Sugar Cream Pie, often referred to as “Hoosier Pie,” is a classic American dessert with roots in Indiana. Its velvety custard filling and buttery, flaky crust make it a comforting treat for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your hand at pie-making for the first time, this recipe will guide you to create a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Why You’ll Love Sugar Cream Pie
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s beginner-friendly.
- Velvety Texture: The creamy filling is smooth and melts in your mouth.
- Timeless Flavor: A combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla makes this pie unforgettable.
- Versatile: Perfect for holidays, special occasions, or a cozy night at home.
Ingredients for Sugar Cream Pie
For the Crust
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| All-purpose flour | 1⅓ cups |
| Brown sugar | 2 tbsp |
| Kosher salt | ½ tsp |
| Cold unsalted butter (cubed) | ½ cup |
| Vodka | 2 tbsp |
| Ice-cold water | 2–4 tbsp |
For the Filling
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| White sugar | ¾ cup |
| Cornstarch | ¼ cup |
| Half-and-half | 1 cup |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup |
| Unsalted butter | 4 tbsp |
| Vanilla extract | 2 tsp |
| Ground cinnamon | ½ tsp |
| Ground nutmeg | 1 pinch |
Step-by-Step Instructions for Sugar Cream Pie
1. Prepare the Pie Crust
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a food processor, blend the flour, brown sugar, and salt.
- Add Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Liquids: Pour in the vodka and ice-cold water (start with 2 tbsp, adding more if needed). Pulse until the dough begins to come together.
- Shape and Chill: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Roll Out and Bake the Crust
- Roll the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough into a 12-inch circle.
- Place in Dish: Transfer the dough to a pie dish, gently pressing it into the edges. Trim any excess and crimp the edges.
- Prick and Bake: Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork. Add pie weights or dried beans to prevent puffing.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F and bake the crust for 15–20 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove the weights and let the crust cool.
3. Make the Filling
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar and cornstarch.
- Add Liquids: Stir in the half-and-half, heavy cream, and butter.
- Cook the Mixture: Heat over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture comes to a gentle boil and thickens (about 2 minutes).
- Add Vanilla: Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Assemble and Bake the Pie
- Fill the Crust: Pour the warm filling into the prepared crust. Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Sprinkle Spices: Mix the cinnamon and nutmeg, then sprinkle evenly over the filling.
- Final Bake: Bake the pie at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and set.
5. Cool and Serve
- Let the pie cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for 2–3 hours until fully set.
- Slice and serve with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired.
Why Sugar Cream Pie is a Classic Dessert
Sugar Cream Pie is beloved for its simplicity and rich flavor. It’s a custard-style pie that doesn’t rely on eggs, making it unique and silky-smooth. This timeless dessert has earned its place on tables for generations, especially in the Midwest, where it’s a treasured tradition.
Tips for the Best Sugar Cream Pie
- Keep the Butter Cold: Cold butter ensures a flaky crust.
- Avoid Overmixing: Mix the dough just until it comes together to prevent toughness.
- Use Pie Weights: These keep the crust from puffing up during blind baking.
- Whisk Constantly: When cooking the filling, continuous whisking prevents lumps.
- Chill the Pie: Allow enough time for the pie to set in the refrigerator for clean slices.
Creative Variations to Try
- Chocolate Sugar Cream Pie: Add 2 tbsp of cocoa powder to the filling for a chocolate twist.
- Maple Sugar Cream Pie: Substitute brown sugar for white sugar and add a splash of maple syrup.
- Coconut Cream Pie: Stir shredded coconut into the filling for added texture and flavor.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free flour blend for the crust.
Serving Suggestions
Sugar Cream Pie is delicious on its own, but you can elevate it with these pairings:
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream complements the creamy filling.
- Ice Cream: Serve with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream.
- Fresh Berries: Add raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries for a fruity contrast.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 Slice) |
| Calories | ~320 kcal |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 40 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
FAQs About Sugar Cream Pie
1. Can I make the crust ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the crust in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days or freeze it for up to a month.
2. How do I prevent a soggy crust?
Blind baking the crust with weights ensures it stays crisp and holds up to the filling.
3. Can I use store-bought crust?
Absolutely! Store-bought pie crust saves time and works perfectly in this recipe.
4. How long does Sugar Cream Pie last?
Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover it tightly to keep it fresh.
5. Can I freeze Sugar Cream Pie?
It’s not recommended to freeze this pie, as the creamy filling may separate upon thawing.
6. Can I make this pie dairy-free?
Yes! Use plant-based butter, non-dairy milk, and coconut cream for a vegan version.
Why You Should Try Sugar Cream Pie
Sugar Cream Pie is more than just a dessert—it’s a piece of culinary history and a testament to the beauty of simple ingredients. Its creamy, cinnamon-spiced filling and buttery crust make it a dessert that’s loved by all. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or craving a comforting treat, this pie is guaranteed to impress.
Your Turn to Bake
Are you ready to bring this classic dessert to life? Gather your ingredients, follow these steps, and create a Sugar Cream Pie that will leave everyone asking for seconds. With its smooth filling and flaky crust, this pie is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Happy baking! 🥧✨
Print
Sugar Cream Pie: A Decadent Dessert You’ll Love
- Total Time: ~3 hours
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
A timeless classic, Sugar Cream Pie (also known as Hoosier Pie) is a creamy, custard-like dessert nestled in a flaky, buttery crust. With its warm cinnamon and nutmeg accents, this simple yet decadent treat is perfect for holidays, special occasions, or a cozy dessert at home.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1⅓ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 2 tablespoons vodka
- 2–4 tablespoons ice-cold water
For the Filling:
- ¾ cup white sugar
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- A pinch of ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Prepare the Pie Crust:
- In a food processor, combine flour, brown sugar, and salt.
- Add cold, cubed butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add vodka and ice-cold water (starting with 2 tablespoons) and pulse until the dough comes together.
- Form the dough into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll Out and Blind Bake the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll the chilled dough into a 12-inch circle on a lightly floured surface.
- Transfer to a pie dish, pressing gently into the edges. Trim excess and crimp the edges.
- Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork. Line with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes until lightly golden. Remove weights and parchment, then let cool.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a medium saucepan, whisk sugar and cornstarch. Gradually add half-and-half, heavy cream, and butter.
- Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a gentle boil (about 2–3 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Assemble and Bake the Pie:
- Pour the warm filling into the prepared crust. Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Combine cinnamon and nutmeg, then sprinkle evenly over the filling.
- Bake at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and set.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the pie cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for 2–3 hours to fully set.
- Slice and serve as is, or pair with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Notes
- Storage: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- Make Ahead: The crust can be made and refrigerated up to 2 days in advance.
- Tips for Success: Whisk continuously while cooking the filling to prevent lumps, and be sure to chill the pie for clean slices.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Chill Time: 2–3 hours
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
