Old-Fashioned Custard Pie: A Timeless Dessert Classic

There’s something incredibly comforting about a dessert that takes you back to simpler times. The Old-Fashioned Custard Pie is one such classic—a delicate, creamy treat that embodies the essence of traditional baking. This dessert, with its smooth, velvety custard filling and perfectly baked crust, is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a nostalgic journey to kitchens of the past. Here’s a comprehensive guide to making this timeless dessert step by step.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pie Crust:

1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into cubes
3–4 tablespoons ice water

For the Custard Filling:

3 large eggs
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 ½ cups whole milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
A pinch of salt
Nutmeg for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
Cut in the butter: Add the chilled butter cubes to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with small pea-sized pieces.
Add ice water: Gradually sprinkle in ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, and gently mix until the dough just comes together. Avoid overworking the dough.
Chill the dough: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.