When it comes to baking, pies are a classic crowd-pleaser. But let’s be real – double-crust pies can be a bit intimidating, especially for those who are new to baking or short on time. That’s why we love single crust pies! Not only do they require fewer ingredients and less effort, but they’re also just as delicious and satisfying as their double-crust counterparts.
In this article, we’ll explore 18 mouthwatering single crust pie recipes that are perfect for any occasion. From classic flavors like apple and pumpkin to more unique options like lemon meringue and sweet potato, there’s something on this list for everyone. So whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, keep reading to discover the simplicity and joy of single crust pies.
Classic Apple Pie with Single Crust
This timeless recipe yields a perfectly flaky and tender single-crust apple pie that’s sure to please any crowd. With just the right balance of sweetness and tartness, this classic dessert is a staple for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/4 cup ice-cold water
– 6-8 medium-sized apples, peeled and sliced
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt.
3. Add butter and use a pastry blender or your fingers to work it into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Gradually add water, stirring with a fork until dough forms.
5. Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
6. Place apple mixture onto the center of the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around edges.
7. Fold edges up over apples, forming a crust, and crimp to seal.
8. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
Easy Single Crust Pumpkin Pie
Easy Single Crust Pumpkin Pie Recipe
A classic pumpkin pie recipe with a twist – it’s incredibly easy and only requires one crust! Perfect for the busy baker or those who want to simplify their holiday baking.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 2 large eggs
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together heavy cream, sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger until well combined.
3. Add pumpkin puree and whisk until smooth.
4. Beat in eggs until fully incorporated.
5. Roll out pie crust to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Place crust in dish and trim edges to fit.
6. Pour filling into pie crust.
7. Bake for 15 minutes at 425°F (220°C), then reduce heat to 350°F (180°C) and bake for an additional 30-40 minutes, or until crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Single Crust Cherry Pie with Almond Streusel
A classic cherry pie gets a delightful twist with the addition of crunchy almond streusel topping, creating a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/4 cup ice-cold water
For the Filling:
– 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
– 1/3 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Streusel Topping:
– 1/2 cup sliced almonds
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Make the crust by combining flour and cold butter in a bowl; gradually add ice-cold water until dough forms.
3. Roll out crust and place in a 9-inch pie dish.
4. Prepare the filling by mixing cherries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice; pour into crust-lined pie dish.
5. Top with streusel topping (mix almonds, brown sugar, flour, and salt; add cold butter until crumbly).
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until crust is golden and filling is bubbly.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Lemon Meringue Pie with Single Crust
Brighten up your dessert table with this classic lemon meringue pie, featuring a single crust and a tangy-sweet lemon filling topped with a fluffy meringue topping.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/4 cup ice-cold water
– 2 large egg yolks
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 3 large egg whites
– Confectioners’ sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out the dough, place in a 9-inch pie dish, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
3. Mix lemon filling ingredients and pour into the crust.
4. Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce heat to 350°F (180°C) and continue baking for an additional 10-12 minutes or until crust is golden.
5. Prepare meringue topping by whipping egg whites with sugar until stiff peaks form.
6. Spread over pie and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until lightly browned.
Cooking Time: About 35-40 minutes
Single Crust Chocolate Cream Pie
Rich and decadent, this single crust chocolate cream pie is the perfect dessert for any occasion. With a flaky crust and a creamy chocolate filling, it’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/4 cup ice-cold water
– 2 cups milk
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 8 ounces high-quality dark chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Add butter and use a pastry blender or fingers to work it into the flour until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add water, stirring with a fork until dough forms.
4. Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Transfer to a 9-inch pie dish and trim edges to fit.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, heavy cream, cocoa powder, sugar, and vanilla extract. Melt chocolate chips in the microwave or over a double boiler and stir into the milk mixture until smooth.
6. Pour filling into the pie crust and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set.
Old-Fashioned Pecan Pie with Single Crust
Classic Pecan Pie with a Single Crust Recipe
This traditional Southern dessert is a staple of family gatherings and holiday meals. With its rich, gooey filling and crispy pecans, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup light corn syrup
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 large eggs
– 1 1/2 cups pecan halves
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together corn syrup, sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Beat in eggs until smooth.
4. Stir in pecan halves.
5. Roll out pie crust and place in a 9-inch pie dish.
6. Pour filling into the pie crust.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until filling is set and crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Single Crust Blueberry Pie with Lattice Top
This classic single-crust blueberry pie gets an elegant touch with a lattice-top crust, perfect for warm weather gatherings or as a dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a bowl, combine blueberries, sugar, cornstarch, and salt; let sit for 15 minutes.
3. Roll out the pie crust to fit a 9-inch pie dish; place in dish.
4. Fill with the blueberry mixture and dot with butter.
5. Roll out remaining crust to fit lattice top (about 1/8 inch thick).
6. Place strips on top of filling, weaving into a lattice pattern; brush edges with egg wash.
7. Bake for 40-50 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 40-50 minutes
Single Crust Key Lime Pie
Brighten up your dessert table with this refreshing single-crust key lime pie, perfect for warm weather gatherings or a quick treat any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 3 large egg yolks
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed key lime juice
– 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
– Whipped cream or meringue topping (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a medium bowl, mix crumbs and sugar; stir in melted butter until combined.
3. Press mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish.
4. Bake crust for 8-10 minutes or until lightly browned.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg yolks, key lime juice, and sweetened condensed milk until smooth.
6. Pour filling into baked crust and bake for an additional 15-18 minutes or until filling is set.
7. Let cool completely before serving. Top with whipped cream or meringue topping, if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 23-28 minutes
Strawberry Rhubarb Pie with Single Crust
This classic pie recipe combines the sweetness of strawberries with the tartness of rhubarb, all wrapped up in a single crust that’s easy to make. Perfect for warm weather gatherings or as a delicious dessert any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups sliced strawberries
– 1 cup sliced rhubarb
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine strawberries and rhubarb. Add sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and salt. Mix until well combined.
3. Roll out pie crust to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Fill with strawberry-rhubarb mixture and dot with melted butter.
4. Roll out remaining pie crust to form a lattice-top crust or use a store-bought crust.
5. Brush egg wash over crust and place on top of filling. Crimp edges to seal.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until crust is golden brown and filling is bubbly.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Single Crust Banana Cream Pie
A classic dessert gets a simplification boost with this single-crust banana cream pie recipe. Perfect for a cozy evening treat or a special occasion, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to make.
Ingredients:
– 1 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
– 4 large ripe bananas, sliced
– 1 cup heavy whipping cream
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out the pie crust and place it in a 9-inch pie dish.
3. Arrange the sliced bananas in the pie crust, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
4. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Add softened butter and vanilla extract; mix until combined.
5. Pour the whipped cream mixture over the bananas.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set.
7. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Single Crust Peach Pie with Cinnamon Sugar
This classic pie recipe showcases the natural sweetness of peaches, enhanced by a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. Perfect for warm weather gatherings or a cozy night in, this single crust peach pie is sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 3-4 ripe peaches, sliced
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 1 tablespoon cinnamon sugar (see note)
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add cold butter; use a pastry blender or fingers to work into a crumbly mixture.
3. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Place in a 9-inch pie dish, trimming edges to fit.
4. Arrange peach slices in the pie crust, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
5. Sprinkle cornstarch and cinnamon sugar over the peaches.
6. Fold the crust’s edges up over the filling, pressing gently to seal.
7. Brush with beaten egg for a golden glaze.
8. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
Note: To make cinnamon sugar, mix 1 tablespoon granulated sugar and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon in a small bowl.
Single Crust Coconut Cream Pie
Elevate your dessert game with this Single Crust Coconut Cream Pie recipe, featuring a flaky crust and creamy coconut filling.
Ingredients:
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup shredded coconut
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add butter and use pastry blender or fingers to work into crumbs.
3. Press mixture into a 9-inch pie dish, making sure to cover the bottom and sides evenly.
4. Bake crust for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
5. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract.
6. Stir in shredded coconut.
7. Pour filling into baked pie crust and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes (crust) + 2 hours (cooling)
Single Crust Blackberry Pie
A classic pie recipe that showcases the sweet-tart flavor of blackberries, all wrapped up in a single crust.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh or frozen blackberries
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine blackberries, sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Let it sit for 15 minutes, until the berries start to release their juice.
3. Roll out the pie crust on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
4. Pour the blackberry mixture into the center of the pie crust, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
5. Fold the edges of the crust up over the filling, pressing gently to seal.
6. Brush the egg wash over the crust to give it a golden brown color.
7. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly.
Cooking Time: 40-50 minutes
Single Crust Sweet Potato Pie
This Single Crust Sweet Potato Pie recipe is a delightful twist on the classic pumpkin pie, featuring the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll be enjoying a deliciously creamy and aromatic dessert in no time.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, heavy cream, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix until smooth.
3. Roll out the pie crust and place it in a 9-inch pie dish. Fill with the sweet potato mixture.
4. Dot the top of the filling with melted butter.
5. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Single Crust Raspberry Pie with Crumb Topping
This single-crust raspberry pie recipe combines the sweetness of fresh raspberries with a crunchy crumb topping, creating a delightful dessert perfect for warm weather gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh raspberries
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1 cup crumb topping mixture (see below)
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Crumb Topping:
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup rolled oats
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine raspberries, granulated sugar, flour, and salt. Let it sit for 15 minutes, allowing the berries to release their juice.
3. Roll out pie crust to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Place the raspberry mixture in the pie crust.
4. Top with crumb topping, spreading evenly.
5. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Single Crust Buttermilk Pie
This classic pie recipe features a rich buttermilk filling baked in a flaky, buttery crust. Perfect for a warm-weather dessert or a comforting treat any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 3/4 cup buttermilk
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine butter, flour, and salt. Use a pastry blender or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Press the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, sugar, and eggs.
5. Pour the filling into the prepared crust and smooth the top.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Single Crust Maple Walnut Pie
A classic dessert that combines the sweetness of maple syrup with the earthiness of walnuts, all wrapped up in a flaky single crust pie.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/4 cup ice water
– 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine flour and butter. Use a pastry blender or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add ice water, stirring with a fork until dough comes together in a ball.
4. Roll out dough on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch (3 mm).
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together maple syrup and brown sugar. Spread evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch (2.5 cm) border around the edges.
6. Sprinkle chopped walnuts over the maple syrup mixture.
7. Fold the edges of the crust up over the filling to form a crust, pressing gently to seal.
8. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Single Crust Pear Pie with Ginger
This classic pear pie gets a delightful twist with the added warmth of ginger, making it perfect for cozying up on a chilly evening. This single-crust recipe is easy to make and requires minimal fuss.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups pears (Bartlett or Anjou), peeled, cored, and sliced
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine pears, sugar, flour, and ginger. Toss until coated.
3. Roll out the pie crust and place it in a 9-inch pie dish. Fill with pear mixture.
4. Dot the top of the filling with melted butter.
5. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until crust is golden brown and filling is tender.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Summary
Get ready to indulge in a world of flavors with these 18 delicious single crust pie recipes! From classic apple and pumpkin to sweet treats like banana cream and coconut cream, there’s something for every occasion. Whether you’re looking for a simple yet satisfying dessert or a show-stopping centerpiece, these pies are sure to impress. With a range of fruits, nuts, and spices, you’ll never run out of ideas. So go ahead, get baking, and discover your new favorite pie!
Sophia Brennan is the cook and writer behind Go Jack Rabbit Go. She spent years working in Portland’s restaurant world before bringing that same warm, unfussy approach into her home kitchen. These days, she focuses on simple, comforting recipes inspired by real life, family routines, and the rhythm of cooking without overthinking it.
