Indulge in the nostalgic flavors of Sugar Cream Pie, a beloved treat that holds a special place in Laura Kipper’s heart, passed down from her grandma. This delightful pie offers a luscious and comforting experience with its caramel-like vanilla filling. While traditionally served warm, Laura prefers the pie chilled, adding an extra layer of enjoyment when she refrigerates it for a couple of hours before indulging.
INGREDIENTS:
- Pastry for single-crust pie (9 inches)
- 1 cup sugar
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 2 cups 2% milk
- ½ cup butter, cubed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
PREPARATIONS:
- Preheat the oven to 450°F. Roll out the pastry to fit a 9-inch pie plate and transfer it to the pie plate. Trim the pastry to ½ inch beyond the rim of the plate and flute the edge. Line the unpricked pastry with a double thickness of heavy-duty foil, and fill it with pie weights, dried beans, or uncooked rice.
- Bake the pie crust for 8 minutes. Remove the foil and weights, then bake for an additional 5-7 minutes or until the crust turns light brown. Cool the crust on a wire rack, and reduce the oven setting to 375°F.
- In a large saucepan, combine sugar and cornstarch, stirring in milk until smooth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened and bubbly. Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla. Transfer the filling to the pie crust and sprinkle it with cinnamon. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the pie turns golden brown. Cool it on a wire rack, then refrigerate until chilled.
YIELD:
- Makes 8 servings
COOKING TIME:
- 20 minutes (Prep) + 15-27 minutes (Bake) + Chilling
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
- The pie can be served warm or chilled based on your preference.
In conclusion, Sugar Cream Pie is a beloved and nostalgic treat that Laura Kipper cherishes, passed down from her grandma. The delightful combination of a caramel-like vanilla filling and a flaky pastry crust creates a truly comforting and indulgent dessert. While traditionally served warm, Laura prefers the pie chilled, allowing it to develop an even richer flavor profile when refrigerated for a couple of hours before savoring each delectable bite.
The simplicity of the ingredients in this pie highlights its heritage as a “desperation pie,” where basic pantry staples come together to create a timeless and heartwarming treat. The names Sugar Cream Pie, Hoosier Sugar Cream Pie, Indiana Cream Pie, or Sugar Pie all reflect its popularity and variations across different regions and communities.
Creating this sweet masterpiece is a straightforward process, involving a simple and smooth custard-like filling. The filling’s caramel flavor and comforting aroma of vanilla make it a delightful choice for any occasion.
Whether you serve Sugar Cream Pie warm or chilled, its rich and creamy texture combined with the flaky pastry crust is sure to win over the hearts of all who taste it. The pie’s versatility and timeless appeal have earned it a place among various communities, including the Amish, Quakers, and Shakers.
In conclusion, Sugar Cream Pie is a delightful and comforting dessert that embodies the essence of homemade goodness. So, gather your ingredients, roll out the pie crust, and create this classic pie that brings back cherished memories and spreads joy to everyone around your table.
