Custard pie is one of those old farm kitchen standbys that never quite goes out of style. Long before anyone talked about ‘minimal ingredients’ or ‘pantry cooking,’ farm wives around…

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The Timeless Charm of Custard Pie: A Farmhouse Classic

Custard pie is one of those enduring desserts that harks back to simpler times. Long before the culinary world celebrated “minimal ingredients” or “pantry cooking,” farm wives across the countryside relied on custard pies to transform humble staples—milk, eggs, sugar, and flour—into a comforting, elegant dessert. Its delicate, creamy filling encased in a tender pastry has kept it a beloved favorite for generations, offering a sweet taste of nostalgia with every bite.

What makes custard pie so special is its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, it delivers a rich, silky texture that melts in your mouth. It’s versatile too: a dash of vanilla, nutmeg, or cinnamon can elevate it, while its rustic charm remains intact.

Here’s how to make a perfect custard pie, step by step.


Ingredients

For the crust:

  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
  • 3–4 tablespoons cold water

For the custard filling:

  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 1/2 cups whole milk (or cream for a richer custard)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • A pinch of ground nutmeg or cinnamon (optional, for garnish)

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

  1. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt.
  2. Cut in the butter: Add the chilled, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Add water gradually: Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of cold water over the mixture and gently toss with a fork. Add more water, a teaspoon at a time, just until the dough comes together. Avoid overworking it.
  4. Chill the dough: Shape the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  5. Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to fit a 9-inch pie pan. Carefully transfer it to the pan, trim excess edges, and crimp the rim. Prick the bottom lightly with a fork to prevent bubbles.

Step 2: Blind Bake the Crust (Optional for Firmer Crust)

  1. Preheat the oven: Set it to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Line the crust: Place parchment paper over the pie crust and fill with pie weights or dried beans.
  3. Bake: Blind bake for 15 minutes, remove the weights and parchment, and bake for another 5 minutes until lightly golden.
  4. Cool slightly: Allow the crust to cool while you prepare the custard.

Step 3: Make the Custard Filling

  1. Whisk eggs: In a medium bowl, beat the eggs lightly until smooth.
  2. Add sugar and salt: Whisk in the sugar and salt until fully incorporated.
  3. Combine milk and vanilla: Gradually whisk in the milk and vanilla extract. Ensure the mixture is smooth and uniform.
  4. Strain (optional): For an extra-smooth custard, strain the mixture through a fine sieve to remove any lumps.

 

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