Tarte au Sucre (Quebec Sugar Pie)
A rich and decadent Quebecois dessert featuring a sweet, custardy filling made with brown sugar, cream, and sometimes a hint of maple syrup, all baked in a flaky pie crust.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2.5 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 cup Cold unsalted butter(cubed)
- 0.5 cup Ice water(approx.)
- 1.5 cups Dark brown sugar
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 3 large Eggs
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp Maple syrup(optional, for added flavour)
- 0.5 tsp Ground cinnamon(optional)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
For the crust: In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.
💡 Tip: Keep butter cold for a flaky crust. - 2
Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Form into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
⏱️ 30 minutes - 3
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer to a 9-inch pie plate. Trim and crimp the edges.
💡 Tip: Blind baking the crust is optional but can prevent a soggy bottom. - 4
In a separate bowl, whisk together brown sugar, heavy cream, eggs, vanilla extract, and optional maple syrup and cinnamon until well combined.
💡 Tip: Ensure eggs are fully incorporated. - 5
Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 6
Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown. The center should be slightly jiggly.
⏱️ 45 minutes💡 Tip: If the crust edges start to brown too quickly, cover them with foil. - 7
Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to fully set.
⏱️ 2 hours
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using dark brown sugar provides a richer flavour and colour.
- ✓Don't overmix the pie crust dough.
- ✓Allow the pie to cool completely for the best texture.
🔄 Variations
- Add a tablespoon of rum or brandy to the filling for an extra kick.
- Top with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.