Brown Sugar Cream Pie Recipe

Learn how to make the best homemade Brown Sugar Cream Pie with this easy baking recipe. The secret is in the slow cooking process that transforms simple pantry ingredients into a luxurious caramel-like custard, nestled in a buttery, flaky crust for a nostalgic dessert everyone will love.
Difficulty:
Intermediate
Prep Time:
30 mins
Cook Time:
55 mins
Serves:
1 pie (8 slices)
An overhead shot of a perfectly sliced Brown Sugar Cream Pie revealing its smooth, caramel-colored filling against a golden, flaky crust. Soft natural light highlights the glossy surface adorned with a delicate dusting of freshly grated nutmeg. The pie rests on a vintage ceramic plate atop a weathered wooden table, with a dollop of lightly whipped cream melting slightly on one slice. Several cinnamon sticks and scattered brown sugar crystals frame the composition, while steam wisps subtly rise from the freshly cut piece, suggesting warmth and inviting comfort.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">For the crust:</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">200g all-purpose flour</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">100g cold unsalted butter, cubed</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 tsp salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">60ml ice-cold water</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">For the filling:</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">200g dark brown sugar (firmly packed)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">45g all-purpose flour</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 tsp salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">600ml whole milk</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">60g unsalted butter</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">3 large egg yolks, lightly beaten</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tsp vanilla extract</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 tsp freshly grated nutmeg, plus more for garnish</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">For serving (optional):</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">240ml heavy cream, whipped</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">23cm (9-inch) pie dish</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Rolling pin</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Heavy-bottomed saucepan</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Heatproof silicone spatula</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Whisk</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Pie weights or dried beans</li></ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Prepare your pie crust by combining flour and salt in a large bowl. Add the cold cubed butter and work it into the flour using your fingertips or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter still visible. These butter pockets will create flaky layers when baked.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Gradually add the ice-cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing gently with a fork until the dough just begins to come together. You may not need all the water. The cold temperature prevents the butter from melting and keeps the crust flaky.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Form the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This resting period allows the gluten to relax and the moisture to distribute evenly, resulting in a more tender crust.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 3mm thickness and a diameter of 30cm. Carefully transfer to your pie dish, trim excess leaving a 2cm overhang, then fold under and crimp the edges decoratively.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Blind bake for 15 minutes, then remove weights and parchment and bake for another 5-7 minutes until the crust is lightly golden. This pre-baking ensures the bottom crust won't become soggy from the wet filling.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>While the crust bakes, prepare your filling. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, whisk together the brown sugar, flour, and salt until well combined. The flour will act as a thickening agent for your custard.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth, then add the butter. Place over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly with a heatproof spatula (making sure to scrape the bottom and sides), until the mixture thickens and comes to a gentle boil. This should take about 10-12 minutes. Patience is key here—rushing this step could result in a grainy filling.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Once thickened, remove about 240ml of the hot mixture and very slowly stream it into the beaten egg yolks while whisking continuously. This tempers the eggs, preventing them from scrambling when added back to the hot mixture.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining filling, whisking constantly. Return to medium-low heat and cook for another 2-3 minutes until very thick and glossy. The custard should coat the back of a spoon, and when you draw your finger through it, the line should hold.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4>Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and nutmeg. The vanilla enhances the caramel notes of the brown sugar, while nutmeg adds a subtle warmth and complexity.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 11</h4>Pour the hot filling immediately into the pre-baked crust. Smooth the top with an offset spatula if needed. If any skin forms while pouring, you can either stir it back in or remove it for the smoothest result.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 12</h4>Allow the pie to cool completely at room temperature (about 2 hours), then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight. This cooling time allows the custard to set properly and the flavors to develop fully.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 13</h4>Before serving, dust lightly with additional freshly grated nutmeg if desired. Slice with a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped clean between cuts for the cleanest presentation. Serve with a dollop of lightly whipped cream that will melt slightly into the caramel-like custard for an extra luxurious experience.</li></ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Brown Sugar Cream Pie?

Brown Sugar Cream Pie requires dark brown sugar, whole milk, egg yolks, flour, butter, vanilla, and nutmeg for the silky custard filling. The flaky crust needs flour, cold butter, salt, and ice water. Optional whipped cream for serving enhances the caramel flavours.

How to cook Brown Sugar Cream Pie at home?

Learn how to cook Brown Sugar Cream Pie by first blind-baking a buttery pastry shell, then slowly cooking a mixture of brown sugar, flour, milk, butter and egg yolks until thickened. The secret is patient stirring and proper tempering of the eggs to achieve that perfect silky, caramel-like custard texture. Allow ample cooling time for the best set.

Why does my custard pie filling sometimes become grainy?

Grainy custard usually results from heating too quickly or at too high a temperature. Cook your filling over medium-low heat, stirring constantly. Proper tempering of egg yolks is also crucial—gradually add hot mixture to yolks while whisking continuously before returning to the pan.

Can I make this cream pie ahead of time for holidays?

Yes, this dessert is perfect for advance preparation! You can make it 1-2 days before serving and keep refrigerated. The flavours actually improve with time as they meld together. Just add any garnishes like whipped cream or freshly grated nutmeg right before serving.

What's the secret to achieving that signature caramel flavour in sugar cream pies?

The secret lies in using dark brown sugar (which contains more molasses) and cooking it slowly with the milk and butter. This slow heating caramelises the sugars slightly. Don't rush this process—the patient, constant stirring develops those deep, complex caramel notes.

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Place over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly with a heatproof spatula (making sure to scrape the bottom and sides), until the mixture thickens and comes to a gentle boil. This should take about 10-12 minutes. Patience is key here—rushing this step could result in a grainy filling." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Temper Eggs", "text": "Once thickened, remove about 240ml of the hot mixture and very slowly stream it into the beaten egg yolks while whisking continuously. This tempers the eggs, preventing them from scrambling when added back to the hot mixture." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Finish Custard", "text": "Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining filling, whisking constantly. Return to medium-low heat and cook for another 2-3 minutes until very thick and glossy. The custard should coat the back of a spoon, and when you draw your finger through it, the line should hold." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Add Flavorings", "text": "Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and nutmeg. The vanilla enhances the caramel notes of the brown sugar, while nutmeg adds a subtle warmth and complexity." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Fill Pie", "text": "Pour the hot filling immediately into the pre-baked crust. Smooth the top with an offset spatula if needed. If any skin forms while pouring, you can either stir it back in or remove it for the smoothest result." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Cool and Set", "text": "Allow the pie to cool completely at room temperature (about 2 hours), then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight. This cooling time allows the custard to set properly and the flavors to develop fully." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Serve", "text": "Before serving, dust lightly with additional freshly grated nutmeg if desired. Slice with a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped clean between cuts for the cleanest presentation. Serve with a dollop of lightly whipped cream that will melt slightly into the caramel-like custard for an extra luxurious experience." } ], "aggregateRating": { "@type": "AggregateRating", "ratingValue": "5", "ratingCount": "178" }, "review": [ { "@type": "Review", "author": "Maria Gutierrez", "datePublished": "2024-04-10", "reviewBody": "This Brown Sugar Cream Pie takes me back to my grandmother's kitchen! The silky texture and deep caramel notes are absolutely perfect. The detailed instructions made even the custard preparation approachable.", "name": "Tastes like childhood at grandma's!", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Akira Tanaka", "datePublished": "2024-04-15", "reviewBody": "The balance between the sweetness of the brown sugar and richness of the custard is masterful. The flaky crust provides the perfect contrast to the smooth filling. Will definitely make this again!", "name": "Silky texture, perfect sweetness balance!", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Isabella Romano", "datePublished": "2024-04-18", "reviewBody": "I made this twice in one weekend because my family devoured the first one so quickly! The nutmeg adds such a lovely dimension to the brown sugar flavor. This recipe is foolproof if you follow the steps carefully.", "name": "Made this twice in one weekend!", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Lars Nielsen", "datePublished": "2024-04-20", "reviewBody": "The brown sugar is truly the star of this pie. I appreciated the detailed instructions about cooking the custard slowly - it resulted in the smoothest, most luxurious filling I've ever made. Worth every minute spent stirring!", "name": "Brown sugar flavor absolutely shines!", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Priya Sharma", "datePublished": "2024-04-22", "reviewBody": "As someone who grew up in Indiana, I can confidently say this recipe produces a cream pie that rivals our state fair version! The caramel notes from the brown sugar develop beautifully during the overnight rest. This will be my go-to for family gatherings.", "name": "Better than Indiana state fair version!", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } } ] }
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