When it comes to celebrating National Pi Day on March 14th, there are many ways to indulge in a delicious pie. While pizza places may have their own special deals and offers, I’m more interested in sharing some sweet and fruity pie recipes with you! From classic apple pies to decadent chocolate and cherry combinations, the possibilities are endless. In fact, I’ve curated a list of 30 sensational spring pie recipes that cater to all tastes.
Whether you prefer your pies fruity, creamy, or indulgently sweet, there’s something for everyone on this Pi Day treat menu. Be warned: as I explore these recipes, I might just find myself falling in love with multiple flavors – after all, variety is the spice of life!
Tomato Pie
As I take a brief interlude from indulging in sweet treats, I’m thrilled to share with you this savory masterpiece – a harmonious union of juicy tomatoes, flaky pie crust, and a golden, cheesy topping that’s sure to impress. This particular recipe differs from traditional quiche, which means you won’t have to fret about a soggy bottom.
Instead, the creamy mayo, melted cheese, and tender tomato slices come together in perfect harmony, creating a satisfying and filling meal that’s ideal for both lunch and dinner.
Pineapple Pie
Looking to shake things up this Pi Day? Why not try something new and exciting with a pineapple pie? While you may be familiar with apple, rhubarb, and blueberry pies, the sweet and tangy flavor of pineapple is definitely worth exploring. To get started, you’ll need to reduce the juice content of your pineapple by cooking it down until it’s nice and thick. Once you’ve achieved this, you can move on to assembling your pie.
For an extra-special touch, consider topping it with a crumble made from sugar, butter, flour, and toasted coconut, rather than the traditional double-crust method.
Caramel Pear Pie
My love for caramel knows no bounds – it’s the perfect addition to any dessert. The sweet, sticky flavor has a way of elevating even the most ordinary treats to new heights. In fact, I’m convinced that every dessert would be better with a drizzle of caramel. When it comes to this particular pie recipe, you’ll want to make sure your crust is perfectly pre-baked or cooked on a pizza stone to ensure the bottom gets the heat it needs.
And let’s not forget to add some fresh fruit and, of course, plenty of caramel to create a truly indulgent treat.
Dark Chocolate Tart
The allure of chocolate tarts lies in their refined appearance, which belies the simplicity of their preparation. A little-known secret is that achieving a silky smooth finish requires minimal effort, with the ganache doing most of the work. The key is to let it settle and refrain from interfering – allowing nature to take its course.
Mango Tart (Gluten Free, Paleo & Vegan)
Achieving a stunning rose-patterned tart has never been easier! The key to pulling off this Instagram-worthy masterpiece is all about precision and patience. With just a few simple steps, you’ll be impressing friends and family alike with your newfound culinary skills.
The secret to achieving the iconic rose effect lies in slicing your mangoes into thin strips, then carefully working your way outward from the center.
It may take a little practice to get the hang of it, but trust us – once you do, this tart will become your go-to signature dish!
Banana Cream Pie (Vegan + GF)
Banana cream pie is another indulgence I find impossible to resist. The velvety texture and the irresistible allure of banana have me hooked every time. To veganize this classic, you’ll create a light and airy pudding using cornstarch, sugar, almond milk, and vanilla extract. This mixture will then be gently folded with whipped coconut cream to achieve a sumptuous and creamy finish.
Fresh Strawberry Pie Recipe
For those who find traditional strawberry pies too soft, this fresh take is a game-changer. By combining juicy strawberries with a tangy jello filling, we’ve achieved the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. And if you’re looking to prepare ahead of time, a clever trick is to pre-bake your crust, let it cool, and then brush it with melted chocolate – this will prevent any excess moisture from seeping in and compromising the texture.
Triple Berry Pie
We’ve all been there – stocking up on mixed berries during sales, intending to whip up smoothies or baked goods, only for them to languish in the freezer for months. But fear not! This delectable recipe is the perfect solution to use up those frozen berries, and with a store-bought pie crust, you can have a delicious treat ready in no time.
Fresh Apricot Pie
For a sweet treat that’s not as sugary as peach pie, consider making an apricot pie instead. Apricots share some similarities with peaches, but have a slightly tangier flavor profile. This tartness is actually a bonus when it comes to baking, as the chunky texture of apricots adds a delightful contrast to the smooth filling. Plus, their natural sweetness makes them a great choice for those who prefer less sugary desserts.
Blackberry Pie
Blackberries are often underrated, but they’re truly a standout fruit. Their unique blend of tartness and texture is reminiscent of raspberries, with a delightful complexity that sets them apart. The berries’ striking appearance, with their deep purple hue, is just as impressive as the flavor profile. If you come across blackberries at your local market or grocery store, consider treating yourself to a bag – they’re well worth the indulgence!
Old Fashioned, Traditional Saskatoon Pie
While Saskatoon berries may appear similar to blueberries at first glance, they’re actually more closely aligned with apples in terms of their botanical classification. This unique combination of sweet and tart flavors is often complemented by a subtle nutty note that many enthusiasts find irresistible. Primarily native to Canada, these delectable berries are certainly worth exploring if you have the opportunity.
No-Bake Frozen Chocolate Raspberry Pie
To create this dessert, follow these steps: first, prepare a simple raspberry puree. Next, combine cream cheese and powdered sugar to make a faux-cheesecake mix that’s sure to impress on its own. However, it’s when you incorporate cooled, melted chocolate into the mix that things get really interesting. By folding in the chocolate at this stage, you’ll achieve a delightful streaked effect throughout the filling, adding an extra layer of texture and visual appeal.
Vegan Coconut Cream Pie
For those who can’t get enough of that tropical flavor, this pie is a must-try. Coconut enthusiasts, rejoice! This decadent dessert boasts an abundance of coconut goodness – from the crust to the pudding filling, whipped topping, and even topped with toasted coconut flakes for added indulgence.
Easy Cold Brew Coffee Pie
As an aficionado of cold brew coffee, the allure of this dessert was undeniable. The subtle nuances of its creamy texture and rich flavor profile perfectly harmonized with my taste buds. To elevate the dish further, I chose chocolate chip cookies as the crust, which added a delightful lightness to the overall presentation. And, naturally, I couldn’t resist the temptation to conclude the experience with a velvety drizzle of caramel, expertly balancing the sweetness and indulgence.
Brownie Pie
Indulge in this decadent recipe at your own risk – you’ve been warned! The harmonious fusion of buttery pie crust and fudgy, chocolatey brownie is a match made in heaven. While the original combination is already irresistible, don’t be surprised if you find yourself returning to the Graham cracker crust variation just as often.
Crustless Summer Zucchini Pie
When it comes to satisfying the savory cravings of my guests, I find myself reaching for another tried-and-true favorite: crustless zucchini pie. This addition allows me to cater to those who prefer a more savory taste profile, rather than indulging in sweet treats like I often do. In fact, quiche is a staple at almost every gathering I host, whether it’s a cheese and bacon, tomato, or zucchini-themed affair – and it never fails to be a crowd-pleaser.
To ensure the best possible outcome, it’s essential to properly drain your zucchini, as its natural moisture can quickly turn your quiche into a soggy mess if left unchecked.
Root Beer Float Pie
The nostalgia-inducing charm of root beer floats is long overdue for a revival! This delectable no-bake pie revives the classic flavors we fondly remember – rich, sweet root beer harmonizing with creamy vanilla ice cream – all nestled within a buttery graham cracker crust. To elevate the taste experience, I strongly suggest utilizing root beer extract if it’s available.
Alternatively, reduce some root beer by simmering it gently with an added touch of sugar until it reaches a syrupy consistency, then incorporate it into the mix.
Southern Buttermilk Chess Pie Recipe
Southern lemon pie is renowned for its harmonious balance of sweet, tangy, creamy, and citrusy flavors. The velvety filling, reminiscent of custard, demands a blind-baking approach to ensure the crust cooks thoroughly. To achieve this signature texture, cornmeal is incorporated into the recipe. While it doesn’t result in a gritty consistency, the subtle graininess subtly enhances the overall character.
Blueberry Pie Recipe
The sweetness of blueberry pie is a siren’s call to me – one slice is never enough. If left alone with the leftovers, don’t be surprised if they disappear entirely, leaving none for anyone else. The combination of a buttery crust and a filling that’s bursting with plump berries is a match made in heaven. I’m a stickler for my fillings being on the thicker side, so I take the extra step to pre-cook the fruit with sugar and flour before baking.
This subtle tweak yields a glossy finish and ensures each slice is nothing short of perfect.
Rhubarb Pie
One of the standout features of this pie recipe is undoubtedly the crumble topping – not just for this specific pie, but for many others as well. It’s incredibly convenient and eliminates the need to worry about crafting a flawless pie crust. The crumble topping offers a delightful textural contrast to the tender filling, making it a crowd-pleaser. Rhubarb itself is an intriguing ingredient, boasting both sweet and tart qualities, which are further accentuated by its vibrant appearance.
While I find that fresh rhubarb can be slightly overpowering in terms of its tartness, the addition of strawberries helps to strike a perfect balance. The sweetness from the strawberries beautifully complements the natural tanginess of the rhubarb, resulting in a harmonious blend of flavors.
Chocolate Pecan Pie
Indulge in the quintessential sweetness of pecan pie, where the rich, buttery flavors of the nuts meld seamlessly with the comforting filling. For a decadent twist, consider adding a drizzle of dark or semi-sweet chocolate to elevate the experience. The key is to balance the sugar content of the pecan filling by selecting a darker chocolate variant, allowing your sweet tooth to take the reins and guide you towards pure bliss.
Pumpkin Pie
While we often associate pumpkin pie with fall festivities, there’s no reason it can’t be enjoyed throughout the year. To make that possible, I suggest taking advantage of pumpkin season by stocking up! Start by purchasing a few pumpkins and preparing them for future use. Simply peel, cut, cook, and mash them up, then store the puree in your freezer. This way, you’ll have the perfect base for homemade pumpkin pie whenever the craving strikes.
Apple Pie Recipe with the Best Filling
When it comes to crafting the perfect apple pie filling, opinions can vary greatly. For some, the ideal combination is a blend of thinly sliced apples and a generous drizzle of caramel, while others may shudder at such a suggestion. But for those seeking a traditional take on this classic dessert, there are certain guidelines that can serve as a solid starting point.
A well-balanced filling should feature sweet apples in harmony with warm spices like cinnamon, culminating in a cozy and comforting finish. Granny Smith apples are often a reliable choice, their tartness tempered by the baking process, while others may prefer to mix and match different varieties for a unique flavor profile.
Millionaire Pie
This decadent dessert is aptly named ‘Million Bucks Pie’ due to its indulgent appearance and flavor profile. What’s more, it’s a relatively swift recipe to prepare, making it an ideal solution for when you’re in a time crunch. I’ve experimented with both graham cracker and Oreo crusts, finding that each yielded exceptional results. While the latter added an intense layer of flavor, I countered this by incorporating sweet raspberries into the mix.
Vegan Chocolate Cream Pie (No Tofu!)
While some people may be hesitant to try vegan options due to their association with tofu, this chocolate pie is a game-changer. Made without any tofu in sight, the filling is silky-smooth and remarkably creamy, defying expectations of what a dairy-free dessert can be. To achieve this, you’ll need to select a vegan-friendly chocolate – many dark chocolate varieties fit the bill, as they don’t contain milk. The crust, too, can be easily customized for added texture.
I recommend using a vegan and gluten-free shortbread crust for a delightful crumbly contrast.
No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie
Peanut butter pie is an indulgent treat that exceeds expectations. With its perfect balance of nutty, sweet, and creamy flavors, it’s a quick dessert option ready in just 20 minutes. The addition of Oreo cookie crumbs adds an extra layer of richness, while a drizzle of salted caramel takes it to the next level.
Cherry Pie
The cherry pie is another showstopper in this collection, with its vibrant filling and inviting appearance. A key step in achieving this visual appeal is cooking the filling beforehand, which guarantees a rich and velvety texture. When it comes to the cherries themselves, I prefer using canned varieties for their convenience, but fresh cherries work beautifully too. To add some depth and interest to the pie, I like to combine both dark and light cherry varieties in a delightful medley.
Vegan Key Lime Pie
As my quest for the ultimate Key lime pie continued, I stumbled upon a phenomenal vegan recipe that compelled me to share. What struck me as particularly remarkable was the possibility of crafting one’s own vegan condensed milk, a crucial component in traditional Key lime pies. This revelation proved to be a groundbreaking discovery, elevating the overall flavor and texture of the dessert.
The combination of this homemade condensate with coconut creme yields a luscious, velvety filling that is so convincing, I’m confident many will be oblivious to its vegan origins.
Vegan Lemon Meringue Pie
As the popularity of using aquafaba in vegan desserts continues to grow, I found myself torn between skepticism and intrigue. The notion that a liquid extracted from canned chickpeas could mimic the lightness and stability of traditional egg-based meringues seemed too good (or bad?) to be true. But, as it turns out, aquafaba’s high protein content makes it an ideal substitute for eggs in whipping up vegan meringue-like textures.
Peach Pie
There’s no denying my enthusiasm for crumble toppings, as I’ve mentioned before. A butter-based crumble topping, comprised of a simple mixture of butter, sugar, and flour, offers a delightful contrast in texture – golden and crunchy on the surface, tender beneath. Its sweetness and richness make it an effortless addition to your pies, requiring only a gentle piling of fruit on top. That being said, I do appreciate the charm of lattice-topped pies, despite their time-consuming nature.
The payoff is undeniable, with a visually appealing crust that adds an extra layer of sophistication to your baked goods.