If you’ve ever tasted a dessert that’s the perfect blend of silky smooth, gently spiced, and wonderfully comforting, then you’ll adore this Custard Pie Recipe. It’s a timeless classic that marries a flaky, buttery crust with a luscious, creamy custard filling — infused with vanilla and a hint of nutmeg. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, this Custard Pie Recipe shines every time with its rich flavor and elegant simplicity.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a top view of ingredients and a baked pie on a white marbled surface. In the bottom right corner, there is a golden brown baked pie with a scalloped crust edge. Above the pie, there are two glass bowls filled with a creamy white liquid, positioned side by side. To the left, there are four whole brown eggs grouped together and one separated egg yolk in a small glass bowl. Below the eggs, there are three small glass bowls arranged vertically, holding white granulated sugar, a small amount of golden liquid, and one whole nutmeg respectively. The setup is clean and bright, with a natural light effect. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this Custard Pie Recipe plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect texture and flavor balance. From the simple eggs that set the custard beautifully, to the cream and milk that create its creamy base, each element is essential and easy to find.

Homemade Pie Dough: Provides the flaky, buttery foundation that holds all the custardy goodness.
Egg wash (1 egg + a splash of milk): Creates a golden, glossy crust that seals the dough perfectly.
4 Large Eggs: The key to that smooth, firm custard texture without any graininess.
1 Large Egg Yolk: Adds extra richness and helps with thickening the filling.
300 ml Heavy Cream: Contributes to the silky richness that custard lovers crave.
300 ml Whole Milk: Balances the creaminess and lightens the filling just enough.
150 g Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the custard just right without overpowering the flavor.
2 tsp Vanilla Bean Paste (or vanilla extract): Delivers that warm, aromatic depth that makes this pie irresistible.
¼ tsp Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
¼ tsp Nutmeg (ground or freshly grated): Adds a gentle, spicy note that elevates the custard’s complexity.

TIP

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

How to Make Custard Pie Recipe

Step 1: Par-Bake the Pie Crust

The foundation of this Custard Pie Recipe is a perfectly par-baked pie crust that stays crisp and flaky. Prepare your pie dough ahead for best results, letting it rest for at least 2 hours — overnight if possible — so it firms up beautifully. Once rolled out and fitted into your dish, line it with parchment paper and fill it with baking beans or rice to keep the edges from shrinking during baking.

Pop the crust in the fridge or freezer for a chill moment while heating your oven to 425°F / 220°C (200°C fan assisted). Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until the edges turn an inviting golden brown. Remove the weight and parchment, brush the crust bottom lightly with the egg wash to seal any holes, then bake a little longer to dry it out and lock in crispness.

Step 2: Prepare the Custard Filling

Lower your oven temperature to 325°F / 160°C (140°C fan assisted) as we move on to crafting the silky custard. Whisk together the eggs, egg yolk, sugar, and salt gently — just enough to combine, avoiding any air incorporation that can cause bubbles in the custard. Heat the milk, cream, and vanilla in a saucepan until steaming hot but not boiling; this scalding step is essential for that smooth, creamy texture.

Slowly temper the eggs by drizzling in some of the warm milk mixture while whisking continuously. Gradual incorporation prevents the eggs from scrambling and creates a silky custard base. Strain the filling through a fine mesh sieve to catch any coagulated bits and ensure perfect smoothness.

Step 3: Bake the Custard Pie

Pour the custard filling into your par-baked crust and finish with a sprinkle of nutmeg that brings cozy spice and aroma. For an extra touch, brush the pie crust edges with a little more egg wash for a golden finish. Bake on the middle rack for 40 to 50 minutes, watching closely — the custard is done when the edges are set but the center still jiggly with a gentle tap.

Let the pie cool fully before placing it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight. This resting time ensures the custard sets perfectly, delivering that iconic creamy yet firm bite that defines a great custard pie.

How to Serve Custard Pie Recipe

A close-up of a white pie crust in a white marbled surface, filled partially with a smooth, light yellow custard being poured from a white bowl in the lower right corner. The pie crust has a thick, crimped edge with a golden brown color and flaky texture. Two brown eggs rest on the white marbled surface near the bottom left, and a wooden spoon lies flat in the upper right corner. The custard inside the crust is creamy and shiny, softly spreading inside the pie shell. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a light sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg makes for a classic garnish that complements the custard’s gentle sweetness. For a more festive touch, top each slice with fresh berries, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce to create that wow factor.

Side Dishes

Custard pie is a rich and indulgent dessert best enjoyed with light accompaniments. A crisp green salad with a bright vinaigrette, a scoop of tangy sorbet, or some fresh fruit salad all brighten the palate without overshadowing the pie’s delicate flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings or a special dessert table, consider serving individual mini custard pies in ramekins or tart shells — they’re charming and easy to portion. Alternatively, cut the pie into rustic wedges and arrange on a wooden board with assorted toppings and sauces nearby for guests to customize their slice.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Custard Pie Recipe leftovers covered in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. Stored properly, it will stay delicious for up to 3 days. The custard will firm up even more, making slices easier to cut and serve.

Freezing

Freezing custard pie is not generally recommended because the texture can become grainy and watery after thawing. It’s best to enjoy this pie fresh or within a few days of baking for optimal texture and flavor.

Reheating

If you prefer to enjoy your custard pie warm, gently reheat slices in a low oven (about 275°F / 135°C) for 10 minutes or so. Avoid the microwave, which can cause the custard to curdle or become rubbery. Just a gentle warming will bring out those comforting aromas and soften the chilled custard nicely.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pie crust for this Custard Pie Recipe?

Absolutely! While homemade pie dough gives the best flaky texture, a good-quality store-bought crust works just fine and saves time. Just make sure to par-bake it properly to avoid sogginess.

What if my custard cracks on top?

Small cracks are normal and don’t affect the taste. To minimize cracking, avoid baking at too high a temperature and don’t overbake. The middle should still jiggle slightly when you take it out.

Can I make this pie dairy-free?

You can substitute the milk and cream with coconut milk or almond cream alternatives but keep in mind this will change the flavor and texture slightly. Experimenting with alternatives can yield tasty results.

How do I know when the custard is fully cooked?

Look for the edges of the custard being firm and set while the center still jiggles gently when nudged. Overcooking can cause curdling, so trust these visual cues over baking time alone.

Why is it important to strain the custard mixture?

Straining removes any tiny lumps of cooked egg that may have formed during tempering, ensuring a smooth and creamy custard without any unpleasant bits.

Final Thoughts

This Custard Pie Recipe is one of those timeless desserts that feels like a warm hug in every bite. Its elegant yet simple flavors make it a delightful treat to share with family and friends. Trust me, once you make this pie, it will quickly become a treasured favorite in your recipe collection. So, preheat your oven, gather those wonderful ingredients, and dive into the joy of baking the perfect custard pie today!

Custard Pie Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need