Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Old-Fashioned Custard Pie is a true celebration of tradition and simplicity. The rich custard filling is perfectly complemented by a buttery pie crust and topped with a subtle sprinkle of nutmeg. Its velvety texture and nostalgic flavor are a comforting treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Plus, it’s easy to make and always a hit at family gatherings or dinner parties.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
3 large eggs, beaten
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups whole milk
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Place the unbaked pie crust in a 9-inch pie pan. Gently press it into the bottom and sides. Trim and crimp the edges as desired, then set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Custard Filling

In a large mixing bowl, whisk the beaten eggs, sugar, and salt together until well combined and frothy.
Stir in the vanilla extract and whole milk, mixing until smooth and fully incorporated.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

Pour the custard mixture into the prepared pie crust, filling it evenly.
Lightly sprinkle the top with ground nutmeg, ensuring an even dusting.

Step 4: Bake the Pie

Place the pie on the middle rack of the preheated oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the custard is set. To check, gently shake the pie—it should jiggle slightly in the center but not be liquidy.
If the crust begins to brown too quickly, cover the edges with aluminum foil or a pie crust shield to prevent burning.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack. This will let the custard set fully.
Once cooled, slice and serve plain or with a dollop of whipped cream for an added touch of indulgence.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8 slices
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 40–45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour

Variations

Dairy-Free: Substitute the whole milk with almond, oat, or soy milk to make a dairy-free version.
Spices: Experiment with other spices like cinnamon or a dash of clove to give your pie a unique twist.
Sweeteners: Swap out the sugar for honey or maple syrup for a different level of sweetness and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover pie in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Cover it loosely with plastic wrap or foil to prevent the custard from absorbing odors.
To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or gently warm the whole pie in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use a store-bought pie crust for this recipe?

Yes, store-bought pie crust works perfectly for this recipe if you’re short on time. For the best results, choose a high-quality, all-butter crust.

2. Can I use non-dairy milk for this pie?

Yes, you can substitute whole milk with a non-dairy alternative like almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk. Just ensure it’s unsweetened for the best flavor.

3. How do I know when the custard is set?

The custard is set when the center of the pie jiggles slightly, but the rest of the filling remains firm. If it appears liquidy, it needs more time to bake.

4. Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes, this pie can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Allow it to cool completely before covering and refrigerating.

5. Can I use a frozen pie crust?

Frozen pie crusts are a convenient option. Just follow the package directions for pre-baking if needed, but for this recipe, it’s not necessary to blind bake the crust.

6. What can I serve with this pie?

This pie pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra sweetness.

7. Can I add fruit to the custard?

While this recipe is for a traditional custard pie, you can add small fruits like berries or slices of bananas in the custard mixture for added flavor.

8. Can I make this pie without nutmeg?

Yes, if you don’t have nutmeg, you can skip it or substitute it with a pinch of cinnamon or a blend of other spices.

9. How do I prevent the crust from burning?

If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with aluminum foil or a pie crust shield to protect it from the heat.

10. Can I freeze this pie?

Yes, you can freeze the pie after baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm as desired.

Conclusion

This Old-Fashioned Custard Pie is a delicious, simple dessert that will transport you to a time of nostalgic family gatherings. With its creamy filling, buttery crust, and hint of nutmeg, it’s a treat that never goes out of style. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or simply because you crave something comforting, this recipe is sure to impress.