Hoosier Sugar Cream Delight
Experience a slice of Indiana tradition with our Hoosier Sugar Cream Delight, a rich and creamy pie that pays homage to the beloved Sugar Cream Pie from the Ivy House Bed and Breakfast in Fortville, Indiana. This decadent dessert showcases the wonderful balance of sugar and cream without the use of eggs, embodying the essence of Hoosier heritage. Each bite offers a silky texture and a hint of vanilla, making it a perfect ending to any meal. Whether served at festive gatherings or as a comforting treat at home, this pie is sure to delight your taste buds and evoke fond memories.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Flaky pie crust
1 (9 inch) (baked and cooled)
Sugar
1 cup
Cornstarch
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons
Whole milk
2 1/4 cups
Unsalted butter
1/2 cup (cut into pieces)
Salt
1 pinch (big pinch)
Vanilla extract
1 teaspoon
Fresh whipped cream
to taste (for serving)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, 1/4 cup cornstarch, and salt, mixing well.
2
Gradually whisk in the whole milk until smooth and there are no lumps.
3
Place the saucepan over medium heat and continuously stir or whisk the mixture to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
4
Continue cooking for about 5-7 minutes, or until the mixture begins to boil.
5
Once boiling, reduce the heat slightly and whisk rapidly for an additional 2 minutes, ensuring that the mixture thickens to a pudding-like consistency.
6
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract, mixing well.
7
Pour the warm filling into the cooled, baked pie crust, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure even distribution.
8
Place the pie on a wire rack and let it cool completely at room temperature.
9
Once cooled, transfer the pie to the refrigerator, allowing it to chill for at least 2 hours or overnight for the best flavor and texture.
10
When ready to serve, slice the pie and top each piece with a generous dollop of fresh whipped cream.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hoosier Sugar Cream Delight?
It is a traditional Indiana-style sugar cream pie characterized by its rich, eggless vanilla custard filling.
Where does this specific recipe originate?
This recipe pays homage to the famous Sugar Cream Pie from the Ivy House Bed and Breakfast in Fortville, Indiana.
Does this pie contain eggs?
No, this recipe is egg-free, relying on cornstarch and milk for its creamy texture.
What is the texture of the pie?
The pie has a silky, pudding-like consistency that is smooth and decadent.
How much sugar is required?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of granulated sugar.
What type of milk should I use?
Whole milk is recommended to achieve the proper richness and creaminess.
Can I use a store-bought crust?
Yes, you can use a 9-inch flaky pie crust, provided it is baked and cooled before filling.
How long do I cook the filling?
The mixture typically takes 5-7 minutes to reach a boil and then requires 2 additional minutes of rapid whisking.
What thickens the sugar cream filling?
A combination of 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons of cornstarch is used as the thickening agent.
Do I need to bake the filling in the oven?
No, the filling is cooked entirely on the stovetop and then poured into a pre-baked crust.
How do I prevent lumps in the mixture?
Gradually whisk the whole milk into the dry ingredients until the mixture is completely smooth before heating.
How long should I whisk the mixture after it boils?
Whisk rapidly for 2 minutes once the boiling point is reached to ensure it thickens properly.
When should the vanilla extract be added?
Stir in the vanilla extract after removing the saucepan from the heat to preserve its flavor.
Should the pie crust be warm or cold when filling?
The pie crust should be fully cooled before you pour in the warm filling.
How should the pie be cooled initially?
Place the filled pie on a wire rack and let it reach room temperature before refrigerating.
How long does the pie need to chill?
The pie should be refrigerated for at least 2 hours, though overnight is best for flavor and texture.
Can I serve the pie immediately after filling?
No, the pie must be chilled to allow the custard to set properly for slicing.
What is the best topping for this pie?
It is traditionally served with a generous dollop of fresh whipped cream.
Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, this pie is vegetarian as it contains no meat products or eggs.
How much butter is used in the recipe?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, cut into pieces.
What size pie crust is needed?
A standard 9-inch pie crust is the appropriate size for this volume of filling.
Can I substitute 2% milk for whole milk?
While possible, whole milk provides the traditional fat content necessary for the authentic Hoosier texture.
What is the significance of the Ivy House?
The Ivy House Bed and Breakfast is a notable location in Indiana known for its heritage recipes.
Why is it called a Hoosier pie?
Sugar cream pie is the unofficial state pie of Indiana, and 'Hoosier' is the demonym for residents of the state.
How should leftovers be stored?
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator to keep the cream filling fresh.
What happens if the filling doesn't thicken?
If it doesn't thicken, it may not have been boiled long enough or the cornstarch measurements were inaccurate.
Should I use salted or unsalted butter?
Unsalted butter is preferred so you can control the saltiness with the added pinch of salt.
Can I add nutmeg to this recipe?
While this specific recipe focuses on vanilla, many traditional Hoosier pies include a dusting of nutmeg on top.
Is this a heritage recipe?
Yes, it is considered a heritage recipe that embodies Indiana's culinary history.
What is the final consistency of the filling?
Once chilled, the filling should be firm enough to slice but remain creamy and soft on the palate.