“Stupid Pie”: The Ridiculously Easy Pie That Shouldn’t Be This Good

Let’s be honest, sometimes you just want a dessert that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum deliciousness. You want something that’s practically foolproof, tastes homemade, and somehow defies all logic with its simplicity. Enter “Stupid Pie”—aptly named because it’s ridiculously easy, yet shockingly good. This isn’t your grandma’s complex, multi-step pie. This is the kind of magic that happens when a few basic pantry ingredients meet fresh fruit and bake into pure, warm, custardy comfort.

Why I Love This Recipe

“Stupid Pie” has become my secret weapon in the kitchen. What’s not to love? It truly lives up to its name – it’s so simple, it feels almost unfair to call it a “recipe.” There’s no rolling out dough, no blind baking, and no intricate steps. You literally just mix everything in one bowl, pour it, top with fruit, and bake. The magic really happens in the oven: the batter bakes up into a tender, slightly crisp cake-like crust around the fruit, which sinks just enough to create pockets of juicy, sweet goodness. It’s a rustic, charming dessert that’s incredibly versatile and always a hit. It’s my go-to when I want a warm, comforting treat without any fuss.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delightfully simple “Stupid Pie”:

• 1 stick butter (½ cup or 113g), melted
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking powder
• Pinch of salt
• 1–2 cups of fruit (fresh or canned — like peaches, cherries, blueberries, etc.)

Swaps and Notes

• Fruit Variety: This is where “Stupid Pie” truly shines! Use what you love or what’s in season. Peaches (canned or fresh), berries (blueberries, raspberries, mixed berries), cherries (pitted), or even sliced apples or pears work wonderfully. If using canned fruit, be sure to drain it well.
• Butter: Salted or unsalted butter works fine here; if using salted, you might slightly reduce the added pinch of salt.
• Milk: Any type of milk (dairy or non-dairy like almond or oat milk) will work.
• Flavor Boosts: A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg with apple or peach variations can be lovely. A squeeze of lemon juice or a bit of lemon zest can brighten up berry versions.
• Sweetness: If your fruit is very sweet, you could slightly reduce the sugar in the batter, but I find the 1 cup usually hits a good balance.

Steps for the Recipe

Ready to whip up this surprisingly good “Stupid Pie”? Here’s how:

1. Preheat Oven & Prep Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Lightly grease a baking dish (an 8×8 or 9×9 inch square dish, or a similar sized round pie dish works perfectly).
2. Mix the Batter: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Whisk or stir until everything is just combined. Don’t overmix; a few small lumps are perfectly fine. The batter will be quite thin.
3. Pour Batter: Pour the thin batter evenly into your prepared baking dish.
4. Add Fruit: Scatter your chosen fruit right on top of the batter. There’s no need to stir it in; the magic of this pie is that the fruit will sink a bit while the batter rises around it as it bakes.
   • For canned peaches: Just drain them well and drop them in.
   • For berries or cherries: Toss them right on top.
5. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45–55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and slightly crisp on the edges, and a toothpick inserted into the cake-like crust (away from the fruit) comes out clean. The fruit will look perfectly nestled within the crust.
6. Cool & Serve: Let the pie cool for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. It’s truly best enjoyed warm! Dig in while it’s still warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a tougher texture. Mix just until the ingredients are incorporated.
• Trust the Process: It might seem odd to just drop the fruit on top, but trust me, it works! The fruit creates delicious, jammy pockets.
• Check for Doneness: The bake time can vary depending on your oven and dish size. Look for that golden crust and a set center.
• Serve Warm: While it’s fine cooled, the experience of a warm slice with melting ice cream is unparalleled.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This “Stupid Pie” is fantastic on its own, but here’s how to elevate the experience:

• Classic Toppings: A generous scoop of vanilla ice cream is a non-negotiable for me. Alternatively, a dollop of fresh whipped cream or even a sprinkle of powdered sugar is delightful.
• Sauces: A drizzle of caramel sauce (especially with apple or peach versions) or a berry coulis can add another layer of flavor.
• Breakfast/Brunch: Believe it or not, this pie is also fantastic for a weekend brunch!
• Beverage Pairings: A warm cup of coffee or tea, or a cold glass of milk, makes for a perfect companion.

Storage and Leftover Tips

If you happen to have any leftover “Stupid Pie” (a rare occurrence in my house!), cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual slices gently in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, or in a toaster oven for a crispier crust.

More Recipes You Will Love

If you appreciate the beauty of simple, comforting desserts, be sure to check out these other fantastic recipes from Chef Maniac:

• For another easy, beloved classic, my Big Family Banana Pudding is always a winner.
• Craving chocolate? You absolutely need to try these Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs.
• If brownies are your jam, my recipe for The Best Peanut Butter Brownies I’ve Ever Made is a must-try.
• For a bite-sized fall treat, these Caramel Apple Pie Cookies are fantastic.
• And for an easy seasonal bake, these Easy Pumpkin Spice Muffins are a favorite.

Final Thoughts

This “Stupid Pie” is a reminder that sometimes the best things in life (and in the kitchen) are the simplest. It’s a humble dessert that consistently delivers on flavor and comfort, proving that you don’t need a complicated recipe to create something truly special. Give it a try with your favorite fruit, and prepare to be amazed at how something so easy can be so incredibly good.

What fruit will you put in your “Stupid Pie” first? Let me know in the comments!