Why Make This Recipe
Hillbilly Pie is a delightful treat that combines sweet cherry filling with a soft, fluffy topping. It’s simple to make and perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or just enjoying on a lazy Sunday afternoon. The layers of crust and fruit create a comforting dessert that feels like home. Plus, who doesn’t love pie? This recipe brings deliciousness to the table without requiring any fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.
How to Make Hillbilly Pie
Ingredients:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 3–4 tablespoons ice water
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling (with whole cherries)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Directions:
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In a bowl, mix 1½ cups flour with salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture is crumbly. Add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. Press the dough evenly into an 8×8-inch baking dish and chill for 15 minutes.
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) while the crust is chilling for 5 minutes.
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Bake the chilled crust just until set but not browned, keeping it sturdy and flaky, for 10 minutes.
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Stir the cornstarch into the cherry pie filling until smooth and glossy. Spoon it evenly over the warm crust, taking about 5 minutes.
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In a bowl, whisk together 1 cup flour, granulated sugar, and baking powder. Stir in the milk, then mix in the melted butter, creating a thick but pourable batter, which takes about 5 minutes.
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Gently pour the batter over the cherries, letting it settle into rustic waves without spreading too much, which should take about 3 minutes.
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Bake uncovered until the topping is deeply golden and the cherries are bubbling around the edges, for 40-45 minutes.
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Let the pie rest for 30 minutes so it finishes setting and can be sliced cleanly, revealing those beautiful layers.
How to Serve Hillbilly Pie
Serve Hillbilly Pie warm or at room temperature. You can slice it into squares and pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special touch. It makes a delightful dessert for any occasion.
How to Store Hillbilly Pie
You can store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, place it in the refrigerator for up to a week. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Just make sure to wrap it well to prevent freezer burn.
Tips to Make Hillbilly Pie
- Use cold butter for the crust to make it flakier.
- Don’t skip chilling the dough; it helps it to be crisp and tender.
- If you want to add some spice, consider mixing in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg with the cherry filling.
Variation
For a twist on this classic pie, you can substitute the cherry filling with other fruit fillings like blueberry or peach. You can also add some nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for an exciting flavor addition.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries. Just make sure to remove the pits and adjust the sugar to taste since fresh cherries may not be as sweet as canned ones.
Can I make Hillbilly Pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pie in advance and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
What should I do if the topping is browning too fast while baking?
If the topping is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent it from burning while the pie continues to bake.

Hillbilly Pie
Hillbilly Pie is a delightful treat that combines sweet cherry filling with a soft, fluffy topping, perfect for family gatherings or enjoying on lazy afternoons.
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 3–4 tablespoons ice water
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling (with whole cherries)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix 1½ cups flour with salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture is crumbly. Add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. Press the dough evenly into an 8×8-inch baking dish and chill for 15 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) while the crust is chilling for 5 minutes.
- Bake the chilled crust just until set but not browned, for 10 minutes.
- Stir the cornstarch into the cherry pie filling until smooth and glossy. Spoon evenly over the warm crust, which takes about 5 minutes.
- In a bowl, whisk together 1 cup flour, granulated sugar, and baking powder. Stir in the milk, then mix in the melted butter, creating a thick but pourable batter, which takes about 5 minutes.
- Gently pour the batter over the cherries, letting it settle without spreading too much, which should take about 3 minutes.
- Bake uncovered until the topping is deeply golden and the cherries are bubbling around the edges, for 40-45 minutes.
- Let the pie rest for 30 minutes before slicing to reveal beautiful layers.
Notes
Serve warm or at room temperature with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. Can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg



