This Old-Fashioned Custard Pie is a simple yet elegant dessert that has been a beloved staple for generations. It features a creamy, silky-smooth custard filling with hints of nutmeg and vanilla, all nestled in a flaky pie crust. This timeless pie is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re serving it for a holiday, a Sunday dinner, or simply indulging in a sweet treat.

Ingredients for Old-Fashioned Custard Pie

• 1 unbaked pie shell (deep dish, such as Marie Callender’s)
• 3 large eggs
• ½ cup sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• 2⅔ cups milk
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions: How to Make Old-Fashioned Custard Pie

1. Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Position the oven rack in the lower third of the oven to help the bottom crust bake evenly.

2. Prepare the Pie Shell

• Place the unbaked pie shell in a pie dish, if not already in one. If using a store-bought pie crust, crimp or decorate the edges as desired. Set aside.

3. Make the Custard Filling

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and salt until well combined and smooth.
• Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously to avoid any lumps.
• Stir in the vanilla extract.

4. Pour the Filling into the Pie Shell

• Pour the custard mixture into the prepared pie shell. Be careful not to overfill it, as the custard will puff up slightly while baking.

5. Sprinkle with Nutmeg

• Evenly sprinkle the top of the custard filling with ½ teaspoon of nutmeg. This adds a warm, aromatic flavor to the pie.

6. Bake the Pie

• Carefully place the pie in the oven and bake at 400°F for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 30-35 minutes, or until the custard is set. The pie should be golden on top, and a knife inserted into the center should come out clean.

7. Cool the Pie

• Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack. The custard will continue to firm up as it cools. Once cooled to room temperature, you can refrigerate the pie for a chilled version, or serve it at room temperature.

Cook’s Notes and Tips

• Crust Protection: To prevent the edges of the crust from over-browning, you can cover the edges with foil or use a pie shield during the last 15 minutes of baking.
• Milk: Whole milk is preferred for the creamiest texture, but you can use 2% milk for a lighter version.
• Nutmeg: Freshly grated nutmeg gives a more intense flavor, but ground nutmeg works just as well.

Recipe Variations: How to Customize Your Old-Fashioned Custard Pie

Spiced Custard Pie

• Add a pinch of cinnamon or allspice along with the nutmeg for a warm, spiced twist on the classic custard flavor.

Coconut Custard Pie

• Stir ½ cup of sweetened shredded coconut into the custard filling before baking for a delicious coconut variation.

Lemon Custard Pie

• Add the zest of 1 lemon and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to the custard mixture for a bright and tangy twist.

Keto-Friendly Custard Pie

• Substitute the sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit, and use a keto pie crust made from almond flour to make this dessert low-carb.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Old-Fashioned Custard Pie

Q1: Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes! Custard pie can be made ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving, or serve it chilled.

Q2: Can I freeze custard pie?

While custard pie can technically be frozen, the texture may change after thawing. It’s best to enjoy custard pie fresh or refrigerated for the best creamy texture.

Q3: How do I know when the custard pie is done?

The pie is done when the custard is set and firm but still has a slight jiggle in the center. A knife or toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. If the pie is browning too much before the custard is fully set, you can loosely cover it with foil for the remaining bake time.

Q4: What can I serve with custard pie?

This pie is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with a dollop of whipped cream, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for added sweetness.

 A Classic Dessert That’s Easy to Make and Impossible to Resist

Old-Fashioned Custard Pie is a nostalgic dessert that’s incredibly easy to make but delivers impressive flavor and texture. The simple custard filling, with its creamy vanilla base and warm nutmeg topping, is a perfect match for a flaky pie crust. Whether you’re making this pie for a holiday or just to satisfy a craving for something sweet and comforting, it’s sure to become a family favorite!