I consider myself quite lucky to have grown up with a Grandma who knew how to bake the best pie.
From the homemade filling to the flaky crust, my Grandma Metzger had a real gift when it came to baking just about any kind of pie.
I spent my childhood summers on my Grandparent’s farm in Indiana. That’s where I learned so much about cooking and baking! My grandma’s techniques and tricks were simple, but they always delivered delicious results.
Related: 15 Homemade Cake Recipes I Love to Make
Grandma taught me how to bake and frost a cake, make homemade bread, and roast a chicken. She instilled in me the basics of how to create a hearty casserole and she even shared her secret to the most incredible mashed potatoes! Tip: you MUST salt the water!
But sadly, even with all of the wonderful recipes and techniques she taught me, I never asked her how to make a pie crust. Can you believe it? She won blue ribbons for her pies at the county fair and I never asked her… I guess I realized I could never make one as good as her!
I certainly enjoyed my fair share of my Grandma’s pie recipes. And although I don’t have her special pie crust recipe, I’ve figured out how to make do with my own recipes and methods. Take a look at my secret!
My Easy Go-To Pie Crust Recipe
I like to think that the star of the pie is the filling. That’s why I like to keep my crust-making as easy as possible!
One of my favorite crus recipes is from Live Well, Bake Often.
It’s an adapted recipe from Better Homes and Gardens and it’s super easy to make! Plus, it comes out flaky each time.
The key when it comes to a good pie crust is that everything should be COLD. The flour, the bowl, the butter, the shortening, and the water. COLD is key! Don’t add too much water and don’t add too much flour when rolling out the dough.
Funny, my Grandma didn’t technically teach me how to make a pie crust… but I remember watching her. She followed the exact same rules so I guess I learned more than I realized!
Pre-Made Pie Crust Perfection
If you’re super busy or you aren’t interested in making your own pie crust, then I highly recommend using a Marie Callender’s crust from the frozen section of your grocery store.
Talk about flaky! Soooo good.
I grew up going to the Marie Callender’s restaurants in California and they always displayed a huge board of the “pies of the day.” It was pure pie heaven!
The Best Pies For The Holidays
If you keep reading, you’ll find a roundup of my favorite pie recipes for you, your family, and your friends. I hope the collection helps holiday baking a little bit easier!
Remember, pie isn’t just for the holidays… so if you want to make one of these pies just because it’s a Tuesday in January, then I say “Eat pie and carry on!” Life is too short not to enjoy a slice of pie.
Traditional Pies To Enjoy
There’s something about a warm, tasty pie that brings everyone together.
And if you have a classic at the table, everyone’s bound to enjoy it! Below, you can find a few favorites from my own kitchen.
This pecan pie recipe is my husband’s FAVORITE!
I call it my Historic Maine Inn Pecan Pie because I first tried it at an inn in Maine with my parents. We bought a few slices when we were on a family trip and we all loved it! Luckily, the owner of the inn shared the recipe.
Another classic is apple pie, but my take on it is a little different.
This pie is filled with a delicately spiced filling and crisp apples. It’s also topped with a crumbly streusel topping!
But perhaps the reason this pie is so good lies in the secret ingredient… sour cream! It may sound a bit odd but it makes ALL the difference!
While a classic pumpkin pie is always a favorite of mine, here’s a way to take it over the top.
Instead of a plain pumpkin filling, my pumpkin cheesecake pie is layered with cheesecake, pumpkin AND chocolate. Yes… chocolate!
Trust me, when you try this one you may never go back to the original!
Easy No-Bake Pies
Who doesn’t love the idea of a no-bake dessert? These pies are a decadent way to end any meal and you don’t have to pop them in the oven!
Plus, a citrus flavor is always a wonderful way to cleanse the palate after a heavy feast.
Imagine the tang of lemon, slightly softened by the creaminess of white chocolate and a blueberry burst to finish it off.
Do I have your attention?
This lemon blueberry pie takes less than 5 minutes to make and it’s refreshing year-round!
And if you’re a key-lime fan, then this easy, no-bake version is sure to be a satisfying treat anytime the craving strikes!
I love to make this white chocolate key lime pie into little individual desserts. They look so pretty to serve!
And for the fruit pie lover, this lattice-top raspberry pie is a delicious treat in the winter months.
Served slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream? Oh… there’s nothing better!
Pie Baking Essentials
I enjoy sharing my love of baking with others. Be it a cookbook, a new pie dish or a cute set of measuring cups, it’s always fun to pass along something you love to someone you love!
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If you take a look at the collage below, you’ll find some of my favorite baking essentials I’ve discovered. I’m always on the lookout for things to share with you and I hope you find these picks helpful!
Just click on the pictures to see and learn more about the items.
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As you start putting together your holiday menus, I hope one of my pie recipes makes it to your table. I’d love to know which one you’d choose… or which one sounds most delicious to start with!
From my holiday kitchen to yours,
Jill
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