The Heartwarming Indiana Sugar Cream Pie Recipe Everyone Loves

Nestled in the heartland of Indiana sugar cream pie represents a sweet slice of midwestern culinary tradition.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this simple yet decadent dessert.

creamy custard fills a flaky pastry shell with pure comfort.

Settlers crafted this recipe using ingredients readily available on their farms.

Milk, sugar, and cream combine to create a silky smooth filling that melts in your mouth.

Each bite tells a story of resourceful cooking and delicious heritage.

Prepare to savor a classic that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Indiana Pie – Twists to Try Next Time

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace traditional pie crust with almond flour or gluten-free graham cracker crust for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap cow's milk with coconut milk or almond milk, and use dairy-free butter substitute to create a lactose-free version.
• Low-Sugar Option: Utilize stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar, reducing overall calorie and carbohydrate content for diabetic-friendly preparation.
• Vegan Adaptation: Incorporate plant-based milk like oat milk, use coconut cream instead of butter, and replace eggs with cornstarch to create a completely plant-based Indiana pie.

Serving Indiana Pie with Style

• Dessert Companion Pairings: Serve this creamy Indiana pie with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for classic comfort.
• Beverage Buddies: Pair with a warm cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk to complement the sweet, rich flavors.
• Garnish Glow-Up: Sprinkle extra cinnamon or add a light dusting of powdered sugar on top for a beautiful presentation that enhances the pie's visual appeal.
• Texture Contrast: Top with whipped cream and a few toasted almond slivers to add a delightful crunch against the smooth pie filling.

Indiana Pie – Keep It Fresh

• Store leftover pie covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Protect the surface from drying out by keeping it tightly sealed.
• Wrap the entire pie or individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 2 months to maintain best texture and flavor.
• Keep pie at room temperature for only 2 hours maximum to prevent bacterial growth. Always refrigerate after serving.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. Alternatively, reheat in a preheated 350F oven for 10-15 minutes to restore the crust's crispness and warm the filling evenly.

FAQs

• What is Indiana Pie known for?

Indiana Pie is a traditional Midwestern dessert known for its rich, creamy custard filling and simple ingredients that showcase local dairy flavors.

• Is this pie similar to other custard pies?

While similar to cream pies, Indiana Pie has a distinctive smooth texture and subtle vanilla-cinnamon profile that sets it apart from classic custard recipes.

• Do I need special skills to make this pie?

No, this recipe is beginner-friendly. With basic baking techniques and careful following of steps, anyone can successfully create this delicious dessert.

• Why does the recipe require multiple baking temperatures?

The different oven temperatures help create a perfectly crisp crust and ensure the custard filling sets properly without burning or becoming too dry.

Sweet Creamy Indiana Pie: The Standout Factor

• Craft Creamy Comfort: Dive into a dessert that wraps you in pure, smooth sweetness with minimal kitchen skills required.
• Minimal Ingredient Magic: Whip up a delightful pie using basic pantry staples that most home cooks already have on hand.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, and casual weekend treats that will make everyone smile and ask for seconds.
• Stress-Free Baking Adventure: Break down complex pie-making into simple steps that even novice bakers can master with confidence and joy.

Indiana Pie – All the Essentials

• All-Purpose Flour: The primary structure for the flaky pie base.
• Unsalted Butter: Provides rich flavor and creates tender, layered texture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall taste of the pie crust.

• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the creamy filling and helps with thickening.
• Cornstarch: Acts as a thickening agent to create a smooth, pudding-like consistency.
• Whole Milk: Creates the rich, creamy foundation of the pie filling.

• Vanilla Extract, Ground Cinnamon: Add warm, aromatic depth to the sweet pie.
• Unsalted Butter: Enriches the filling with a smooth, silky texture.

Indiana Pie – How to Bake It Up

Step 1: Prep The Pie Plate

Roll out pie dough into a thin circular shape and gently place it inside a 9-inch pie plate.

Press the dough smoothly against the plate’s edges and bottom.

Step 2: Shape The Crust Edges

Trim excess dough around the plate’s rim, leaving a half-inch overhang.

Crimp or fold the edges decoratively to create a beautiful border.

Place the prepared crust in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up.

Step 3: Initial Crust Baking

Cover the chilled crust with aluminum foil and add ceramic pie weights or dried beans to prevent bubbling.

Place the crust on the lower oven rack and bake at 450F for 15-20 minutes until edges turn light golden.

Step 4: Finish Crust Preparation

Remove foil and weights, then return crust to the oven for an additional 3-6 minutes until the bottom looks lightly browned.

Lower oven temperature to 375F.

Step 5: Create Filling Base

• Sugar
• Cornstarch

Whisk ingredients together until well blended.

Step 6: Cook Filling Mixture

Gradually pour milk into the sugar mixture, stirring constantly.

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat.

Reduce heat and continue cooking, stirring continuously for 2 minutes until the mixture thickens.

Step 7: Add Finishing Touches

• Butter
• Vanilla extract

Mix until smooth and fully incorporated.

Step 8: Fill And Garnish

Pour the creamy filling into the pre-baked pie crust.

Sprinkle ground cinnamon evenly across the top for extra flavor.

Step 9: Final Baking

Bake the pie at 375F for 15-20 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden color.

Step 10: Cool And Serve

Allow the pie to cool completely at room temperature.

Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to help the filling set properly.

Slice and enjoy the rich, creamy Indiana cream pie!

Tips for Indiana Pie Perfection

• Brush the bottom with egg white before adding filling to create a protective barrier that keeps the crust crisp and flaky.
• Whisk cornstarch and sugar thoroughly before adding milk to eliminate lumps and ensure a silky, creamy texture.
• Use a candy thermometer when cooking the filling to guarantee it reaches the perfect thickness without burning.
• Swap vanilla extract for bourbon or dark rum to add a rich, complex taste that complements the sweet creamy profile.
• Dust the top with freshly grated nutmeg alongside cinnamon for an extra layer of warm, aromatic complexity.

Indiana Sugar Cream Pie Recipe

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4.8 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Creamy Indiana sugar cream pie whisks you through Hoosier culinary traditions with its silky custard and rustic charm. Sweet comfort meets classic Midwestern baking, inviting you to savor each delectable slice of pure Indiana comfort.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups 2% milk (470 milliliters)
• 1/2 cup butter, cubed (113 grams)
• 1 cup sugar (200 grams)

Thickening Agents:

• 1/4 cup cornstarch (30 grams)

Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Crust:

• 1 single pie crust dough

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Instructions

1. Activate the oven to a scorching 450F, preparing for a delectable pie creation.
2. Skillfully roll pie dough into a delicate 1/8-inch circular shape, nestling it gently into a 9-inch pie plate.
3. Carefully trim pastry edges to a precise 1/2 inch, craft an elegant fluted rim, then refrigerate for a crisp 30-minute rest.
4. Shield the delicate crust with a double layer of aluminum foil, strategically placing pie weights to maintain its pristine shape.
5. Position pie on the lower oven rack, baking for 15-20 minutes until edges transform into a light golden hue.
6. Gently remove weights and foil, returning the crust to the oven for an additional 3-6 minutes to achieve a perfectly bronzed bottom.
7. Allow crust to cool momentarily while reducing oven temperature to 375F.
8. In a large saucepan, combine sugar and cornstarch, creating a smooth foundation for the filling.
9. Incorporate milk, stirring until uniformly blended, then bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat, continuously stirring for 2 minutes until mixture thickens substantially.
10. Remove from heat, folding in butter and vanilla to enhance the filling’s rich, creamy texture.
11. Lovingly pour the silky mixture into the prepared crust, delicately dusting the surface with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
12. Bake for 15-20 minutes, watching for a beautiful golden transformation.
13. Allow pie to cool completely, then refrigerate to set and intensify its decadent flavor profile.

Notes

• Prevent soggy crust by blind baking the pie shell thoroughly, ensuring a crispy base that holds the creamy filling perfectly.
• Whisk cornstarch and sugar completely before adding milk to eliminate lumps and create silky smooth filling texture.
• Use room temperature ingredients for even mixing and consistent custard-like consistency throughout the pie.
• For dietary modifications, substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk for lactose-free version, and use gluten-free pie crust to accommodate different nutritional needs.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 278 kcal
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 13 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 42 mg