Classic French Sugar Pie: A Delightfully Simple Yet Luxurious Treat

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 250ml (1 cup) warm milk
• 7g (1 teaspoon) active dry yeast
• 40ml (2¾ tablespoons) vegetable oil
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 45g (3 tablespoons) sugar
• Pinch of salt
• 400-450g (3¼-3⅔ cups) all-purpose flour

For the Topping:

• 60g (4 tablespoons) butter, softened
• 100g (½ cup) granulated sugar

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Dough

1. Combine warm milk with yeast and 1 tablespoon of sugar
2. Let stand for 5-7 minutes until foamy
3. Whisk in the egg and vegetable oil
4. Mix remaining sugar and salt in a large bowl
5. Gradually incorporate flour while kneading
6. Knead until medium-firm dough forms (8-10 minutes)

2. First Rise

1. Place dough in a greased bowl
2. Cover with a clean kitchen towel
3. Let rise in a warm place for 35 minutes

3. Shaping and Second Rise

1. Grease a 32cm (13-inch) round baking pan
2. Transfer dough to the pan, spreading evenly
3. Let rise for additional 20 minutes in a warm place

4. Topping and Baking

1. Preheat oven to 150°C (300°F)
2. Spread softened butter over the surface
3. Sprinkle generously with sugar
4. Apply another layer of butter
5. Bake for 45 minutes until golden brown

Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 12 slices)

• Calories: 275
• Total Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 4.5g
• Carbohydrates: 41g
• Protein: 5g
• Sugar: 18g

Time Requirements:

• Preparation: 20 minutes
• Rising Time: 55 minutes
• Baking Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours

Professional Baking Tips

The success of this pie lies in proper temperature control. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before beginning. The milk should be warm (around 110°F/43°C) to properly activate the yeast without killing it. The butter for topping should be soft enough to spread easily but not melted.

Variations and Substitutions

• Replace vegetable oil with melted butter for richer flavor
• Add vanilla extract or vanilla sugar for additional depth
• Use brown sugar for topping to create a caramel-like flavor
• Incorporate citrus zest into the dough for a bright note
• Add cinnamon or cardamom to the sugar topping