Description
Few desserts capture the essence of comfort and nostalgia like this Old-Fashioned Custard Pie. With its velvety, lightly sweetened filling and crisp, golden crust, this classic dish has stood the test of time. It’s a simple yet elegant dessert that’s perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or a cozy treat any day of the week. Unlike modern overly sweet or spiced desserts, this pie relies on just a handful of ingredients—eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla—to create a perfectly smooth and balanced custard that melts in your mouth.
Ingredients
For the Pie Crust:
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter (cold, cut into cubes)
- 3–4 tablespoons ice water
For the Custard Filling:
- 4 large eggs
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add ice water, stirring just until the dough comes together.
- Shape the dough into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the chilled dough and fit it into a 9-inch pie pan. Trim and crimp the edges.
- Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Blind bake for 10 minutes.
- Remove the weights and bake for another 5 minutes until the crust is lightly golden.
Step 2: Make the Custard Filling
- In a mixing bowl, gently whisk the eggs until combined—avoid over-beating.
- Gradually add the sugar, stirring to combine.
- Slowly pour in the milk, vanilla extract, nutmeg, and salt. Stir until smooth.
- Strain the custard mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any lumps.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
- Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully pour the custard filling into the pre-baked pie crust.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the custard is set but slightly wobbly in the center.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely before slicing.
- Serve at room temperature or chilled.
Notes
- For an even creamier custard, replace ½ cup of milk with heavy cream.
- If you prefer, swap nutmeg with a pinch of cinnamon or leave it out.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: ~250
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 6g