Last Updated on June 11, 2020
Though some people may not be very familiar with them, cream pies are a popular dessert in many countries. These delicious desserts come in several different flavors. If you’ve never had one, you may wonder: what is a cream pie?
Cream pies are a decadent dessert that comes in many variations. They can be tricky to make, as there are often several steps you have to follow when making them. However, their deliciously rich and creamy filling is worth the hard work.
What is a Cream Pie?
Though many people may associate cream pies with the act of ‘pieing’ someone, these tasty pies are much more than that. Pieing is often used in comedic skits or in charity events, as a person smothers another face with a pie. Cream pies are often used for their creamy texture, which also makes them a delicious dessert to eat.
Unlike classic pies, many of us know such as apple, cherry, and pumpkin, cream pies have a creamy filling as the base, with flavors added in from there. They are typically cooked on a stovetop versus baked in the oven.
A cream pie is a sweet type of pie that contains a delicious custard or pudding filling. The pudding filling is generally made from a base of milk, cream, eggs, flour, and sugar. The custard filling is generally made up of milk or cream that is combined with egg yolks, sugar and a thickening agent such as cornstarch, flour or gelatin.
Cream pies are one-crust pies. This means that the bottom and sides of the pie have a crust, but the top does not. Cream pies are typically made with a shortcrust pastry, sweet pie crust or a graham cracker crust. Crusts made from cookies are also a popular choice for cream pies.
Origins of Cream Pies
Though the history of cream pies isn’t totally clear, many believe they got their origins in Germany and America. Some of the oldest cream pies, such as sugar cream pie and lemon meringue pie, were developed in the 1800s in Pennsylvania.
It is believed that many cream pies, such as chocolate cream pie, became popular in the Midwest region of America in the 1800s. Midwest farmers often had an abundance of milk and eggs which they could use to make cream pies. Fruit and chocolate were often popular ingredients in early cream pies.
Best Types of Cream Pies
In addition to being made from either a pudding or custard filling, cream pies also come in several different flavors. Most cream pies are also decorated with a whipped cream topping or a meringue.
If you have never had any type of cream pie, you are missing out. Cream pies are known for being smooth, creamy and decadent.
They are often made with fruit, chocolate or vanilla. There are many different ways you can make them.
Some of the most popular cream pies are chocolate cream pie, banana cream pie, key lime pie, and lemon meringue pie. There are also several other types of cream pies that include flavors such as peanut butter, strawberry, coconut, vanilla, and sugar. There are many takes on this classic dessert that are sure to fulfill your sweet cravings.
Though many people know and love Boston Cream Pie, it is actually a cake and not a pie. Though it contains custard-like cream pies do, the custard is generally sandwiched between two layers of sponge cake which are covered in a chocolate glaze.
Chocolate Cream Pie
Chocolate cream pies are one of the most loved types of cream pie. They are made from a rich, creamy chocolate pudding filling. This silky smooth chocolate treat is often topped with whipped cream.
Though the origins are foggy, many believe that chocolate cream pies originated in the Midwest region of America. They are very similar to the famous French dish Tarte au Chocolat. They have become one of the popular types of pies.
Banana Cream Pie
Banana cream pie is a popular choice among fruit lovers. Its creamy custard base is combined with fresh bananas and topped with smooth whipped cream.
With the advancement of transportation in the 19th century, bananas became more accessible to people all over. By the 1900s, banana cream pies had become a favorite dessert for many. Today, they are still enjoyed by banana lovers all over.
Key Lime Pie
Key lime pie is a tangy yet sweet cream pie that has become a hit with many dessert lovers. The combination of creamy custard filling and the sharp flavor of lime come together to create an American classic. Key lime pie is often topped with meringue or whipped cream.
Key lime pie is said to have originated in Florida in the 1800s, though some say it actually got its start in New York City. Today it has become a staple in the Florida Keys, as it can be found all over there.
Lemon Meringue Pie
Another American classic, lemon meringue pie, got its start in Philadelphia in the 19th century. During this time, Philadelphia had a well-established shipping port that brought in foods from all over, which included lemons. It has since become a popular dessert all over the world.
Lemon meringue pie consists of a creamy lemon custard piled high with fluffy meringue. It’s a perfect combination of sweet and tart that will leave your taste buds happy.
The Perfect Dessert
With so many types of cream pies out there, you are sure to find several that you will love. It’s hard to beat the creamy, smooth filling that comes from a pudding or custard base. Whether it’s chocolate, fruit or something else, it’s hard to say no to the irresistible flavors that come with cream pies.
Topped with fresh whipped cream or fluffy meringue, cream pies are a hit for any occasion. No matter what type of cream pie you make, you are sure to love how it tastes.
Please comment if you have any questions regarding cream pies.
Karen is a passionate pastry chef who loves to create delicious baked goods. She has been in the culinary arts for over 10 years, honing her skills and perfecting her craft. Karen is known for her creativity and attention to detail, creating unique desserts that bring a smile to everyone’s face. She is always looking for ways to challenge herself and come up with new recipes that are both tasty and visually appealing. Karen loves to experiment with different flavors and textures, and she is committed to providing the highest quality of products to her customers.
