Old-Fashioned Custard Pie Recipe: A Timeless Dessert Delight

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Introduction

Discover the timeless delight of old-fashioned custard pie, a classic dessert cherished for generations. This comforting pie boasts a silky custard filling nestled in a flaky pie crust, offering a nostalgic taste of homemade goodness. Follow this traditional recipe to create a pie that’s sure to evoke fond memories and satisfy your sweet cravings.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to prepare your old-fashioned custard pie:

  • 1 9-inch pie crust (pre-made or homemade)
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 1/2 cups whole milk
  • Ground nutmeg for sprinkling

Instructions

Follow these step-by-step instructions to craft your perfect old-fashioned custard pie:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Prepare the Pie Crust:
    • If using a pre-made pie crust, follow the package instructions for pre-baking.
    • For a homemade crust, blind bake it by lining with parchment paper, filling with pie weights or dried beans, and baking for 10 minutes. Then, remove weights and bake for an additional 5 minutes until lightly golden. Let cool.
  3. Beat the Eggs: In a mixing bowl, lightly beat the eggs.
  4. Combine Ingredients:
    • Add granulated sugar and salt to the beaten eggs, and continue beating until well combined.
    • Stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. Heat the Milk: Heat the whole milk in a saucepan over medium heat until it’s about to boil. Remove from heat.
  6. Combine Milk and Egg Mixture: Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking continuously to prevent curdling.
  7. Strain the Mixture: Once combined, strain the custard mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a separate bowl to remove any lumps.
  8. Fill the Pie Crust: Pour the strained custard mixture into the pre-baked pie crust.
  9. Add Nutmeg: Sprinkle ground nutmeg on top of the custard.
  10. Bake the Pie:
    • Carefully transfer the pie to the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes at 425°F (220°C).
    • Reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for an additional 25-30 minutes until the custard is set and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
  11. Cool and Serve: Allow the pie to cool completely before serving. For enhanced flavor, refrigerate for a few hours.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Here are some common questions about old-fashioned custard pie:

  • Q: Can I use a different type of crust for this pie?
    • A: Yes, you can use a graham cracker crust or a shortbread crust for a different flavor profile.
  • Q: Can I substitute skim milk for whole milk in the custard?
    • A: While you can use skim milk, whole milk yields a richer custard. Skim milk may result in a slightly lighter texture.
  • Q: How long does the custard pie last?
    • A: Custard pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain freshness.
  • Q: Can I freeze custard pie?
    • A: Yes, custard pie can be frozen for up to 1 month. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Q: Can I omit the nutmeg?
    • A: While nutmeg adds a classic flavor to custard pie, you can omit it if desired or substitute with cinnamon for a different taste.

Conclusion

Indulge in the timeless charm of old-fashioned custard pie with this easy-to-follow recipe. Whether enjoyed as a comforting dessert or a delightful treat, this pie promises to delight your taste buds and evoke cherished memories of homemade goodness. Try it today and savor the simple pleasure of a perfectly baked custard pie!

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