Desperate Times Call for Vintage Pies

'Desperation pies,' rooted in old-fashioned American ingenuity, turn simple ingredients into rich and comforting treats

Sugar cream pie, also called Hoosier pie, features a rich, custard-like filling in a crisp crust. Annieseats via Flickr/CC BY-ND 2.0

Desperation pies, make-do pies, Depression pies—nothing about the names sounds particularly enticing. And yet, these desserts can be amazingly delicious.

They’re made from humble ingredients that, when combined, evoke the richness of loftier creations. They also make a perfect balm for these difficult times, when embracing what’s already in the house may be the best move. Vinegar, molasses, canned milk, eggs, unripe produce, and crackers can each star as the “secret ingredient” in a little wedge of comfort.

Desperate Measures

Although generally credited to clever, cash-strapped cooks of the Great Depression, there’s evidence to suggest desperation pies evolved long before that historical marker.