best creamy texture and flavor in the custard filling.
- Whisk constantly while cooking the custard to prevent lumps and scorching.
- Letting the pie cool completely improves slicing and flavor development.
- Serve with whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon for added indulgence.
- The pre-baked crust ensures the pie doesn’t become soggy from the custard filling.
