Name: Pistachio Custard Pie Recipe
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: PT-491734H24M25S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ¼ cups all purpose flour; ½ teaspoon salt; 2 Tablespoons white granulated sugar; 8 Tablespoons cold salted butter, cubed; ¼ cup finely chopped pistachios; 6-8 Tablespoons ice water; 1 cup lightly salted roasted pistachios; 1 cup white granulated sugar (divided); 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 4 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon almond extract; 1 cup whole milk; Whipped cream for topping

There is something truly magical about the richness and subtle nuttiness of a Pistachio Custard Pie Recipe that makes it a standout dessert for any occasion. This luscious pie combines a crisp, buttery crust with a velvety custard filling infused with the unique flavor of pistachios, creating an irresistible harmony of texture and taste. Whether you’re serving it to family, friends, or treating yourself, this pistachio custard pie feels like a warm hug on a plate, guaranteed to delight every palate. Get ready to experience a slice of pure joy!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A worn, rectangular metal baking tray holds various baking ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. In the top left corner, a clear glass bowl contains four white eggs. Below it, a clear bowl of white sugar is partly filled, with a wooden spoon resting inside. Next to the sugar, a small bottle of vanilla extract lies horizontally. To the right, there is a small white bowl filled with whole pistachios, and behind it a white pitcher filled with milk. In front of the pitcher is a clear bowl with a mound of white flour. Near the bottom left of the tray sits a white dish with sliced pale yellow butter and a small turquoise bowl of salt. Lastly, a small brown bowl with finely chopped pistachios is near the front edge of the tray. The whole scene is bright and clear, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Pistachio Custard Pie Recipe is in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a vital role. From the flaky crust to the creamy filling, every element contributes to the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color.

All-purpose flour: The base for the pie crust, providing structure and a tender crumb.
Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances sweetness in both crust and filling.
White granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to crust and filling without overpowering the pistachio flavor.
Cold salted butter: Creates a flaky, rich pie crust with a beautiful golden finish.
Finely chopped pistachios: Incorporated into the crust for added texture and a hint of nutty goodness.
Ice water: Helps bind the dough while keeping the butter cold to achieve a flaky crust.
Lightly salted roasted pistachios: Ground and mixed into the custard filling, infusing the pie with its signature flavor.
Cream cheese: Provides a smooth, creamy richness to the custard that perfectly complements the pistachios.
Large eggs: Essential for setting the custard and adding richness.
Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, comforting aroma and depth to the filling.
Almond extract: Intensifies the nutty profile, harmonizing beautifully with the pistachios.
Whole milk: Helps create a silky, custard texture that’s irresistible.
Whipped cream: Perfect for topping, lending a light and airy contrast to the dense custard.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Pistachio Custard Pie Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

Begin by mixing your flour, salt, and sugar in a large bowl or food processor. Add cold, cubed salted butter and cut it into the flour mixture with a fork until pea-sized pieces form—this is the secret to that flaky crust everyone loves. Then, stir in the finely chopped pistachios for added nutty texture. Slowly add ice water, just enough for the dough to come together without overworking it. Shape it into a disc, wrap in plastic, and let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This chilling is crucial for ensuring the crust bakes crisp and tender.

Step 2: Make the Pistachio Filling

While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F. In a blender, combine the lightly salted roasted pistachios with half a cup of sugar to keep them from clumping, then blend until finely ground. In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese and remaining sugar together until luxuriously smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one by one, mixing fully after each addition, then blend in vanilla and almond extracts along with whole milk. Finally, pour in the ground pistachio mix and whisk until your custard is perfectly smooth and inviting.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake the Pie

Roll out your chilled dough and gently press it into a 9-inch pie dish, crimping the edges to create a lovely border. Pour the luscious pistachio custard filling evenly into the crust. Bake for about 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll notice the outer edges set beautifully while the middle remains slightly jiggly—that’s exactly right, as it will finish setting while cooling. Once baked, be patient and cool the pie completely on the counter, then chill it in the fridge for 2 to 3 hours to allow the flavors to fully develop and the custard to firm up.

How to Serve Pistachio Custard Pie Recipe

A white ceramic pie dish holds a raw pie crust with a thick edge that is lightly crimped, filled with a creamy, speckled batter being poured from a large white bowl. The batter is pale yellow with tiny dark specks all over, creating a textured look. A metal whisk rests inside the bowl, which is tilted by a woman's hand out of the frame. In the blurry background, there is a small brown bowl filled with pistachios on a white marbled surface. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To make your Pistachio Custard Pie Recipe shine even more, top it with a generous swirl of freshly whipped cream and sprinkle with chopped pistachios for a delightful crunch and visual appeal. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also magnify the pie’s inviting look.

Side Dishes

This pie pairs wonderfully with fresh berries or a bright citrus salad to offset its rich texture. A cup of hot herbal tea or a glass of dessert wine will elevate the experience, complementing the nutty custard with contrast and depth.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving individual slices in elegant dessert glasses layered with a dollop of whipped cream and garnished with pistachio dust. Alternatively, cut bite-sized squares and serve them alongside coffee for a charming after-dinner treat everyone will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once baked and chilled, store your pistachio custard pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 3 days, retaining both its creamy texture and nutty flavor, so you can enjoy this delightful treat even after the special occasion ends.

Freezing

This Pistachio Custard Pie Recipe doesn’t freeze well due to the delicate custard texture, which may separate upon thawing. For best results, enjoy the pie fresh or refrigerated rather than frozen to savor every luscious bite.

Reheating

Since this pie is best served chilled, reheating isn’t recommended. However, if you prefer it slightly warm, let a slice sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the custard to soften gently without losing its silky quality.

FAQs

Can I use unsalted pistachios instead of salted?

Absolutely! Using unsalted pistachios will give you more control over the overall saltiness of the pie. Just be sure to taste and adjust the salt in your crust or filling accordingly to maintain that perfect balance.

Is it possible to make the crust gluten-free?

Yes, a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend can replace regular flour in the crust. You might need to tweak the amount of ice water slightly to achieve the right dough consistency. The texture will be a bit different but still delicious.

What’s the best way to grind pistachios for the filling?

Using a food processor or blender is ideal for finely grinding pistachios, especially when combined with some sugar to prevent clumping. Just be careful not to over-blend into a paste; you want a fine meal to infuse your custard with flavor and texture.

Can I make this pie dairy-free?

Substituting cream cheese and whole milk with vegan alternatives can work, but the texture and richness will be slightly different. It’s worth experimenting if you have dietary restrictions, but expect a lighter custard consistency.

How do I know when the custard pie is done baking?

The pie is ready when the outer 3 inches of the custard look set and firm while the center remains a bit jiggly. This slight wobble means the custard will finish setting as it cools, ensuring a creamy and smooth texture without overbaking.

Final Thoughts

With its perfect blend of creamy custard and nutty pistachio flavor wrapped in a flaky crust, this Pistachio Custard Pie Recipe is an absolute must-try for any dessert lover. It’s a show-stopping dish that feels both elegant and comforting — and best of all, it’s entirely achievable in your own kitchen. So go ahead, whip one up, share it with your favorite people, and watch everyone fall in love bite by bite.

Pistachio Custard Pie Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need