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Close-up of a slice of Hillbilly Pie on a blue plate showing layers of golden brown crust, creamy cheese topping, and savory ground beef filling with rich gravy.

Hillbilly Pie (Poor Man's Pie)

Hillbilly Pie is a simple yet magical dessert made from pantry staples. This budget-friendly, buttery, and custard-like pie is rich in flavor and nostalgia, proving that the best things in life are often the simplest.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8 slices
Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk
  • 9-inch Pie Dish
  • Oven

Ingredients
  

Pie Batter

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 1 cup milk room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp baking powder

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish.
  • In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cinnamon, salt, and baking powder.
  • In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract.
  • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Do not overmix.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared pie dish and smooth the top.
  • Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and slightly crackled. The center may still be a little jiggly—that's perfect!
  • Let the pie cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with powdered sugar or serve with vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

Notes

For a richer flavor, try adding chocolate chips, diced apples, or berries to the batter before baking. If the pie seems underdone in the center, let it cool completely—it will set as it rests.
Keyword Budget-Friendly, Comfort Food, Old-Fashioned Pie