Poor Man’s Pie (Hillbilly Pie): The Sweetest Comfort Dessert from the Pantry

Craving something sweet but don’t want a complicated baking project? Let me introduce you to Poor Man’s Pie — also affectionately known as Hillbilly Pie. This easy dessert is proof that you don’t need fancy ingredients to create something truly amazing. With just a handful of pantry staples, you get a warm, gooey, golden-baked treat that tastes like it came from grandma’s kitchen.

What’s the best part? You don’t even have to stir the layers — the magic happens all on its own in the oven. The result is a rustic cobbler-like dessert with a buttery crust, soft cake-like center, and fruity topping all in one bite. Top it with vanilla ice cream, and you’ve got yourself a slice of pure comfort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Minimal ingredients – just five pantry staples
Quick prep – ready for the oven in under 10 minutes
Versatile – use any fruit pie filling you have on hand
No mixing layers – let the oven do the work
Old-fashioned flavor – nostalgic and satisfying

Equipment Needed:

8x8-inch casserole dish
Mixing bowl
Whisk or spoon
Measuring cups
Oven

Ingredients:

1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter
1 cup self-rising flour
(or use 1 cup all-purpose flour + 1½ tsp baking powder + ¼ tsp salt)
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup milk
1 (12 oz) can fruit pie filling (cherry, peach, apple – your choice)

Instructions:

1️⃣ Preheat and Melt the Butter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the butter in your 8x8-inch casserole dish and set it in the oven until the butter fully melts (just a few minutes). Carefully remove the dish once melted.

2️⃣ Mix the Batter

In a bowl, whisk together the self-rising flour, sugar, and milk until smooth. Don’t overmix – just stir until the flour dissolves.

3️⃣ Layer It (But Don’t Stir!)

Pour the batter gently over the melted butter in the casserole dish. Do not stir. Then, spoon the fruit pie filling evenly over the batter. Still, don’t mix — let gravity and baking magic do the layering for you!

4️⃣ Bake to Perfection

Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the batter comes out clean (avoid the fruit pockets!).

5️⃣ Cool and Serve

Let the pie cool for at least 10–15 minutes before serving. It’s amazing warm — and absolutely next-level when topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Tips & Variations:

No self-rising flour? Substitute with 1 cup all-purpose flour + 1½ tsp baking powder + ¼ tsp salt.
Try different fillings: Cherry, blueberry, apple, or even lemon — get creative!
Make it in a cast iron skillet for an extra rustic touch.
Add a pinch of cinnamon to the batter for extra warmth.