When it comes to cozy comfort food desserts, few recipes are as simple and satisfying as Hillbilly Pie, often lovingly called Poor Man’s Pie. With just a handful of pantry staples and a can of fruit pie filling, you can whip up a warm, golden-brown dessert that feels homemade without all the fuss. This rustic pie practically makes itself—melting butter creates a luscious base, a sweet batter rises around the fruit, and the topping bakes into a golden crust with bubbling fruit underneath.
Whether you’re serving this at a family gathering, making a last-minute dessert for weeknight dinner, or simply craving an old-fashioned treat that pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, Hillbilly Pie delivers every single time. Affordable, easy, and downright delicious, it’s a dessert that proves you don’t need fancy ingredients to make something memorable.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Quick and Easy: Only 10 minutes of prep and the oven does the rest.
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Budget-Friendly: Made with inexpensive, pantry-staple ingredients.
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Versatile: Works with any fruit pie filling you have on hand.
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Crowd-Pleaser: Sweet, gooey, and perfect for both kids and adults.
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Comfort Food Classic: Rustic, no-fuss dessert with a nostalgic feel.
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Great with Ice Cream: Warm fruit and crisp topping pair beautifully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Ingredient Breakdown
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Unsalted Butter (1 stick / ½ cup): Creates a rich, buttery base that adds flavor and prevents sticking.
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Self-Rising Flour (1 cup): Provides structure and allows the batter to rise without additional leavening agents.
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Granulated Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the batter and balances the tartness of the fruit.
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Milk (1 cup): Brings the dry ingredients together and creates a smooth, pourable batter.
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Fruit Pie Filling (12 oz can): The star of the dessert—choose cherry, apple, peach, blueberry, or any favorite flavor.
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Vanilla Extract (1 tsp, optional): Adds warmth and enhances the flavor of the batter.
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Ground Cinnamon (½ tsp, optional): Perfect for apple or peach pie fillings, giving the dessert cozy fall vibes.
Pro Tips
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Don’t Stir the Layers: The magic of this recipe comes from leaving the butter, batter, and fruit in layers—the batter rises around the fruit as it bakes.
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Use Room Temperature Milk: Helps the batter mix more smoothly and bake evenly.
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Try Homemade Pie Filling: If you’ve got fresh fruit, cook it down with a little sugar and cornstarch for a homemade filling.
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Check the Edges: The pie is done when the crust is golden and the fruit is bubbling around the edges.
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Rest Before Serving: Let it sit for 10 minutes after baking to allow the filling to set slightly before scooping.
Ingredient Swaps or Variations
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Different Fruit Fillings: Try blueberry, blackberry, raspberry, or even tropical fruit blends.
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Nutty Twist: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking for crunch.
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Spice It Up: Add nutmeg or allspice for deeper flavor with apple or peach fillings.
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Sugar Substitute: Swap granulated sugar with coconut sugar or a sugar substitute for a lower-sugar option.
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Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free self-rising flour blend for a celiac-friendly treat.
Serving Suggestions
Hillbilly Pie is delicious straight out of the pan, but it shines with a few simple extras:
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Classic Style: Serve warm with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream.
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Light and Fresh: Pair with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh fruit on the side.
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For Brunch: Serve it alongside coffee or tea for a sweet morning treat.
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Party Style: Bake in a larger dish and serve in scoops for potlucks or family gatherings.
Make Ahead + Storage Tips
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Make Ahead: Prepare the batter and filling separately, then assemble and bake just before serving.
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Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
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Reheating: Warm in the oven at 325°F for 10–15 minutes to restore crispness, or microwave individual servings for a quick treat.
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Freezing: Bake first, let cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Cultural or Historical Notes
Hillbilly Pie, often nicknamed Poor Man’s Pie, is a true example of Depression-era ingenuity. Families in rural America relied on inexpensive pantry staples to create filling, comforting meals and desserts. This pie echoes the charm of cobblers and dump cakes but remains uniquely its own. It represents the heart of country cooking—simple, frugal, and always satisfying.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned pie filling?
A: Yes! Simply cook fresh fruit with sugar and a little cornstarch to thicken before using it in place of canned filling.
Q: What size baking dish should I use?
A: An 8×8 or 9×9-inch dish works best, but you can also double the recipe for a 9×13-inch pan.
Q: Can I make Hillbilly Pie dairy-free?
A: Yes, substitute the butter with vegan butter and use a dairy-free milk alternative.
Q: How do I know when the pie is done?
A: The crust should be golden brown and the fruit bubbling around the edges—usually after 45–50 minutes.
Q: Is this the same as a dump cake?
A: They’re similar in concept, but Hillbilly Pie uses a pourable batter instead of a dry cake mix, giving it a unique texture.
Hillbilly Pie (Poor Man's Pie)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place butter in a 9x9-inch or 8x8-inch baking dish and melt in oven while preheating. Remove once melted.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Pour batter evenly over melted butter. Do not stir.
- Spoon fruit pie filling evenly over batter. Do not mix.
- If desired, sprinkle cinnamon on top.
- Bake 45–50 minutes until crust is golden and fruit bubbles at edges.
- Let cool 10–15 minutes before serving. Best warm with ice cream.
