Custard Pie Recipe: Creamy Perfection in Every Slice

This custard pie is the epitome of classic dessert comfort. With its silky, smooth filling and buttery crust, it’s a dessert that stands out with minimal fuss. The key to a perfect custard pie is achieving the right balance between a creamy, smooth filling and a flaky crust. This recipe ensures that every bite is a delightful experience, whether enjoyed warm or chilled.

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• 1 large egg yolk
• 2-3 tablespoons ice water

For the Custard Filling:

• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Crust:
   1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
   2. Add cold butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
   3. Stir in the egg yolk, then add ice water one tablespoon at a time until the dough just comes together.
   4. Form the dough into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
2. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
3. Roll Out the Dough:
   1. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to fit a 9-inch pie dish.
   2. Gently transfer the dough to the pie dish and press it into the bottom and sides. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges.
4. Blind Bake the Crust:
   1. Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans.
   2. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
   3. Remove the parchment paper and weights, then bake for an additional 5 minutes until lightly golden. Let cool slightly.
5. Prepare the Custard Filling:
   1. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla extract, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
6. Assemble and Bake the Pie:
   1. Pour the custard filling into the pre-baked pie crust.
   2. Bake in the oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is lightly golden. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
7. Cool and Serve:
   • Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. Serve at room temperature or chilled.

Enjoy your homemade custard pie, the perfect balance of creamy sweetness and buttery crust!