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Hillbilly Pie, also known as Poor Man’s Pie, is a humble yet delicious dessert made with basic pantry ingredients. This pie features a sweet, custard-like filling and a simple crust, making it an easy and affordable treat. Perfect for when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to spend a lot of time or money, this pie is a true comfort food classic. Below is a detailed recipe with step-by-step instructions, variations, and tips to help you create the perfect Hillbilly Pie.

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Ingredients

For the crust:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 3-4 tbsp ice water

For the filling:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Optional toppings:

• Whipped cream
• Fresh fruit (like berries or sliced bananas)
• Powdered sugar

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Preparation

Step 1: Make the Crust

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
2. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
4. Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Preheat and Prepare

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 3: Roll Out the Crust

1. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a circle about 12 inches in diameter.
2. Transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie dish, gently pressing it into the bottom and sides. Trim and crimp the edges as desired.

Step 4: Make the Filling

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the sugar, flour, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter.
3. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, whisking until smooth.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

1. Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust.
2. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown. The center should still have a slight jiggle.
3. Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before serving.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

• Slice and serve the pie as is or with your favorite toppings, such as whipped cream or fresh fruit.

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Variations

• Chocolate Hillbilly Pie: Add 1/4 cup cocoa powder to the filling for a chocolatey twist.
• Nutty Pie: Sprinkle chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) over the filling before baking.
• Spiced Pie: Add 1/2 tsp cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for a warm, spiced flavor.

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Cooking Notes

• For a flakier crust, handle the dough as little as possible and keep the butter cold.
• If the crust edges brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil or a pie crust shield.
• Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Pair with a cup of coffee or tea for a comforting dessert experience.

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Tips

• Use a glass or ceramic pie dish for even baking.
• For a richer filling, use whole milk or half-and-half instead of low-fat milk.
• If you’re short on time, use a store-bought pie crust.

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Prep Time:

• 20 minutes (plus 30 minutes chilling time)

Baking Time:

• 45-50 minutes

Cooling Time:

• 1 hour

Total Time:

• About 2 hours 30 minutes

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Nutritional Information (per slice, serves 8):

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 6g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 1g

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FAQs

Can I use a different type of milk?
Yes, you can use any type of milk, but the richness of the filling may vary.

Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the pie up to 24 hours in advance. Keep it refrigerated until ready to serve.

What if I don’t have a pie dish?
You can use a 9-inch cake pan or tart pan, but adjust the baking time as needed.

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Conclusion

Hillbilly Pie (Poor Man’s Pie) is a simple, comforting dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its sweet, custard-like filling and flaky crust, this pie is sure to be a hit with everyone. Enjoy making and sharing this delightful recipe!

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