Hillbilly Pie (Poor Man’s Pie) – A Simple, Sweet Slice of Old-Fashioned Comfort

Looking for a dessert that’s incredibly easy, budget-friendly, and packed with nostalgic charm? Hillbilly Pie, also known as Poor Man’s Pie, is an old-fashioned classic that proves you don’t need fancy ingredients to make something absolutely delicious. With a creamy, custard-like filling and a golden buttery finish, this pie is a humble masterpiece straight from the heart of rural American kitchens.

It’s the kind of recipe your grandmother might have made — simple, sweet, and soul-warming. Whether you’re low on groceries, short on time, or just craving a comforting homemade treat, this pie delivers every time.

 Ingredients:

• 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup whole milk (or use half-and-half for extra richness)
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg or cinnamon (optional topping)

 How to Make Hillbilly Pie:

1. Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the unbaked pie crust into a 9-inch pie pan and crimp the edges as desired. Set aside.

2. Make the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, flour, and salt. Stir in the milk, then add the lightly beaten eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Mix until the batter is smooth and fully combined.

Tip: The filling will be thin and liquidy — that’s completely normal! It firms up beautifully as it bakes and cools.

3. Pour and Sprinkle

Pour the mixture into the prepared pie crust. If desired, lightly dust the top with a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon for a warm, spiced note.

4. Bake

Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is mostly set with a slight jiggle. The pie will continue to firm up as it cools.

 Cool & Serve:

Let the pie cool completely at room temperature before slicing. This allows the custard to set fully for perfect, clean slices. Serve it at room temperature, or chilled straight from the fridge — either way, it’s delicious.

 Time & Nutrition:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Bake Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 8 slices
• Calories per slice: ~320 kcal

 Tips for Success:

• For extra richness, swap whole milk with half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream.
• The filling may puff slightly in the oven and deflate as it cools — this is totally normal.
• Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Serve it with whipped cream, ice cream, or enjoy it plain for a nostalgic treat.