Hillbilly Pie (Poor Man’s Pie)

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A slice of Hillbilly Pie, also lovingly called Poor Man’s Pie, brings back the taste of simpler times. This humble dessert, often made from pantry staples, boasts a buttery, flaky crust with a sweet, custard-like filling that gently caramelizes as it bakes. It’s a tribute to Depression-era resourcefulness, where bakers created something indulgent out of almost nothing.

What sets this pie apart is the comfort it delivers in every bite. A hint of vanilla, the richness of brown sugar, and the gentle chew from flour-thickened filling make it more than the sum of its parts. It’s the kind of pie that doesn’t need bells and whistles to impress. Serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream, and you’ll understand why this forgotten gem deserves a comeback.

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Ingredients for this Hillbilly Pie

• 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup whole milk (room temperature)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (cut into small pieces)

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Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

Place your unbaked 9-inch pie crust into a pie dish. Crimp the edges as desired and chill it in the fridge while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, and salt. Stir well to ensure there are no lumps.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Pour in the milk and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until you get a smooth, syrupy consistency. This will be your pie filling.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

Remove the chilled pie crust from the fridge. Pour the filling into the crust and gently spread it evenly. Dot the surface with the small pieces of butter.

Step 5: Bake

Place the pie in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden and slightly caramelized. A slight jiggle in the center is okay; it will firm up as it cools.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let the pie cool on a wire rack for at least 1 hour before slicing. Serve it as-is, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of cream for extra indulgence.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does Hillbilly Pie taste like?

It has a soft, caramel-like custard filling with a hint of vanilla and brown sugar richness, all encased in a flaky crust.

Can I use white sugar instead of brown sugar?

You can, but the flavor won’t be as deep or caramel-like. Brown sugar is key to the pie’s signature taste.

Do I need to blind-bake the crust?

No need. Since the filling is fairly thick and the baking time is long enough, the crust bakes through without pre-baking.

Is this pie very sweet?

It is sweet, but not overwhelmingly so. You can reduce the sugar slightly if desired, though it may affect texture.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the milk with a non-dairy alternative like almond or oat milk, and use a plant-based butter.

How can I prevent a soggy bottom crust?

Make sure your crust is chilled before baking and bake on a lower oven rack to ensure the bottom crisps up properly.

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