The aroma of maple syrup, the comforting texture of a creamy filling, and the delightful crunch of a flaky crust – that’s the magic of a Maple Sugar Cream Pie! This soul-warming dessert is perfect for any occasion, from cozy fall gatherings to a delightful spring treat. But with countless maple cream pie recipes out there, how do you achieve that perfect balance of flavors and textures? Don’t worry, because this definitive guide will equip you with everything you need to create a maple sugar cream pie that will have everyone raving!
Why We Love This Recipe
This recipe takes a classic maple cream pie and elevates it with the rich, nuanced flavor of maple sugar. Maple sugar adds a depth and complexity that granulated sugar simply can’t match, making this pie truly irresistible. Furthermore, the use of a deep-dish crust ensures a generous filling-to-crust ratio, maximizing that creamy maple goodness in every bite.
Ready to Bake? Here’s What You’ll Need:
Now that your taste buds are tingling, let’s gather the ingredients to create this masterpiece!
Ingredients:
- 1 deep-dish frozen pie crust (thawed)
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 3/4 cup granulated 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
For the Topping:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
With all the ingredients prepped and ready, we are just a few steps away from achieving maple sugar cream pie perfection! Stay tuned for the next section where we will guide you through the simple instructions for creating this delightful dessert.
Crafting Maple Sugar Cream Pie Perfection: Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you have your ingredients assembled, let’s embark on the delightful journey of baking this Maple Sugar Cream Pie!
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Preheat and Bake the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Unfold your thawed pie crust and gently lay it into a standard pie dish.
- To prevent a soggy bottom crust, consider blind baking it for 10-12 minutes. Line the pie crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights (dried beans or rice work perfectly!). This will weigh down the crust and prevent it from puffing up excessively. Once pre-baked, remove the weights and parchment paper.
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Whisk Up the Maple Cream Filling:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
- Once melted, whisk in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and granulated sugar until well combined.
- Slowly whisk the cornstarch mixture into the simmering cream mixture. Be patient and whisk constantly to ensure a smooth and lump-free filling.
- The mixture will thicken considerably as the cornstarch cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
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Adding the Maple Magic:
- Once the filling is thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat.
- Whisk in the pure maple syrup, maple extract, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Continue whisking until everything is fully incorporated and the filling is smooth and glossy.
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Assemble and Bake:
- Pour the hot maple cream filling into the pre-baked pie crust.
- Drizzle the remaining melted butter (from the topping ingredients) over the filling.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the topping ingredients: sugar and cinnamon.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the filling.
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Baking to Golden Perfection:
- Place the pie dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.
- You’ll know your pie is finished when the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly around the edges. The center of the pie will still be slightly wobbly, but that’s okay! It will firm up as it cools.
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Cooling and Serving:
- Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- For the filling to fully set, refrigerate the pie for at least 2-3 hours, or even overnight.
- When you’re ready to serve, slice the pie and enjoy the delightful symphony of flavors and textures!
With these easy-to-follow instructions, you’ll be a maple sugar cream pie pro in no time!
Tips and Tricks for Maple Sugar Cream Pie Mastery:
Now that you’ve unlocked the secrets to baking this delectable pie, here are some additional tips and tricks to elevate your creation to the next level:
- For an Extra Flaky Crust: If you’re feeling adventurous, try making your own pie crust from scratch. There are many excellent recipes available online, and homemade crust adds a touch of rustic charm to the pie.
- Maple Syrup Selection: Pure maple syrup is key! Opt for Grade A Dark maple syrup for the most robust maple flavor. Avoid pancake syrups or imitation maple syrups, as they won’t deliver the same depth of taste.
- Don’t Overcook the Filling: The filling will continue to set as it cools, so resist the urge to overcook it in the oven. You want a slightly wobbly center – that’s the sign of a perfectly creamy pie!
- Garnishing Magic: Once your pie is chilled and ready to serve, a dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of additional maple syrup adds a touch of elegance and decadence. For a festive touch, you could also garnish with chopped nuts or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
- Leftovers (if there are any!): Store leftover maple sugar cream pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the microwave for a few seconds to warm up the filling.
The Ultimate Maple Sugar Cream Pie Recipe
Description
Indulge in a symphony of flavors! This Maple Sugar Cream Pie boasts a rich filling, flaky crust, and the delightful touch of maple magic.
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
Instructions
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.
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. 6-7 minutes.
Stir in maple syrup, maple extract, vanilla extract and salt, if using, and whisk until incorporated.
Pour filling into pie crust, then drizzle remaining (melted) butter over the top.
Whisk together remaining topping ingredients, sugar and cinnamon, and sprinkle over filling.
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.
Remove from oven and let cool, then refrigerate until set. 2-3 hours.
Slice, serve and enjoy!
With these helpful hints and the detailed recipe above, you’re fully equipped to create a show-stopping Maple Sugar Cream Pie! So preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to indulge in this delightful dessert!
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