I made this Lazy Man Pie the other day, and it’s quickly become one of my favorite easy desserts. The best part is how simple it is—just mix everything together, bake, and you’ve got a golden, sweet pie that tastes like you spent way more time on it.
I love that it works with whatever fruit you have on hand, so it always feels a little different each time. For me, it’s the perfect kind of recipe to pull out when I want something homemade and comforting without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Lazy Man Pie is one of those desserts that makes you wonder why you ever fussed with regular pie crusts. It comes together in minutes, requires no fancy equipment, and always turns out beautifully.
You can use just about any fruit — fresh, frozen, or canned — making it one of the most versatile desserts you’ll ever bake.
The best part is that it tastes like comfort food: warm, gooey fruit paired with a tender golden topping. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and you’ve got a crowd-pleasing dessert with almost no effort.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup milk
- 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups fruit (fresh, frozen, or canned — peaches, berries, apples, or cherries work well)
- Optional: cinnamon or nutmeg for warm spice
Pro Tips
- Use whatever fruit you have — peaches and berries are especially delicious.
- Don’t stir the batter and fruit together; pour the batter first, then add the fruit so the topping bakes up around it.
- If using canned fruit, drain it well so the pie doesn’t get watery.
- For a crispier top, sprinkle a tablespoon of sugar over the batter before baking.
- Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream for the ultimate comfort dessert.
Tools Required
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Spatula or wooden spoon
Substitutions & Variations
- Swap white sugar for brown sugar for a caramel-like flavor.
- Use almond milk or oat milk in place of regular milk for a dairy-free version.
- Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the batter for more depth.
- Make it gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Stir in a handful of chopped nuts for extra crunch.
Make-Ahead Tips
This pie is best served fresh from the oven, but you can prepare the batter and fruit separately a few hours ahead.
When ready, just assemble and bake. Leftovers can be stored and reheated, so it’s also a great dessert to bake earlier in the day and warm up after dinner.
Instructions
1. Preheat oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare batter
In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and milk until smooth. Stir in melted butter until combined.
3. Pour into baking dish
Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Add fruit
Scatter fruit evenly over the top of the batter. Do not stir. The batter will rise up around the fruit as it bakes.
5. Bake
Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Serve
Let the pie cool slightly, then serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream.
Serving Suggestions
Lazy Man Pie shines on its own, but it’s even better with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Pair it with coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat, or serve it after Sunday dinner as a family-style dessert. For parties, you can bake it in smaller ramekins for individual servings.
Leftovers & Storage
Store leftovers in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or warm the whole dish in the oven at 300°F until heated through.
This pie also freezes well — wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Benefits
Lazy Man Pie is a dessert, but it does offer some wholesome qualities. Using fruit adds vitamins, fiber, and natural sweetness, while the batter is simple and made with everyday ingredients.
Since you can control the amount of sugar and the type of fruit, it’s easy to adjust this recipe to be lighter while still satisfying that craving for something sweet and homemade.
Recipe FAQ
1. Can I use frozen fruit?
Yes! Just thaw and drain excess liquid before adding to the pie.
2. Does the butter go into the batter or the dish?
The melted butter is stirred into the batter for richness.
3. Can I use self-rising flour?
Yes, just omit the baking powder and salt.
4. What’s the best fruit to use?
Peaches, berries, cherries, or apples are all excellent choices.
5. How do I know when it’s done?
The top should be golden brown, and the batter should be set in the center.
A Dessert That’s as Easy as It Gets
This Lazy Man Pie is proof that delicious desserts don’t need to be complicated. With its tender topping, juicy fruit filling, and no-fuss preparation, it’s the perfect recipe for busy families who still want something homemade and comforting. It’s flexible, affordable, and guaranteed to be a hit at any table.
So the next time you’re craving pie but don’t have time for rolling and crimping, give this recipe a try.
I’d love to know which fruit you used — did you stick with peaches, or try something fun like berries or cherries? Share your version and enjoy every cozy bite.
