Old Fashioned Egg Custard Pie is a timeless Southern dessert that offers the perfect balance of a smooth, silky custard filling with a hint of nutmeg and a buttery, flaky crust. Whether you’re preparing it for a family gathering, holiday dinner, or just a sweet treat, this pie is sure to delight every palate. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can create a classic dessert that brings comfort and nostalgia to your table.
Ingredients:
1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
3 large eggs, room temperature
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (plus extra for sprinkling)
Directions:
Preheat and Prepare:
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating, place your unbaked pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish and crimp the edges as desired. This will give your pie an elegant, rustic look. Set the crust aside while you prepare the custard filling.
Make the Custard Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, and salt until smooth and well combined. Slowly add in the milk while whisking continuously to ensure a creamy texture. Then, stir in the vanilla extract and ground nutmeg, which will infuse the pie with a warm, comforting aroma.
Assemble the Pie:
Pour the prepared custard mixture into the pie crust, ensuring the custard is evenly distributed. For a finishing touch, lightly sprinkle the top with extra ground nutmeg to add a decorative and aromatic element to the pie.
Bake:
Carefully place the pie into the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes at 400°F (200°C). After 15 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for 30-35 minutes. The custard should be set, and when you insert a knife into the center, it should come out clean.
Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack for at least 1 hour. This allows the custard to firm up. Once cooled, slice the pie and serve it chilled or at room temperature for the perfect Southern treat.
Serving Tips:
Chilled or Room Temperature: Egg custard pie can be served both chilled and at room temperature, depending on your preference. For a refreshing experience, chill the pie in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour after baking. For a more traditional approach, let it rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
Garnish: Add a dusting of freshly grated nutmeg or a dollop of whipped cream on top for an extra touch of elegance and flavor.
Pairing: Egg custard pie pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee, tea, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: Since this pie contains dairy and eggs, it’s best to store it in the refrigerator. Cover the pie with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing odors from other foods.
Shelf Life: The pie can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. After that, the custard filling may start to lose its texture and freshness.
Freezing: While egg custard pie can be frozen, the texture of the custard filling may change slightly once thawed. To freeze, wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. To thaw, place the pie in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Reheating:
In the Oven: To reheat leftover slices of pie, preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Place the slices on a baking sheet and cover loosely with foil to prevent the crust from overbaking. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
Microwave: If you’re short on time, you can microwave individual slices for 20-30 seconds, but be careful not to overheat the custard, as it may lose its creamy texture.
Related Recipes:
FAQs:
Can I make Old Fashioned Egg Custard Pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this pie ahead of time! It actually benefits from chilling for a few hours or overnight to allow the custard to set properly. Prepare the pie a day in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve. Just make sure to cover it tightly to keep it fresh.
What type of pie crust is best for this recipe?
You can use either a homemade or store-bought pie crust for this recipe. A classic, buttery, and flaky pie crust works best to complement the creamy custard filling. If you prefer a gluten-free version, you can also substitute with a gluten-free pie crust.
Can I use a different type of milk or sweetener in the recipe?
Yes, you can customize the recipe. If you prefer a dairy-free version, you can substitute whole milk with almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk. For a lower-sugar version, you can try using honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute, but keep in mind the texture may slightly vary.
How do I know when the custard is fully set?
To check if the custard is set, insert a knife or toothpick into the center of the pie. If it comes out clean (without liquid custard), your pie is ready. The custard should be firm and not jiggle too much when gently shaken. If it’s still runny, continue baking for a few more minutes.
Conclusion:
For a classic dessert that’s always a hit, look no further than this Old Fashioned Egg Custard Pie. With simple ingredients and an easy preparation method, this dessert brings the best of Southern comfort food right to your table. Give it a try today and enjoy a slice of nostalgia with every bite!
📖 Recipe:
Print
Old Fashioned Egg Custard Pie
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Old Fashioned Egg Custard Pie recipe brings a taste of classic Southern comfort to your table. With its silky custard filling, nutmeg aroma, and buttery flaky crust, it’s a perfect dessert for any occasion. Simple to make with just a few ingredients, this egg custard pie is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you serve it chilled or at room temperature, this timeless dessert is both indulgent and comforting, making it ideal for holidays, gatherings, or everyday treats.
Ingredients
1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
3 large eggs, room temperature
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (plus extra for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the unbaked pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish and crimp the edges. Set aside.
- Make the Custard Filling: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and salt until smooth. Gradually add milk while whisking. Stir in vanilla extract and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg.
- Assemble the Pie: Pour the custard mixture into the pie crust. Sprinkle the top lightly with extra ground nutmeg.
- Bake: Bake at 400°F for 15 minutes. Then, reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 30-35 minutes, or until set and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let the pie cool for at least 1 hour before slicing. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
For a richer flavor, you can use freshly grated nutmeg instead of pre-ground nutmeg.
If using a store-bought pie crust, make sure it is unbaked before filling.
Allow the pie to cool fully before cutting to ensure the custard sets properly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Southern Classics
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 slices
- Calories: 220 kcal
