Sugar Cream Pie: A Delightful Dessert
Introduction
Sugar Cream Pie, often referred to as Hoosier Pie, is a classic dessert with roots in the Midwest, particularly Indiana. This creamy, custard-like pie has been a favorite for generations, prized for its simplicity and rich, sweet flavor. It’s an ideal dessert for any occasion, providing a comforting taste of nostalgia.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
- 1/4 cup ice water
For the filling:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
For the topping:
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust
- In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt.
- Add the chilled butter pieces and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together.
- Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll Out the Crust
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a 12-inch circle.
- Fit the dough into a 9-inch pie plate, trimming the excess and crimping the edges.
- Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork to prevent bubbling.
- Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans.
- Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the parchment and weights and bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until the crust is golden. Set aside to cool.
- Make the Filling
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar and cornstarch.
- Gradually add the heavy cream and milk, whisking until smooth.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and starts to boil.
- Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract until the butter is melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Pour the filling into the pre-baked pie crust.
- Add the Topping
- In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for the topping.
- Sprinkle evenly over the top of the pie filling.
- Bake the Pie
- Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the pie for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is golden.
- If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with aluminum foil.
- Cool and Serve
- Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to ensure the filling is set.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy!
Benefits
While Sugar Cream Pie is undoubtedly a treat, it also offers some benefits:
- Comfort Food: This pie is perfect for providing a sense of comfort and nostalgia, ideal for family gatherings and special occasions.
- Simple Ingredients: The ingredients are straightforward and likely already in your pantry, making this an accessible dessert for any home baker.
- Versatility: You can easily adapt the recipe by adding a pinch of nutmeg, a drizzle of caramel, or even a handful of berries for a unique twist.
Enjoy this delightful Sugar Cream Pie, and share a slice of Midwestern heritage with your loved ones!