Hoosier Sugar Cream Pie – The Sweet, Creamy Delight You Won’t Be Able to Stop Eating

Imagine sinking your fork into a velvety, custardy, melt-in-your-mouth cream pie, with a hint of cinnamon-sugar on top that crisps just enough to satisfy your craving for something sweet, but leaves you wanting more. This Hoosier sugar cream pie isn’t just a treat; it’s pure, old-fashioned comfort. From the smooth, buttery filling to the caramelized cinnamon-sugar crust, it’s the kind of dessert that your grandma would whip up when you needed a bit of sweet cheer in your life.
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The best part? You don’t need any fancy ingredients or complicated techniques. If you’ve got heavy cream, butter, and a pie crust ready to go, you’re halfway there! Whether you're a seasoned baker or someone who only dabbles in dessert, this simple but decadent pie will become your go-to whenever you need something sweet, creamy, and absolutely irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Hoosier Sugar Cream Pie

This recipe is a piece of pie – no pun intended – to pull together. The filling takes mere minutes on the stovetop, and the sugary, cinnamon topping crisps up perfectly in the oven. Not to mention, it has that magical combination of creaminess and just the right touch of sweetness that hits all the right notes. Serve it warm with a cup of coffee, or chill it for a cool, refreshing treat.

The Rich History of Hoosier Sugar Cream Pie

Hoosier sugar cream pie is a true piece of American culinary history, often referred to as "Indiana’s state pie." It is deeply rooted in the traditions of the early settlers in Indiana, particularly among the Shaker and Amish communities, where pie-making was an essential part of their food culture. The pie is also sometimes called "desperation pie" because it uses simple, pantry staples that were available year-round, especially when fresh fruit wasn’t in season. This made it a go-to dessert for households throughout the Midwest.

What sets the Hoosier sugar cream pie apart is its simplicity. While other cream pies use eggs to thicken the custard, sugar cream pie relies solely on the natural thickening properties of cornstarch and cream. This technique dates back to the frugality of early American homemakers who could create a rich, luxurious pie with minimal ingredients. Sugar cream pie was often made during the winter months when eggs were scarce, and the cream was plentiful from dairy farms.

The absence of eggs gives this pie a distinctively smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture, which is then enhanced by the sweet, caramelized crust of cinnamon and sugar. The pie has maintained its popularity over generations, becoming a beloved staple at Hoosier bakeries and restaurants throughout Indiana. Today, it’s enjoyed not only as a nostalgic treat but as a delightful comfort food that speaks to the simple pleasures of home baking.

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The Key Ingredients That Make This Pie Special

At its core, sugar cream pie uses basic ingredients—cream, sugar, butter, and cornstarch—but it’s how these ingredients come together that makes this pie a standout.

• Heavy Cream: The richness of the pie comes from the heavy cream, which is responsible for the smooth, velvety texture. The cream thickens as it cooks with the cornstarch, creating a custard-like filling without the need for eggs. This makes the pie especially rich and creamy while also being incredibly simple to prepare.
• Butter: Butter adds both flavor and texture to the pie. It’s used in the filling, adding richness, and again in the topping to help caramelize the cinnamon and sugar, giving the top a delightful crunch.
• Cornstarch: This is the magic thickener in the pie. When combined with the cream and sugar, cornstarch allows the pie to set perfectly without becoming too dense. It keeps the filling silky smooth.
• Cinnamon-Sugar Topping: The cinnamon-sugar topping gives the pie its signature flavor and caramelized texture. As the pie bakes, the sugar melts slightly and forms a crispy, golden layer that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling beneath.

Serving Suggestions

While Hoosier sugar cream pie is delicious on its own, here are some serving ideas to make it even more indulgent:

• Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream can complement the creaminess of the pie and add an extra layer of richness.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: For an even cooler treat, serve the pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast between the cold ice cream and the warm pie is heavenly.
• Fresh Berries: Add a side of fresh strawberries or raspberries to balance the sweetness with a bit of tartness.

How to Store and Reheat

This pie is not only easy to make but also stores well, meaning you can enjoy it for days!

• Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 7 days, covered with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. The pie keeps its creamy texture when chilled and can be enjoyed cold or brought back to room temperature before serving.
• Freezing: Sugar cream pie can be frozen for up to a month. To freeze, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and serve chilled or at room temperature.

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Recipe: Hoosier Sugar Cream Pie

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 1 pre-made or homemade pie crust

For the Filling:

• ⅓ cup cornstarch
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 5 tbsp butter
• 3 cups heavy cream
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

For the Topping:

• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat and Prep:
   Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Roll out your pie crust to fit your pie plate, ensuring it’s an even layer. Prick the bottom and sides with a fork to prevent air bubbles.
   Line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights (or dried beans). Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 350°F (180°C), remove the pie weights, and bake for another 5 minutes to get a golden finish. Set the crust aside to cool.
2. Make the Creamy Filling:
   In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar and cornstarch. Add the butter and cream, then place the saucepan over medium heat.
   Whisk constantly until the mixture thickens and starts to bubble. Once it’s thick like pudding, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla and a pinch of salt.
   Pour this silky cream mixture into the cooled pie crust, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
3. Add the Sweet Topping:
   Melt the butter and drizzle it over the top of the pie.
   In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle this heavenly mixture evenly over the pie. It’s going to caramelize into an irresistible sweet crust!
4. Bake to Perfection:
   Bake the pie for 20-25 minutes until the top is slightly golden, and the sugar has begun to melt into a crispy, sweet topping.
   Turn your oven’s broiler on for 1 minute to caramelize the sugar topping further. Be careful not to leave it too long – you want it golden, not burnt!
5. Cool and Serve:
   Allow the pie to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to the fridge until you’re ready to serve. This pie is delightful either warm or chilled. Slice it up and enjoy every creamy, cinnamon-kissed bite!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 430 kcal
• Fat: 31g
• Carbohydrates: 33g
• Sugar: 25g
• Protein: 4g

Storage Tips

This pie stores wonderfully in the fridge for up to 7 days. Keep it covered with plastic wrap, and when you're ready to indulge again, slice and enjoy chilled or let it come to room temperature.

Final Thoughts

Hoosier sugar cream pie isn’t just a dessert—it’s a sweet experience. It’s the kind of pie that transports you to your happiest memories with every bite. Share it with family and friends, or keep it all to yourself (we won’t judge!). Either way, this luscious, velvety treat is sure to become a favorite in your home.