Granny’s Secret Old-Fashioned Egg Custard Pie Recipe

Creamy and comforting, this classic egg custard pie weaves magic with simple ingredients that dance together in delightful harmony.

Rich custardy goodness promises a nostalgic journey through traditional baking.

Each slice whispers stories of grandmothers’ kitchens and weekend gatherings.

The silky smooth filling cradles a buttery, flaky crust that melts in your mouth.

Warm spices like nutmeg add gentle depth to this timeless dessert.

You’ll fall in love with its delicate texture and straightforward preparation.

Prepare to savor a slice of pure, homemade comfort that connects generations through its sweet, velvety embrace.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Calories: 270 kcal

Servings: 9

All You Need For Old-Fashioned Egg Custard Pie Recipe

• All-Purpose Flour: The sturdy foundation of the flaky crust, ensuring a tender and crisp base that complements the creamy custard.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and helps strengthen the gluten structure in the pie dough.
• Unsalted Butter: Creates those signature flaky layers and adds rich, delectable flavor to the crust.
• Ice Water: Binds the ingredients together while keeping the butter cold for maximum flakiness.

• Whole Milk: Provides the creamy, smooth texture that makes custard wonderfully luxurious.
• Eggs: Serve as the magical thickening agent that transforms liquid into a silky, rich filling.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create the smooth, golden caramelized top of the custard.
• Vanilla Extract: Infuses a warm, aromatic depth that elevates the entire dessert's flavor profile.

• Ground Nutmeg: Sprinkles a warm, subtle spice that adds sophistication and traditional charm to the classic custard pie.

What To Use For Old-Fashioned Egg Custard Pie Recipe

• Pastry Cutter or Fork: Essential for cutting cold butter into flour for a flaky pie crust.
• Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining flour, salt, and creating pie dough.
• Rolling Pin: Helps roll out pie dough to the right thickness and shape.
• 9-inch Pie Pan: Ideal for forming and baking the custard pie.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and helps with pre-baking the crust.
• Pie Weights or Dried Beans: Keeps the crust flat during initial baking.
• Whisk: Great for mixing custard ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.
• Baking Sheet: Optional, but helpful for easy oven transfer and catching any potential spills.

Follow These Steps For Old-Fashioned Egg Custard Pie Recipe

• Create Buttery Pie Crust

Mix flour and salt in a spacious bowl, then gently break cold butter into tiny crumbs using your fingertips. Splash in chilled water gradually, kneading until dough forms a smooth ball. Shape into a flat disk, wrap snugly, and chill in refrigerator for half an hour.

• Shape and Pre-Bake Crust

Warm your oven to 375F. Gently roll dough into a large round, draping it smoothly into a pie pan. Trim edges elegantly and crimp decoratively. Poke tiny holes across bottom with a fork. Cover with parchment, sprinkle pie weights inside, and bake 10 minutes. Remove weights, then bake additional 5 minutes until edges turn golden. Lower oven temperature to 350F.

• Whip Silky Custard Filling

Crack eggs into a mixing bowl, whisking until light and frothy. Blend in sugar, vanilla, and warm milk, stirring until completely smooth. Pour creamy mixture into partially baked pie shell.

• Bake to Perfection

Slide pie into preheated oven, baking 35-40 minutes. Watch for center to set with a gentle wobble – it should jiggle slightly but not be liquid. Remove and let cool completely on a wire rack.

• Serve and Enjoy

Slice custard pie when fully cooled. Dust with delicate ground nutmeg or cinnamon if desired. Serve at room temperature for maximum flavor enjoyment.

Tips To Try With Old-Fashioned Egg Custard Pie Recipe

• Silky Smooth Texture Trick: Strain the custard mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any lumps and ensure an ultra-smooth, creamy filling.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the pie crust a day ahead and store it wrapped in the refrigerator to save time on baking day.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Substitute whole milk with coconut milk or almond milk for a lactose-free version that still maintains a rich, creamy texture.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with warm spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, or vanilla bean to add depth and complexity to the classic egg custard flavor.
• Perfect Doneness Tip: The custard is ready when it's set but still slightly jiggly in the center – it will continue to set as it cools, preventing over-baking and maintaining a silky consistency.

Nice Ways To Present Old-Fashioned Egg Custard Pie Recipe

• Comfort Companion Pairing: Serve this classic custard pie with a steaming mug of coffee or warm tea for a cozy afternoon treat that wraps you in nostalgic comfort.
• Elegant Dessert Presentation: Dust the top with a light sprinkle of ground nutmeg or cinnamon, and add a dollop of fresh whipped cream to create an elegant visual and flavor enhancement.
• Berry Bright Complement: Garnish with fresh seasonal berries like raspberries or strawberries around the pie's edge, adding a vibrant color contrast and tangy flavor burst that cuts through the custard's rich sweetness.
• Chilled Delight Option: Refrigerate the pie for an hour before serving to create a firmer, more refreshing texture that's perfect for warm summer afternoons or as a light post-dinner dessert.

Best Storage Method For Old-Fashioned Egg Custard Pie Recipe

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store the pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover loosely with aluminum foil to prevent moisture buildup and maintain the delicate custard's smooth texture.
• Quick Serving Tip: Let the pie rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to enhance flavor and achieve the perfect creamy consistency. Cold custard can taste slightly muted, so allowing it to warm slightly helps release its rich, elegant taste.
• Freezing Method: Wrap the entire pie tightly in plastic wrap, then add a layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and gently warm at room temperature before serving to restore its original silky texture.
• Leftover Love: Slice remaining pie into individual portions and store in sealed containers. These single servings make perfect grab-and-go desserts for quick sweet treats throughout the week, maintaining the pie's delightful taste and creamy appeal.

Classic Egg Custard Pie Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Classic egg custard pie whisks bakers through generations of Southern comfort baking. Creamy nutmeg-kissed filling nestled in flaky pastry promises sweet memories you will savor with each delightful slice.

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Ingredients

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• 3 large eggs
• 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk or half-and-half
• ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
• 1 ¼ cups (156 g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 3–4 tbsps ice water
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (plus extra for topping)

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Instructions

1. Pie Crust Preparation: Combine flour and salt in a mixing bowl, cutting cold butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Gradually add ice water, kneading until the dough forms a cohesive disk. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes to rest and firm.
2. Crust Shaping and Pre-Baking: Preheat oven to 375F (190C). Roll chilled dough into a 12-inch circle and carefully transfer to a 9-inch pie pan. Trim edges and create a decorative border. Dock the bottom with a fork, line with parchment paper, and fill with pie weights. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove weights and continue baking for 5 minutes until lightly golden.
3. Custard Filling: Lower oven temperature to 350F (175C). Whisk eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, and nutmeg until completely smooth and well-incorporated. Pour the custard mixture gently into the pre-baked pie shell, taking care to avoid spillage.
4. Baking and Setting: Bake the pie until the center is set but still slightly wobbly when gently shaken. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely on a wire rack, enabling the custard to fully set and develop its signature creamy consistency.

Notes

• Prevent Soggy Crust: Brush the pre-baked pie shell with beaten egg white before adding custard to create a protective barrier that keeps the crust crisp and prevents liquid absorption.
• Temperature Control for Custard: Bake the custard at a lower temperature (350F) and watch carefully, as overheating can cause curdling or cracking, resulting in a less smooth texture and potential separation of ingredients.
• Nutmeg Nuance: Freshly grated nutmeg provides a more intense, aromatic flavor compared to pre-ground spice, elevating the custard’s depth and creating a more complex taste profile.
• Chilling Technique: Allow the pie to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to achieve the most stable and silky custard consistency, which helps set the filling perfectly and enhances its creamy texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 270
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg