Vanilla Cream Pie

This Vanilla Cream Pie combines a flaky, buttery crust with a smooth and velvety vanilla custard filling, topped off with a generous layer of homemade whipped cream. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of sweetness and texture, making it an irresistible dessert for any occasion.

Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply looking for a comforting treat to enjoy at home, this Vanilla Cream Pie is sure to impress. The simplicity of vanilla shines through in every bite, making this pie both a classic and timeless favorite.

Full Recipe:

For the Pie Crust:

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
3-4 tablespoons ice water

For the Vanilla Custard Filling:

2 cups whole milk
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch

4 large egg yolks
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 tablespoon vanilla extract

For the Whipped Cream Topping:

1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

Make the Crust:
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and sugar.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together.
- Shape the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the dough on a floured surface and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish.
- Trim the edges, line the dough with parchment paper, and fill with pie weights.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the edges are golden. Remove weights and bake for another 10 minutes. Let cool.
Make the Vanilla Custard:
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together milk, sugar, and cornstarch.
- In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks. Slowly pour in some of the warm milk mixture to temper the yolks, then return everything to the saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until thickened (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla extract.
- Pour the custard into the baked pie crust. Let it cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

Make the Whipped Cream Topping:
- In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Spread the whipped cream over the chilled pie.

Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes (including chilling)
Kcal: 350 kcal per slice | Servings: 8 servings

About Vanilla Cream Pie

Vanilla Cream Pie is a classic dessert that has been loved for generations. It features a buttery, flaky crust filled with a smooth and velvety vanilla custard, topped with fresh whipped cream. This pie is simple yet elegant, making it a perfect dessert for both special occasions and casual family dinners.

The beauty of vanilla cream pie lies in its balance of flavors and textures. The custard is creamy and rich, offering a silky mouthfeel that pairs perfectly with the crunch of the pie crust. The whipped cream adds a light, airy sweetness that complements the custard without overpowering it.

History of Vanilla Cream Pie

While the origins of vanilla cream pie are somewhat elusive, cream pies in general have been popular in America since the early 19th century. Custard pies have long been a staple dessert in European and American cuisine, with variations appearing across many cultures. The use of vanilla in cream pies became more prominent in the 19th and 20th centuries as vanilla extract became widely available and affordable.

Vanilla cream pie stands out as a particularly beloved variation, thanks to its use of simple ingredients that create a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. Its timeless appeal makes it a dessert that’s still cherished today.

Why Vanilla Cream Pie is a Must-Try

Easy to Make: While the pie looks and tastes impressive, it’s quite simple to make. The ingredients are basic and likely already in your pantry, and the recipe is easy to follow, making it suitable for bakers of all skill levels.

Customizable: While this recipe sticks to the traditional vanilla custard, you can easily customize it by adding fresh fruits (like berries or bananas) to the filling or by incorporating a chocolate or caramel drizzle on top. You could also flavor the whipped cream with a splash of almond extract or another flavor to add a unique twist.
Crowd-Pleaser: The mild and universally loved flavor of vanilla makes this pie a hit with just about everyone. Whether served at a holiday dinner or enjoyed as a mid-week treat, this pie is sure to disappear quickly from the dessert table.
Perfect for Any Occasion: This vanilla cream pie works equally well for both everyday indulgence and special events. Its light texture and simple flavor make it ideal for summer gatherings, while the richness of the custard and crust provide comfort during colder months.

Storage and Serving Tips

Storage: Vanilla cream pie should be refrigerated and can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure to cover it with plastic wrap or foil to prevent it from absorbing other flavors from the fridge.
Serving: It’s best to serve the pie chilled, but you can allow it to sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before slicing for easier cutting. This pie pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea. For a fancier presentation, garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg, a drizzle of caramel, or a few fresh berries.

Fun Fact

Vanilla is the second most expensive spice in the world, after saffron. This is because the vanilla bean is labor-intensive to grow and harvest. However, despite its cost, vanilla is one of the most popular flavors in the world, especially in desserts like cream pies, cakes, and ice creams.

Pairing Suggestions and Variations

Vanilla Cream Pie can be enjoyed on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of toppings and flavors. Here are a few ideas to elevate your pie:

Fresh Fruit: Garnish the pie with fresh berries like raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries. The tartness of the fruit pairs wonderfully with the creamy sweetness of the vanilla custard.
Chocolate Drizzle: For a more indulgent version, drizzle melted chocolate or caramel sauce over the top of the whipped cream before serving. This adds an extra layer of flavor and texture.

Coconut Flakes: Add a tropical twist by sprinkling toasted coconut flakes on top of the whipped cream. The nuttiness of the coconut complements the vanilla custard beautifully.
Spiced Vanilla Custard: For a warm, cozy variation, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the custard filling. This works especially well during the colder months, adding a comforting, spiced flavor to the classic pie.
Lemon Zest: A bit of lemon zest can be mixed into the custard or whipped cream to add a bright, citrusy note that cuts through the richness of the pie.

Nutritional Information

While Vanilla Cream Pie is undeniably delicious, it’s important to keep in mind the calorie count if you’re watching your intake. Each slice of this pie (based on eight servings) contains approximately:

Calories: 350 kcal
Fat: 18g (with butter and whipped cream being the main contributors)

Carbohydrates: 40g (mostly from the pie crust and custard filling)
Protein: 6g
Sugars: 25g

While this pie is a treat, you can always adjust the ingredients to suit dietary preferences. For example, you can opt for a sugar substitute, use low-fat milk for the custard, or even go for a gluten-free pie crust.

Vanilla: The Star Ingredient

Vanilla is one of the most important ingredients in this pie, as it provides the primary flavor for the custard. There are several types of vanilla you can use:

Vanilla Extract: This is the most common form of vanilla used in baking. It’s made by soaking vanilla beans in alcohol to extract the flavor. Be sure to use pure vanilla extract, as imitation vanilla can sometimes taste artificial and lack depth.

Vanilla Bean Paste: If you want a more intense vanilla flavor, consider using vanilla bean paste. This paste contains specks of real vanilla bean, adding both flavor and visual appeal to the custard.
Vanilla Beans: For the most luxurious option, scrape the seeds from a real vanilla bean into the custard. The tiny seeds add a beautiful appearance and the purest vanilla flavor possible.