If you’ve been searching for a comforting, sweet treat that feels like a nostalgic hug from Grandma’s kitchen, this Hillbilly Pie Recipe is exactly what you need. With its creamy, coconut-laced filling nestled in a flaky crust, this pie brings together simple pantry staples in a way that’s both satisfying and a little indulgent. It’s a recipe that’s stood the test of time for good reason—perfectly balanced between rich sweetness and a tender bite, this pie always leaves a crowd smiling and asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Even though the Hillbilly Pie Recipe uses just a handful of ingredients, each one plays a crucial role in building its luscious texture and classic flavor. The combination is straightforward but absolutely essential, bringing together creamy, buttery, and slightly chewy notes that make every bite a delight.
- Sweetened condensed milk: This is the creamy backbone of the filling, adding richness and sweetness without needing extra sugar.
- Large eggs: Eggs bring structure and help the filling set to that perfect custard-like consistency.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla deepens the flavor, making every forkful taste homemade and inviting.
- Shredded coconut: Adds texture and a tropical twist that’s subtly sweet and chewy.
- Unsalted butter: Melted butter lends a smooth richness that rounds out the filling beautifully.
- All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the filling so it holds together perfectly once baked.
- Salt: Just a pinch to highlight the sweetness and balance the flavors.
- Refrigerated or homemade pie crust: The buttery, flaky base that contains all that delicious filling, making the pie complete.
How to Make Hillbilly Pie Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Pie Crust
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Whether you’re using a store-bought refrigerated crust or rolling out a homemade dough, fit it snugly into a 9-inch pie dish. Press the edges to shape the crust and trim off any extra pieces. This simple step lays the tasty groundwork for your Hillbilly Pie Recipe.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Filling
Grab a mixing bowl and combine the sweetened condensed milk, eggs, vanilla extract, melted butter, and flour. Whisk it vigorously until you have a smooth, well-blended mixture. This creates the creamy custard base that’s rich, sweet, and utterly irresistible.
Step 3: Stir in Coconut and Salt
Add the shredded coconut and salt to your filling mix, folding them in thoroughly. The coconut adds wonderful texture and a hint of chewiness, while the salt wakes up the flavors, making the pie a perfect balance of sweet and savory.
Step 4: Assemble Your Pie
Pour the luscious coconut filling into your prepared crust and smooth the top nice and even with a spatula. This way, your pie bakes uniformly and has that pretty, inviting look once it’s done.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Set
Pop your pie into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’re looking for a center that’s no longer wobbly and a top that’s lightly golden. This ensures that classic custardy texture inside with a slight firmness that slices beautifully.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the pie cool at room temperature so it can set properly. You can refrigerate it for a few hours if you want to serve it chilled, but a slightly warm slice straight from the oven is just as heavenly. Don’t forget the optional garnishes for an extra special touch!
How to Serve Hillbilly Pie Recipe
Garnishes
The perfect accompaniments to your Hillbilly Pie Recipe are simple yet indulgent: a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a creamy contrast that melts into each bite. Toasted coconut flakes sprinkled on top can add a lovely crunch and a more pronounced coconut aroma for those who love it.
Side Dishes
This humble dessert pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk, making the experience truly comforting. If you want a fuller meal experience, serve it after a down-home dinner of barbecue or fried chicken to keep the Southern vibes going strong.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Serve individual mini pies or tartlets using the same Hillbilly Pie Recipe filling – perfect for gatherings or potlucks. You can also drizzle a honey-cinnamon glaze on top or sprinkle with chopped pecans for an extra touch of texture and flavor that elevates the rustic charm of this pie.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your Hillbilly Pie tightly with plastic wrap or transfer slices into an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it remains fresh for up to 3-4 days, allowing you to enjoy that nostalgic sweetness whenever cravings strike.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, wrap the pie tightly in foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen Hillbilly Pie stays delicious for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before serving to retain the perfect texture.
Reheating
For a warm slice, reheat leftovers gently in a low oven at 300°F until just warmed through, or microwave in short bursts to prevent overcooking. Either way, you’ll find that the flavors remain beautifully intact, ready to comfort and delight.
FAQs
Can I use a homemade pie crust for this Hillbilly Pie Recipe?
Absolutely! A homemade crust adds a personal touch and buttery flavor, but a good-quality refrigerated crust works just as well and saves time.
Is shredded coconut necessary, or can I leave it out?
The shredded coconut is a signature element of the Hillbilly Pie Recipe, providing unique texture and flavor, but if you’re allergic or not a fan, you can omit it for a simpler custard pie.
Can I substitute sweetened condensed milk with evaporated milk?
Sweetened condensed milk is essential for the sweetness and consistency of this pie. Evaporated milk isn’t sweetened and can alter the texture and flavor, so it’s best to stick with the original ingredient.
How do I know when the pie is fully baked?
Look for a filling that’s set and only slightly jiggles when gently shaken. The top should be lightly golden brown. Overbaking may cause cracking or dryness, so keep an eye on it near the end of baking time.
Can this pie be made ahead of time for a party?
Yes! The Hillbilly Pie Recipe actually tastes wonderful the day after baking, once it’s fully chilled. Prepare it earlier in the day or the night before, refrigerate it, and your dessert is ready to impress with minimal fuss.
Final Thoughts
This Hillbilly Pie Recipe is one of those treasures that combines simplicity with soul-soothing flavor, making it a standout for potlucks, family dinners, or whenever you crave a sweet, nostalgic delight. Give it a try, and soon it will be one of your favorite go-to desserts that earns its place in your recipe collection time and time again.
Print
Hillbilly Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
Hillbilly Pie is a classic Southern dessert featuring a rich and creamy coconut custard filling baked in a flaky pie crust. Sweetened condensed milk and eggs create a smooth base, enhanced by shredded coconut and a hint of vanilla, resulting in a comforting pie that’s perfect for family gatherings and cozy evenings.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 1 package refrigerated pie crust (or homemade pie crust if preferred)
Filling
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If using a refrigerated pie crust, fit the crust into a 9-inch pie dish. If using homemade pie crust, roll out your dough and line the dish with it. Press the edges to fit and trim any excess.
- Prepare the Pie Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, eggs, vanilla extract, melted butter, and flour. Whisk until smooth and well incorporated.
- Mix in Coconut and Salt: Stir in the shredded coconut and salt. Mix everything together until fully combined.
- Assemble the Pie: Pour the prepared filling into the prepared pie crust. Smooth the top with a spatula to ensure an even layer.
- Bake the Pie: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is lightly golden brown. Check doneness by gently shaking the pie—if the center is firm and no longer wobbly, it’s done.
- Cool and Serve: Let the pie cool to room temperature before slicing. Optionally, refrigerate for a few hours to help it set further. It’s also delicious served slightly warm.
- Optional Garnish: Serve with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.
Notes
- Use sweetened or unsweetened shredded coconut based on your sweetness preference.
- If you prefer a crisper crust, pre-bake the pie crust for 5-7 minutes before adding the filling.
- Make sure the melted butter is cooled slightly before mixing to prevent cooking the eggs.
- Refrigerating the pie before serving enhances the texture and flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
