Old Fashioned Cream Pie
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A rich and creamy pudding baked in a pie shell makes this memorable Old Fashioned Cream Pie recipe so good!
Old Fashioned Cream Pie Recipe
This enchanting mixture tastes like rich whipping cream and a sugar mixture got married. Then they had a sweet, creamy baby that baked to beautiful perfection before arriving at the dessert table.
Don’t feel intimidated to make this old fashion pie recipe. It’s got a much better chance of turning out great than you might think!
While there are several variations of this vintage recipe ours is the easiest and takes very little effort to make. This recipe is from the same era as our enjoyable Cottage Cheese Cookies and Rhubarb Crunch.
Old fashioned cream pie is also known as Sugar Cream Pie and Hoosier Sugar Pie, this gem is the state pie of Indiana.
My husband worked in a grain purchasing office on the Ohio and Indiana state line. On each person’s birthday they got to choose a dessert. A few people enjoy requesting this special Old Fashioned Cream Pie recipe.
He always enjoyed this even though his personal favorite birthday desserts are these Cake Mix Cupcakes and Cherry Cheesecake.
Why This Recipe Works:
- Great pie to begin with if you want to make a baked pie.
- An old-fashioned recipe with a smooth and creamy taste that is still enjoyable.
- This pie recipe brings back memories of the past for many older people and creates a great conversation piece.
- Has a unique look and enjoyable creamy flavor and calls for simple ingredients.
Ingredients Needed
- Unbaked pie shell
- Heavy whipping cream
- Half and half
- Butter
- Cornstarch
- Granulated sugar
- Cinnamon – optional
What Thickens A Cream Pie?
Cornstarch thickens this cream pie and helps the center filling firm up while baking.
Preparing the Pie Crust.
Line a 9″ pie plate with a prepared pie crust. I like to use a refrigerated store bought crust.
Fold the edges under and pinch or crimp the edges of the pie crust to look attractive.
Don’t worry about perfecting the crust. Focus on making some progress as the only way to improve the look of a crust is to make them several times.
Do NOT bake the crust before filling.
How To Make An Old Fashioned Sugar Cream Pie
In a pot on the stove pour the heavy whipping cream and half and half in the pan.
Turn to low or medium low heat and stir every couple minutes.
You’ll know the mixture is warm when you can feel it starting to create a layer of film on the bottom of the pan. This is fine, just stir more frequently until the filling is done.
Once the cream is warm cut the butter into a few chunks and add to the warm cream mixture. Or add the whole stick.
Stir almost continuously until the butter is melted.
In a small bowl mix together the sugar and cornstarch.
Turn down to low heat and slowly pour thirds or quarters of the mixture into the cream mixture. Stir until the sugar is dissolved before adding the next portion.
Stir until well mixed. Then turn the heat off and remove the pan from the heat.
Continue to stir often for about five minutes to allow the filling to cool just a bit.
Pour the filling into the pie crust. Not all of the filling will fit, but since there are no eggs the extra mixture is safe to eat if you like.
Bake in a preheated 350℉ for 45 minutes.
The center will get pretty brown and likely create a big bubble in the center.
Allow pie to cool to room temperature and the bubble will quickly relax to a flat layer.
Cover with foil and chill in the refrigerator before serving.
Recipe Tips & Tricks
- Be patient when cooking the filling on the stove, stir often and cook over low or medium low heat.
- There will be a some extra filling, but not enough to make a second pie.
- Sprinkle up to 1 teaspoon of cinnamon over the top before baking if desired.
- The center of the pie will cook and become deep brown and bubble up, this is normal and will taste fine.
- Dairy tastes better cool than warm when it comes to the creamy ingredients used in this recipe, so serve chilled for best results.
Notes On Alternatives:
Several other popular cream pie recipes take extra steps that I did not. Our version came from a community cookbook made on the state line of Ohio and Indiana.
- I did not add cinnamon or place under broil to form a sugar crust on top.
- I did not bake or poke the pie crust before filling.
More Old-Fashioned Dessert Recipes
Blueberry Crisp has a sweet blueberry layer topped with an oatmeal streusel mixture that is delicious.
Carrot Cake Loaf makes carrot cake in a loaf pan and is topped with a thick layer of cream cheese frosting.
Mandarin Orange Pie is a no-bake twist on a popular cake.
Old Fashioned Cream Pie
Author: JenniferIngredients
- 1 9 inch pie crust
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 5 tablespoons cornstarch
- 16 ounces heavy whipping cream
- 16 ounces half and half
Instructions
- Line a pie plate with an uncooked pie crust. Fold the edges under and create a decorative finish along the top edge of the crust.
- Pour heavy cream and half and half in a heavy sauce pan. Heat until warm over low to medium low heat. Stir occassionally.
- Cut butter into slices and add to the cream. Heat until warm and stir occasionally until melted.
- Mix together sugar and cornstarch. When the cream mixture is warm turn to low heat and slowly add the dry ingredients. Stir constantly until mixed.
- Remove pan from the heat and continue to stir to prevent sticking to the bottom. Let the mixture sit about 5 minutes before pouring into the unbaked shell.
- Bake uncovered at 350℉ for 45 minutes. Let cool and then chill before serving.
Notes
- There will be a some extra filling, but not enough to make a second pie.
- Sprinkle up to 1 teaspoon of cinnamon over the top before baking if desired.
- The center of the pie will cook and become deep brown and bubble up, this is normal and will taste fine.
- Serve chilled for best results.