Maple Sugar Cream Pie

Oh my gosh, guys, if you’re looking for a silky smooth, decadent dessert with a flavor so rich and delicious it’ll have you begging for more, this is the recipe for you. While we all know and love the classic cream pies – banana and coconut – crowd favorites – we’ve got a different one for you today that we can easily see overthrowing the traditional faves. Embracing a slightly more autumnal flavor, this is a maple sugar cream pie, and WOW is it good.

In case you haven’t made a cream pie from scratch before, don’t worry, it’s super easy. While some cream pies require making a thick, egg-based custard in a double-boiler, we make our cream filling without eggs, so there’s no need to fear accidentally scrambling your filling mixture and having to start over. Nope, it’s all easy-peasy over here. Now, to get that intense maple flavor you need two things: maple syrup and maple extract. Maple syrup is really the key here, as you can easily swap in vanilla extract if you can’t find maple extract. Together though, these two knock the flavor out of the park and leave you with a thick filling that is sumptuous and delectable.

Since we used a store-bought crust for our version (though you’re welcome to make your own), making this was a breeze. The filling comes together in under 10 minutes, so if you do end up buying a crust, you can have this dessert ready in no time! Top everything off with a sugar-cinnamon dusting and you’re in business. This pie is an instant classic – try it out and see for yourself!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Maple Sugar Cream Pie is a delightful twist on the traditional cream pie, perfect for those who crave something unique and rich. The ease of preparation and the luscious maple flavor will make it a favorite at any gathering. Plus, it’s the perfect dessert to showcase during the fall season!

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• Standard pie dish
• Oven
• Refrigerator

Ingredients

• 1 deep dish frozen pie crust
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 4 tablespoons cornstarch
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon maple extract
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Topping:
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325º F and lay your crust out in a standard pie dish. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until just lightly browned. Remove from oven and set aside.
2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons butter and heavy cream together until butter is melted, then whisk in cornstarch and sugar, stirring continuously until thickened, about 6-7 minutes.
3. Stir in maple syrup, maple extract, vanilla extract, and salt, if using, and whisk until incorporated.
4. Pour filling into pie crust, then drizzle remaining melted butter over the top.
5. Whisk together remaining topping ingredients, sugar and cinnamon, and sprinkle over filling.
6. Place baking dish in oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until crust is golden brown and filling is bubbly. Center should be set, but still a little wobbly.
7. Remove from oven and let cool, then refrigerate until set, about 2-3 hours.
8. Slice, serve and enjoy!

Tips for Success

• Ensure constant stirring while thickening the filling to prevent lumps.
• Don’t overbake the pie; the center should remain slightly wobbly when it comes out of the oven.

Additional Tips or Variations

If you can’t find maple extract, vanilla extract will work in a pinch, though the maple flavor will be less pronounced. For a homemade touch, feel free to make your own pie crust. You can also experiment with adding a bit of nutmeg or allspice for a spiced variation.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

Approximate values per serving (based on 10 servings):

• Calories: 360
• Fat: 24g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 3g
• Sugar: 22g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I make this pie ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This pie can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Q: How long will the pie last in the refrigerator?
A: It will keep well for about 3-4 days in the fridge.

Q: Can I use a different type of crust?
A: Yes, a graham cracker or shortbread crust would also complement the flavors nicely.

Conclusion

This Maple Sugar Cream Pie is a must-try for any dessert lover looking to add a touch of autumn to their table. Its creamy texture and rich flavor will surely impress your family and friends. Give it a try and let us know how it turned out for you in the comments below. Enjoy your baking!