Sugar Cream Pie Recipe Cinnamon-Dusted Vanilla Custard With Amber Drip

I’m always searching for that perfect dessert that brings instant comfort without hours in the kitchen. This easy sugar cream pie recipe Cinnamon-Dusted Vanilla Custard with Amber Drip delivers a silky, vanilla-rich custard with a subtle cinnamon kiss that truly melts in your mouth. It’s a family-friendly classic Hoosier pie, made foolproof for busy weeknights or when you need a quick meal prep dessert idea. Get ready for a comforting, easy healthy dinner idea companion that will become a new tradition.

Simple Ingredients for Your Sugar Cream Pie

Crafting the perfect sugar cream pie starts with a few humble, quality ingredients. Each one plays a key role in achieving that signature smooth texture and delightful flavor profile.

• Core Ingredients:
• Heavy cream: 2 cups (480ml) (for richness and a luxuriously creamy texture)
• Granulated sugar: 1 cup (200g) (provides the essential sweetness)
• All-purpose flour: 1/4 cup (30g) or cornstarch: 2 Tbsp (16g) (thickener for perfect texture; I often use flour for a slightly softer set, but cornstarch works faster)
• Unsalted butter: 1/4 cup (56g), cold and cubed (for flavor and a tender bite; or salted butter, just reduce added salt by half)
• Pure vanilla extract: 1 Tbsp (15ml) (the star flavor, use the best you have)
• Salt: 1/4 tsp (to balance sweetness and enhance other flavors)
• Optional Add-ins & Smart Swaps:
• A dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth, adding that signature ‘Cinnamon-Dusted’ touch.
• A swirl of brown sugar for deeper, caramel-like flavor.
• Use whole milk for a slightly lighter pie, replacing half the cream.
• Plant-based milk (e.g., full-fat coconut or oat milk) and cream for a dairy-free sugar cream pie.
• Gluten-free flour blend (with xanthan gum) for a gluten-free option.
• Premium/Healthy Variations:
• Organic dairy products for a higher quality, healthier option.
• Vanilla bean paste or a scraped fresh vanilla bean for intense, visible vanilla speckles.
• Alternative sweeteners (e.g., erythritol or stevia blend) for low-carb options.
• Seasonal or Freshness Notes:
• Use high-quality dairy for best results; it truly makes a difference in richness.
• A fresh grating of nutmeg just before serving elevates the aroma.
• Pure vanilla extract or bean paste ensures an authentic, rich vanilla flavor.

Easy Step-by-Step Sugar Cream Pie Preparation

This sugar cream pie recipe comes together beautifully with these straightforward steps, ensuring a perfect Cinnamon-Dusted Vanilla Custard with Amber Drip every time. Pay attention to the cues, and you’ll have a showstopper.

1. 1. Prepare Your Crust (10 minutes): Line a 9-inch pie dish with your preferred crust. For a crisp bottom, blind bake it at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden; it will feel dry to the touch.
2. 2. Whisk Dry Ingredients (2 minutes): In a medium bowl, combine the granulated sugar, flour (or cornstarch), and salt. Whisk well until uniformly mixed, ensuring no visible lumps.
3. 3. Heat Liquids (7-10 minutes): In a heavy-bottomed saucepan (my go-to is a 2-quart saucepan for this), gently heat the heavy cream, milk (if using), and cubed butter over medium heat. Stir until the butter is fully melted and the mixture is warm, just steaming slightly, but not boiling.
4. 4. Temper the Mixture (3-5 minutes): Slowly pour about half a cup of the warm liquid into the dry ingredients while continuously whisking to prevent lumps. The mixture will become a smooth, thick paste. Gradually whisk in the remaining warm liquid until everything is well combined and fluid.
5. 5. Cook the Custard (8-12 minutes): Return the entire mixture to the same saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat, whisking constantly, for 8-12 minutes until it visibly thickens to a pudding-like consistency that coats the back of a spoon. If it’s not thickening, increase heat slightly and continue whisking; don’t rush it. Remove from heat and stir in the pure vanilla extract; the aroma will be incredible.
6. 6. Pour and Bake (30-40 minutes): Pour the hot, thickened custard into your prepared pie crust in the 9-inch pie dish. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden, and the center has a slight wobble when gently shaken. For a no-bake sugar cream pie, simply pour into a pre-baked crust and chill for 3-4 hours until firm.
7. 7. Cool and Set (2-3 hours): Allow the baked pie to cool completely on a wire rack at room temperature for at least 1 hour, letting the steam escape. Then, transfer to the refrigerator and chill for a minimum of 2 hours, or until fully firm to the touch, which will ensure perfect slices.
8. 8. Garnish: Just before serving, lightly dust the top with ground cinnamon or nutmeg for that classic finish. This adds a lovely visual and aromatic touch.

If lumps form during cooking, immediately strain the hot mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl before pouring into the crust. If your baked pie doesn’t set after chilling, it might need more cooking time or longer chilling next time; ensure your custard visibly thickens on the stove.

For a low-carb sugar cream pie, use a keto-friendly almond flour crust and substitute granulated sugar with an equivalent amount of erythritol blend. For a vegan sugar cream pie, ensure you use plant-based milk and cream alternatives (like full-fat coconut milk and vegan butter) and a vegan crust.

Best Times to Enjoy and Storage Tips for Your Cream Pie

This delightful sugar cream pie recipe Cinnamon-Dusted Vanilla Custard with Amber Drip is perfect for many occasions. It’s a comforting end to any family dinner, a delightful treat for casual weeknights, or a unique addition to holiday gatherings.

• Situations: A comforting end to a family dinner; a delightful treat for weeknights; a unique addition to holiday gatherings; a simple yet elegant dessert for potlucks.
• Serving Pairings: Serve chilled with fresh berries, a dollop of homemade whipped cream, or a warm cup of coffee or tea.
• Storage and Reheating:
  • Refrigerator: Cover loosely with plastic wrap and store this sugar cream pie in the fridge for up to 3-5 days.
  • Freezer: Freezing is not recommended for traditional sugar cream pie as it can alter the custard’s creamy texture upon thawing.
  • Reheating: Best served chilled, straight from the refrigerator, or at a cool room temperature.

Health, Nutrition & Lifestyle Benefits of This Dessert

This sugar cream pie recipe Cinnamon-Dusted Vanilla Custard with Amber Drip, when enjoyed mindfully, offers a satisfying and comforting treat for your well-being. It’s a delicious way to enjoy real, simple ingredients, fitting perfectly after an easy healthy dinner.

• Nourishing Comfort: A beloved classic that brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal.
• Adaptable for Diets: This versatile dessert is easily modified for gluten-free or dairy-free needs. You can even use low-carb options with appropriate substitutions, making it a flexible treat.
• Wholesome Ingredients: Made with pantry staples you recognize, making it a healthier alternative to many highly processed store-bought desserts.
• Mindful Indulgence: A treat that can be savored and prepared as part of your quick meal prep recipes, promoting balance and enjoyment in your diet.

How This Sugar Cream Pie Recipe Matches Everyday Goals

This simple sugar cream pie recipe Cinnamon-Dusted Vanilla Custard with Amber Drip is designed for real life, meeting your needs for deliciousness without the fuss. It’s an ideal companion for easy healthy dinner ideas.

• Convenience: Minimal prep time and straightforward steps make this a perfect easy dessert. It’s great for busy schedules when you need family-friendly meals.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses common, affordable pantry ingredients, making it an economical choice.
• Versatility: Customizable to dietary preferences, making this creamy pie a flexible addition to your dessert rotation.
• Family Favorite: Guaranteed to be a hit with everyone, providing a comforting and memorable dessert experience for your loved ones.

Pro Tips and Adjustments for Your Sugar Cream Pie

• Technique Refinements: Ensure thorough chilling for the best set; I always aim for at least 3 hours in the fridge. Avoid overbaking to keep the custard silky smooth; the center should have a slight jiggle. Blind bake your crust for a crisp bottom, especially with this sugar cream pie recipe Cinnamon-Dusted Vanilla Custard with Amber Drip.
• Seasoning and Spice Adjustments: Experiment with a pinch of cardamom, a touch of orange zest, or a spiced crust for unique twists. Adjust vanilla to your preference for a richer flavor.
• Allergy-Friendly or Kid-Friendly Modifications: Create a nut-free dessert by ensuring all crust ingredients are safe. For a dairy-free variation, use plant-based milk and vegan butter. Reduce sugar slightly for kids or add fun sprinkles on top just before serving.

FAQs about Sugar Cream Pie

“Is this dessert good for weight loss?”

While a delicious treat, this creamy pie is calorie-dense. Enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced, healthy eating diet. It’s not typically a weight-loss food, but a delightful indulgence after a light meal.

“Where to buy quality ingredients for this pie?”

Most standard grocery stores carry all the necessary ingredients. For the best flavor in your sugar cream pie recipe Cinnamon-Dusted Vanilla Custard with Amber Drip, look for organic dairy products and pure vanilla extract.

“Can I include this pie in meal prep plans?”

Yes, this classic sugar cream pie recipe Cinnamon-Dusted Vanilla Custard with Amber Drip is an excellent make-ahead dessert for meal prep. Prepare it up to 3-5 days in advance and store it, covered, in the refrigerator for easy serving.

“How do I prevent my pie from cracking?”

To avoid cracks, don’t overbake; the center should still have a slight jiggle when you take it out. Let it cool slowly at room temperature for at least an hour before chilling completely. I find cooling it gradually makes all the difference for a smooth top.

“Can I use brown sugar in this recipe?”

Absolutely! Substituting some or all of the granulated sugar with brown sugar will give your pie a rich, caramel-like flavor and a slightly darker hue. This is a great way to customize the taste of your dessert.

“What kind of crust is best for this pie?”

A classic flaky pastry crust is traditional and pairs beautifully with the creamy filling. However, a graham cracker or shortbread crust also works wonderfully if you prefer a different texture for this dessert.

Conclusion

Embrace the simple joy and comforting taste of this homemade sugar cream pie recipe Cinnamon-Dusted Vanilla Custard with Amber Drip. Save this family-friendly, easy dessert on Pinterest today to quickly find it for your next easy dinner idea.

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