Oh, let me tell you about hillbilly pie! This delightful Southern dessert is like a warm hug on a plate, with its rich, layered filling that just oozes comfort. Growing up, I remember my grandma whipping this up on lazy Sunday afternoons, and the smell of melting chocolate mixed with buttery goodness still brings back such sweet memories. It’s not just a dessert; it’s a slice of tradition that reminds me of family gatherings and laughter around the table. The combination of pecans and chocolate creates this incredible texture, and when it’s baked just right, oh wow, it’s simply heavenly! Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked on this classic treat that feels like home.
Ingredients List
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 pie crust: You can use a store-bought one for convenience or make your own if you’re feeling adventurous!
- 1 cup sugar: Just regular granulated sugar will do the trick.
- 1 cup brown sugar: Make sure it’s packed for that rich, caramel flavor.
- 1 cup corn syrup: This adds that sweet, gooey goodness that binds everything together.
- 1/2 cup butter (melted): Go for unsalted butter so you can control the saltiness.
- 4 eggs: Large eggs, please! They help create that perfect custard-like filling.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Use pure vanilla for the best flavor.
- 1 cup chopped pecans: Toasting them lightly beforehand can really enhance their nutty flavor!
- 1 cup chocolate chips: Semi-sweet or dark chocolate works beautifully in this recipe.
How to Prepare Hillbilly Pie
Getting ready to make hillbilly pie is a breeze, and I promise you’ll be rewarded with a dessert that’s totally worth it! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious pie that’ll impress everyone.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for getting that perfect, golden crust!
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and corn syrup. Give it a good stir until everything is well mixed.
- Next, pour in the melted butter, crack those four eggs into the bowl, and add the vanilla extract. Now, stir it all together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. You want to make sure there are no lumps!
- Now for the fun part—fold in the chopped pecans and chocolate chips. I usually just use a spatula for this to keep those goodies intact, but feel free to use a spoon if you prefer.
- Once everything is combined, pour the luscious mixture into your pie crust. Make sure it’s evenly distributed so every slice has that delicious filling.
- Pop the pie into the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the filling is set in the middle but still has a little jiggle. It’ll firm up as it cools!
- After baking, let it cool for a bit before serving. This waiting time is the hardest part, but trust me, it’s worth it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this delicious pie in no time, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings!
- Delicious Flavor: The sweet blend of chocolate and pecans creates an irresistible flavor that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.
- Southern Charm: This classic dessert brings a piece of Southern tradition to your table, evoking warm memories and heartwarming stories.
- Versatile Serving: Whether served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or at room temperature with whipped cream, it’s always a hit!
- Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of the ingredients in your pantry, making this an easy recipe to bring to life.
Tips for Success
To make sure your hillbilly pie turns out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite tips! First, if you want a richer flavor, try using brown butter instead of regular melted butter. Just melt it slowly until it turns golden brown—it’ll add a lovely nuttiness!
If you’re short on time, a store-bought pie crust is totally fine, but if you have a bit more time, I highly recommend making your own for that homemade touch. Also, keep an eye on the baking time. Every oven is a bit different, so check for that slight jiggle in the center to know when it’s done.
Lastly, don’t skip the cooling step! Letting it cool allows the filling to set up perfectly. Serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for an extra special treat. Enjoy every bite!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover hillbilly pie is super easy! Just make sure it’s completely cooled down first, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and pop it in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days, and trust me, you’ll want to savor every last slice!
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can eat it cold or reheat it. To reheat, slice off a piece and place it in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds, just enough to warm it through. If you prefer a crispy crust, you can also pop it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. Pair it with a little whipped cream or ice cream, and you’ve got yourself a delightful treat all over again!
FAQ Section
What is hillbilly pie?
Hillbilly pie is a traditional Southern dessert known for its rich, layered filling made of chocolate and pecans. It’s a deliciously sweet treat that’s sure to satisfy your cravings!
Can I use a different type of nut?
Absolutely! While pecans are classic, you can swap them out for walnuts or even almonds if you prefer. Just remember, each nut will give a slightly different flavor and texture.
What should I serve with hillbilly pie?
This pie is fantastic on its own, but I love serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It adds that extra touch of indulgence!
Can I make hillbilly pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake it a day in advance! Just make sure to store it in the fridge after it cools. This way, the flavors will meld beautifully, making it even more delicious!
What if my filling doesn’t set?
If your hillbilly pie isn’t set after baking, it may need a bit more time in the oven. Just keep an eye on it, and remember—it will firm up as it cools!
Nutritional Information
As with any recipe, keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. But here’s a rough estimate for one slice of hillbilly pie, which serves about eight slices:
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
This pie packs quite a bit of sweetness and richness, so enjoy it in moderation! Whether you’re sharing it with friends or savoring a slice on your own, it’s definitely a treat worth indulging in every now and then.
Print
Hillbilly Pie: 7 Comforting Layers of Southern Delight
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A traditional Southern dessert with a rich, layered filling.
Ingredients
- 1 pie crust
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup corn syrup
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 4 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix sugar, brown sugar, and corn syrup together.
- Add melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir well.
- Fold in chopped pecans and chocolate chips.
- Pour mixture into the pie crust.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until set.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Can be topped with whipped cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: hillbilly pie