Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Hoosier Sugar Cream Pie is loved for its creamy, sweet filling and buttery crust. The flavor is subtly sweet without being overwhelming, and the texture is smooth and indulgent. With just a few simple ingredients, this pie is surprisingly easy to make but offers a big payoff in taste. It’s the perfect dessert for those who appreciate the comfort of classic American desserts.

Ingredients

1 unbaked pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
1 ½ cups heavy cream
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon butter (melted)
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for topping)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir well to dissolve the cornstarch.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens. This will take about 5–7 minutes.
Once the mixture has thickened, remove it from the heat and stir in the melted butter.
Pour the creamy filling into the prepared pie crust. Smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate the pie for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to fully set.
Before serving, you can optionally sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon on top for extra flavor.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8 slices
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30–35 minutes
Cooling time: 2 hours

Variations

Chocolate Hoosier Sugar Cream Pie: Add melted chocolate to the filling mixture for a chocolate twist.
Nutty Hoosier Sugar Cream Pie: Sprinkle crushed nuts, like pecans or walnuts, on top of the pie before baking for added texture and flavor.
Spiced Hoosier Sugar Cream Pie: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the filling to give the pie a warm, spiced flavor.
Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream to make the pie a bit lighter without sacrificing too much creaminess.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
The pie is best served chilled, but it can also be eaten at room temperature if you prefer.
If you need to reheat, do so gently in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat, as it could alter the texture of the filling.

FAQs

1. Can I use a store-bought pie crust for this recipe?

Yes, you can use a store-bought pie crust to save time. Just make sure it’s an unbaked one.

2. How do I know when the pie is done?

The pie is done when the filling is set and the crust is golden brown. A slight jiggle in the center is fine, as the pie will firm up as it cools.

3. Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes, this pie can be made ahead of time. It actually tastes better when it’s chilled for several hours before serving.

4. Can I freeze Hoosier Sugar Cream Pie?

Yes, you can freeze the pie. After baking and cooling, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

5. What can I use if I don’t have cornstarch?

You can substitute cornstarch with an equal amount of all-purpose flour. It will work similarly to thicken the filling.

6. Can I use a different type of milk instead of heavy cream?

While heavy cream is ideal for the rich texture, you can substitute it with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version. The pie will still be delicious.

7. How can I make the crust more flavorful?

You can add a little sugar or cinnamon to the pie crust dough to give it extra flavor and complement the sweet filling.

8. Why is my pie filling too runny?

If the filling is too runny, it may not have been cooked long enough to thicken. Be sure to stir constantly and wait until the mixture visibly thickens before removing it from the heat.

9. Can I add fruit to this pie?

Although traditionally a custard pie, you can add fresh berries or fruit preserves on top for a fruity twist. Just be sure to let the pie cool completely before adding them.

10. What’s the best way to serve Hoosier Sugar Cream Pie?

This pie is best served chilled and can be topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor.

Conclusion

Hoosier Sugar Cream Pie is a wonderful dessert that’s both simple and indulgent. With its creamy filling, buttery crust, and subtle sweetness, it’s the perfect treat to share with friends and family. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the variations, this pie is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Hoosier Sugar Cream Pie Recipe

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This Hoosier Sugar Cream Pie is a creamy, custard-style dessert made with simple ingredients like sugar, heavy cream, and butter. A traditional Indiana pie, it features a sweet, velvety filling in a flaky pie crust, topped with a hint of cinnamon. Perfect for holidays or any occasion!

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 10 minute
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes (including chilling)
Yield: 8 servings
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American (Indiana)
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

1 (9-inch) pre-baked pie crust
1 cup granulated sugar
¼ cup cornstarch
2 cups heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven – Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare Filling – In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar and cornstarch. Gradually add heavy cream while whisking to avoid lumps.
Cook Mixture – Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and starts to bubble (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and melted butter.
Assemble Pie – Pour the filling into the pre-baked pie crust and smooth the top. Sprinkle with ground cinnamon.
Bake – Bake for 10-12 minutes, just until the top sets.
Cool & Chill – Let the pie cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, substitute brown sugar for a richer, caramel-like taste.
Use nutmeg instead of cinnamon for a different spice profile.
Serve chilled or at room temperature with whipped cream.