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Washington Cream Pie Recipe

Washington Cream Pie Recipe

Washington Cream pies are a light, sponge-like dessert that brings a hint of nostalgia with their simple yet elegant layers. These cakes, traditionally filled with cream or jam between the layers, are not pies in the modern sense but rather soft cake rounds baked and layered together. The recipe is straightforward, combining basic pantry ingredients to create a sweet treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

Washington Cream Pie Recipe


Ingredients for Cream Washington Pies

  • 1 Egg: Provides structure and richness to the cake.
  • 2 Tablespoonfuls of Melted Butter: Adds moisture and a subtle buttery flavor to the cake.
  • 1/2 Cupful of Sugar: Sweetens the cake, balancing the mild flavor of the other ingredients.
  • 1 Cupful of Flour: The base of the cake, giving it body and texture.
  • 1 Rounding Teaspoonful of Cream of Tartar: Used as a leavening agent to help the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
  • 1/2 Cupful of Milk (scant): Provides moisture and ensures the batter is the right consistency.
  • 1/2 Teaspoonful of Soda: Works with the cream of tartar to help the cake rise, making it airy and tender.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparing Washington Cream Pies

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

Begin by creaming the butter and sugar together. This step is crucial because it helps to incorporate air into the mixture, giving the cake a lighter texture. You can do this by hand or with an electric mixer. Once the butter and sugar are well combined and creamy, add the well-beaten egg. The egg should be mixed in thoroughly to ensure a smooth batter.

Step 2: Activate the Leavening Agents

In a separate small bowl, stir the soda into the scant half-cup of milk. Then, add the cream of tartar to the milk mixture. Cream of tartar is an acid that works in tandem with the baking soda to create carbon dioxide bubbles, which help the cake rise and become fluffy. Make sure the soda and cream of tartar are well dissolved before adding them to the batter.

Step 3: Combine the Ingredients

Now, gradually pour the milk mixture into the butter, sugar, and egg blend. Stir gently to ensure everything is well mixed. Lastly, sift in the flour and fold it into the batter until smooth. Be careful not to over-mix at this stage; you want the batter to remain light and airy.

Step 4: Prepare the Baking Pans

For this recipe, you will need three round shallow dishes or cake pans. Lightly grease the pans with butter or non-stick spray to ensure the cakes don’t stick. Divide the batter evenly between the three prepared pans. This will give you three thin cake layers once baked.

Step 5: Bake the Cakes

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the cakes for about 15-20 minutes. Since these are thin layers, they will bake quickly. Keep an eye on them and check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of each cake layer. If the toothpick comes out clean, the cakes are ready. They should have a golden-brown top and be springy to the touch.

Step 6: Cool and Assemble

Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pans before removing them. These layers are delicate, so take care when handling them.

Once cooled, you can fill the layers with your preferred filling. Traditionally, these pies are filled with whipped cream, but you could also use fruit jam, lemon curd, or even pastry cream for a richer flavor. Place one layer on a serving plate, spread the filling evenly, then stack the next layer on top, repeating until all layers are stacked and filled.

Step 7: Finish the Cake

For a final touch, you can dust the top layer with powdered sugar, frost it with a light buttercream, or even drizzle with a simple sugar glaze. The beauty of this dessert is its simplicity, allowing you to get creative with how you finish it.

Approximate Calorie Count

A slice of Cream Washington Pie, assuming the pie is divided into 8 servings, would contain around 220-250 calories per slice. This estimate can vary depending on the type of filling used between the layers, with whipped cream adding fewer calories than a richer buttercream or jam.

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