Winter is the perfect season to slow down, gather with loved ones, and enjoy comforting treats. And nothing says winter quite like a homemade pie. But even if you’re not an experienced baker, there are delicious options you can make with ease. These two winter pie recipes are so simple, anyone can pull them off — no special skills required.
Chocolate Pecan Pie
Rich, indulgent, and wonderfully simple, chocolate pecan pie is a perfect dessert for chilly nights. The combination of crunchy pecans and smooth chocolate in a buttery crust makes it an irresistible crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 1 pre-made pie crust
- 200g pecan halves
- 150g dark chocolate chips
- 3 large eggs
- 200g light corn syrup or golden syrup
- 150g brown sugar
- 60g unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C.
- Fit the pre-made pie crust into a 23cm pie dish and set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
- Scatter the pecans and chocolate chips evenly in the pie crust.
- Pour the filling mixture over the pecans and chocolate.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, until the filling is set and the top is golden. If needed, cover the edges of the crust with foil to prevent over-browning.
- Allow the pie to cool completely before serving. It’s delightful on its own or with a scoop of whipped cream.
Spiced Pear and Cranberry Pie
A spiced pear and cranberry pie brings together the bright flavours of winter fruit with the warmth of seasonal spices. The tart cranberries balance the sweetness of the pears, making each bite festive and refreshing.
Ingredients
- 1 pre-made double pie crust (top and bottom)
- 4 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 150g fresh or frozen cranberries
- 100g granulated sugar
- 50g brown sugar
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- Zest and juice of 1 orange
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 190°C.
- Line a 23cm pie dish with one of the pie crusts.
- In a large bowl, gently toss the pears, cranberries, sugars, flour, spices, orange zest, and juice.
- Pour the fruit mixture into the prepared crust.
- Top with the second crust, crimping the edges to seal. Cut small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
- Brush the top crust with the beaten egg.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Let the pie cool slightly before serving. It’s excellent warm with a dollop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of custard.
Baking doesn’t have to be complicated. These two winter pies — chocolate pecan and spiced pear & cranberry — offer simple ways to bring the flavours of the season into your kitchen. Whether you’re preparing a holiday dessert or simply craving something sweet on a cold night, these easy recipes are sure to please.
