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    Home » Dessert » Pie

    30+ Homemade Pies: Tips, Tools, & Recipes

    Published: Mar 11, 2023 by Jessica Fisher

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    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more details, please see our disclosure policy.
    collage of homemade pie recipes with text overlay.

    Want to learn to make stellar homemade pies? I gotcha covered. Whether you’re using a storebought pie crust or making your own, there are some easy tips, tools, and homemade pie recipes to make the process delicious and easy. 

    Once you’ve reviewed the tips, be sure to check out some of our most popular homemade pie recipes, including Single Crust Pot Pie, Press In Pie Crust, and Blueberry Pie.

    marshmallow pie on table with plates with slices dished up on plates. this …
    Jump to:
    • Tips for Baking Homemade Pies
    • Best Equipment for Homemade Pies
    • FAQs
    • Recommended Recipes
    • Tell us what you think!

    If you’re a fan of pie, then you’re going to want to learn how to make homemade pies. You just can’t have one without the other. Not really. 

    You see, I have been a pie lover since birth. I’d much rather have pie than cake. And as soon as I tasted Lemon Meringue Pie as a child, I decided that I had to learn how to make it myself. I was ten.

    It took some trial and error, and yes, I did use a boxed mix of lemon pie filling at the beginning. And yes, I did accidentally put ½ cup of salt into the pie dough instead of ½ teaspoon! But eventually I arrived. And homemade pies are my jam now.

    I’ve learned from experience — sometimes the hard way! Here are some things I’ve learned about baking homemade pies and ensuring they turn out well.

    Tips for Baking Homemade Pies

    Homemade pie crust is better than the store kind. Like way better. And healthier. And cheaper, too. You can make a batch of homemade pie crust for about 80 cents, much less than the $2 to $4 each that you’ll pay at the store. Be sure to try your hand at Graham Cracker Pie Crust as well.

    Pie dough ingredients should be cold. This will help give them a light and flaky texture. If your kitchen is warm, slide the pie plate into the freezer for a few minutes before baking.

    ingredients for pie crust next to food processor

    Fruit pies can sometimes overflow in the oven. Due to the bubbling nature of hot fruit, sometimes your pie can overflow in the oven. To prevent a smoking, stinking oven, place your pie on a rimmed baking sheet before sliding it all in the oven. Any drips will be caught in the pan and not fall to the bottom of the oven where they will burn and smoke. Bonus points if you line the pan with some aluminum foil. Then you don’t even have to wash the pan.

    Kids love to help you make pies. Don’t hesitate to let them help. My Gramma John’s Press In Pie Crust is super easy, even kids can do it.

    Sometimes the top crust is baked before the filling is done. If you pull it out too soon, you’ll have a drippy, soupy pie. Bleh. To allow the filling more time to bake, cover the pie with foil to prevent over browning on top.

    Cool the pie completely to allow the filling to set. As tempting as a warm piece of apple pie is, you may have a soupy, soggy mess if you cut into it too soon. Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into it. If you want warm pie, reheat it in the oven or microwave before serving.

    Make the top crust pretty. You can easily give your pie a beautiful top crust in just a few simple steps. Crimp the edges around your thumb or with a fork, create a lattice or layered cut-out top, brush the crust with a pastry wash, sprinkle it with coarse sugar. Any one or combination of these steps will make for a prettier pie.

    girl adding butter cubes to blueberry pie filling

    Best Equipment for Homemade Pies

    You don’t really need special tools for homemade pies. You could pretty much make pie dough with a bowl and a fork, but there are some things to make the process quicker and easier. 

    Here are the tools that I recommend for making homemade pies:

    • food processor or pastry blender – Either of these tools make quick work of the short dough. You can do it by hand with two knives, but I prefer my food processor.
    • large cutting board – I use this super size cutting board for a work surface for all my doughs. I can easily clean and sanitize it and move it around the kitchen.
    • rolling pin – Necessary for making homemade pie crust.
    • plastic wrap – Too much flour can make your dough tough, but too little makes it stick to your work surface. I use plastic wrap to help me roll the dough easily and transport it to the pan without tearing it. Stretch-Tite is the best, in my opinion.
    • pie plate – obviously, but some brands are better than others. I particularly like those made by USA, Pyrex, and Granite Ware.
    • liquid measure – these beakers are more accurate for liquids
    • kitchen scale – Love this one! I have had mine for over ten years. I weigh my flour instead of scooping it.

    FAQs

    Can homemade pie dough be frozen?

    Pie dough can be frozen for a later date. If you don’t get around to baking up your pie for whatever reason or want to have some pie dough on hand for spontaneous pie baking, you can freeze the unbaked dough. Wrap the round or the formed pie dish well with plastic wrap and stash it in the freezer.

    Can homemade pies be frozen?

    Many pies freeze beautifully! Fruit pies as well as savory ones freeze beautifully. Cream pies, not so much. To freeze a fruit or savory pie, wrap the unbaked pie gently but completely in heavy duty foil. Store it on a level surface in the freezer. When you’re ready to bake it, unwrap it, place it on a rimmed baking sheet (see tip #4), vent the top crust, and bake it at 425 degrees for 15 minutes. Reduce the heat to 375 and continue baking until the top is golden and the filling is hot and bubbly.

    Can homemade pies be left out?

    Pies that contain eggs or dairy should be refrigerated and never left at room temperature for longer than 2 hours. Fruit pies can be stored at room temperature, loosely covered, for up to 2 days. Consume all pies within 2 to 3 days for best taste and texture.

    overhead close up of fresh nectarine pie on glass dessert stand.

    Recommended Recipes

    We’ve rounded up all the basic recipes for both sweet and savory homemade pies, including pie crust recipes and recipes for pie toppings. We can’t wait to hear which ones you like the best!

    Pie Crust Recipes

    Homemade pie crust is the best! If you’re new at it, remember that it’s okay not to be picture-perfect. It’s the taste that matters.

    Homemade Pie Crust Recipe
    This easy homemade pie crust recipe comes together quickly and easily, resulting in a light and flaky crust for all your homemade pies.
    Check out this recipe
    crimped pie crust in pie plate
    Press in Pie Crust
    Making pie crust from scratch is like kid’s play when you use Gramma John’s Pie Crust recipe. It’s simple and delicious!
    Check out this recipe
    patting pie crust into pan
    Homemade Graham Cracker Pie Crust
    You don't need to rely on commercial pie crusts this season. You can make your own Homemade Graham Cracker Pie Crust, as easy as pie.
    Check out this recipe
    graham cracker crust in brown pie plate on work table.
    How to Make Chocolate Cookie Crumbs
    Chocolate cookie crumbs are a key ingredient in pies, cookie bars, and other desserts, but finding them in a box, already crumbed, is near impossible. Make your own Oreo Chocolate Cookie Crumbs quickly and easily in the food processor.
    Check out this recipe
    chocolate cookie crumbs in bowl of food processor fitted with metal blade.

    Savory Dinner Pies

    Homemade pies are great for dinner. Consider making a savory pie with turkey, chicken, lamb, beef, or even beans! Quiche can also count as a delicious dinner “pie”.

    Single Crust Pot Pie Recipe
    This Single Crust Pot Pie comes together quickly, particularly if you’ve got holiday leftovers. Be sure to add it to the rotation for this holiday season.
    Check out this recipe
    spoon in dish of pot pie
    Black Bean Pot Pie
    Consider the pot pie. But instead of meat and gravy, fill it with beans and cheese and salsa. So delicious and freezer friendly, too!
    Check out this recipe
    cut open black bean pot pie
    Easy Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
    Chicken Pot Pie is a sure-fire favorite! Flaky, buttery crust surrounds chicken, vegetables, and a delectable homemade gravy for delicious comfort food.
    Check out this recipe
    pot pie next to plate of green beans
    Turkey Pot Pie with Easy Biscuit Topping
    Turkey, vegetables, and gravy make a luscious filling for an easy biscuit topping in this simple turkey pot pie.
    Check out this recipe
    Turkey Pot Pie with Easy Biscuit Topping | Good Cheap Eats
    Shepherd’s Pie with Cheddar Mash Recipe
    Shepherd’s Pie is a hearty, filling dish featuring meat, vegetables, and gravy under a fluffy bed of mashed potatoes. Bake this up for some ultimate comfort food.
    Check out this recipe
    shepherd's pie ready to serve
    Quiche Florentine
    When you're looking for a simple and affordable dish to impress, look no further than Quiche Florentine, a combination of an egg custard baked in a pie crust with spinach and Swiss cheese. Not only is it utterly delicious and a wee bit fancy, but it's also vegetarian, making it a welcome addition to breakfast, lunch, or dinner!
    Check out this recipe
    Bacon Quiche with Broccoli & Cheddar
    This Bacon Quiche with Broccoli & Cheddar comes together quickly and easily, yet it feels like an elegant meal. It’s perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
    Check out this recipe
    bacon quiche in pie plate with stack of plates and red napkin
    Ham and Gruyere Quiche with Leeks
    This quiche, rich with ham, Gruyere Cheese, and Leeks will make any breakfast, lunch, or dinner shine.
    Check out this recipe
    A slice of Quiche on a plate

    Dessert Pies

    Dessert pies are a sweet ending to any meal. Offering more than one option will make you a very popular person.

    Marshmallow Pie
    This Easy Marshmallow Pie is a no-bake dream with a crunchy nut crust and a marshmallow creme, whipped cream, and toffee candy filling. This dessert is a delicious freezer pie, perfect for the holidays!
    Check out this recipe
    overhead shot of two plates of marshmallow pie next to the full pie.
    Fresh Nectarine Pie Recipe
    This Fresh Nectarine Pie comes together quickly with an easy graham cracker crust, cream cheese filling, and fresh sliced nectarines.
    Check out this recipe
    overhead closeup of nectarine pie.
    Pumpkin Pie with Chocolate
    Mix things up this season with a Pumpkin Pie with Chocolate. It's rich and creamy and chocolatey — and practically fool proof!
    Check out this recipe
    sideview of a slice of pumpkin pie with chocolate on a white plate with whipped cream on top.
    Slab Apple Pie with Easy Crumb Top
    This easy to prepare slab apple pie takes just minutes. It’s delicious and simple, and a huge hit for fall.
    Check out this recipe
    square of apple pie on white plate topped with whipped cream.
    Mixed Berry Pie
    A trio of berries in the filling and cinnamon and lemon zest in the crust make for a practically perfect Mixed Berry Pie.
    Check out this recipe
    white dessert plate with a slice of mixed berry pie and a dollop of whipped cream and a fork.
    Easy Blueberry Pie with Frozen Blueberries
    Bake someone happy with this easy blueberry pie made with frozen blueberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and butter.
    Check out this recipe
    blueberry pie with a golden crust of hearts on white and blue towel.
    Homemade Chocolate Cream Pie
    Ditch the frozen pie crust and boxed pudding mixes. You can make a Homemade Chocolate Cream Pie without breaking the bank.
    Check out this recipe
    sideview of chocolate cream pie
    Lemon Meringue Pie Recipe
    Homemade Lemon Meringue Pie is not complicated to make, but it feels like a million dollars. It’s tart and sweet, buttery and creamy, a perfect pie to celebrate a special occasion or enjoy any day.
    Check out this recipe
    lemon meringue pie
    Gramma John’s Blue Ribbon Apple Pie
    Gramma John’s Blue Ribbon Apple Pie is one of the simplest desserts that packs the biggest punch in flavor and texture. Make one today!
    Check out this recipe
    apple pie on checked cloth with plates and forks
    Sorbet & Ice Cream Pie with Chocolate Ganache
    Blood orange sorbet, vanilla ice cream, and chocolate ganache come together so nicely in this easy and delicious ice cream pie.
    Check out this recipe
    A piece of sorbet pie on plate with fork
    Streusel Topped Pumpkin Pie Recipe
    This pie has a graham cracker crust and a crunchy, sweet, nutty top, which offset the smooth custard and make for a great combination.
    Check out this recipe
    A close up of a pumpkin pie
    Oatmeal Pie from Dinner in 321
    Rolled oats, pecans, and coconut make for a delicious and out of the ordinary dessert pie. It’s super easy, sweet and perfect for sharing with your friends.
    Check out this recipe
    Oatmeal Pie from Dinner in 321
    French Silk Pie from SueBee Homemaker
    This French Silk Pie starts with a graham cracker crust and is topped with an airy chocolate layer plus whipping cream and shaved chocolate. It’s silky, light-tasting, and chocolaty; and my favorite pie ever. We save this one for special celebrations at our home!
    Check out this recipe
    French Silk Pie from SueBee Homemaker
    Coconut Cream Pie from House of Nash Eats
    This delicious Coconut Cream Pie recipe is filled with creamy homemade custard topped with lots of fresh whipped cream and toasted coconut!
    Check out this recipe
    Coconut Cream Pie from House of Nash Eats
    Key Lime Pie from Salt & Baker
    This Key Lime Pie Recipe is creamy, sweet and tart! The sweetened condensed milk and sour cream give this traditional pie a depth of flavor.
    Check out this recipe
    Key Lime Pie from Salt & Baker
    Pecan Pie from Devour Dinner
    I love how easy Pecan Pie is to make. It’s one of those recipes that seems hard, but in minutes you can whip up this recipe and bake it for a fun dessert.
    Check out this recipe
    Pecan Pie from Devour Dinner
    Sweet Potato Pie from Fresh April Flours
    This homemade sweet potato pie is perfectly sweetened with brown sugar and spiced with the flavors you love in fall.
    Check out this recipe
    Sweet Potato Pie from Fresh April Flours
    No Bake Peanut Butter Pie from The First Year Blog
    No Bake Peanut Butter Pie is an easy no bake dessert to make for any occasion! Reese’s pie can be made with an oreo crust or graham cracker crust.
    Check out this recipe
    No Bake Peanut Butter Pie from The First Year Blog

    Pie Toppings

    Depending on the type of homemade pie you make, you may want to garnish it with a homemade pie topping, such as whipped cream, ice cream, or a fruit or chocolate sauce.

    Stable Whipped Cream
    Stable Whipped Cream lasts a little longer than the regular kind so that you can prep your desserts in advance and not worry about them drooping.
    Check out this recipe
    Chocolate Whipped Cream
    Chocolate Whipped Cream is that extra special touch you can add to simple desserts and hot drinks to take them over the top! This simple recipe contains just three ingredients and features a natural sweetener. 
    Check out this recipe
    swirls of chocolate whipped cream on french toast.
    Simple Vanilla Ice Cream
    Simple Vanilla Ice Cream is a delight. Made with only four ingredients, it tastes so much better than store-bought.
    Check out this recipe
    a dish of vanilla ice cream
    Raspberry Sauce Recipe
    Enjoy this quick and easy raspberry sauce with pancakes, waffles, and a number of desserts. It comes together in a flash, making it a great last-minute dessert.
    Check out this recipe
    pitcher of Raspberry sauce
    Chocolate Syrup Recipe
    Make as much or as little chocolate syrup as you need! This homemade Chocolate Syrup recipe comes together with just 4 ingredients in about 10 minutes.
    Check out this recipe
    two bottles of chocolate syrup on a plaid mat.
    slice of pumpkin pie with chocolate chips and whipped cream on a white plate with a fork.

    Tell us what you think!

    We love to hear your experiences with Good Cheap Eats. Click the STARS on the recipe card or leave a STARRED comment to let us know what you think of the recipe.

    This post was originally published on March 10, 2019. It has been updated for content and clarity.

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