Silky Egg Custard Pie Recipe

Golden Silky Egg Custard Pie Recipe: Dreamy Dessert Magic

Creamy and decadent, this egg custard pie with its delicate custard filling promises pure comfort on a plate.

Generations have cherished the classic egg custard pie recipe passed down through kitchens and shared at countless family gatherings.

Smooth custard nestled in a buttery, flaky crust creates a dessert that whispers of tradition and warmth.

The ingredients are simple yet magical, blending eggs, milk, sugar, and a hint of nutmeg into a velvety masterpiece.

Each slice carries a delicate sweetness that melts effortlessly on your tongue.

The golden-brown surface hints at the luscious texture waiting beneath.

You’ll savor every single bite of this timeless dessert that transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 685 kcal

Servings: 8

Ingredients for a Classic Egg Custard Pie

For Pie Crust:
  • Pre-Made Pie Crust: Convenient base that saves time and ensures a perfectly shaped vessel for the creamy custard filling.
For Custard Base:
  • Eggs: Rich protein source that provides structure and silky texture to the pie.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create smooth, caramelized flavor profile.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the pie.
  • Whole Milk: Creates rich, creamy consistency and provides luxurious mouthfeel.
  • Vanilla Extract: Delivers warm, aromatic depth and classic dessert flavor.
For Finishing Touch:
  • Ground Nutmeg: Provides warm, slightly nutty spice that elevates the custard's complexity and adds traditional garnish.

Tools That Help Egg Custard Pie Set Just Right

  • Pie Dish: 9-inch round dish for baking the custard pie.
  • Medium Bowl: For mixing eggs, sugar, salt, milk, and vanilla.
  • Whisk: Essential for combining ingredients smoothly and creating a creamy custard base.
  • Wire Rack: Helps cool the pie evenly after baking.
  • Knife: Used to test doneness by inserting near the center.
  • Optional Nutmeg Grater: For sprinkling fresh nutmeg on top of the pie.

How to Bake Egg Custard Pie with a Silky Middle

  • Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350 degrees, creating the perfect toasty environment for your delightful pie.

  • Prepare the Pie Crust

Gently nestle your pie crust into a 9-inch dish, giving the edges a friendly crimp for that homemade touch.

  • Blend the Custard Base

Whisk eggs, sugar, and a pinch of salt in a bowl until they dance together smoothly and become best friends.

  • Create the Creamy Mixture

Pour in milk and vanilla, stirring continuously to craft a silky-smooth custard that will make taste buds sing.

  • Fill and Season

Transfer the luscious custard into your waiting pie crust and sprinkle a whisper of nutmeg across the top for a warm, aromatic embrace.

  • Bake to Perfection

Slide the pie into the oven and let it bake for 45-50 minutes, watching for that magical moment when the center sets just right.

  • Cool and Chill

Allow your masterpiece to cool completely on a wire rack, then tuck it into the refrigerator to firm up and develop its dreamy texture before serving.

Adjusting Flavor for a Not-Too-Sweet Egg Custard Pie

  • Strain the custard mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any egg lumps and ensure an ultra-smooth filling.
  • Use room temperature eggs and milk to create a more uniform custard that bakes evenly and prevents cracking.
  • This pie can be prepared a day in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
  • Swap traditional pie crust with a gluten-free pie crust or use a graham cracker crust made from gluten-free graham crackers for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Experiment with different spices like cinnamon or cardamom instead of nutmeg, or add a splash of bourbon or rum for an adult version of this classic dessert.

Serving Egg Custard Pie with Nutmeg or Whipped Cream

  • Creamy Comfort Companion: Serve this classic egg custard pie with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a delightful temperature contrast and extra richness.
  • Breakfast Bliss Boost: Pair a slice with a hot cup of coffee or morning tea, creating a perfect sweet start to your day with minimal effort.
  • Elegant Dessert Presentation: Garnish individual slices with a light dusting of powdered sugar or fresh berries to elevate the visual appeal and add a subtle fruity brightness.
  • Seasonal Celebration Twist: During autumn, complement the pie with a sprinkle of cinnamon or serve alongside spiced apple compote to enhance the warm, comforting flavors.

Best Way to Chill and Store Egg Custard Pie

  • Store the egg custard pie in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping the delicate texture and rich flavor intact.
  • Cut individual slices only when ready to serve, which helps maintain the pie's moisture and prevents premature drying or cracking.
  • Always allow the pie to cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating to prevent condensation and potential soggy crust development.
  • Prepare the pie one day in advance for enhanced flavor blending, giving the custard time to settle and develop a more robust taste profile.
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Silky Egg Custard Pie Recipe

Silky Egg Custard Pie Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Silky egg custard pie delivers a nostalgic slice of Southern comfort perfect for family gatherings. Rich vanilla-infused custard nestled in a flaky golden crust promises sweet memories with each delectable bite you’ll cherish.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 vanilla extract (1.5 teaspoons/7.5 ml)
  • 3 eggs (large)
  • 2 ½ whole milk (cups/590 ml, room temperature)
  • ¾ granulated sugar (cups/150 g)
  • ½ salt (teaspoon/2.5 g)
  • ¼ ground nutmeg (teaspoon/0.5 g, plus more for topping)
  • 1 pie crust (9-inch/23 cm, unbaked, store-bought or homemade)

Instructions

  1. Crust Preparation: Gently ease the pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish, artfully crimping the edges to create an elegant border.
  2. Custard Base: Whisk eggs, sugar, and salt in a medium bowl until thoroughly blended, creating a smooth, uniform mixture.
  3. Liquid Integration: Gradually incorporate milk and vanilla, continuing to whisk until the custard achieves a silky, homogeneous consistency.
  4. Pie Assembly: Pour the luxurious custard mixture into the unbaked pie shell, ensuring an even distribution.
  5. Aromatic Finishing: Delicately dust the surface with a whisper of freshly grated nutmeg, adding a subtle, warm accent.
  6. Baking Process: Position the pie in a preheated 350F (175C) oven, baking for 45-50 minutes until the custard sets with a gentle wobble and a knife inserted near the center emerges pristine.
  7. Cooling and Serving: Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack, then refrigerate to enhance the texture and develop a more refined flavor profile before serving.

Notes

  • Use smooth, light whisking motions to combine eggs, sugar, and milk to prevent air bubbles that could create a less creamy texture.
  • Allow ingredients like eggs and milk to reach room temperature before mixing for a more consistent and smoother custard base.
  • Watch the pie closely during the last 10 minutes of baking; the center should have a slight wobble when gently shaken to ensure a silky, soft custard.
  • Experiment with alternative spices like cinnamon or cardamom instead of nutmeg for a personalized flavor profile that suits different taste preferences.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
William Hawkins

William Hawkins

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

  • Modern American and Southern Cuisine
  • Farm-to-Table Practices
  • Restaurant Concept Development
  • Culinary Education and Mentorship​

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, KY

  • Degree: Associate of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on mastering culinary methods and food science, immersive externships, hands‑on training in industry‑standard kitchen labs, and equipping graduates for roles in restaurant operations.

William Hawkins isn’t just a chef, he’s a storyteller through food. From his hometown of Louisville, KY, he’s spent years refining his craft, turning local ingredients into something extraordinary. 

With classical training from Sullivan University and a career marked by innovation, mentorship, and Southern soul, William approaches every recipe with purpose. His kitchen is where old techniques meet fresh ideas, and where comfort food gets a thoughtful, modern twist. 

When he’s not building dishes from the ground up, he’s out gathering inspiration from nature, markets, and the stories people share around the table.

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