Hoosier Pie Trail, Northern Route: Amish Peach Cream Pie

Earlier this summer, Pie Pal Linda and I took the Northern Route of the Hoosier Pie Trail where we searched for pies in Fort Wayne, Shipshewana, South Bend, Nappanee, and points in between. Along the way we visited museums, farmers’ markets, and points in between.   

People: Amish women. This northern area of Indiana has the world’s third largest settlement of Amish. The women are known for making mouthwatering pies that are sold in the markets in many of the towns in this area. That is likely why many of the pie destinations on the Hoosier Pie Trail are found here!

Places: Grocery stores. One way to learn about a community is to go to its grocery store. One of the groceries where we stopped had a small restaurant and bakery. After lunch, (pie for dessert, of course!) we spent time browsing through the wide aisles that had shelves full of baking essentials that are not found in most “big box” grocery stores in larger cities. There were different types of flour and specialty sugars, and we were intrigued by the edible pieces of sports equipment, action figures, and mermaids that could be used for decorating cakes.

Pies: There were many! In Fort Wayne, we enjoyed a hand pie from Grace Kelly Baked Goods, which was sold from a food truck at the farmers’ market. In Nappanee, we sampled a strawberry cream pie from a bakery/deli/grocery in Coppes Commons. Still looking for more pies, we were referred to a bakery (aka grocery store) south of Nappanee. As we pulled in and saw two young girls drive up in their horse and buggy to do their weekly grocery shopping, we knew we were in the right place. We purchased a peach cream pie that was made locally and sold at the store. The proprietor explained that the pie had a lard crust, with a sweet cream cheese bottom layer followed by a layer of fresh peaches and topped with Cool Whip. The peaches were juicy and offset the sweetness of the cream cheese and Cool Whip

Here is the recipe for an Amish Peach Cream Pie:

1 single crust, baked
1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened
1 (14 oz.) can Sweetened Condensed Milk
⅓ cup lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups fresh fruit (sliced peaches, blueberries, strawberries)

Beat cream cheese in large bowl with an electric mixer until fluffy. Gradually beat in sweetened condensed milk until smooth. Stir in lemon juice and vanilla. Pour into baked pie crust and refrigerate for 3 hours or until set. Arrange fruit (sliced peaches) on top of pie. Top with Cool Whip