Old-Fashioned Sugar Cream Pie Recipe (Indiana's Famous Hoosier Pie)
This Creamy Sugar Cream Pie Is Pure Old-Fashioned Comfort
Some desserts don't need layers of chocolate or fancy decorations to steal the show. Sometimes all it takes is a flaky pie crust, a silky cream filling, and a dusting of cinnamon to create something unforgettable.
That's exactly what happened every Sunday at my grandmother's house.
After church, we'd walk through the front door and immediately be greeted by the warm aroma of butter, vanilla, and cinnamon drifting from the kitchen. Sitting proudly on the counter was her famous Sugar Cream Pie, cooling just enough before dessert. She never measured much—everything came from memory—but after she passed, I discovered her handwritten recipe card tucked inside an old cookbook. It was stained with butter and dusted with flour, proof that it had been loved for decades.
The first time I recreated it, the smell instantly brought me back to those family Sundays. One bite reminded me why this simple pie has remained a Midwest favorite for generations. The filling is silky smooth, almost like a baked vanilla custard, while the buttery cinnamon-sugar topping creates a delicate caramelized layer that's impossible to resist.
I brought this pie to a neighborhood potluck last month, and before the evening was over, three different people asked which bakery I bought it from. They were surprised when I told them it was homemade with just a handful of pantry staples.
If you've never tried Indiana Sugar Cream Pie before, you're in for a real treat.
Why You'll Love This Sugar Cream Pie
There are plenty of pie recipes out there, but this one continues to be a family favorite because it's:
- Rich, creamy, and incredibly smooth
- Made with simple pantry ingredients
- Perfect for holidays and Sunday dinners
- Easy enough for beginner bakers
- Beautiful served chilled or at room temperature
- A classic Midwestern comfort dessert
- Ready with only about 10 minutes of hands-on preparation
- Even better after chilling overnight
What Is Sugar Cream Pie?
Sugar Cream Pie, often called Hoosier Pie, is one of Indiana's most beloved desserts. Unlike fruit pies or traditional custard pies, this recipe relies on heavy cream, sugar, cornstarch, and butter to create an incredibly silky filling.
As it bakes, the butter melts into the filling while the cinnamon and sugar on top form a lightly caramelized crust. The result is a pie that's creamy without being overly rich and sweet without becoming overwhelming.
Its simplicity is exactly what makes it so memorable.
Ingredients
For the Pie
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
- Ground cinnamon
- 1 to 2 tablespoons granulated sugar for topping
Kitchen Equipment
You'll only need a few basic kitchen tools:
- 9-inch pie plate
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Cooling rack
- Baking sheet (optional)
How to Make Old-Fashioned Sugar Cream Pie
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Place the unbaked pie crust into a 9-inch pie plate and crimp the edges if desired.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a medium bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and cornstarch until evenly combined.
Slowly pour in the heavy cream while whisking continuously until the mixture is completely smooth.
Step 3: Fill the Pie
Pour the cream mixture into the prepared pie shell.
Evenly distribute the small pieces of butter across the surface.
Generously sprinkle the top with cinnamon and sugar.
Step 4: Bake
Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until:
- The edges are bubbling
- The top is lightly golden
- The center still has a slight jiggle
Avoid overbaking, as the pie will continue setting while it cools.
Step 5: Cool and Chill
Place the pie on a cooling rack until it reaches room temperature.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing.
This chilling time allows the filling to firm up into its signature silky texture.
Tips for the Best Sugar Cream Pie
Use Heavy Cream
Heavy cream gives the filling its rich, luxurious texture. Substituting milk or half-and-half will result in a thinner filling.
Don't Skip the Cinnamon
The cinnamon-sugar topping creates the classic caramelized finish that makes this pie unique.
Chill Before Serving
Although it's tempting to cut into the pie while it's warm, allowing it to chill completely gives the cleanest slices and the best texture.
Watch the Bake Time
The center should still wobble slightly when you remove it from the oven. It will continue to set as it cools.
Variations
Vanilla Bean Sugar Cream Pie
Replace the vanilla extract with seeds from one vanilla bean for a richer flavor.
Nutmeg Version
Add freshly grated nutmeg along with the cinnamon for a warm holiday twist.
Salted Caramel Finish
Drizzle a small amount of caramel sauce over each slice before serving.
Fresh Berry Topping
Serve with strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for a fresh contrast to the creamy filling.
What to Serve with Sugar Cream Pie
This classic dessert pairs wonderfully with:
- Fresh whipped cream
- Vanilla ice cream
- Fresh berries
- Hot coffee
- Espresso
- Black tea
- Cold milk
Storage
Cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Because the filling is dairy-based, refrigeration is recommended.
Can You Freeze Sugar Cream Pie?
Yes.
Allow the pie to cool completely before wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
Freeze for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overbaking until the center is completely firm
- Using milk instead of heavy cream
- Forgetting the cinnamon-sugar topping
- Cutting before chilling
- Not whisking the filling thoroughly
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sugar Cream Pie the same as chess pie?
No. While both are sweet Southern-style pies, Sugar Cream Pie uses heavy cream and cornstarch, while chess pie typically contains eggs, butter, and cornmeal.
Why is it called Hoosier Pie?
Sugar Cream Pie became famous throughout Indiana, earning the nickname "Hoosier Pie" because "Hoosier" refers to someone from Indiana.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely. It's actually best when made one day ahead and chilled overnight.
Can I use a store-bought pie crust?
Yes. A refrigerated or frozen pie crust works perfectly if you're short on time.
Why is my pie still jiggly?
A slight jiggle in the center is normal. The pie continues to set as it cools and chills
Nutrition Information
Approximate Per Slice
- Calories: 395
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 135mg
- Sugar: 22g
Old-Fashioned Sugar Cream Pie
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to **375°F (190°C)**.
- Place the pie crust into a 9-inch pie plate.
- Whisk together the sugar and cornstarch.
- Slowly whisk in the heavy cream until smooth.
- Pour the filling into the prepared crust.
- Dot the top with butter pieces.
- Sprinkle generously with cinnamon and sugar.
- Bake for **45–50 minutes**, until the edges are bubbling and the center still has a slight jiggle.
- Cool completely on a wire rack.
- Refrigerate for at least **2 hours** before slicing and serving.
Notes
* The center should jiggle slightly when removed from the oven.
* Heavy cream creates the richest filling.
* Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients used
Old-Fashioned Sugar Cream Pie proves that the simplest recipes are often the most memorable. With its velvety filling, buttery cinnamon topping, and flaky crust, it's a dessert that has been bringing families together for generations.
Whether you're discovering this Indiana classic for the first time or recreating a cherished family tradition, this pie is sure to become a favorite. Serve it chilled with a dollop of whipped cream or enjoy it just as it is—either way, every creamy bite is pure comfort.