The first time I tasted sugar cream pie, it felt like a warm hug in dessert form. The silky custard, with its creamy sweetness and hint of vanilla, paired with a buttery, flaky crust—it was pure magic. This pie has been a staple in my family for years, especially during the holidays. It’s one of those recipes that feels nostalgic and comforting, yet elegant enough to impress at any gathering. And the best part? You don’t need to be a pastry chef to make it! If you’re looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert, this Ultimate Sugar Cream Pie is about to become your new favorite.
Whether you grew up in Indiana (where this pie is a beloved classic) or you’re new to this dessert, I promise it’ll win you over with its simplicity and flavor. Let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: You only need a handful of pantry staples—no fancy ingredients here!
- Quick to Make: The pie comes together in under an hour, with minimal prep work.
- Rich & Creamy Texture: The custard is silky smooth, perfectly balanced with the buttery crust.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday dinner, potluck, or just a cozy night in, this pie fits right in.
- Beginner-Friendly: Even if you’ve never baked a pie before, this recipe is straightforward and forgiving.
This sugar cream pie stands out because of its melt-in-your-mouth texture and perfectly sweet, caramelized topping. It’s the kind of dessert that makes people close their eyes and savor every bite. Trust me, it’s that good!
What Ingredients You Will Need
This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that work together to create a wonderfully rich and creamy pie. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Crust
- 1 pre-made pie crust (or homemade if you prefer)
For the Filling
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (480ml) heavy cream
- 1/4 cup (56g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, for garnish)
Ingredient Tips: Use high-quality heavy cream for the best results. If you’re feeling adventurous, try making your own pie crust from scratch for an extra homemade touch!
Equipment Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to make this Ultimate Sugar Cream Pie:
- Pie Dish: A 9-inch pie dish works perfectly for this recipe.
- Whisk: To mix the filling until smooth.
- Mixing Bowl: A medium-sized bowl for preparing the custard.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy is key for the perfect custard!
- Oven: Of course, you’ll need an oven to bake the pie. Preheat it to 375°F (190°C).
If you don’t have a pie dish, a tart pan or even a casserole dish could work in a pinch—just keep an eye on the baking time.
Preparation Method
- Prepare the Crust: Roll out your pie crust and fit it into your 9-inch pie dish. Trim the edges and crimp them for a decorative look. Pre-bake the crust at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes to prevent a soggy bottom.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar and flour until well combined.
- Add the Wet Ingredients: Gradually whisk in the heavy cream, melted butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Pour the Filling: Carefully pour the custard mixture into the pre-baked crust. Use a spatula to smooth out the top.
- Bake: Place the pie in the oven and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Cool and Garnish: Let the pie cool completely at room temperature. Sprinkle ground nutmeg on top for an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal.
Pro Tip: For the ultimate caramelized topping, broil the pie for 1-2 minutes after baking. Just keep a close eye on it to prevent burning!
Cooking Tips & Techniques
- Blind Baking the Crust: Use pie weights or dried beans to prevent the crust from puffing up during pre-baking.
- Avoid Overbaking: The filling should still have a slight jiggle when you take it out of the oven. It will firm up as it cools.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: High-quality cream and butter make all the difference in flavor and texture.
- Cool Completely: Allow the pie to cool fully before slicing to ensure clean, even cuts.
Remember, baking is as much about patience as it is about precision. Take your time, and your pie will come out perfect!
Variations & Adaptations
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free pie crust and substitute gluten-free flour in the filling.
- Dairy-Free Version: Swap heavy cream with a full-fat coconut milk and use a dairy-free butter alternative.
- Spiced Twist: Add a touch of cinnamon or cardamom to the filling for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Chocolate Sugar Cream Pie: Add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the filling for a chocolaty version.
One time, I added a caramel drizzle on top, and let me tell you—it was a game-changer!
Serving & Storage Suggestions
This pie is best served slightly chilled or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Storage: Cover the pie with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the pie for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
- Reheating: For a warm slice, heat it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
The flavors of this pie actually deepen after a day in the fridge, making it an excellent make-ahead dessert!
Nutritional Information & Benefits
Here’s a rough estimate per slice (based on 8 servings):
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 3g
This pie may not be the lightest dessert, but it’s worth every indulgent bite. It’s a treat that brings joy and comfort, and sometimes that’s all the nourishment you need!
Conclusion
If you’ve been searching for the ultimate sugar cream pie recipe, look no further. This pie is creamy, dreamy, and irresistibly delicious. It’s a dessert that feels like a warm hug, perfect for sharing with loved ones or simply savoring a slice on your own.
I’d love to hear how your pie turns out! Share your thoughts, tweaks, or creative variations in the comments below. And if you snap a photo, tag me on social media—I can’t wait to see your creations!
Now, grab your apron and get baking. This sugar cream pie is calling your name!
FAQs
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! This pie tastes even better the next day. Just be sure to store it in the refrigerator.
Can I use a store-bought crust?
Yes, a pre-made crust works perfectly for this recipe. It saves time and still tastes delicious!
How do I know when the pie is done?
The filling should be set around the edges but still have a slight jiggle in the center. It will firm up as it cools.
Can I freeze sugar cream pie?
Yes! Wrap it well and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
Full-fat coconut milk is a great dairy-free alternative, but it will slightly alter the flavor.
PrintUltimate Sugar Cream Pie
This creamy, dreamy sugar cream pie features a silky custard filling with a buttery crust, perfect for holidays or any occasion. It’s easy to make and irresistibly delicious.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 pre-made pie crust
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (480ml) heavy cream
- 1/4 cup (56g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out your pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish. Trim the edges and crimp them for a decorative look. Pre-bake the crust for 10 minutes to prevent a soggy bottom.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar and flour until well combined.
- Gradually whisk in the heavy cream, melted butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Carefully pour the custard mixture into the pre-baked crust. Use a spatula to smooth out the top.
- Place the pie in the oven and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Let the pie cool completely at room temperature. Sprinkle ground nutmeg on top for garnish, if desired.
- For a caramelized topping, broil the pie for 1-2 minutes after baking, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
Notes
For the best results, use high-quality heavy cream and butter. Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing for clean cuts. The flavors deepen after a day in the fridge, making it a great make-ahead dessert.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25
- Sodium: 100
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Protein: 3
Keywords: sugar cream pie, easy dessert, holiday pie, creamy pie, Indiana classic