ADVERTISEMENT
How to Make Sugar Cream Pie
1. Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will give it time to heat up while you prepare the pie.
2. Prepare the Pie Crust
If you’re using a store-bought pie crust, simply unroll it and fit it into a standard 9-inch pie dish. If you’re using a homemade pie crust, roll it out to about 1/8-inch thickness, then place it in the pie dish. You can crimp the edges to give it a pretty finish.
Place the crust in the refrigerator while you prepare the filling to help it stay firm during baking.
If you prefer a pre-baked crust (to ensure a crisp bottom), you can blind-bake the crust. To do this, line the crust with parchment paper, fill it with pie weights or dried beans, and bake it at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden. Remove the parchment and weights, and bake the crust for an additional 5 minutes to set the bottom. Allow it to cool before adding the filling.
3. Make the Filling
In a medium saucepan, whisk together the granulated sugar, flour, and salt. This dry mixture will help thicken the custard as it cooks.
Slowly pour in the heavy cream while whisking constantly. This helps to combine the ingredients and prevents any lumps from forming. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring continuously, until it begins to thicken. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Be patient and keep stirring to ensure the mixture doesn’t burn or stick to the bottom of the pan.
Once the mixture has thickened, remove it from the heat and add the butter and vanilla extract. Stir until the butter is melted and the filling is smooth.
4. Fill the Crust
Pour the cream filling into your prepared pie crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. The filling will be thick but smooth, so don’t worry if it’s not as pourable as other cream pies—you want that rich, custard-like texture.
5. Bake the Pie
Place the filled pie into the preheated oven and bake it for about 35-40 minutes, or until the center is set and only slightly jiggly. The top should be lightly golden, but the pie filling will still be soft and creamy.
If the crust begins to brown too quickly during baking, you can cover the edges with aluminum foil to prevent them from burning.
6. Cool and Set
Once the pie is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. This allows the filling to set properly and gives the flavors a chance to meld together. If you can, refrigerate the pie for a couple of hours before serving to allow it to fully set and to make slicing easier.
7. Garnish and Serve
Before serving, sprinkle the top of the pie with a light dusting of ground nutmeg for a traditional touch. Slice and enjoy! The pie can be served at room temperature or chilled, depending on your preference.
Tips for the Perfect Sugar Cream Pie
- Don’t Overcook the Filling: The filling should thicken on the stovetop but not to the point of becoming too firm. If you overcook it, it can become grainy or too stiff. The pie will continue to set as it cools.
- Chill the Pie Crust: Whether you’re using a store-bought or homemade pie crust, chilling the dough before baking helps keep the crust flaky and prevents shrinkage during baking.
- Use Full-Fat Cream: Heavy cream gives the pie its rich, silky texture. Don’t skimp on the fat; half-and-half or low-fat versions won’t give the same creamy result.
- Make It Ahead of Time: Sugar Cream Pie can be made a day ahead, and it actually tastes better after sitting for a few hours, or overnight, as the flavors have time to meld.
- Customize the Flavor: For an added twist, try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or vanilla bean paste to the filling for a deeper flavor profile.
- Don’t Skip the Nutmeg: A sprinkle of ground nutmeg on top adds the perfect finishing touch. It’s a traditional garnish for Sugar Cream Pie and enhances the flavor of the creamy filling.
Why Sugar Cream Pie is Special
Sugar Cream Pie is the perfect example of a dessert that relies on simple, quality ingredients. The sweet cream filling, buttery crust, and hint of vanilla come together to create a pie that feels both nostalgic and luxurious. Unlike other pies that rely on complex fruit fillings or meringues, Sugar Cream Pie celebrates the joy of simplicity, proving that you don’t need fancy ingredients or techniques to make something extraordinary.
Its history as a Midwest staple, particularly in Indiana, adds to its charm, making it a delicious part of regional culinary history. It’s the kind of pie that’s perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a family gathering, holiday feast, or simply a quiet evening with a slice of something sweet.
Conclusion: A Slice of Comfort and Tradition
If you’ve never tried Sugar Cream Pie, now is the time to give it a try. With its rich, creamy filling and simple ingredients, this pie will quickly become a favorite in your dessert lineup. It’s a comforting, nostalgic treat that will remind you of simpler times and make any gathering feel like a celebration.
Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or just because you crave something sweet, Sugar Cream Pie is the perfect dessert to enjoy with family and friends—and with every bite, you’ll taste a little piece of tradition and love.
ADVERTISEMENT
