Homemade Sugar Cream Pie: A Classic American Dessert

Ingredients

1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 (9 inch) unbaked deep dish pie crust
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter

Steps and instructions

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
In a mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, flour, and salt.
Gradually stir in the heavy cream and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.
Pour the mixture into the unbaked pie crust.
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes.
While the pie is baking, in a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and mix in brown sugar until it's well combined.
After 30 minutes, remove the pie from the oven and evenly pour the butter and brown sugar mixture over the top.
Return the pie to the oven and continue baking for another 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is set.
Take the pie out of the oven and let it cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate it for at least 4 hours before serving.

Tools for making

Mixing bowl - Used for combining the ingredients.
Whisk - To mix the heavy cream, sugar, flour, and salt until smooth.
9-inch pie dish - For baking the pie.
Saucepan - To melt the butter and mix in the brown sugar.
Oven - To bake the pie.
Refrigerator - To chill the pie before serving.

Recipe variations

Use a graham cracker crust instead of a traditional pie crust.
Replace all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for added flavor.
Try using a different sweetener like maple syrup or honey instead of granulated sugar.
For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free pie crust and substitute gluten-free flour for the all-purpose flour.
Make it vegan by using coconut milk or almond milk instead of heavy cream, and use a vegan pie crust.
Add a layer of sliced bananas or berries between the filling and the crust for a fruity twist.
Sprinkle some toasted coconut or chopped nuts on top for extra texture.
Experiment with different extracts like almond or coconut instead of vanilla.
Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top when serving.

Recipe overview

This Sugar Cream Pie, also known as Hoosier Pie, is a classic Midwestern dessert with a rich, custard-like filling. This recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels. You can expect a deliciously sweet and creamy pie with a caramelized top, thanks to the unique brown sugar and butter topping. With its balance of sweet and creamy, this pie is sure to delight your taste buds. It is recommended to serve it chilled, making it a perfect dessert for warm summer days or as a refreshingly sweet finish to any meal. Enjoy the process of creating this classic American dessert!

Common questions

Can I use a pre-made pie crust for this recipe? Yes, you can use a pre-made pie crust for this recipe. Ensure that it is a deep dish pie crust to accommodate the filling.
Can I use a different type of sugar instead of granulated sugar? It is recommended to use granulated sugar for this recipe to achieve the desired texture and sweetness.
Can I substitute heavy cream with another type of cream? It is best to use heavy cream in this recipe for its richness and thickness. Substituting with a lighter cream may result in a different texture and taste.
Can I add any additional flavors or ingredients to the filling? The traditional sugar cream pie recipe does not call for additional flavors or ingredients. However, you can experiment with adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the flavor if desired.
How do I know when the pie is done baking? The pie is done baking when the top is golden brown and the filling is set. You can test the filling by gently shaking the pie; it should jiggle slightly but not be liquidy.
Can I serve the pie warm? While the pie can be enjoyed warm, it is recommended to let it cool to room temperature and then refrigerate it for at least 4 hours to allow the filling to set. This will result in a firmer and more cohesive pie when sliced.

Serving dishes and utensils

Mixing Bowl - A bowl to combine the ingredients and mix them thoroughly.
Whisk - Used to blend the ingredients together smoothly.
Pie Server - A specialized utensil with a flat, triangular-shaped end for cutting and serving the pie slices.
Pie Plate - A round, shallow dish specifically designed for baking pies.
Saucepan - Used to melt the butter and brown sugar for the topping.
Measuring Cups and Spoons - Essential for accurately measuring the ingredients.
Oven - To bake the pie at the required temperature.
Refrigerator - To cool and chill the pie before serving.

Origin stories

Sugar cream pie, also known as Hoosier pie, is the unofficial state pie of Indiana, USA. The pie has humble roots, tracing back to the pioneering days of the 1800s when settlers had to utilize simple, readily available ingredients. Its creamy filling was often made with staple pantry ingredients like sugar, cream, and flour. Despite its simplicity, the sugar cream pie became a beloved dessert across the state, and is still a highlight at family gatherings and local restaurants today, enjoyed for its sweet, rich flavor and creamy texture. The sugar cream pie is a testament to Indiana's agricultural heritage, and serves as a sweet slice of Midwest history.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.