Best Easy Indiana Sugar Cream Pie Recipe

Indiana sugar cream pie is a custardy, cinnamon-dusted Hoosier classic made without eggs or fruit. This simple, family-friendly dessert has been a beloved tradition in Indiana for generations.

Cook 70 min Difficulty NORMAL 340 kcal
#vegetarian #midwest dessert #custard pie #easy baking
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • pie crust (9-inch, unbaked) 1 piece
  • heavy cream 1.5 cups
  • whole milk 0.5 cup
  • granulated sugar 1 cup
  • all-purpose flour 0.25 cup
  • unsalted butter 4 tbsp
Seasonings/Sauce
  • vanilla extract 2 tsp
  • ground cinnamon 0.5 tsp
  • salt 0.25 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 51 g 60%
Protein 3 g 4%
Fat 14 g 36%
Serving size 105g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Preheat your oven to 425°F. Place the unbaked pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish and flute the edges as desired.

  2. 2

    In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the sugar, flour, and salt. Gradually whisk in the heavy cream and milk, ensuring no lumps remain.

  3. 3

    Continue to cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until it thickens and just starts to bubble, about 7–10 minutes. Do not let it boil vigorously.

  4. 4

    Remove from heat and stir in the unsalted butter and vanilla extract until butter is fully melted and homemade custard is smooth.

  5. 5

    Pour the custard filling into the prepared pie crust. Sprinkle the surface evenly with ground cinnamon. Bake at 425°F for 10 minutes, then reduce the heat to 350°F and bake for another 20–25 minutes until the filling is set but the center still jiggles slightly.

  6. 6

    Remove pie from oven and cool completely on a wire rack. Chill for at least 2 hours before slicing so the filling sets for clean slices.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient that creates the signature flavor of Indiana sugar cream pie?
Heavy cream is the defining ingredient in Indiana sugar cream pie; it gives the pie its rich, custard-like texture and creamy flavor, distinguishing it from standard pies. The balance of cream, sugar, and vanilla is what makes this classic Hoosier dessert unique.
Q. How do you ensure the custard filling thickens properly without overcooking?
When heating the filling on the stovetop, use medium heat and stir constantly. The custard is ready when it thickens and starts to gently bubble—be careful not to let it boil rapidly, as this can cause curdling or scorching. Remove from heat promptly and finish with butter and vanilla for a silk-smooth texture.
Q. How can I avoid a soggy crust or runny filling when making sugar cream pie?
Blind baking isn't required, but make sure the filling is thick before pouring it into the crust. Baking at a high temperature briefly, then reducing the heat, ensures the custard sets without overbaking. Cooling the pie completely and chilling it for at least 2 hours helps the filling firm up for neat, sliceable portions.
Q. What is the nutritional profile of this Indiana sugar cream pie per serving?
Each 105g serving contains about 340 kcal, with approximately 51g of carbohydrates (60% of calories), 3g of protein (4%), and 14g of fat (36%). This pie is a classic treat best enjoyed in moderation due to its higher sugar and cream content.
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