I just made this hillbilly pie and oh my goodness, I had no idea something so simple could taste this absolutely incredible!
I’d never heard of poor man’s pie before, but when my neighbor told me it was her grandma’s go-to dessert during tough times, I had to try it immediately.
The crazy thing is it uses the most basic pantry ingredients you probably already have – no fancy stuff required – but it bakes up into this rich, gooey, almost custard-like filling that’s pure comfort food magic!
I was skeptical at first because the ingredient list seemed too simple, but one bite of this sweet, caramel-y goodness and I totally understand why families have been making this for generations.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This hillbilly pie is the ultimate budget-friendly dessert that proves you don’t need expensive ingredients to create something absolutely delicious and satisfying!
It’s incredibly easy to make with simple pantry staples like eggs, sugar, and butter, making it perfect for when you want homemade pie but don’t want to spend a fortune or make a grocery run.
You’ll love how it has this amazing custard-like texture with rich, caramel-y flavors that taste way more sophisticated than the simple ingredient list would suggest.
Plus, it’s a wonderful piece of comfort food history that connects you to generations of resourceful home bakers who created magic with whatever they had on hand!
What You’ll Need
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup evaporated milk (or whole milk)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Pro Tips
- Don’t skip the pinch of salt. It balances out the sweetness beautifully.
- Use evaporated milk. It gives the filling a creamier, richer texture.
- Blind bake for crispness. If you prefer a sturdier crust, partially bake it before filling.
- Cool before slicing. The filling needs time to set so it slices cleanly.
- Serve with toppings. A dollop of whipped cream or scoop of ice cream makes it even better.
Tools You’ll Need
- 9-inch pie dish
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet (to catch spills)
Substitutions and Variations
- Milk: Use half-and-half or heavy cream for a richer pie.
- Sugar: Swap part of the sugar with maple syrup or honey for a deeper flavor.
- Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth.
- Nutty topping: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking.
- Crustless version: Pour filling into a buttered dish for a custard-like dessert.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Bake the pie a day ahead—it actually tastes better as it sits and the flavors develop.
- Store covered in the fridge until ready to serve.
- You can also freeze the baked pie for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Make the filling mixture a few hours in advance, refrigerate, then pour into crust when ready to bake.
How to Make Hillbilly Pie (Poor Man’s Pie)
Step 1: Prep the crust
Preheat oven to 350°F. Place the unbaked pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish.
Step 2: Make the filling
In a mixing bowl, whisk together brown sugar, granulated sugar, melted butter, eggs, evaporated milk, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
Step 3: Fill and bake
Pour the mixture into the prepared pie crust. Place pie dish on a baking sheet to catch any drips. Bake for 45–50 minutes, until the center is just set and a knife comes out clean.
Step 4: Cool and serve
Cool pie at room temperature before slicing. Serve warm or chilled, topped with whipped cream if desired.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
- Pair with coffee or hot tea for a cozy dessert.
- Dust lightly with powdered sugar for a simple finish.
- Add fresh berries for a tart contrast to the sweetness.
Leftovers & Storage
- Fridge: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm slices in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes if you like them warm.
Nutrition & Benefits
While this pie is definitely a dessert treat, it’s also a beautiful reminder of resourceful cooking—making something sweet and special from the simplest pantry staples. It’s rich in flavor, comforting in texture, and portioning into slices makes it easy to enjoy in moderation.
Recipe FAQ
1. Why is it called Poor Man’s Pie?
Because it uses basic, affordable pantry staples that most families had on hand.
2. Can I make this without a crust?
Yes—bake it in a buttered pie dish for a crustless custard.
3. What’s the texture like?
It’s custardy and silky, almost like a cross between butterscotch pudding and crème brûlée.
4. Can I make it less sweet?
Yes—cut the sugar by ¼ cup or use more brown sugar than white for a less sharp sweetness.
5. Do I need to refrigerate the pie?
Yes—because of the eggs and milk, store leftovers in the fridge.
6. Can I add spices?
Absolutely—cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a dash of cardamom works beautifully.
7. How do I know when it’s done?
The center should be set but slightly jiggly. It will firm up as it cools.
Simple, Sweet, and Nostalgic
Hillbilly Pie, or Poor Man’s Pie, is one of those recipes that proves you don’t need fancy ingredients to make something memorable.
With its caramel-like sweetness, custardy filling, and buttery crust, it’s both humble and indulgent at the same time.
It’s a dessert that connects you to simpler times, and once you try it, I promise you’ll want to keep the tradition going.