Simple & Sweet: Classic Sugar Cream Pie Recipe for Beginners

Sweet memories of grandma’s kitchen come alive with this classic sugar cream pie that whispers comfort in every delicate bite.

Indiana’s beloved state dessert captures the essence of simple, heartwarming baking.

This silky smooth pie combines pantry staples into a dreamy custard filling that melts on your tongue.

Rich, creamy, and surprisingly easy to make, the pie offers a nostalgic taste of Midwestern hospitality.

Each forkful delivers a golden, caramelized top that contrasts beautifully with the luscious vanilla-infused cream beneath.

The recipe requires minimal ingredients but promises maximum satisfaction.

Grab your rolling pin and let’s bake a slice of pure, unapologetic deliciousness.

Serve Sugar Cream Pie to Please Any Crowd

• Pair with Creamy Companions: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or freshly whipped cream to enhance the pie's smooth, sweet texture and add a delightful cool contrast.
• Garnish with Warm Spices: Dust extra ground cinnamon over each slice or sprinkle some nutmeg to complement the pie's rich, comforting flavor profile and create an aromatic presentation.
• Craft a Cozy Dessert Moment: Present the chilled pie during afternoon tea, family gatherings, or as a delectable end to a hearty meal, allowing guests to savor each silky, indulgent bite of this classic Indiana-style dessert.
• Create Textural Contrast: Offer crisp almond biscotti or shortbread cookies on the side to provide a delightful crunch that balances the pie's creamy, soft consistency.

Cream Pie Storage for Long-Lasting Flavor

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store the sugar cream pie in an airtight container to maintain its delicate texture and prevent absorption of other refrigerator odors.
• Freeze for Future Enjoyment: Wrap the cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, keeping it fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Slice and Serve Strategies: Cut clean pie slices by using a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between each cut. This technique ensures beautiful, smooth servings without crumbling.
• Maximize Freshness: Consume the pie within 5-7 days for the best flavor and texture. Keep consistently chilled at 40°F or below to prevent bacterial growth and maintain optimal taste quality.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 397 kcal

Servings: 9

Classic Sugar Cream Pie Ingredient Line-Up

• Refrigerated Pie Crust: Provides the delicate, flaky foundation for this classic dessert, ensuring a crisp and golden base that cradles the creamy filling perfectly.

• Whole Milk: Delivers rich, velvety texture and creates the smooth, luxurious backbone of the cream pie.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps balance the creamy filling with a delightful sugary touch.
• Cornstarch: Acts as a thickening powerhouse, transforming the liquid into a luscious, silky custard-like consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Introduces a warm, aromatic depth that elevates the entire dessert with its classic flavor profile.
• Salt: Enhances and rounds out the overall taste, bringing subtle complexity to the sweet filling.

• Unsalted Butter: Contributes a luxurious richness and glossy sheen to the filling, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
• Ground Cinnamon: Sprinkled on top for a warm, inviting aroma and a beautiful finishing garnish that adds visual and flavor contrast.

Tools for a Silky Pie Finish

• Large heavy-bottomed saucepan: Essential for cooking the creamy filling without burning.
• Whisk: Perfect for smoothly combining ingredients and preventing lumps.
• Fork: Used to prick the pie crust before baking.
• Pie tin: Holds the delicious filling and creates the classic pie shape.
• Baking sheet: Provides stability and catches any potential drips in the oven.
• Wire rack: Helps the pie cool evenly after baking.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.
• Spatula: Helpful for scraping and spreading the filling smoothly.

Making Sugar Cream Pie from Scratch

• Pie Crust Preparation

Gently poke holes in a store-bought pie shell and toast it in a hot oven until golden around the edges. Let the crust relax and cool down completely.

• Creamy Filling Creation

Mix milk, sugar, cornstarch, vanilla, and a pinch of salt in a heavy pot. Stir constantly over gentle heat until the mixture transforms into a silky, thick liquid. Watch carefully to prevent scorching.

• Butter Magic

Fold in soft butter and let the mixture bubble briefly, creating a luxurious smooth texture.

• Pie Assembly

Pour the dreamy filling into the waiting pie shell. Some extra filling might remain, which is totally normal.

• Final Baking

Slide the pie into a warm oven and let it bubble softly around the edges for a short time.

• Cooling and Chilling

Allow the pie to rest at room temperature, then tuck it into the refrigerator. Give it several hours to set and develop deep, rich flavors.

• Finishing Touch

Dust the surface with a delicate sprinkle of cinnamon just before serving. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for future enjoyment.

Helpful Tips for a Dreamy Pie

• Explore Delicious Twists and Helpful Techniques
• Replace vanilla extract with almond or maple extract for a unique flavor profile that adds depth and complexity to your classic sugar cream pie.
• Experiment with nutmeg, graham cracker crumbs, or toasted coconut flakes instead of traditional cinnamon to create exciting texture and taste variations.
• Sift cornstarch before adding to the mixture and whisk constantly during cooking to ensure a silky-smooth filling without any unwanted clumps or grainy texture.
• Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan and maintain medium-low heat while stirring frequently to prevent scorching and achieve that perfect creamy consistency without burning the bottom.
• Prepare the pie filling a day in advance and store in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to meld and saving precious time on the day of serving your delightful dessert.

Velvety Sugar Cream Pie Recipe

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4.8 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Indiana’s beloved sugar cream pie combines simple pantry ingredients into a silky custard dessert. Midwestern bakers cherish this nostalgic pie’s creamy filling and rustic charm, inviting you to savor a slice of heartland comfort.

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Ingredients

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• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• ¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, diced into small cubes
• ⅓ cup cornstarch
• ¼ tsp salt
• 2 tsps vanilla extract
• 1 (9-inch) deep-dish pie shell, thawed completely
• Ground cinnamon for sprinkling

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Instructions

1. Crust Preparation: Pierce refrigerated pie dough thoroughly with a fork to prevent bubbling. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes on the oven rack until edges turn light golden brown.
2. Filling Creation: Whisk whole milk, granulated sugar, cornstarch, pure vanilla extract, and salt in a heavy-bottomed saucepan until smooth and fully integrated.
3. Cooking Process: Stir mixture continuously over medium-low heat, maintaining constant movement as filling gradually thickens and bubbles, approximately 8-10 minutes.
4. Butter Incorporation: Add unsalted butter to thickened mixture, whisking until completely melted. Allow gentle boiling for 1-2 minutes to develop rich flavor and proper consistency.
5. Pie Assembly: Pour hot filling into pre-baked crust, leaving a small margin to prevent overflow. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and place pie on a rimmed baking sheet.
6. Final Baking: Bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for gentle bubbling around pie edges, which indicates proper setting.
7. Cooling and Setting: Remove from oven and cool completely at room temperature for 1 hour. Cover loosely with aluminum foil and refrigerate for 6-8 hours to achieve optimal creamy texture.
8. Serving Presentation: Before serving, dust surface evenly with ground cinnamon. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.

Notes

• Prevent Crust Bubbling: Pierce refrigerated pie dough thoroughly and evenly with a fork to avoid unsightly air pockets during baking.
• Master Smooth Filling: Continuously whisk ingredients while cooking to create a perfectly smooth, lump-free custard-like texture.
• Watch Cooking Carefully: Maintain medium-low heat and constant stirring to prevent scorching and ensure a silky, creamy consistency.
• Cooling is Crucial: Allow pie to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for 6-8 hours to achieve the ideal set and rich, creamy texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 397
• Sugar: 34 g
• Sodium: 106 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 62 mg