Open Face Pie: 5 Sweet Reasons to Make This Easy Dessert Today

If you’re short on time but still want to serve a beautiful, crowd-pleasing dessert, look no further than the Open Face Pie. With its single crust base and open-top filling, this type of pie is a delicious and practical option for home bakers who want maximum flavor without the fuss. Whether you’re using a refrigerated pie crust for convenience or crafting your own from scratch, this pie format is endlessly adaptable.

From quick pies filled with seasonal fruit to indulgent chocolate chip versions, an open face pie is perfect for any occasion. You don’t need expert pastry skills, and you don’t need hours in the kitchen. With a few ingredients and a little creativity, you’ll have a dessert that feels homemade, looks elegant, and tastes amazing.

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Why You’ll Love Open Face Pies

Open face pies are a go-to for good reason. First, they’re incredibly easy to make. Without a top crust to roll, crimp, or vent, you save time while still ending up with a gorgeous, rustic dessert. Second, the exposed filling offers a visual cue to what’s inside—whether it’s bubbling fruit, silky custard, or melty chocolate chips. Finally, they’re super versatile. From breakfast pies to holiday-worthy sweets, you can fill one crust with practically anything.

Just like our strawberry cheesecake dump cake or banana cream hand pies, this pie proves that simple desserts can still make a big impact.

Ingredients for the Ultimate Open Face Pie

Here’s what you’ll need for a basic open face pie, with suggestions for customization:

• 1 refrigerated pie crust (or homemade crust)
• 1½ to 2 cups filling of your choice, such as:
  • Fresh or frozen fruit (berries, apples, peaches)
  • Chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk
  • Nut butters and banana slices
  • Lemon curd or yogurt and honey
• 1–2 tablespoons cornstarch or flour (to thicken fruit fillings)
• 2–4 tablespoons sugar or sweetener, depending on your filling
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or lemon zest for added flavor
• Butter or egg wash to brush the edges

Optional toppings:

• Whipped cream
• Ice cream
• Chopped nuts
• Caramel or chocolate drizzle

This base can easily become a chocolate chip dessert, a fruit tart, or a breakfast pie with a touch of cinnamon and oats.

How to Make an Open Face Pie Step-by-Step

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place a rack in the center of the oven.
2. Roll out your pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish or tart pan. Press gently to fit and trim excess.
3. Prepare your filling by mixing fruit with sugar, cornstarch, and any flavor add-ins. If using chocolate or other no-cook fillings, layer them directly in the crust.
4. Pour the filling into the crust and spread evenly. Avoid overfilling.
5. Optional: Brush the exposed crust edges with an egg wash for a golden finish.
6. Bake for 35–45 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly or set.
7. Cool completely before slicing so the filling firms up.

This method is every bit as easy as our whipped pink lemonade recipe, but it ends in a flaky, photo-worthy pie.

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What Is an Open Face Pie?

Unlike traditional pies that use both a bottom and top crust, an open face pie—also called a one crust pie—uses only the base. The filling is left exposed, which creates an elegant look and makes baking simpler and faster.

Popular examples include lemon tarts, French galettes, and even savory versions like quiche. This format also allows you to focus more on the flavors of the filling, which shine through without being covered.

Using Refrigerated Pie Crust Recipes for Convenience

For the busiest home bakers, refrigerated pie crust recipes are a lifesaver. They cut down on prep time and eliminate the guesswork of making dough from scratch. These ready-to-use crusts can be pressed into a dish and filled in just minutes.

If you have a little extra time, consider enhancing store-bought crust by brushing it with melted butter or sprinkling it with cinnamon sugar before baking. A little upgrade goes a long way in turning a shortcut into something special—just like we do in our pizza quesadillas.

Easy Pies to Make in Under an Hour

Need something fast? These quick pie recipes are ideal for last-minute guests or weeknight desserts:

• Peach open face pie with canned peaches, brown sugar, and cinnamon
• Chocolate chip pie with semi-sweet chips and sweetened condensed milk
• Strawberry yogurt pie with fresh berries and vanilla yogurt
• Banana nut pie with peanut butter and sliced bananas
• Apple cinnamon tart with thin apple slices and maple syrup

These ideas are as flexible and quick as our frozen peach lemonade, and just as satisfying.

Creative Fillings for Open Face Pies

The filling is where you can truly make your open face pie your own. Some of the best options include:

• Fresh berries tossed in lemon juice and sugar
• Chopped apples with cinnamon and raisins
• Pumpkin puree with nutmeg and maple syrup
• Chocolate ganache for a luxurious dessert
• Yogurt and granola for a breakfast-friendly twist

Feel free to mix and match flavors. You can even use leftovers—like roasted fruit or pudding—for an impromptu sweet treat.

Chocolate Chip Dessert Pies

If you’re a fan of chocolate chip desserts, this pie is a dream. Try combining chocolate chips with:

• Sweetened condensed milk for a gooey base
• Cream cheese for a cheesecake-like texture
• A swirl of peanut butter or hazelnut spread
• Mini marshmallows for a s’mores effect

Bake until the chips melt and the filling is set. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and watch the compliments roll in.

Tips for a Perfect One Crust Pie

To ensure your one crust pie comes out perfectly every time:

• Blind bake the crust if your filling is wet or doesn’t require baking
• Use a pie shield or foil to protect the crust edges from overbrowning
• Let it cool fully so the filling sets and slices cleanly
• Don’t overfill—stick to about 1½ to 2 cups of filling
• Chill the dough before baking for a crisp, flaky finish

These same principles help with other pie crust desserts, whether sweet or savory.

Open Face Pies for Every Season

No matter the time of year, there’s an open face pie to match:

• Spring: Lemon curd or fresh strawberry tarts
• Summer: Blueberry, peach, or mango pies
• Fall: Pumpkin, apple, or pecan variations
• Winter: Chocolate, pear, or cranberry with orange zest

You can also adapt fillings based on what’s in season or what’s already in your fridge—just like our apple fritters.

How to Serve and Store Open Face Pies

To serve:

• Let the pie cool fully
• Use a sharp knife for clean slices
• Serve plain or with toppings like whipped cream or fruit sauce

To store:

• Keep covered in the fridge for up to 4 days
• Reheat fruit pies in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes
• Avoid microwaving chocolate or custard pies to preserve texture
• Freeze whole or sliced for up to one month (wrap well)

Pair With Other Pie Crust Desserts

Have extra dough? Use it for:

• Mini pie crust cookies with cinnamon sugar
• Small tartlets filled with jam or ganache
• A top crust for fruit cobbler
• Hand pies or turnovers

Try making flower pretzel bites or other fun shapes for kids.

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FAQ – Open Face Pie

Can I use frozen fruit?
Yes—just thaw and drain well before using to avoid a watery filling.

Is blind baking required?
Only if your filling is no-bake or very juicy. For most pies, you can bake it all at once.

Can I make it gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free crust or dough and ensure your fillings are also gluten-free.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Make two pies or use a larger tart pan for serving more people.

Is this pie best warm or cold?
Depends on the filling! Fruit pies are lovely warm; chocolate and custard pies are best chilled.

Final Thoughts & Call to Action

The open face pie is a dessert hero: simple, stunning, and endlessly flexible. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll turn to again and again. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just craving something sweet, this quick pie will always deliver.

If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to share it and subscribe to recipesize.com for more easy pies to make, smart shortcuts, and irresistible pie crust desserts you’ll love baking again and again.

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