Classic Vanilla Cream Pie

A wonderful pie you can top with meringue or whipped cream.

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Serves: 9

Ingredients

• 1 1⁄2 cups granulated sugar
• 1⁄2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 1⁄2 cups half-and-half
• 4  egg yolks, slightly beaten
• 2  tablespoons butter
• 2  teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 (9 inch)  prepared  pie crusts, baked
• 3  cups  meringues (optional)
• 3  cups  homemade  whipped cream (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F, if using meringue.
2. In a large heavy saucepan, combine sugar and flour.
3. Stir in half and half and egg yolks.
4. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly with a wire whisk, until mixture comes to a boil.
5. Boil for 3 minutes, stirring constantly.
6. Remove from heat; stir in butter and vanilla.
7. Pour egg mixture into prepared pie crust.
8. If making meringue, spread meringue over hot filling, sealing to edge of pie crust.
9. Bake for 23 minutes.
10. Cool completely on a wire rack and store in refrigerator.
11. If covering the pie with homemade whipped cream, spread whipped cream over hot filling, sealing to edge of pie crust.
12. Refrigerate.