By BrainFall Staff - Updated: April 30, 2024
There is never a bad time for pie. Delicious pie can make or break a day for some people. You get a fantastic pie after a good meal and it elevates the entire experience. Pie crust can be flaky and delicious, or it can be made of graham cracker crust. Pie filling can be sweet or savory, and the best pie recipes are made with love and care. Not to mention, pies can come in all shapes and sizes. You can fill a pie with fruit, cheese, meats, vegetables, and plenty of other fantastic fillings.
If you’re ready to use your pie dish for another homemade pie, roll out the pie dough to see what you may want. Maybe you’re in the mood for a crumb topping. Maybe it’s just a classic pecan pie you’re after. Whatever it may be, you just have to break out the best pie recipes and start baking. Trying to figure out which pie you should make next? Take this quiz to find out.
Pie ideas
A pie is a baked good filled with either sweet or savory pie filling. Classic pies like sweet potato pie, apple pie, pecan pie, pumpkin pie, slab pie, or chicken pot pie are all options you may have had in the past. A delicious pie may be one with graham cracker crust or one with a buttery crust made from scratch. You can top a pie with homemade whipped cream, peach ice cream, vanilla ice cream, peanut butter, chocolate, fresh tart cherries, or even maple syrup. There are so many pie recipes available that anybody can make one to their liking.
There are pies you can make for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or dessert. Whether you buy a premade store crust or you make one from scratch by rolling your own dough, pie can be enjoyed by nearly anyone. Nearly any fruit you want to put into pie recipes, you can. Key lime pie, peach pie, cherry pie, blueberry pie, plum pie, pear pie, apple pie, lemon meringue pie, and pumpkin pie are all examples of fruit-filled pies. Savory pies like chicken pot pie, cheeseburger pie, shepherd's pie, and even meat-filled hand pies are all treats. Peanut butter pie or chocolate pie are examples of no-bake pie recipes.
Pie Ideas: What Kind of Pie Should I Bake?
Deciding on what kind of pie to bake can feel like choosing a favorite child, or at least, a favorite pet. We've all been there; standing in front of our pantries, the scent of potential wafting in the air, pondering whether we should stick to the classic apple or venture into the wilds of blueberry or perhaps even something with a little more pizzazz. The stakes are high—okay, maybe not life-or-death high, but certainly dinner-party reputation high.
Inside every baker is a rolling pin-wielding superhero, ready to leap tall kitchen counters in a single bound. However, even superheroes need a little inspiration from time to time. Pies are the secret sauce to our baking identity, defining our holidays, special occasions, and spontaneous Sunday suppers.
So, let's talk pie, shall we? Fruity, creamy, nutty or chocolaty, pies are the canvas for our culinary creativity. Whether we're targeting that gooey slice of pecan perfection or aiming for the tart zing of a lemon meringue, the perfect pie can be a slice of heaven. Roll up your sleeves, and let's dive into a world where flaky crusts and flavorful fillings reign supreme. If you're itching to don your apron but your pie playbook feels a few recipes short, fear not—by the end of our brainstorming session you'll be the Picasso of the pie world.
Picking Your Pie Type
We know you came here hungry for ideas and not for fluff, so let's slice straight into the delectable world of pies. Whether you're a pastry chef in the making or just looking to conquer the kitchen for a night, we have the lowdown on how to pick the pie that'll earn you the title of "Pie Whisperer."
Tradition with a Twist
So, you're thinking about going classic with an apple pie or a pumpkin pie, but why not jazz it up? Imagine biting into a cherry pie with a hint of chipotle or an apple pie topped with a crumble of sharp cheddar. You're not just making a pie; you're creating a culinary plot twist!
- Classic Twists:
- Apple pie: Add cheddar or caramel
- Pumpkin pie: Incorporate a swirl of maple syrup
- Pecan pie: Throw in some bourbon
Cream of the Crop
If fruit and nuts aren't your cup of tea, let's talk about cream pies—that's where the party's at. From the silky seduction of a chocolate cream pie to the tropical tease of a coconut cream pie, your spoon will be begging for more. And if you can't handle the oven heat, go for a no-bake pie like the beloved banana cream or the always stunning peanut butter pie.
- Creamy Favorites:
- Banana Cream Pie: Layers of banana and custard
- Chocolate Cream Pie: Rich chocolate nestled in a crumbly crust
- Coconut Cream Pie: A tropical escape with every bite
Crust, Toppings, and Secrets to Success
Before we dive into our pie-tastic adventure, remember: a pie is only as good as its crust and toppings. Now, let's set sail on the sweet seas of pie perfection with some crust building, topping choosing, and secret wielding!
Building the Perfect Crust
Putting together the perfect crust is like finding the other half of your soul – it's essential. We're talking about that buttery, flaky crust that shatters into a million delicious pieces with each bite. For an old-fashioned apple pie, you need a trustworthy pie dough that's both sturdy and tender. Here's a foolproof mantra: keep everything cold. The butter should be chilled, the water icy, and your touch as light as a feather.
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Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 6 to 8 tbsp ice water
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Instructions:
- Mix flour, salt, and sugar.
- Cut in the butter until pea-sized.
- Sprinkle in water, 1 tbsp at a time.
- Wrap and chill before rolling out.
Toppings That Talk
Let's chat toppings because that's where the fun really starts – they're like the pie's snazzy hat. A sweet pie might welcome a crown of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel, while chocolate pies could get drenched in rich ganache. For pie recipes to reach their apex of awesomeness, don't be shy with a sprinkle of brown sugar or a swirly, twirly peanut butter topping. These are toppings that don't just sit there; they announce their presence!
- Popular Toppings to Consider:
- Whipped Cream
- Caramel Sauce
- Chocolate Shavings
- Peanut Butter Drizzle
- A dusting of powdered sugar
Pro Tips and Tricks
Folks, here are the golden nuggets of wisdom for that "bake-off champ" status. First off, find the best pie recipe, the one that sings to your taste buds and starts a conversation. But make it easy pie recipes, because we're not trying to recreate the Sistine Chapel here. When baking, shield your crust's edges with foil to prevent over-browning. Remember to let that masterpiece cool before slicing; you wouldn't rush a genius, would you? And here's a cheeky serving suggestion: pretend you slaved for hours, even if it was a breeze.
- Checklist for Success:
- Recipe Selection: Choose flavors that excite you.
- Execution: Prevent a burnt crust and let pies cool.
- Serving Suggestions: Be theatrical when presenting your work of art.
Remember, every slice of pie is a love story, and with these steps, ours is going to be an epic one. Happy baking, fellow pie whisperers!
