Old-Fashioned Brown Sugar Pie is a classic Southern dessert that brings a nostalgic warmth to any gathering. This pie is not just a treat; it encapsulates a rich history rooted in American culinary traditions. With its rich, caramel-like flavor and custard-like texture, this pie is a delightful reminder of simpler times.
Ingredients
Scale:
1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
3 to 4 tablespoons ice water
1 cup packed light brown sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
3 large eggs
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour and ½ teaspoon of salt. Mix well to ensure the salt is evenly distributed.
Add ½ cup of chilled, diced unsalted butter. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Gradually add 3 to 4 tablespoons of ice water, mixing until the dough comes together.
Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Trim any excess around the edges and prick the bottom with a fork.
Place a layer of parchment paper over the crust and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 10-12 minutes.
Make the filling by whisking together 1 cup of packed light brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of flour, and ½ teaspoon of salt.
Add 3 large eggs, mixing until smooth.
Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Optionally add ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg.
Pour the filling mixture into the pre-baked pie crust.
Bake the pie in the preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 10 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes.
Let the pie cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before slicing.
