Name: Delicious Sugar Cream Pie
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 cup granulated sugar; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup milk; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; Pinch of salt; 1 (9-inch) unbaked pie crust

When it comes to desserts that capture the essence of comfort food, few can compete with the delightful Sugar Cream Pie. This classic Midwestern treat offers a perfect harmony of flavors with its rich, silky custard filling, luscious creaminess, and a hint of warm spices. It’s a dessert that tells a story of simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary. The Sugar Cream Pie is not just a dish; it’s a heartfelt contribution to family gatherings and a delightful ending to any meal.

What makes Sugar Cream Pie so appealing is its simplicity and accessibility. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a dessert that’s impressive enough to serve to guests yet easy enough to whip up on a busy weekday. The buttery, flaky crust provides just the right texture to hold the sweet, creamy custard, while the cinnamon topping adds a touch of warmth and elegance. It’s a humble yet remarkable pie that will surely become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.

This recipe is a true testament to the beauty of home cooking, reminding us that the best dishes often come from treasured traditions. Whether you enjoy it at a family gathering or as a special treat for yourself, Sugar Cream Pie has a way of making everything feel just a little bit sweeter.

Why You’ll Love This Sugar Cream Pie

Deliciously Silky Texture: The custard filling melts in your mouth, creating a dreamy dessert experience.
Simple Ingredients: With just eight common pantry staples, this pie is easy to make without any fuss.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday celebration or a random Tuesday night, this pie fits right in.
Classic Flavor: The combination of vanilla, cream, and cinnamon provides a nostalgic taste.
Visually Impressive: The golden crust topped with a caramelized spice mix makes for a stunning presentation.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into making this delectable Sugar Cream Pie, it’s important to prepare your kitchen for success. Gather your tools and ingredients to streamline the process; this includes measuring cups, a mixing bowl, whisk, a medium saucepan, and a pie dish. If you prefer a crispy base, consider blind-baking the pie crust before adding the filling.

Make sure to have all your ingredients at room temperature, especially the butter and eggs, as this will help achieve a creamy consistency in your filling. Line your cooking area with the necessary items: cutting boards, measuring spoons, and clean towels. A kitchen timer is crucial for keeping track of baking times.

Finally, ensure your oven is preheated to 375°F (190°C) to get that perfect golden crust. With everything prepped, you’ll find the pie-making process to be straightforward and efficient, allowing you to enjoy the baking journey.

Ingredients

1 cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup milk
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch of salt
1 (9-inch) unbaked pie crust

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take your unbaked pie crust and gently prick its bottom with a fork. This step helps to release steam while the pie bakes, ensuring your crust stays crispy and doesn’t form bubbles. Carefully place the pricked crust into a 9-inch pie dish, molding it to fit nicely.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until well blended. Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan over medium heat, warm the heavy cream, milk, and unsalted butter. Stir occasionally until the butter fully melts, creating a rich mixture that will make your custard.

Step 3: Combine and Thicken

Once the milk mixture is warm but not boiling, slowly whisk in the dry ingredients. It’s important to continuously stir to avoid lumps forming in your custard. As you mix, you’ll notice the filling will begin to thicken after a few minutes. Keep stirring until you achieve a gentle bubble in the mixture, indicative that it’s ready. This step will ensure a smooth, delicious filling.

Step 4: Add Flavor

After removing the saucepan from the heat, stir in the vanilla extract for that signature flavor. Carefully pour the warm filling into your prepared pie crust. Use a spatula to smooth out the top, ensuring an even distribution of custard throughout the crust.

Step 5: Bake

To finish off, sprinkle the ground cinnamon evenly over the top of the filling, adding a lovely spice note to each slice. Place the pie into the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the filling sets and the crust turns a light golden color. Once done, take it out of the oven and allow it to cool at room temperature for about an hour.

Step 6: Chill Before Serving

For best results, refrigerate the pie for at least 2 hours before serving. This chilling period helps the custard set even more, allowing for cleaner slices when you cut into your Sugar Cream Pie. When ready, serve chilled for an utterly delightful dessert!

Variations

Protein: Add cooked and crumbled bacon for a sweet and salty twist.
Vegetables: Incorporating roasted pumpkin puree can create a richer flavor profile.
Spices: Don’t hesitate to experiment with nutmeg, allspice, or even cardamom for a unique flavor.

Cooking Notes

Blind-bake the pie crust for a few minutes before adding the filling to create a crisper base.
If you prefer a stronger vanilla flavor, use vanilla bean paste instead of extract.
Chilling overnight will give you a firmer custard that slices beautifully.
Ensure to continuously whisk the custard mixture to avoid any scorching on the bottom of the saucepan.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with fresh whipped cream on top for added richness.
A sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce can elevate the presentation.

Tips

Measure ingredients accurately for the best results; baking is often all about precision.
Let the pie cool completely before cutting to ensure nice, clean slices.
For a chocolate lover’s version, consider folding in some chocolate chips into the custard mixture.
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator, where they can last up to three days.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: Approximately 300 per slice
Protein: 5g
Sodium: 100mg

FAQs

Can I use a store-bought pie crust?

Absolutely! Using a store-bought pie crust can save time while still resulting in a delicious dessert. Just follow the instructions for baking time on the package.

How can I make this pie gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.

Can I make Sugar Cream Pie in advance?

Yes, this pie stores well in the refrigerator for a couple of days, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert.

What can I do with leftover pie?

Leftover Sugar Cream Pie can be stored covered in the fridge. Enjoy it as a sweet snack or dessert for days!

Conclusion

The Sugar Cream Pie is not just a recipe; it’s a cherished tradition that brings people together over its creamy sweetness and nostalgic flavors. Perfectly simple yet incredibly satisfying, this pie is sure to impress your family and friends, making it a go-to dessert for any occasion. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and start baking. You may find that this delightful pie becomes a favorite in your home, creating sweet memories one slice at a time. Don’t forget to share your experiences and variations in the comments below!