Old-Fashioned Custard Pie
A silky, vanilla-scented custard nestled in a buttery crust — sweet simplicity in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
- 3 large eggs
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2½ cups whole milk, room temperature
- Ground nutmeg, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the unbaked pie crust into a 9-inch pie plate, crimp the edges, and place the dish on a baking sheet. - Make Custard Mixture
In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs until fully blended. Add the sugar, salt, and vanilla. Slowly whisk in the milk — blend just until combined (avoid whipping in too much air). - Fill and Sprinkle
Pour the custard mixture into the prepared pie crust. Sprinkle the top lightly with ground nutmeg. - Bake
Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until the custard is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. A knife inserted about 1 inch from the center should come out clean. - Cool and Chill
Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before slicing for best results.
Serving Suggestions
- Chilled or room temperature
- With a dollop of whipped cream
- Light dusting of powdered sugar or cinnamon
- Serve with fresh berries for a modern twist
Tips & Variations
- Richer texture? Use half-and-half or add 1 extra egg yolk.
- More flavor? Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or a dash of almond extract to the custard.
- No crust? Bake the filling in a buttered glass pie dish for a crustless custard.
- For easier slicing, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water.
Estimated Nutritional Info (Per Slice, Based on 8 Slices)
- Calories: ~230
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 11g
- Carbs: 27g
- Sugar: 20g
- Fiber: <1g
- Sodium: 190mg
❓ Q&A: Old-Fashioned Custard Pie
Q: Why is my custard watery?
A: It may have been overbaked or whipped too much before baking. Mix gently and bake just until barely set.
Q: Can I make it ahead?
A: Absolutely! It’s best made a day in advance — just keep it covered and refrigerated.
Q: What kind of milk is best?
A: Whole milk is ideal for a silky texture, but you can substitute half-and-half for extra creaminess.
Q: Can I freeze custard pie?
A: Not recommended. The texture of the custard may change and become watery when thawed.
Q: Why does my pie crust shrink?
A: To avoid shrinking, chill your crust before baking and don’t stretch it to fit the dish.