The Old Fashioned Custard Pie Recipe

The Cozy Old Fashioned Custard Pie Recipe for Sweet Comfort

Sweet memories of grandma’s kitchen come alive with this classic old fashioned custard pie nestled between creamy layers of nostalgia and comfort.

Generations have cherished this delectable dessert that whispers stories of traditional baking.

Smooth, silky custard fills a perfectly golden crust, promising a taste of pure comfort.

Each slice carries the warmth of home-cooked love and timeless simplicity.

the delicate balance of eggs, milk, and subtle spices creates a dessert that melts in your mouth.

Rich and elegant, this pie transforms ordinary ingredients into a spectacular treat.

You’ll fall in love with every velvety, custardy bite that celebrates the art of simple, heartwarming baking.

Storing Custard Pie To Maintain Freshness

  • Store the custard pie in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep it away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor absorption.
  • Wrap the cooled pie completely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Place a label with the date to track storage time.
  • Thaw the pie in the refrigerator overnight. Warm at 325F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent over-browning. Check the internal temperature reaches 165F for food safety.
  • If refrigerated, enjoy the custard pie cold or at room temperature. For best texture, let the pie sit out for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften slightly.

FAQs

  • What ingredients make the custard creamy and smooth?

Eggs, milk, and sugar create the rich, silky texture of the custard pie. The eggs help thicken the mixture while providing a smooth, velvety consistency.

  • Why is nutmeg important in this recipe?

Nutmeg adds a warm, aromatic flavor that is traditional in classic custard pies. It brings a subtle spice and depth that enhances the overall taste of the dessert.

  • How can I tell if the custard pie is fully baked?

The pie is done when the custard is set but still slightly jiggly in the center, and the top has a light golden color. A knife inserted near the center should come out clean.

Old Fashioned Custard Pie’s Lasting Appeal

  • Bake a Unique Showstopper: Create a stunning purple velvet cake that stands out from traditional red velvet, offering a delightful twist on a classic dessert that will impress guests and spark conversation.
  • Craft an Easy Crowd-Pleaser: Designed with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe welcomes bakers of all skill levels to create a professional-looking cake without complex techniques.
  • Customize Your Color Magic: Play with food coloring to adjust the shade of purple, making this recipe perfect for themed parties, birthdays, or special celebrations that call for a vibrant, eye-catching dessert.
  • Enjoy a Versatile Celebration Cake: Perfect for birthdays, potlucks, family gatherings, or any occasion that deserves a memorable sweet treat that combines rich flavor with beautiful presentation.

Ingredients Needed For Custard Pie Baking

Pie Crust:
  • Unbaked Pie Shell: A classic base that holds the creamy custard filling and provides a crisp, buttery foundation for the pie.
Custard Filling Base:
  • Eggs: The primary binding and thickening agent that gives the custard its smooth, rich texture.
  • Milk: Creates the creamy, silky liquid base for the custard.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the caramelization of the pie's surface.
Spices and Seasonings:
  • Salt, Nutmeg: Enhances the overall flavor profile, with nutmeg providing a warm, aromatic note to the classic custard pie.

Stepwise Guide To Classic Custard Pie

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven and set the temperature to 350°F. Make sure the rack is positioned in the center of the oven for even baking.

Step 2: Create the Silky Custard Base

In a mixing bowl, gently whisk the eggs until they’re slightly broken up. Add in:
  • Sugar
  • Salt
  • Ground nutmeg
  • Whole milk

Blend everything together until the mixture becomes smooth and perfectly combined, with no lumps in sight.

Step 3: Fill the Pie Crust

Carefully pour the luxurious custard mixture into an unbaked pie shell. Ensure the filling is evenly distributed throughout the crust.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the pie into the preheated oven and let it bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the custard sets and the top turns a beautiful light golden color.

Step 5: Cool and Garnish

Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely. For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle some freshly ground nutmeg over the top.

Slice and serve this classic dessert that’s sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces.

Key Pointers For Custard Pie Success

  • Gently beat eggs and temper the mixture to avoid scrambling, ensuring a silky smooth custard texture.
  • Cover pie edges with aluminum foil if they brown too quickly, protecting the delicate crust from burning.
  • Insert a knife near the center of the pie – if it comes out clean, the custard is perfectly set without being overcooked.
  • Freshly grate nutmeg just before adding to the mixture for a more intense and aromatic spice profile.
  • Let the pie cool completely at room temperature to allow the custard to set fully before slicing and serving.

Fun Variations For Custard Pie Lovers

  • Vegan Custard Delight: Replace eggs with silken tofu, use coconut milk instead of dairy milk, and swap sugar for maple syrup to create a plant-based version.
  • Gluten-Free Comfort Pie: Use a gluten-free pie crust made from almond flour or graham cracker crumbs, ensuring those with wheat sensitivities can enjoy this classic dessert.
  • Spiced Autumn Version: Add cinnamon, ginger, and cloves to the custard mixture for a warm, seasonal flavor profile that captures the essence of fall baking.
  • Low-Sugar Alternative: Substitute sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, reducing calories while maintaining the creamy texture of the traditional custard pie.

Perfect Dishes To Serve With Custard Pie

  • Pair with Creamy Bourbon Cocktail: Craft a smooth bourbon-based drink that echoes the pie's warm nutmeg notes, creating a luxurious flavor harmony that enhances the custard's rich, creamy texture.
  • Complement with Spiced Chai Tea: Brew a fragrant chai tea with cinnamon and cardamom undertones that beautifully matches the pie's delicate sweetness and nutmeg warmth, offering a comforting beverage experience.
  • Match with Caramel Whipped Cream: Dollop homemade caramel-infused whipped cream alongside the pie, adding a silky, buttery accent that elevates the custard's classic flavor profile and provides a decadent finishing touch.
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The Old Fashioned Custard Pie Recipe

The Old Fashioned Custard Pie Recipe


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4.7 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Grandma’s classic Old Fashioned Custard Pie whispers nostalgia from every silky slice. Creamy, delicate filling nestled in a buttery crust promises comfort that connects generations with simple, heartwarming flavors you’ll savor.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 2/3 cups (630 milliliters) milk
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 unbaked pie shell (Marie Callendars deep dish)

Sweeteners and Seasonings:

  • 1/2 cup (100 grams) sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Set the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) to ensure proper baking environment for the custard pie.
  2. Gently whisk eggs in a mixing bowl, creating a light and airy base for the custard filling.
  3. Incorporate sugar, salt, and nutmeg into the eggs, stirring until the mixture appears uniform and smooth.
  4. Gradually pour milk into the egg mixture, whisking continuously to create a silky, well-blended custard.
  5. Transfer the custard mixture into an unbaked pie shell, ensuring an even distribution across the surface.
  6. Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, watching for a slightly golden top and a set custard consistency.
  7. Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool completely at room temperature.
  8. Enhance the pie’s flavor by sprinkling fresh ground nutmeg over the surface just before serving.
  9. Slice the cooled custard pie and serve, enjoying the creamy, delicate texture and warm spice notes.

Notes

  • Customize the custard’s sweetness by adjusting sugar levels, ensuring it suits different taste preferences without compromising the classic texture.
  • Use whole milk or cream for a richer, more luxurious custard, or substitute with lower-fat alternatives for a lighter version.
  • Prevent soggy pie crust by blind baking the shell for 10 minutes before adding the custard, creating a crisp, golden base that holds the creamy filling perfectly.
  • Achieve a silky smooth custard by straining the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve, eliminating any potential egg lumps and ensuring a perfectly creamy consistency.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 190
  • Sugar: 13 g
  • Sodium: 100 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg
Maya Thompson

Maya Thompson

Culinary Content Creator & Nutrition Enthusiast

Expertise

Healthy single-serving recipes, Meal prepping for individuals, Integrating nutrition into everyday cooking, Vegetarian and plant-based cuisine​

Education

The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Nutrition, meal planning, and culinary techniques for healthy living.


Maya found her passion in the kitchen by mixing good food with good energy. After earning her culinary degree at The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College, she made it her mission to keep cooking simple, wholesome, and packed with flavor.
At Steelhead Diner, Maya shares easy, healthy recipes built for real life. For Maya, great food seems like a celebration of everyday moments, made better one fresh bite at a time.

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