Old-Fashioned Custard Pie Recipe!

Old-Fashioned Custard Pie Recipe: A Timeless Delight

There’s something truly comforting about an Old-Fashioned Custard Pie. This classic dessert, with its smooth, velvety filling and perfectly crisp crust, has been a beloved staple in homes for generations. It’s simple yet decadent, offering a delicate balance of rich, eggy custard with a hint of vanilla and spice. Whether served as a family treat or at a special occasion, this custard pie never fails to satisfy.

In this guide, we’ll take you through the steps of making this comforting pie, including tips, tricks, and variations to ensure your custard pie is perfect every time. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is straightforward, easy to follow, and results in a delicious dessert that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love Old-Fashioned Custard Pie

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s explore why this pie is a timeless favorite:

1. Simple Ingredients: The ingredients for this pie are basic pantry staples, such as milk, eggs, sugar, and vanilla. No need for fancy or hard-to-find ingredients.

2. Rich and Creamy: The custard filling is rich and creamy without being overly sweet. The vanilla and spice notes give it an extra layer of warmth.

3. Versatile: It’s a fantastic choice for nearly any occasion—holidays, family gatherings, or a weekend treat. It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee.

4. Easy to Make: With just a few easy steps, you can have this pie on the table in no time. It doesn’t require any complicated techniques, just patience while it bakes to perfection.

Old-Fashioned Custard Pie Recipe: Ingredients

For the pie crust, you’ll need:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for rolling)

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes

• 3-4 tablespoons ice water (more or less depending on the dough consistency)

For the custard filling, you will need:

• 2 cups whole milk (or substitute with heavy cream for a richer filling)

• 3 large eggs

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (helps thicken the custard)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (use pure vanilla for the best flavor)

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for added warmth)

• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (preferably freshly grated for the best flavor)

• Pinch of salt

Instructions for Making Old-Fashioned Custard Pie

Step 1: Make the Pie Crust

Making a homemade pie crust adds that extra touch of comfort and ensures a delicious, flaky base for the custard filling. Follow these steps:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.

2. Cut in the Butter: Add the cold butter cubes to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your hands to work the butter into the flour until it forms coarse crumbs. The butter should be pea-sized, which will ensure a flaky texture in the crust.

3. Add Ice Water: Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and gently mix with a fork until the dough begins to come together. Add just enough water to form a dough that is moist but not sticky.

4. Form the Dough: Gather the dough into a ball and flatten it into a disk. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps prevent shrinking when baking.

5. Roll Out the Dough: After chilling, roll the dough out on a floured surface into a circle large enough to fit your pie dish (about 12 inches in diameter).

6. Fit the Crust into the Dish: Transfer the dough into your 9-inch pie dish, gently pressing it into place. Trim any excess dough, leaving about an inch of overhang. Fold the edges under to create a thicker crust edge. You can crimp the edges for a decorative finish or leave it simple.

7. Chill the Crust: Place the pie crust back into the fridge for another 15-20 minutes to help maintain its shape during baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Custard Filling

While the crust is chilling, you can work on the custard filling.

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together milk, eggs, sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Make sure everything is thoroughly combined.

2. Cook the Custard: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture continuously with a wooden spoon or whisk. As the custard heats up, it will begin to thicken. Continue to cook and stir for about 5-7 minutes until the mixture coats the back of a spoon. Be sure not to let the mixture boil, as this could cause the eggs to curdle.

3. Cool the Custard: Once the custard has thickened, remove it from the heat. Let it cool slightly while you prepare to assemble the pie.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

1. Preheat the Oven: While the custard is cooling, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Fill the Pie Crust: Pour the slightly cooled custard mixture into the chilled pie crust. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, ensuring it reaches the edges of the crust.

3. Bake the Pie: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. The custard should be set but still slightly jiggly in the center. If the top begins to brown too quickly, you can cover the edges with aluminum foil to prevent over-baking.

4. Check for Doneness: To test if the pie is done, insert a knife into the center of the pie. It should come out clean with just a few custard crumbs. The pie will continue to firm up as it cools.

Step 4: Cool and Serve

Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack. This will help the custard set, making it easier to slice.

For best results, refrigerate the pie for at least 2-3 hours to let the flavors meld and to give the custard time to firm up.

When ready to serve, slice the pie into wedges. Optionally, garnish with a sprinkle of ground nutmeg or cinnamon. It pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Tips for Perfecting Your Old-Fashioned Custard Pie

1. Use Cold Butter for the Crust: To get that perfect flaky texture, make sure the butter is very cold. This will create pockets of butter that melt during baking, forming a light, airy crust.

2. Don’t Overcook the Custard: When cooking the custard, be careful not to overheat it, or the eggs might curdle. Stir constantly to avoid scorching and remove the custard from the heat once it has thickened.

3. Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter pie, you can increase the sugar by a couple of tablespoons. However, this recipe is designed to have a balanced sweetness, so adjust based on personal taste.

4. Let It Cool Completely: For the best results, allow the pie to cool completely and refrigerate it for several hours before serving. This will help the custard firm up and allow the flavors to meld together.

How to Store Old-Fashioned Custard Pie

• Room Temperature: You can keep the pie at room temperature for up to 2 days. Just make sure to cover it loosely with plastic wrap or foil to avoid the crust becoming soggy.

• Refrigeration: If you have leftovers or want to prepare it in advance, store the pie in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• Freezing: Although custard pie can be frozen, it’s best to freeze it before baking. You can wrap the unbaked pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake, simply transfer the pie to a preheated oven and bake as usual, adding a few extra minutes to account for the frozen filling.

Conclusion

This Old-Fashioned Custard Pie is a delightful dessert that brings together simplicity and richness. Its creamy, custard-filled center and flaky crust make it a comforting and satisfying treat for any occasion. Perfect for family dinners, holidays, or just because, this pie is sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face.

With easy-to-find ingredients and simple steps, you can recreate this timeless classic in your own kitchen. Enjoy it as-is or with a dollop of whipped cream for a little extra indulgence. No matter how you serve it, this custard pie will surely become a favorite in your recipe collection. Happy baking!