Sugar Cream Pie

Sugar Cream Pie

There’s something incredibly nostalgic about making a Sugar Cream Pie. Growing up, my grandmother always had one cooling on the counter, the sweet aroma wafting through the house like a warm embrace. This pie isn’t just a dessert; it’s a cherished memory of family gatherings, laughter, and the joy of sharing something delicious. Whenever I take a bite, it transports me back to those cozy afternoons spent in her kitchen, where each ingredient felt like a piece of her love. The way the creamy filling melts in your mouth, combined with the subtle warmth of spices, makes every slice feel like a comforting hug. The Sugar Cream Pie is not just about the ingredients; it’s about the stories that unfold with each forkful. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual weekday dinner or a special family celebration.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
35 mins
Prep Time:
20 mins
Cook Time:
15 mins
Difficulty:
Medium
Calories:
280 kcal
Protein:
3 g
Diet:
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP
Fat:
14 g
Tools Used:
9-inch Pie Pan, Pie Weights

The Magic of This Sugar Cream Pie

It’s Incredibly Simple

One of the most beautiful things about Sugar Cream Pie is its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a dessert that feels elegant yet homey. You don’t need to be a master baker to impress your family and friends. With a little love and care, this pie can be your secret to becoming the star of any gathering.

Comfort Food at Its Best

This pie embodies everything that comfort food should be. The silky, sweet filling paired with a flaky crust creates a delightful texture that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. It’s the perfect treat during those chilly fall evenings when all you want is something warm and comforting.

Customization Potential

While the traditional Sugar Cream Pie is delicious as is, there’s room for creativity. You can play with spices, add a splash of your favorite flavors, or even top it with whipped cream for an extra layer of delight. It’s a versatile dessert that invites you to make it your own.

Perfect for Any Occasion

This pie is perfect for any event—be it a holiday feast, a birthday celebration, or just a simple Sunday dinner. It brings people together, sparking conversations and creating memories. No matter when you serve it, the Sugar Cream Pie is bound to become a favorite.

Easy to Make Ahead

One of my favorite aspects of this pie is how well it keeps. You can easily prepare it a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify. This means less stress on the day of your gathering, giving you more time to enjoy with your loved ones.

Kid-Approved

Kids love this pie! Its sweet, creamy filling and simple flavors are always a hit with little ones. It’s a great way to introduce children to baking, letting them help with mixing or decorating. The joy on their faces when they dig into a slice is priceless.

Key Ingredients for Sugar Cream Pie

Sugar Cream Pie

When it comes to making a perfect Sugar Cream Pie, the ingredients play a crucial role in creating that delightful balance of flavors. Each component brings something special to the table, and together, they form a harmonious blend that’s irresistible. Here’s a closer look at the key players:

  • Pie Crust: The foundation of your pie, whether you choose a frozen, refrigerated, or homemade crust. It provides the perfect flaky texture that complements the creamy filling.
  • Granulated Sugar: The star of the show, this ingredient gives the pie its sweetness, making every bite a treat.
  • Cornstarch: This thickening agent helps create that perfect creamy consistency, ensuring your filling is smooth and velvety.
  • Whole Milk: The rich, creamy base of the filling, it contributes to the overall texture and flavor.
  • Butter: Added for richness, it enhances the flavor and creates a dreamy pie filling.
  • Ground Nutmeg: A gentle spice that adds warmth and depth to the sweetness of the pie.
  • Ground Cinnamon: This spice rounds out the flavor profile, offering a hint of warmth and a comforting aroma.

Making Sugar Cream Pie

Sugar Cream Pie

Creating a Sugar Cream Pie is easier than you might think! Follow these steps closely, and you’ll have a delicious pie ready to impress your friends and family. Let’s get started!

  1. Preheat your oven to 450 degrees. This initial high temperature will help the crust set perfectly. Grab your pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch pie plate. Make sure to flute the edges for that classic look.
  2. Now, it’s time to blind bake the crust. Place a layer of parchment paper or heavy-duty foil in the pie crust and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. This helps prevent the crust from puffing up while baking. Bake it for about 8 minutes.
  3. After 8 minutes, carefully remove the pie weights and parchment. Bake for another 5 to 7 minutes, until the crust is light brown. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
  4. Once baked, let the crust cool on the counter while you work on the filling. This is a good time to reduce the oven temperature to 375 degrees.
  5. In a medium saucepan, combine granulated sugar and cornstarch. Whisk them together to ensure they’re evenly mixed. This step is crucial for a smooth filling.
  6. Next, whisk in whole milk until the mixture is smooth. Place the saucepan over medium heat.
  7. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring continuously to prevent sticking. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer for about 2 minutes. You’ll notice it thickening beautifully as you stir.
  8. Remove the saucepan from the heat and add butter, ground nutmeg, and ground cinnamon. Stir until the butter is melted and the mixture is perfectly combined.
  9. Pour the creamy filling into your cooled pie crust. Be sure to sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on top for added flavor and visual appeal.
  10. Place the pie on a baking sheet in case of overflow and bake at 375 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes. The pie will still be a bit jiggly, but don’t worry; it will firm up as it cools.
  11. Once baked, let the pie cool on the counter for about 20 minutes, then refrigerate it until completely chilled. This allows the flavors to meld and the filling to set.

Things Worth Knowing

Things Worth Knowing

  • Use cold ingredients: Ensure your butter and milk are cold before mixing. This helps create a flaky crust and a creamy filling.
  • Whisk constantly: While cooking the filling, whisk continuously to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth texture.
  • Cooling is key: Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing. This helps the filling set properly.
  • Experiment with spices: Feel free to add more spices like cardamom or ginger for a unique twist on the classic flavor.

Ways to Customize

Sugar Cream Pie

If you’re looking to put your own spin on the Sugar Cream Pie, here are some great ideas:

  • Storage: Keep leftover pie in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover it well to maintain freshness.
  • Freezing: This pie can be frozen for up to a month. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil.
  • Pairing: Serve with fresh fruit or a scoop of ice cream for added sweetness and texture.
  • Flavor variations: Add a splash of lemon juice or zest for a refreshing contrast to the sweetness.
  • Top it off: Whipped cream or a sprinkle of toasted coconut can elevate your pie to a new level.

Serving This Sugar Cream Pie

When it comes to enjoying your Sugar Cream Pie, the opportunities are endless! Here’s how I recommend serving it:

  • Slice it up: Serve the pie chilled, cut into generous slices that allow the creamy filling to shine.
  • Garnish: Add a dollop of whipped cream on top or sprinkle with additional cinnamon for an attractive presentation.
  • Perfect for gatherings: This pie is a crowd-pleaser for family dinners, potlucks, and holiday celebrations. Everyone loves it!
  • Pair with beverages: It goes wonderfully with a cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk, enhancing the creaminess of the pie.
  • Seasonal touch: For fall gatherings, consider serving alongside spiced cider or pumpkin-flavored drinks to complement the flavors.
  • Storage tips: If you have leftovers, make sure to cover them tightly and store them in the refrigerator. This will keep the pie fresh and ready for snacking later.

FAQ

A Sugar Cream Pie is a classic dessert made with a simple filling of sugar, cream, and spices, all nestled in a flaky pie crust. It’s known for its creamy, sweet flavor and is often served chilled. This pie can be traced back to early American cuisine, especially within the Amish community, and is cherished for its simplicity and comforting taste.

When properly stored, a Sugar Cream Pie can last in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Make sure to cover it with plastic wrap or a pie lid to keep it fresh. If you want to enjoy it later, this pie can also be frozen for up to a month; just be sure to wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn.

Absolutely! In fact, making a Sugar Cream Pie ahead of time is a great way to enhance its flavors. You can prepare the pie a day or even two in advance. Just ensure it’s well-covered in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness. This way, you can spend more time with your guests and less time in the kitchen when it’s time to serve!

Pairing your Sugar Cream Pie with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can elevate its deliciousness! Additionally, fresh berries or a drizzle of caramel sauce can add a nice contrast to the pie’s sweetness. It also pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea, making it a delightful dessert for any gathering.

Conclusion

The Sugar Cream Pie is a timeless dessert that perfectly balances sweetness with a creamy texture. It’s a delightful treat that’s sure to impress your family and friends. I encourage you to try making this pie—it’s easier than you might think and brings a touch of nostalgia to any gathering. Share it with your loved ones and create new memories around the table!

Sugar Cream Pie

Sugar Cream Pie

The ultimate comfort food! The Sugar Cream Pie features a creamy, sweet filling that melts in your mouth. With just a few simple ingredients, this easy recipe creates a delightful dessert that's perfect for any occasion. Treat yourself and make this pie tonight!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 280

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pie crust Pie Crust frozen, refrigerated, or homemade
  • 1 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 1/4 cup Cornstarch
  • 2 cups Whole Milk
  • 1/2 cup Butter cut into 8 pieces
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • 1/8 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon

Equipment

  • 9-inch Pie Pan
  • Pie weights

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 450 degrees. This initial high temperature will help the crust set perfectly. Grab your pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch pie plate. Make sure to flute the edges for that classic look.
  2. Now, it’s time to blind bake the crust. Place a layer of parchment paper or heavy-duty foil in the pie crust and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. This helps prevent the crust from puffing up while baking. Bake it for about 8 minutes.
  3. After 8 minutes, carefully remove the pie weights and parchment. Bake for another 5 to 7 minutes, until the crust is light brown. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
  4. Once baked, let the crust cool on the counter while you work on the filling. This is a good time to reduce the oven temperature to 375 degrees.
  5. In a medium saucepan, combine granulated sugar and cornstarch. Whisk them together to ensure they’re evenly mixed. This step is crucial for a smooth filling.
  6. Next, whisk in whole milk until the mixture is smooth. Place the saucepan over medium heat.
  7. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring continuously to prevent sticking. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer for about 2 minutes. You'll notice it thickening beautifully as you stir.
  8. Remove the saucepan from the heat and add butter, ground nutmeg, and ground cinnamon. Stir until the butter is melted and the mixture is perfectly combined.
  9. Pour the creamy filling into your cooled pie crust. Be sure to sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on top for added flavor and visual appeal.
  10. Place the pie on a baking sheet in case of overflow and bake at 375 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes. The pie will still be a bit jiggly, but don’t worry; it will firm up as it cools.
  11. Once baked, let the pie cool on the counter for about 20 minutes, then refrigerate it until completely chilled. This allows the flavors to meld and the filling to set.

Notes

  • Storage: Keep leftover pie in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover it well to maintain freshness.
  • Freezing: This pie can be frozen for up to a month. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil.
  • Pairing: Serve with fresh fruit or a scoop of ice cream for added sweetness and texture.
  • Flavor variations: Add a splash of lemon juice or zest for a refreshing contrast to the sweetness.
  • Top it off: Whipped cream or a sprinkle of toasted coconut can elevate your pie to a new level.

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