Hillbilly Pie

Hillbilly Pie is the kind of dessert that makes you feel right at home. It’s sweet, cozy, and packed with simple ingredients that come together in the most delicious way. Imagine a buttery, flaky pie crust filled with a rich, gooey filling made from brown sugar, eggs, and a hint of vanilla, topped off with a sprinkle of crunchy pecans. It’s a no-fuss dessert that’s sure to bring comfort and joy to anyone who takes a bite. Trust me, this one will quickly become a family favorite!

Why You’ll Love Hillbilly Pie

Simple and Wholesome: With just a few pantry staples, you can whip up this down-home dessert in no time. It’s a perfect treat for when you want something that tastes like it came straight from grandma’s kitchen.

Sweet and Nutty: The combination of brown sugar and pecans creates a sweet, caramel-like filling with a nice crunch, making every bite a little bit of heaven.

Quick and Easy: You won’t find any complicated steps in this recipe. It’s perfect for bakers of all skill levels, and the result is guaranteed to impress.

Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or need something to bring to a potluck, this pie is a guaranteed hit. It’s comfort food at its finest, and everyone loves a slice.

Perfect for Any Occasion: This pie is simple enough for a weekday dessert but delicious enough to serve at holidays or special events. It’s versatile and always fits the bill.

Ingredients

For the Pie Crust:

• Pre-made Pie Crust: No need to fuss with homemade dough here! A store-bought pie crust will save you time while still delivering a delicious, flaky base.

For the Filling:

• Brown Sugar: The star of the show! Brown sugar gives the pie its sweet, caramel-like flavor and rich texture.
• Eggs: Help create the custardy, smooth filling that holds everything together.
• Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the filling, making it melt-in-your-mouth good.
• Vanilla Extract: Just a touch of vanilla adds a lovely fragrance and depth to the flavor.
• All-purpose Flour: A little bit of flour helps thicken the filling, giving it that perfect, gooey texture.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the pie.
• Pecans: These add the perfect crunch and nuttiness to the pie, making every bite satisfying.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s walk through the simple steps to create this scrumptious Hillbilly Pie:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). You want it nice and hot so the pie can bake evenly and get that golden, crisp crust.

Step 2: Prepare the Pie Crust
Place your pre-made pie crust into a pie dish. Press it down gently to fit the dish, then set it aside. If you prefer, you can crimp the edges to give it a decorative touch.

Step 3: Make the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, eggs, butter, vanilla extract, flour, and a pinch of salt. Whisk everything together until smooth and fully incorporated. The mixture should be slightly thick but pourable.

Step 4: Add the Pecans
Stir in the pecans into the filling. You can break them into smaller pieces or leave them whole, depending on your preference. They’ll bake into the filling, adding a nice texture and flavor.

Step 5: Pour the Filling into the Crust
Carefully pour the filling into the prepared pie crust. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly if necessary.

Step 6: Bake the Pie
Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until the filling is set and golden brown. The center should be firm to the touch but still slightly jiggly. The edges of the crust will be beautifully browned, too.

Step 7: Cool and Serve
Allow the pie to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This lets the filling set and makes it easier to cut into neat slices. Serve it warm or at room temperature—either way, it’s absolutely delicious.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8 slices
Calories per serving: 350-400 calories (depending on specific ingredients and crust used)
Fat: 20g
Carbs: 45g
Protein: 4g
Sugar: 35g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

How to Serve Hillbilly Pie

Hillbilly Pie is delicious on its own, but you can easily take it to the next level with a few additions:

Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: Serve a slice of pie with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent treat.

Coffee or Tea: Pair your pie with a hot cup of coffee or sweet tea for the perfect end to any meal.

Fresh Fruit: For a lighter pairing, serve the pie with some fresh berries or sliced fruit. The tartness balances the sweetness of the pie beautifully.

Additional Tips

Make Ahead: You can make the pie ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for a day or two. Just let it come to room temperature before serving, or warm it up briefly in the oven.

No Pecans? No Problem! If you don’t have pecans, you can use walnuts or almonds for a different twist. Both will add a nice crunch and flavor to the pie.

Gluten-Free Option: If you need to make this pie gluten-free, you can use a gluten-free pie crust and make sure the flour in the filling is replaced with a gluten-free alternative.

Cut Cleanly: To get clean slices, run a knife under hot water before slicing the pie, then wipe it off. This helps prevent the filling from sticking to the knife.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a homemade pie crust instead of a store-bought one?
A1: Absolutely! A homemade crust will add a personal touch to the pie and can make it even more delicious.

Q2: Can I make this pie without nuts?
A2: Yes! If you prefer a nut-free version, you can simply leave out the pecans. The pie will still be sweet and flavorful.

Q3: Can I use light brown sugar instead of dark brown sugar?
A3: Yes, light brown sugar will work just fine. It might make the pie slightly less rich, but it will still be tasty.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it if you prefer.

Q5: Can I freeze Hillbilly Pie?
A5: Yes, you can freeze the pie before or after baking. To freeze, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bake it for a few minutes to warm it up.

Q6: How do I make the filling thicker?
A6: If you want a thicker filling, add an extra tablespoon of flour to the mixture. This will give the pie a denser, custard-like texture.

Q7: Can I use other nuts besides pecans?
A7: Yes! Walnuts or almonds are great substitutes if you don’t have pecans on hand.

Q8: Can I add chocolate chips to the pie?
A8: Yes, adding chocolate chips is a great way to elevate the flavor! Just fold in about ½ cup of chocolate chips along with the nuts.

Q9: How do I know when the pie is done?
A9: The pie is done when the edges of the crust are golden brown, and the center is set but still slightly jiggly. If you insert a knife into the center, it should come out clean.

Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Yes, you can easily double the recipe to make two pies! Just use a larger baking dish and increase the baking time by about 10-15 minutes.

Conclusion

Hillbilly Pie is a nostalgic dessert that brings warmth, comfort, and a whole lot of sweetness. Its simple ingredients and easy preparation make it the perfect treat to share with family and friends. Whether it’s for a cozy weeknight dessert or a special occasion, this pie is sure to impress and leave everyone asking for the recipe. So go ahead, bake this delightful pie, and let the good times—and the compliments—roll in!

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