There's nothing quite like the comforting warmth of a perfectly baked sugar pie. This old-fashioned recipe transports you back to simpler times, with its rich, creamy filling and flaky, buttery crust. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting your homemade cooking journey, this easy recipe is perfect for any occasion. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delicious dish – a true testament to the magic of simple ingredients and time-honored techniques. It's the perfect quick dinner dessert or a delightful addition to your holiday table.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- ¼ cup ice water
For the Filling:
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Making the Crust:
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Cut in butter: Add the chilled butter cubes and use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add water: Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Don't overmix.
- Chill the dough: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, resulting in a more tender crust.
- Roll and bake: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer it to a 9-inch pie plate. Trim and crimp the edges. Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork to prevent bubbling. Blind bake for 15 minutes at 375°F (190°C) by lining the crust with parchment paper and pie weights or dried beans. Remove the weights and parchment and bake for another 5 minutes, until lightly golden.
Making the Filling:
- Whisk dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
- Whisk in wet ingredients: Add the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Whisk until smooth.
- Pour into crust: Pour the filling into the pre-baked pie crust.
- Dot with butter: Dot the top of the filling with the small pieces of butter.
- Bake: Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are lightly golden brown. The center should be slightly jiggly.
- Cool completely: Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before serving. This allows the filling to set properly.
Tips for the Best Sugar Pie:
- Use good quality ingredients: The flavor of your sugar pie will be enhanced by using fresh, high-quality ingredients.
- Don't overbake: Overbaking can result in a dry, cracked pie. Start checking for doneness at 45 minutes.
- Let it cool: Patience is key! Allowing the pie to cool completely prevents a runny filling.
Variations:
- Lemon Sugar Pie: Add the zest and juice of one lemon to the filling for a zesty twist.
- Spiced Sugar Pie: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the filling for a warm, comforting flavor.
- Chocolate Sugar Pie: Add ½ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the filling for a decadent chocolate pie.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: Approximately 18-22g
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 11-14g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 45-50g
- Sugar: Approximately 35-40g
- Protein: Approximately 4-5g
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. Enjoy your delicious homemade sugar pie! It's a sweet treat perfect for any occasion, a true testament to the best recipes and a wonderfully easy recipe to share with loved ones. This healthy meal alternative satisfies any sweet tooth with its delicious taste.