Pies are the ultimate comfort food—flaky crusts, sweet or savory fillings, and that irresistible homemade charm.
Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned baker looking for quick wins, easy pie recipes are a fantastic way to whip up something impressive without spending hours in the kitchen. From classic fruit pies to no-bake wonders, this article will walk you through a collection of simple pie recipes that deliver big on flavor with minimal effort. Grab your apron, preheat your oven (or not!), and let’s get baking—or chilling, as the case may be.
In this guide, we’ll cover five easy pie recipes: Classic Apple Pie, No-Bake Chocolate Cream Pie, Simple Pumpkin Pie, Quick Blueberry Pie, and a Savory Chicken Pot Pie for those who prefer something hearty. Each recipe includes a list of ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips to ensure success. By the end, you’ll have a repertoire of pies perfect for any occasion—holidays, potlucks, or just a cozy night in.
1. Classic Apple Pie
Nothing beats the timeless appeal of an apple pie with its cinnamon-spiced filling and golden crust. This version simplifies the process without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 package (2 crusts) refrigerated pie dough (store-bought for ease)
- 6 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (optional, for topping)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Let the refrigerated pie dough sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften slightly.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice. Add sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg, mixing until the apples are evenly coated.
- Assemble the Pie: Roll out one pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish. Pour the apple mixture into the crust, mounding it slightly in the center. Dot the top with butter pieces.
- Top the Pie: Roll out the second crust and place it over the filling. Trim excess dough, then crimp the edges with a fork or your fingers to seal. Cut a few slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
- Bake: Brush the top crust with the beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired. Bake for 45-50 minutes, until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly. If the edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil.
- Cool and Serve: Let the pie cool for at least 2 hours before slicing to allow the filling to set. Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Tips: Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for a balanced flavor. Store-bought crusts save time, but if you’re feeling ambitious, a homemade butter crust takes it to the next level.
2. No-Bake Chocolate Cream Pie
For a rich, velvety dessert that requires no oven, this no-bake chocolate cream pie is a winner. It’s quick, decadent, and perfect for warm days.
Ingredients:
- 1 pre-made graham cracker crust (9-inch)
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip) or homemade whipped cream
- Chocolate shavings or sprinkles (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Melt the Chocolate: In a medium saucepan, heat ½ cup of the heavy cream over medium heat until it simmers (don’t boil). Remove from heat and stir in the chocolate chips until fully melted and smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Whip the Cream: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to whip the remaining 1 cup of heavy cream with sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.
- Combine: Gently fold the cooled chocolate mixture into the whipped cream until fully incorporated, keeping it light and fluffy.
- Fill the Crust: Spoon the chocolate mixture into the graham cracker crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Chill: Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until set.
- Decorate and Serve: Before serving, spread whipped topping over the pie and garnish with chocolate shavings or sprinkles if desired. Slice and enjoy!
Tips: For a twist, add a layer of sliced bananas or peanut butter before pouring in the chocolate filling. Keep it chilled until the last moment for the best texture.
3. Simple Pumpkin Pie
A fall favorite that’s surprisingly easy to make, this pumpkin pie uses a handful of pantry staples for a creamy, spiced treat.
Ingredients:
- 1 refrigerated pie crust (9-inch)
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Whipped cream (for serving)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Heat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Fit the pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish and crimp the edges.
- Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, eggs, evaporated milk, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt until smooth.
- Fill and Bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared crust. Bake at 425°F for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 40-50 minutes, until the center is set (a slight jiggle is okay).
- Cool: Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack, about 2-3 hours.
- Serve: Slice and top with whipped cream for a classic finish.
Tips: Blind-bake the crust for 10 minutes with pie weights if you prefer a crispier base. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
4. Quick Blueberry Pie
This pie uses fresh or frozen blueberries for a vibrant, juicy filling that comes together in a snap.
Ingredients:
- 1 refrigerated pie crust (9-inch)
- 4 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish.
- Make the Filling: In a bowl, mix blueberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and zest until the berries are coated.
- Assemble: Pour the blueberry mixture into the crust and dot with butter. For a rustic look, fold the edges over the filling, or use a second crust for a traditional top (cut slits for steam).
- Bake: Brush the crust with egg wash and bake for 35-40 minutes, until the filling bubbles and the crust is golden.
- Cool and Serve: Let it cool for at least an hour before slicing. Pair with vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
Tips: If using frozen berries, no need to thaw—just increase baking time by 10 minutes. A lattice top adds flair without much effort.
5. Savory Chicken Pot Pie
For a hearty, savory option, this chicken pot pie uses shortcuts like rotisserie chicken and frozen veggies.
Ingredients:
- 1 package (2 crusts) refrigerated pie dough
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie works great)
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Heat to 375°F (190°C). Fit one crust into a 9-inch pie dish.
- Mix the Filling: In a bowl, combine shredded chicken, frozen veggies, cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble: Spoon the filling into the crust. Top with the second crust, seal the edges, and cut slits in the top.
- Bake: Brush with egg wash and bake for 35-45 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Let it cool for 10-15 minutes before digging in.
Tips: Swap in leftover turkey post-Thanksgiving, or add fresh herbs like thyme for extra flavor.
Tips for Pie-Making Success
- Crust Confidence: Store-bought dough is a lifesaver, but keep it cold until use for flakiness.
- Filling Fixes: If your fruit pie filling seems runny, add an extra tablespoon of cornstarch or flour.
- Cooling is Key: Let pies rest to set the filling—patience pays off!
- Storage: Fruit and pumpkin pies keep at room temp for a day, then refrigerate. No-bake pies stay chilled.
Conclusion
Pies don’t have to be intimidating. With these easy recipes—Classic Apple, No-Bake Chocolate Cream, Simple Pumpkin, Quick Blueberry, and Savory Chicken Pot Pie—you can create crowd-pleasing desserts or dinners with minimal fuss. Whether you’re craving something sweet or savory, there’s a pie here for every mood and skill level. So, roll up your sleeves, pick a recipe, and treat yourself to the joy of a homemade pie. Happy baking—or chilling!
