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There’s a lot to love about pie. It’s a wholesome dessert that – for most of us – is about comfort and tradition as much as it is about taste. There are endless variations and you can make it for just about any occasion… but mostly, it’s just plain good. Truth be told, there’s not a lot that stops us from wanting to make it every day, except maybe the crust. With the rolling and chilling and blind baking, pie crust can often seem like a hassle, when all you want is a quick and satisfying dessert. But the Crazy Crust Pie solves that problem.
Crazy Crust Pie has no pie dough involved at all. Rather, it’s a sort of hybrid between cake and pie, where a quick batter is made and poured into a pie dish, followed by the filling. As it bakes, the batter and filling naturally separate, so the batter around the edges bakes into a golden brown ‘crust.’
The batter for the ‘crazy crust’ is just a quick mixture of butter, egg, flour, sugar, milk, and baking powder. You pour that into a pie dish and then pour your favorite fruit filling into the center, making sure the filling doesn’t spread out too far. You want it at least an inch from the edges so that the crust has room to form. You can use cherry, apple, blueberry… any kind of fruit filling that your heart desires.
As it bakes, a nice cakey version of a crust forms around the edges, while your favorite filling becomes warm and aromatic and tender. A little bit like cake, but still very much like pie, Crazy Crust Pie satisfies that pie craving with only five minutes of effort on your part.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crazy Crust Pie is a game-changer for pie lovers who dread making traditional crusts. With minimal effort, you get a delicious dessert that combines the best of both cake and pie. It’s versatile, too, allowing you to choose your favorite fruit fillings to customize it to your taste.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- 9-inch pie plate
- Medium mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 can (21 oz) fruit pie filling (apple, cherry, peach, blueberry, blackberry, etc.)
- Sugar, for dusting
Step-by-step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9-inch pie plate. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until smooth.
- Add the egg and mix well. Then add the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt, mixing to combine.
- Gradually add the milk, continuing to mix until the batter is smooth and well-combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pie plate.
- Pour the fruit pie filling into the center of the batter, making sure it doesn’t spread out further than 1-inch from the edge.
- Sprinkle the top evenly with sugar.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are browned and the dough is set.
Tips for Success
- Ensure your butter is softened for easier mixing.
- Do not overfill with fruit filling; keeping it away from the edges allows the crust to form properly.
- Check the pie at 35 minutes to avoid over-browning.
Additional Tips or Variations
Try adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the batter for extra flavor. You can also sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top before baking for a spiced twist.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
Calories: 250
Carbs: 35g
Fat: 10g
Protein: 3g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned filling?
Yes, you can use fresh fruit. Just make sure to cook it down with some sugar and cornstarch to thicken before using.
Can I make this pie gluten-free?
Certainly! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Conclusion
If you’ve been avoiding making pies because of the crust, Crazy Crust Pie is the perfect solution. It’s easy, delicious, and customizable. Give it a try and don’t forget to share your creations and experiences with us!
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