6 Old Fashioned Cream Pie Recipes to Try Today
Who doesn’t love a good old-fashioned cream pie? I know I sure do!
In this post, I’m excited to share six irresistible cream pie recipes that are sure to become favorites in your kitchen. From the smooth, velvety fillings to the buttery crusts, these pies will make your taste buds dance and have you reaching for seconds—or maybe even thirds!
Growing up in the South, I spent countless hours in the kitchen with my mother and grandma, watching them work their magic to create the most incredible cream pies. My job? The highly coveted role of the official spoon licker—a title my sisters and I often battled for! Chocolate cream pie was always my favorite back then, and honestly, it still holds the top spot in my heart today.
I would watch them pour the dry ingredients and then the liquids into the skillet. I was always amazed as they cracked the eggs and carefully separated them, making sure not to break the yolk. The anticipation of watching the cream pie thicken in the cast iron skillet, knowing my job was about to begin, was sometimes more than I could handle. I always liked it when they didn’t scrape the skillet clean, so I had more to lick.
As the pies cooled, the kitchen filled with the comforting aroma of sweet, creamy goodness. The first bite was always magical – the smooth, creamy filling, perfectly balanced between sweetness and richness, all cradled in a flaky crust. These cream pies were more than just desserts; they were a labor of love, a testament to tradition, and a shared family moment that tasted like home.
Cream pies have been a beloved dessert for generations, passed down from one kitchen to another, each bite preserving the memories of those who came before.
What is a Cream Pie?
If you’ve ever had a slice of an old fashioned cream pie, you know just how comforting and delicious they are. But what exactly makes a pie a “cream pie”? It all comes down to that dreamy, creamy filling. Cream pies typically have a smooth, custard-like filling made from ingredients like milk, sugar, and eggs, thickened with cornstarch or flour. They’re often flavored with things like vanilla, chocolate, coconut, or banana. And let’s not forget the best part—it’s usually topped with a generous layer of whipped cream or a fluffy meringue! Cream pies are a sweet, old-fashioned treat that never goes out of style.
The History and Origins of Cream Pies
Cream pies have been a staple in American kitchens for centuries, with roots that trace back to European settlers who brought their cherished recipes to the New World. These early settlers adapted their traditional pies to include the abundant dairy products available in America, leading to the rich and creamy desserts we know and love today.
The earliest cream pies were simple custard pies, made from basic ingredients like milk, eggs, and sugar, thickened on the stovetop and poured into a flaky pastry crust. These custard pies were often flavored with vanilla or nutmeg, creating a humble yet delightful treat. Over time, as ingredients became more accessible and cooking techniques evolved, so did the variety of cream pies.
In the 19th century, chocolate became more widely available and was quickly incorporated into cream pies, giving birth to the beloved chocolate cream pie. By the early 20th century, the popularity of cream pies soared, with recipes appearing in cookbooks and homemaker magazines across the country. These pies became synonymous with home baking and were a favorite at community gatherings and family celebrations.
Banana cream pie, another classic, gained popularity during the early 1900s when bananas became more readily available in the United States due to improved transportation. The tropical fruit added a fresh and exciting twist to the traditional cream pie, and it quickly became a household favorite.
Coconut cream pie, with its unique and exotic flavor, also rose to fame around this time. Coconut was initially considered a luxury ingredient, but as it became more accessible, it was embraced for its ability to add a delightful texture and taste to desserts.
Lemon cream pie, with its bright and tangy flavor, offered a refreshing alternative to the richer pies. It became especially popular in the South, where citrus fruits were more abundant.
Cream pies, in their many forms, have a rich history that reflects the evolution of American baking and the ingenuity of home cooks. These pies are more than just desserts; they are a testament to tradition, a symbol of comfort, and a sweet reminder of simpler times.
For further reading, you can explore the following sources:
- “The American Pie: Slices of Life (and Pie) from America’s Back Roads” by Pascale Le Draoulec.
- “American Food: A Not-So-Serious History” by Rachel Wharton.
- “The Hoosier Mama Book of Pie: Deluxe Recipes” by Paula Haney.
6 Scrumptious Old Fashioned Cream Pie Recipes
Y’all, if you’re on the hunt for that perfect, old-fashioned cream pie just like Grandma used to make, these six recipes are the ones you are going to want to try!
Whether you’re making a dessert for a Sunday supper, a special holiday, or just because you’ve got a sweet tooth, these cream pies will be perfect. We’ve got everything from the classic Hoosier sugar cream pie and chocolate cream pie to a coconut version that’ll take you right back to simpler times. And don’t worry, they’re all easier to make than you might think. With just a few basic ingredients and a little bit of love, you’ll have a pie that tastes like it came straight from Grandma’s kitchen.
Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie
Hoosier Sugar Cream Pie
This Hoosier Sugar Cream Pie recipe features a rich and creamy custard with a hint of cinnamon, reminiscent of crème brûlée. This simple, egg-free dessert uses cornstarch for thickening and is completed with a caramelized cinnamon-sugar topping. Originating from Amish and Shaker communities in the 1800s, it has become a beloved staple, even earning the title of Indiana's state pie in 2009. This pie offers a delightful blend of tradition and taste, perfect for any occasion.
Old Fashioned Butterscotch Pie
There's nothing quite like the comforting taste of a homemade butterscotch meringue pie. This recipe, passed down from the author's grandmother, brings together the deep, caramelized flavors of brown sugar and butter to create a silky custard filling. Topped with a cloud of fluffy meringue, baked to golden perfection, this pie is a true labor of love and a celebration of tradition. It's the kind of dessert that warms the heart and brings family together around the table.
Old Fashioned Coconut Pie
This Old-Fashioned Coconut Pie recipe brings back memories of simpler times with its rich, creamy filling and the delightful crunch of the crispy crust. Made with love and just the right amount of sweetness, this coconut cream pie is delicious. It's the kind of dessert that fills your home with warmth and makes every bite a nostalgic journey back to the heart of the kitchen.
Old Fashioned Banana Cream Pie Recipe
Southern Lemon Pie
Must-Have Cookbooks for Pie Lovers
If you’re looking to expand your pie-baking skills, I highly recommend checking out The Perfect Pie Cookbook for more inspiration and recipes.
America Test Kitchen
The perfect Pie
This is a must-have cookbook for pie lovers! It offers a comprehensive guide to mastering a variety of pies, with clear instructions and delicious results.
Final Thoughts
Cream pies have always been a staple in my family, especially when we all gather together. No matter the occasion, you can count on at least one old fashioned cream pie making its way to the table—sometimes even more than one! It’s how I grew up in the South, my mom and grandma always had a pie baked for dessert.
I hope these recipes bring a little piece of that comfort and tradition into your home too. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, you can’t go wrong with these old-fashioned cream pies. And if you try any of them, I’d love to hear about it! What’s your favorite cream pie? Do you have any pie baking stories?
Happy baking, y’all!
