Celebrating National Pie Day doesn’t have to break the bank. With simple ingredients, smart shopping, and a few kitchen tricks, you can create delicious pies all under $10. These recipes are perfect for students, families, or anyone who wants to enjoy homemade pie on a budget.
This guide includes fully explained recipes with step-by-step instructions, ingredients, tips to save money, and FAQs.
💰 Why Budget-Friendly Pies Work
- Use common pantry staples
- Reduce prep without sacrificing flavor
- Rely on store-bought or simple crusts
- Easy, forgiving recipes
- Great for beginners or large groups
🍎 1. Classic Apple Pie on a Budget
Ingredients
- 1 store-bought pie crust ($2)
- 5 cups sliced apples ($3)
- ½ cup sugar ($0.25)
- 1 tsp cinnamon ($0.10)
- 1 tbsp flour ($0.05)
- 1 tbsp butter ($0.15)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix apples, sugar, cinnamon, and flour.
- Fill pie crust and dot with butter.
- Cover with top crust, cut vents.
- Bake 45–50 minutes until golden.
Money-Saving Tip: Use bruised apples slightly—they’re perfect for pies.
🍫 2. Easy Chocolate Pie Under $10
Ingredients
- 1 graham cracker crust ($2)
- 1 box instant chocolate pudding ($1.50)
- 2 cups milk ($0.50)
- Whipped cream ($2)
Instructions
- Whisk pudding and milk until thick.
- Pour into the crust.
- Chill for 2 hours.
- Top with whipped cream.
Beginner Tip: No oven, no fuss.
🍋 3. Lemon Icebox Pie
Ingredients
- Graham cracker crust ($2)
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk ($1.50)
- ½ cup lemon juice ($0.50)
- 1 tsp lemon zest ($0.25)
Instructions
- Mix condensed milk, lemon juice, and zest.
- Pour into the crust.
- Chill for 3 hours.
Why It Works: Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor.
🍓 4. Strawberry Shortcake Pie
Ingredients
- 1 graham cracker crust ($2)
- 1 cup sliced strawberries ($2)
- 1 cup whipped topping ($2)
- ¼ cup sugar ($0.25)
Instructions
- Mix strawberries and sugar.
- Fold into whipped topping.
- Spread in the crust.
- Chill 1 hour.
Budget Hack: Buy frozen berries on sale.
🫐 5. Blueberry Dump Pie
Ingredients
- 1 store-bought pie crust ($2)
- 1 can blueberry pie filling ($3)
- 1 tbsp butter ($0.15)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread filling in crust.
- Dot with butter.
- Bake 40 minutes.
Why It’s Cheap: Canned fruit is affordable and lasts longer.
🍌 6. Banana Cream Pie (No-Bake)
Ingredients
- Graham cracker crust ($2)
- 2 bananas ($1)
- 1 box instant vanilla pudding ($1.50)
- 2 cups milk ($0.50)
Instructions
- Whisk pudding and milk.
- Layer bananas in crust.
- Pour pudding over bananas.
- Chill 2 hours.
Tip: Slice bananas just before assembling to avoid browning.
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🍑 7. Peach Pie with Canned Peaches
Ingredients
- Pie crust ($2)
- 1 can peach pie filling ($3)
- 1 tbsp flour ($0.05)
- 1 tsp cinnamon ($0.10)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix peaches, flour, and cinnamon.
- Fill crust.
- Top with second crust.
- Bake 40–45 minutes.
Money Tip: Canned peaches are cheaper than fresh in off-season.
🍯 8. Honey Custard Pie
Ingredients
- Pie crust ($2)
- 2 eggs ($0.50)
- ½ cup honey ($1)
- 1 cup milk ($0.50)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Whisk eggs, honey, milk.
- Pour into crust.
- Bake 40–45 minutes until set.
Budget Tip: Substitute with sugar if honey is expensive.
🍪 9. Peanut Butter Pie (No-Bake)
Ingredients
- Chocolate cookie crust ($2)
- 1 cup peanut butter ($1.50)
- 1 cup whipped topping ($2)
- ¼ cup powdered sugar ($0.25)
Instructions
- Mix peanut butter and powdered sugar.
- Fold in whipped topping.
- Spread in crust.
- Chill 2 hours.
Why Cheap: Peanut butter is affordable, filling, and flavorful.
🍫 10. Simple Chocolate Ganache Pie
Ingredients
- Pie crust ($2)
- 4 oz chocolate ($2)
- ½ cup heavy cream ($1)
Instructions
- Heat cream until steaming.
- Pour over chopped chocolate.
- Stir until smooth.
- Pour into crust and chill 2 hours.
Budget Tip: Buy chocolate in bulk or on sale.
👩🍳 Tips for Budget Pie Success
- Buy store-brand ingredients
- Use seasonal or canned fruit
- Shop sales on pie crusts and whipped toppings
- Substitute where possible (e.g., sugar for honey)
- Make larger pies to serve more people economically
❓ Budget-Friendly Pie FAQ
Can I make a pie under $10 for a crowd?
Yes—use store-bought crusts and canned/frozen fruits.
Are no-bake pies cheaper?
Yes, they reduce energy costs and simplify ingredients.
How do I avoid wasting expensive ingredients?
Measure carefully and store leftovers for other desserts.
Can I freeze these pies?
Many can be frozen, especially no-bake versions, for 1–2 months.
🎉 Final Thoughts
National Pie Day doesn’t require an expensive ingredient list. With these budget-friendly pies, you can bake beautiful, delicious desserts for under $10 each. They’re easy, forgiving, and perfect for beginners or families on a budget. Celebrate deliciously and affordably 🥧💰.
