#NationalPieDay is the perfect time to indulge your sweet tooth and celebrate the art of pie-making. There’s nothing quite like the aroma of a freshly baked pie wafting through the air to bring joy to any occasion. Try these three easy-to-make homemade dessert pie recipes that will surely satisfy your cravings.

1. Classic Apple Pie:

Ingredients:
– 6 cups peeled and thinly sliced apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (or make your own)

Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss until the apples are evenly coated.
3. Roll out one pie crust and place it in a 9-inch pie dish. Pour the apple mixture into the crust.
4. Roll out the second pie crust and place it over the apple filling. Trim any excess crust and crimp the edges to seal.
5. Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape. Optionally, brush the top crust with a beaten egg for a golden finish.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Allow the pie to cool before slicing and serving.

 

2. Decadent Chocolate Pecan Pie:

Ingredients:
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup chopped pecans
– 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
– 1 refrigerated pie crust (or make your own)

Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
3. Stir in the chopped pecans and chocolate chips.
4. Roll out the pie crust and place it in a 9-inch pie dish. Pour the pecan-chocolate mixture into the crust.
5. Bake for 50-55 minutes or until the center is set. Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing.

 

3. Zesty Lemon Meringue Pie:

Ingredients:
For the crust:
– 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
– 1/3 cup melted butter
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar

For the filling:
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup cornstarch
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 1/2 cups water
– 4 large egg yolks, beaten
– 1 tablespoon lemon zest
– 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice

For the meringue:
– 4 large egg whites
– 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar

Instructions:
For the crust:
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl. Press the mixture into a 9-inch pie dish.
3. Bake the crust for 10 minutes and let it cool.

For the filling:
1. In a saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually stir in water.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil.
3. Remove from heat. Gradually whisk about 1 cup of the hot mixture into the beaten egg yolks, then return the egg mixture to the saucepan.
4. Bring to a gentle boil and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
5. Remove from heat and stir in lemon zest and lemon juice. Pour the filling into the cooled crust.

For the meringue:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a clean, dry bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form.
3. Gradually add sugar, one tablespoon at a time, beating until stiff peaks form.
4. Spread the meringue over the lemon filling, making sure to seal the edges.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the meringue is golden brown.

 

#NationalPieDay,-  Whether you’re a fan of the classic apple, the indulgent chocolate pecan, or the zesty lemon meringue, these recipes are sure to make your taste buds dance.