master-cooks | The 5 Ingredients You'll Need For Indiana's State Pie

Indiana's state pie, the sugar cream pie, is a delectable dessert with a rich history and a simple yet satisfying flavor profile. This classic Hoosier treat is known for its creamy texture and straightforward preparation, relying on just a handful of ingredients to create its signature taste. The pie's filling is primarily composed of heavy cream and sugar, which combine to form a smooth and luscious base. The addition of flour helps thicken the mixture, ensuring the pie sets properly while baking. A touch of vanilla extract is essential, infusing the pie with a warm, aromatic sweetness that elevates its flavor. Butter is often used to add richness and depth, creating a velvety consistency that melts in your mouth. Some variations might include a sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon on top, adding a subtle hint of spice. The filling is poured into a pre-baked pie crust, which provides a crisp, flaky contrast to the creamy interior. This simple, comforting dessert is a testament to the beauty of using basic ingredients to create something truly special, capturing the essence of Indiana's culinary heritage.

A brief history of the Hoosier State's famous sugar cream pie

Although the true originator of this delightful dessert remains unknown, it is believed that Quakers brought it to various communities across Indiana in the early 19th century. Much like the Depression-era water pie, the sugar cream pie seems to have emerged out of necessity. When other pie fillings, such as fresh fruit or eggs for custard, were hard to come by, most households had easy access to sugar, flour, and fresh cream or milk from their cows.

The use of full-fat dairy in this pie not only made it delicious but also quite filling—an important factor when fresh ingredients were limited. This recipe quickly gained popularity within local communities, securing its place in Indiana's culinary heritage. However, it wasn't until 1976 that it made its first documented appearance in a cookbook, "The Hoosier Cookbook." Over 30 years later, the sugar cream pie was officially recognized as Indiana's state pie.

While it's simple to prepare with just sugar, cream, flour, vanilla, and nutmeg, there are numerous Indiana restaurants where you can savor an authentic slice (or two). If you're unsure where to start, consider following the Indiana Foodways Alliance Hoosier Pie Trail, which highlights 21 restaurants in the state that serve exceptional sugar cream pie. Clearly, with just these five ingredients, you can create a delicious dessert and carve out a place in history.

The 5 Ingredients You'll Need For Indiana's State Pie

A brief history of the Hoosier State's famous sugar cream pie

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