Description
Make a creamy, smooth, and comforting classic baked egg custard pie using this easy, fail-proof recipe. This old fashioned dessert tastes like home and is perfect for any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
- 9 inch unbaked pie crust
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 2/3 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Freshly grated nutmeg for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Place the unbaked pie crust into a 9-inch pie plate.
- In a medium bowl, whisk the 3 large eggs lightly. Do not over-beat the eggs; you want to avoid incorporating too much air for a smooth custard.
- Whisk in the 1/2 cup of sugar, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract into the eggs until just combined.
- Gently warm the 2 2/3 cups of milk on the stovetop or in the microwave until it is warm to the touch, but not hot.
- Slowly pour the warm milk into the egg mixture while continuously whisking gently. This slow addition helps temper the eggs and prevents scrambling.
- Pour the custard mixture into the unbaked pie shell.
- Sprinkle the top evenly with freshly grated nutmeg. This is key for that classic flavor.
- Bake for 40 to 50 minutes. The custard is done when the edges are set, but the center still has a slight jiggle when you gently shake the pan.
- Remove the pie from the oven. Let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. The custard will finish setting as it cools.
- Chill the pie for at least 2 hours before serving for the best creamy texture.
Notes
- For a truly smooth custard, strain the final liquid mixture through a fine-mesh sieve before pouring it into the pie crust. This removes any chalazae or small bits of cooked egg.
- To prevent the crust edges from burning, cover them loosely with aluminum foil about halfway through the baking time.
- If you prefer a richer flavor, you can substitute 1/2 cup of the milk with heavy cream.
- This recipe is a wonderful base for a simple holiday pie or a comforting weeknight sweet treat.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 50 min
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 22
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Unsaturated Fat: 6
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 25
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 9
- Cholesterol: 110