20 Old-Fashioned Pies That Deserve More Attention Than Apple Pie
There's a Whole World of Pie Beyond Apples
Apple pie might be the classic American dessert, but it's hardly the only pie worth saving room for. Long before modern bakeries filled their displays with trendy desserts, home cooks were making all kinds of wonderful pies using seasonal fruit, pantry staples, nuts, and rich homemade fillings. Some were once regular features at family gatherings and holiday dinners, while others have slowly disappeared from everyday baking. If you've been relying on apple pie for every occasion, these old-fashioned favorites might convince you to try something different.
1. Shoofly Pie
This is a must-try if you're ever in PA! Shoofly pie is loaded with molasses, brown sugar, and a buttery crumb. Some versions have a gooey bottom layer, while others are baked until the filling is more cake-like throughout. It's particularly delicious with a cup of coffee, which is probably why it became such a popular breakfast treat in Pennsylvania.
2. Sour Cherry Pie
If you haven't tried sour cherry pie, it's time to put it on your to-do list. It's filled with sour cherries, and when combined with sugar, they create a nice mix of sweet and sour. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and you might find yourself wondering why you don't see this pie more often.
3. Buttermilk Pie
Another great Southern recipe that uses very cheap ingredients to make an amazing-tasting pie. It's a custard-type pie made with buttermilk, eggs, sugar, butter, and vanilla. It's an excellent option when you want a homemade dessert without having to spend half the afternoon preparing complicated fillings.
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4. Gooseberry Pie
This used to be a very popular summer pie, mainly in England and areas where gooseberries grow. Because gooseberries have such a strong taste, they're usually boiled down with sugar to give the pie that sweet flavor while still retaining a bit of tang. If you enjoy fruit desserts that aren't overwhelmingly sweet, this old-fashioned favorite is worth rediscovering.
5. Chess Pie
This is one of those recipes that uses basic ingredients to create an amazing dessert. Usually, eggs, butter, sugar, and cornmeal are used to create this pie. Some recipes add vinegar or lemon. After it's done baking, it has a thin skin on top but is custardy on the inside.
6. Green Tomato Pie
When homemakers were running out of produce at the end of the summer, they thought of using their green tomatoes to make this pie. Cutting them up with sugar, cinnamon, and sometimes lemon juice creates a nice fruit pie flavor. It's also a wonderful example of how traditional baking made use of ingredients that might otherwise have gone to waste.
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7. Raisin Pie
You can probably find all of the ingredients in this pie in your kitchen today. It's made with raisins, sugar, and some spices, and maybe some lemon or vinegar to keep it from being too sweet. It might not have the most exciting name, but this vintage dessert has earned its place in American baking history.
8. Lemon Chess Pie
Like its cousin above, this pie adds the bright flavor of lemon. Using lemon juice and zest, it pairs nicely with butter, sugar, and eggs. Once it's cooked, you'll get a nice topping on your lemon pie. For anyone who enjoys lemon desserts but finds traditional custard pies a little too heavy, this version is an excellent choice.
9. Black Bottom Pie
Very popular during the early 1900s, you'll usually see black bottom pie in restaurants and homes. It consists of chocolate custard pie filling and is usually topped with cream. It's a little more involved than some of the other pies on this list, but the finished dessert looks impressive enough for a special occasion.
10. Concord Grape Pie
If you live near the PA area or in New York's Finger Lakes region, this pie will be more familiar to you. Concord grapes give off that rich grape flavor and leave you with a delicious pie. The finished pie has a rich purple filling that makes it stand out from more familiar fruit desserts.
11. Vinegar Pie
Another staple in many homes is vinegar pie. It's made using sugar, butter, eggs, and vinegar. Although the name doesn't sound particularly appetizing, the vinegar simply provides acidity, so the finished pie tastes much sweeter and more delicate than you might expect.
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12. Mince Pie
Traditional mince pie has a much longer history than many people realize, dating back to medieval European cooking. Today, you'll mostly find apples, raisins, and a variety of spices used to make this filling. Often, these pies will also contain a small amount of suet.
13. Black Walnut Pie
Similar to pecan pie, but made with black walnuts, this pie is found in many areas of the Midwest. The walnuts give your pie a strong flavor that pairs perfectly with brown sugar and butter. Their slightly bitter edge also helps balance the sweetness of the filling. If you enjoy nut-based desserts, this is one vintage recipe that deserves considerably more recognition.
14. Sweet Potato Pie
A staple in many Southern states during the holidays, this pie is made with mashed sweet potatoes, butter, and eggs to create a light filling. It's one of many pies that should be enjoyed around Thanksgiving and Christmas. Although pumpkin often gets more attention during the holidays, sweet potato pie has plenty of fans who wouldn't trade it for anything.
15. Butterscotch Pie
Butterscotch pie was once a common sight in American diners and home kitchens, but it's become considerably less familiar over the years. Its filling is made with brown sugar, butter, milk or cream, and egg yolks, creating a rich custard with a distinctive caramel-like flavor. Some recipes finish the pie with whipped cream, while others use a fluffy meringue topping. It's a wonderful choice if you enjoy caramel desserts but want something a little different from the usual chocolate or fruit options.
16. Cranberry Pie
Cranberry pie is an excellent way to use one of North America's most recognizable seasonal fruits in something other than cranberry sauce. The berries are cooked with sugar and sometimes orange zest to soften their naturally tart flavor. Once baked inside a buttery crust, the filling becomes wonderfully jammy while retaining enough acidity to keep the dessert from tasting too sweet. It's particularly fitting for autumn gatherings, although frozen cranberries make it possible to enjoy throughout the year.
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17. Peanut Butter Pie
Another American favorite, peanut butter pie will leave you craving more. There are many ways to make this pie. Cream cheese and whipped topping can be your base, with crushed peanuts sprinkled on top. If you're a fan of peanut butter cups, there's a good chance this pie will become a regular request.
18. Rhubarb Pie
If you don't grow rhubarb in your garden, you may want to start! You will never get sick of making this pie. Chop up some rhubarb and add it to sugar. A traditional version uses rhubarb alone, allowing its distinctive flavor to take center stage. It's particularly enjoyable when served slightly warm, with a little vanilla ice cream on the side.
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19. Sugar Cream Pie
Hoosier pie, or sugar cream pie, is a classic Indiana pie. It's made from cream, sugar, and flour. A little cinnamon and nutmeg are often sprinkled over the top, giving it a delicate spiced finish. It's an excellent example of how simple ingredients can produce a dessert that's remained popular for generations.
20. Huckleberry Pie
These little berries can be found all over the Northwest. They taste a bit similar to blueberries but have a unique flavor of their own. After mixing with sugar, they create a dark purple filling for the pie. Finding fresh huckleberries can be difficult outside their growing regions, but that's part of what makes this old-fashioned dessert so special.
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