Description
Old Fashioned Sugar Cream Pie is a classic, creamy dessert featuring a rich custard-like filling made from heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla, baked in a buttery pie crust and topped with a hint of nutmeg. This traditional Midwest favorite is velvety smooth and perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth with its simple, nostalgic flavors.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 1 Dough for single 8″ or 9″ pie crust
Filling
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons butter (room temperature, for dotting)
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for baking the pie.
- Prepare Pie Crust: Roll out the pie dough and fit it into an 8″ or 9″ pie pan. Avoid using a deep-dish pie plate as this pie requires a shallower shell for proper baking. Place the pie pan on a baking sheet to make transferring easier and to catch any spills during baking.
- Mix Filling: In a medium bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
- Assemble Pie: Dot the bottom of the pie crust with room temperature butter evenly. Pour the cream filling mixture into the pie shell. Sprinkle nutmeg evenly over the top of the filling for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Bake Pie: Bake the pie at 425°F for 10 minutes to set the crust and filling initially. Then reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for about 55 minutes. If the crust edges brown too quickly, shield them with a pie crust protector. The filling should appear bubbly in the center and set around the edges when done. The pie will firm up further as it cools.
- Cool Pie: Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack for about 2 hours to let the filling fully set before slicing and serving.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in the refrigerator, where the pie will keep for several days, maintaining its creamy texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use a shallow 8 or 9-inch pie pan to ensure even baking of the custard filling.
- Dotting the butter inside the crust before adding the filling enriches the flavor and helps create a flaky crust bottom.
- Cover the pie crust edges if they brown too fast during baking to prevent burning.
- Cooling the pie completely before slicing is essential to allow the custard to set properly for clean slices.
- This pie is best served chilled or at room temperature for optimal creaminess and flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
