Q: I'm throwing a surprise birthday party for my boyfriend and would like to make 2-3 pies for the party. I need to make the pies a day or two ahead and would like to avoid pre-made fillings. Could you recommend a recipe or two that would fit the bill?
Sent by Mary
Editor: Readers, what are your favorite pies to make ahead and take to a party?
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My go-to-pies are derby pie, key lime pie, and blueberry pie.
The first two especially hold up well for 2 days.
You could make the pies anytime and freeze them, and then the day of the party (or the day before), pop them all in the oven to bake. Fruit pies work well for this, and since it's apple season, what could be better than a dutch apple pie?
An apple pie would be fine a day ahead (and seasonal!). To keep the bottom crust crispy and too keep it from getting soggy, put a fine layer of panko bread crumbs down before adding the filling and baking. I don't really have a recipe for apple pie. I just add nutmeg, cinnamon, brown sugar, sugar, etc to taste (depending on the apples I use).
Also, I find the America's Test Kitchen pie crust recipe that uses Vodka to be very, very flaky, and holds up very well.
To extend the time your crust will stay nice for a custard pie in a separately-baked shell (like a chocolate pie, coconut cream, banana cream, etc) brush melted white (or dark) chocolate over the crust after it's baked and cooled but before you add the filling. Let it set before you add the filling and it will insulate the crust from sogginess. This could help you space out your prep time for maximum deliciousness on the day--you can pre-bake your pie shells three days out, then 1-2 days before or the morning of the party you can make the filling and add it to your chocolate-brushed shell.
Time is not kind to pies.
Make fruit pies and freeze. Bake the day of.
I've heard that buttermilk pies are good for this, although I haven't tried making one. Plus, they're something a bit different than having all those fruit pies.
You could make a French Silk Chocolate Pie, I got the recipe from Cooks Country or America's test kitchen (one of them). Its easy to make, DELICIOUS, and it holds up really well. I totally agree with the other reader, the vodka pie crust is great!
Chocolate Chess pie (the Kitchn recipe just search it). Easiest pie ever (especially if you use a store bought oreo crust...don't judge). Seriously everyone LOVES this pie when I make it and I never admit how easy it really is!! :-)
Another vote for the vodka pie crust. Not only is it lovely and flaky, but it's super easy to work with.
I'd make fruit pies ahead and freeze them - just bake them on the day.