Instructions:
1. Prepare the crust:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the chilled butter cubes and using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough starts to come together. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
- Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Transfer the dough to the pie dish, trim any excess dough, and crimp the edges. Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork, line with parchment paper, and fill with pie weights or dried beans.
- Bake the crust for 15 minutes. Remove the parchment paper and weights, then bake for an additional 10-12 minutes or until the crust is golden brown. Allow it to cool completely.
2. Make the filling:
- In a saucepan, combine the maple syrup, heavy cream, and milk. Place over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, egg yolks, and salt until smooth.
- Once the maple mixture is simmering, slowly pour about a cup of it into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs. Then, pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining maple mixture, whisking continuously.
- Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour the filling into the cooled pie crust. Smooth the top with a spatula and let it cool to room temperature. Then, refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours or until set.
3. Optional topping:
- Before serving, you can top the pie with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for added flavor and texture.
This Maple Sugar Cream Pie is a delightful dessert that captures the rich, natural sweetness of maple syrup in a creamy, indulgent filling. Enjoy every sweet bite of this heavenly pie!