Hoosier Sugar Cream Pie (With Heavy Cream)

Published: Sep 27, 2022 · Modified: Nov 11, 2022 by Erin · This post may contain affiliate links · 37 Comments

This Old Fashioned Sugar Cream Pie is creamy and sweet, with a texture similar to crème brûlée. It uses simple ingredients and takes just a few minutes to prepare. But it tastes impressive and that's why you'll love it!

Side view of sugar cream pie slice on a plate, with 2 cinnamon sticks on counter behind it.

Jump to:

Why You Will Love This Recipe
History of Hoosier Pie
Key Ingredients
Instructions
Expert Tips
Recipe FAQs
Recommended Recipes
Recipe
Reviews

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy to Make - Seriously, this Sugar Cream Pie recipe is so easy! A few minutes on the stovetop, pour it into a pre-baked shell, then broil the cinnamon topping for about a minute. Done.

No Eggs - This magical pie uses cornstarch to thicken the vanilla custard so there are no eggs needed!

Snickerdoodle Flavor - The cinnamon sugar topping reminds me of one of my favorite cookies, the Snickerdoodle! It is caramelized on top of the creamy filling and makes a really delicious pie!

The first time I ever had this recipe was when we held our Indiana state dinner. My whole family fell in love with it and now it is a Thanksgiving tradition. Of course, we also enjoy our Pumpkin and Chocolate Pecan Pie recipes on Thanksgiving!

History of Hoosier Pie

Indiana Sugar Cream Pie dates all the way back to the 1800s when it was popular in Amish and Shaker communities! After the apple harvest, they regularly made apple pies. But once the apples were gone they needed a different dessert option! Out of desperation, they combined ingredients that they almost always had on the farm, and this recipe was born. Some even call this Desperation Pie!

In 2009 it became the official state pie of Indiana (the Hoosier state)! You can read more about iconic Indiana recipes by taking a look at our Indiana State Dinner.

Key Ingredients

See the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the full list of ingredients, including measurements.

Heavy Cream: Heavy whipping cream makes the most velvety and rich custard. Half and half can also be used.

Butter: High-quality butter gives a wonderful flavor to the custard.

Cornstarch: Cornstarch thickens the custard and is used instead of egg yolks.

Ground Cinnamon: If you want even more spice, add ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg.

Prepared Pie Crust Dough: I highly recommend baking your own dough using this buttery crust recipe. But if you would rather not bake then just pour the custard into a fully baked store-bought pie crust.

Instructions

If you are making a homemade crust, press the unbaked pie dough into a 9-inch pie plate then bake fully according to your recipe directions.
Cool completely.

Step One: Whisk Sugar and Cornstarch

Don't turn the burner on yet. Just mix the two ingredients together.

Step Two: Boil Custard

Add the butter and heavy whipping cream, then bring to a boil over medium heat.
Stir the mixture continuously to prevent it from burning.
Once the mixture begins to boil, set a timer for one minute and continue whisking.

Step Three: Stir in Vanilla Extract

Remove the custard from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

Step Four: Pour into Pie Crust

Use a fully-baked crust that has cooled completely.

Step Five: Broil Cinnamon Sugar Topping

Mix the cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl.
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter and pour it over the custard. Then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar over the butter.
Place your pie plate in the top ⅓ of your oven and broil for 1-2 minutes. Watch it carefully to make sure it does not burn.
Remove the pie to a wire rack and let it cool at room temperature for a little bit. Then transfer to the refrigerator for several hours.

Split image of sugar and cinnamon in bowl, then sprinkled onto pie.

Expert Tips

Stir the custard continuously as it cooks in order to prevent it from burning.
Set a one-minute timer as soon as the custard begins to boil. The minute of cooking will help to thicken the mixture, but if you cook it for too long it will break down and separate.
Place a pie shield over the crust before broiling. This step will keep your crust from burning.
Use a pie plate that is safe for broiling. I have never had a problem with a standard glass plate, but it is possible that the high heat could cause the glass to shatter.

Overheadv of two slices of pie on small plates with the whole pie missing 2 pieces.

Recipe FAQs

How do I store Hoosier Sugar Cream Pie?

This custard pie must be kept in the refrigerator. Wrap it with plastic wrap and it will keep in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.

Can I make Indiana Cream Pie in advance?

Yes, while the pie can be served warm I think it is best chilled for a few hours or even served the next day. Since it will keep in the refrigerator for up to 7 days it is a great recipe to make in advance.

Can I make Sugar Pie without dairy?

This creamy pie is most certainly best when made with heavy cream. I have not tested dairy-free alternatives but some readers have reported success with lactose-free half and half as well as almond milk creamer.

Slice of pie with a bite missing and a fork next to it on the plate.

Recommended Recipes

Let me know how you like this recipe by leaving a review! And follow along on Instagram @stateofdinner for behind-the-scenes and to be among the first to know when new recipes post!

Recipe

This recipe was originally published on August 25, 2020. This update is the same recipe as the original, but the post was updated with helpful tips and new photos. Here is one of the original images!

Comments