French Custard Pie with Apples (Crustless Flan Parisien)
A soft, silky custard baked with tender apples—simple, comforting, and beautifully rustic.
Ingredients:
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar (increase to ¾ cup for a sweeter pie)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 5 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 medium apples, thinly sliced (Gala, Honeycrisp, or Fuji recommended)
Optional: A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg on top for warmth
Instructions:
Step 1: Make the batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
Crack in the eggs, and whisk until smooth.
Gradually add the milk, cream, and vanilla, mixing until fully combined. The batter should be silky and free of lumps.
Step 2: Chill the batter
Cover and refrigerate the batter for at least 1 hour.
This allows the flour to fully hydrate and results in a more even, custardy texture.
Step 3: Prepare the pan
Preheat your oven to 325°F (170°C).
Line a 7.5-inch round cake pan with parchment paper, leaving a 1–2 inch overhang to help lift out the pie after baking.
Step 4: Assemble the pie
Give the batter a gentle stir. Pour it into the prepared pan.
Arrange the apple slices on top in a circular pattern, or scatter for a rustic effect.
(Optional: Dust with a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for flavor.)
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the custard is just set with a slight jiggle in the center.
If it begins to brown too quickly, loosely cover with foil for the last 10 minutes.
Step 6: Cool and chill
Let the pie cool in the pan for 15–20 minutes, then lift it out using the parchment.
Cool completely on a wire rack.
For best slicing, refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
🍽 Serving Suggestions:
- Enjoy chilled or room temperature with tea or coffee
- Add a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar
- Pair with a few sliced fresh berries for brightness
🧊 Storage:
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
- Flavors deepen with time, making it ideal for make-ahead entertaining
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I add a crust to this pie?
A: Yes! Line your pan with a pre-baked tart shell or shortcrust pastry if you want added structure. Make sure it’s fully baked and cooled before adding the custard batter.
Q2: What if I don’t want apples in it?
A: Totally fine. This pie is delicious with or without fruit. The plain custard version is closer to a traditional Flan Parisien—smooth, rich, and elegant on its own.
Q3: Can I use low-fat milk or plant-based milk?
A: You can try using 2% milk or even a rich plant-based milk like full-fat oat or soy, but the custard may not be as creamy. Whole milk and cream are ideal for texture.
Q4: Can this be made gluten-free?
A: Yes—use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to replace the all-purpose flour. The results will still be silky and custard-like.
Final Thought:
This French Custard Pie with Apples is the kind of recipe that makes people pause after their first bite—it’s nostalgic, understated, and deeply satisfying. Serve it up for brunch, afternoon tea, or as a delicate dinner dessert, and watch it quietly steal the show.