A Simple & Sweet Classic
If you love rich, creamy, and caramel-like pies, then this Old-Fashioned Hoosier Sugar Pie is for you! This Midwestern classic, often called Indiana Sugar Cream Pie, is made with simple pantry staples yet delivers a velvety, melt-in-your-mouth texture with a caramelized, slightly crackled top.
I love this recipe because it’s easy to make, requires no eggs, and has a smooth, custard-like filling. It’s a perfect holiday dessert, Sunday supper treat, or nostalgic bite of Midwestern history!
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Q: What is Hoosier Sugar Pie?
Hoosier Sugar Pie (also called Indiana Sugar Cream Pie) is a traditional Midwestern dessert with a creamy, sugar-based filling poured into a pre-baked pie crust and baked until silky and caramelized.
Q: What’s the difference between Sugar Cream Pie and Chess Pie?
Unlike Chess Pie, Sugar Cream Pie doesn’t use eggs, resulting in a smoother, custard-like filling.
Q: Can I use a store-bought crust?
Yes! A pre-made, pre-baked pie crust works great, or you can make a homemade butter crust for extra flakiness.
Q: How do I know when the pie is done?
The pie is set when the center jiggles slightly but isn’t liquid. It will firm up more as it cools.
Q: How should I store this pie?
Keep it covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
What You Need to Make Old-Fashioned Hoosier Sugar Pie
For the Pie Crust:
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
For the Filling:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 2 cups heavy cream
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (for topping)
How to Make Old-Fashioned Hoosier Sugar Pie
Step 1: Pre-Bake the Pie Crust
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the pie dough into a 9-inch pie pan and crimp the edges.
- Line with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, until lightly golden. Remove weights and bake 5 more minutes. Let cool slightly.
Step 2: Make the Sugar Cream Filling
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
- Gradually add heavy cream and milk, whisking until smooth.
- Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly until thickened (about 5-7 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and butter until smooth.
Step 3: Bake the Pie
- Pour the warm filling into the pre-baked pie crust.
- Sprinkle the top with ground nutmeg for a classic touch.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes to set the filling.
Step 4: Cool & Serve
- Let the pie cool to room temperature, then chill for at least 4 hours before slicing.
- Serve as is, or with whipped cream for extra indulgence!
Tips for the Best Hoosier Sugar Pie
✔ Use heavy cream – It gives the pie its ultra-smooth, rich texture.
✔ Whisk constantly – This prevents lumps and ensures a creamy filling.
✔ For a caramelized top – Sprinkle with extra sugar and broil for 1-2 minutes after baking.
✔ Let it chill completely – This helps the pie firm up for the best texture.
✔ For a spiced twist – Add a pinch of cinnamon or allspice to the filling.
Reader Reviews
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Emma L. – “The creamiest, smoothest pie ever! Tastes like a dream.”
🌟🌟🌟🌟 James K. – “Super easy and nostalgic! Reminds me of my grandma’s baking.”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Samantha W. – “Loved how rich yet simple it was! The nutmeg on top is a must.”
🌟🌟🌟🌟 Lucas R. – “I made this for Thanksgiving, and it disappeared in minutes!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Jessica T. – “A perfect old-fashioned dessert! The caramelized sugar top was my favorite part.”
Printable Recipe
Old-Fashioned Hoosier Sugar Pie
This Old-Fashioned Hoosier Sugar Pie is a classic Midwestern dessert with a rich, creamy filling and caramelized sugar top—a nostalgic, easy-to-make treat!
Ingredients
- For the Pie Crust:
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- For the Filling:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 2 cups heavy cream
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (for topping)
Instructions
Step 1: Pre-Bake the Pie Crust
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the pie dough into a 9-inch pie pan and crimp the edges.
- Line with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, until lightly golden. Remove weights and bake 5 more minutes. Let cool slightly.
Step 2: Make the Sugar Cream Filling
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
- Gradually add heavy cream and milk, whisking until smooth.
- Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly until thickened (about 5-7 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and butter until smooth.
Step 3: Bake the Pie
- Pour the warm filling into the pre-baked pie crust.
- Sprinkle the top with ground nutmeg for a classic touch.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes to set the filling.
Step 4: Cool & Serve
- Let the pie cool to room temperature, then chill for at least 4 hours before slicing.
- Serve as is, or with whipped cream for extra indulgence!
Check out some of our other recipes / crafts.
Blissful Blueberry Shortcake Cake
Make Delicious Ice Cream in a Bag in Just 15 Minutes
If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!
If you loved this Old-Fashioned Hoosier Sugar Pie, don’t keep it to yourself! Share it on social media, pin it on Pinterest, or send it to a friend who loves classic desserts. I’d love to see your versions—tag me if you try it!
