Christmas Sugar Cream Pie is a rich, velvety dessert with a silky vanilla custard base nestled in a buttery pie crust. Topped with festive holiday sprinkles and optionally finished with a dollop of whipped cream, this elegant yet easy dessert is perfect for any holiday celebration.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Smooth and creamy vanilla filling with a classic custard texture
- Festive presentation with cheerful holiday sprinkles
- Simple ingredients with a big payoff in flavor and texture
- Perfect make-ahead dessert for busy holidays
- Customizable with your favorite toppings
- Light and satisfying, perfect after a rich holiday meal
- Ideal for both casual and formal gatherings
- No eggs required—a stovetop-cooked custard that’s foolproof
- Works with homemade or store-bought pie crust
- A timeless treat with a holiday twist
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Pie crust (homemade or store-bought, baked and cooled)
- Heavy cream
- Whole milk
- Cornstarch
- Granulated sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Holiday sprinkles
- Whipped cream (optional, for topping)
Directions
- Prepare the crust
- Bake the pie crust according to package or recipe instructions until golden brown. Let it cool completely.
- Make the filling
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine heavy cream, milk, sugar, and cornstarch. Whisk constantly until the mixture thickens, about 7–10 minutes.
- Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Assemble the pie
- Pour the warm custard filling into the cooled pie crust. Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Sprinkle the top generously with holiday sprinkles while the filling is still slightly warm so they adhere.
- Chill
- Cover loosely and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until the filling is fully set.
- Serve
- Slice and serve as-is, or top with whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Chilling Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
Variations
- Add cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice note
- Top with crushed candy canes or white chocolate shavings
- Use flavored extract like almond or peppermint for a twist
- Create a graham cracker or gingerbread crust for more holiday flair
- Use colored sugar or edible glitter for extra sparkle
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the custard may separate upon thawing.
- Reheating: Not necessary—serve cold or at room temperature.
FAQs
Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and milk?
Yes, you can substitute with an equal amount of half-and-half, though the texture may be slightly less rich.
Do I need to blind bake the crust?
Yes, the crust must be fully baked before adding the custard filling.
Can I use a pre-made pie crust?
Absolutely. Store-bought crusts work perfectly and save time.
Will the pie set without eggs?
Yes, the cornstarch thickens the custard to a silky, stable consistency without the need for eggs.
Can I make this pie the day before?
Yes, in fact it’s best made a day in advance to allow the filling to set properly.
What if I don’t have sprinkles?
You can use cinnamon sugar, cocoa powder, or crushed candy for decoration.
How thick should the filling be when cooked?
It should coat the back of a spoon and be noticeably thicker but still pourable.
Can I serve this warm?
It’s traditionally served chilled, but can be enjoyed at room temperature if preferred.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Use full-fat canned coconut milk and a dairy-free crust, though flavor and texture will differ slightly.
Is this the same as Indiana sugar cream pie?
Yes, this is a festive holiday version of the classic Midwestern dessert.
Conclusion
Christmas Sugar Cream Pie is a delightful blend of creamy vanilla comfort and holiday charm. With its luscious custard filling, buttery crust, and festive sprinkle topping, it’s a show-stopping dessert that’s as easy to make as it is delicious to serve. Whether it’s for Christmas dinner or a seasonal gathering, this pie is sure to add warmth and sweetness to your celebration.
PrintChristmas Sugar Cream Pie
This Christmas Sugar Cream Pie is a rich, silky custard-style dessert with a buttery crust and creamy vanilla filling. Topped with festive holiday sprinkles and optional whipped cream, it’s a nostalgic, melt-in-your-mouth treat perfect for your holiday dessert table.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
- Total Time: ~3 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert, Holiday
- Method: : Stovetop, No-Bake Filling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
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1 prepared pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
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1 cup heavy cream
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1 cup whole milk
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1/4 cup cornstarch
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3/4 cup granulated sugar
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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Holiday sprinkles
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Whipped cream (optional, for topping)
Instructions
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Preheat oven and bake pie crust according to package or homemade instructions. Let cool completely.
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In a medium saucepan, whisk together cornstarch and sugar. Gradually add milk and cream while whisking to avoid lumps.
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Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens to a pudding-like consistency (about 10–12 minutes).
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Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
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Pour the cream filling into the cooled pie crust and smooth the top.
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Sprinkle holiday sprinkles generously over the surface while still warm.
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Chill in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours or until fully set.
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Top with whipped cream before serving if desired.
Notes
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For extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling.
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Use a deep-dish pie shell for a thicker, richer pie.
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Best served chilled and enjoyed within 2–3 days.