French Custard Pie Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This French custard pie is easy to make, and its simple ingredients come together to create a truly delicious dessert. The creamy custard filling is balanced beautifully by the fresh apples on top, giving it a light sweetness and refreshing flavor. Plus, the pie’s texture is the perfect blend of smooth and soft, making each bite melt in your mouth. It's an elegant yet simple dessert that is perfect for any time of year.

Ingredients

• ¾ cup all-purpose flour

• ⅔ cup granulated sugar

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 5 large eggs

• 1 cup whole milk

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 2 medium apples, thinly sliced

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.

2. Add the eggs to the mixture and whisk until smooth.

3. Pour in the whole milk, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Stir until fully combined.

4. Cover the bowl and chill the batter for 1 hour.

5. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).

6. Line a 7.5-inch round pan with parchment paper.

7. Stir the batter once more before pouring it into the prepared pan.

8. Arrange the thinly sliced apples on top of the custard mixture.

9. Bake the pie for 45–50 minutes or until the custard is set.

10. Allow the pie to cool in the pan for 15–20 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack.

11. Chill the pie completely before slicing to get the best texture and flavor.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8 slices

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 50 minutes

• Cooling Time: 2 hours

• Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes

Variations

• Apple Varieties: If you want to experiment with the flavor, try using different apple varieties like Granny Smith for a tart contrast or Honeycrisp for a sweeter result.

• Add Spices: You can also add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the batter to give the pie a warm, spiced flavor.

• Crust Options: While this recipe doesn’t require a crust, you could add one if you prefer. A simple shortcrust or puff pastry crust would work beautifully with this custard pie.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or warm in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) for about 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use a store-bought crust for this recipe?

Yes, you can use a pre-made crust if you prefer a crusted version. Just follow the baking instructions for the crust before adding the custard and apples.

2. Can I make the batter ahead of time?

Yes, you can chill the batter for up to 24 hours before baking. Just make sure to stir it well before pouring it into the pan.

3. Can I use non-dairy milk in this recipe?

You can substitute whole milk and heavy cream with non-dairy alternatives such as almond milk or oat milk, though the texture may differ slightly.

4. Can I use frozen apples?

While fresh apples are recommended, frozen apples can also work. Just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before using them.

5. Is there a gluten-free version of this pie?

Yes, you can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the pie gluten-free.

6. How do I know when the custard is set?

The custard should be firm to the touch and not jiggly in the center when the pie is done baking.

7. Can I add other fruits to this pie?

Yes! Pears, berries, or even peaches could be a great addition to the custard pie.

8. Can I skip the apple topping?

Yes, the pie will still be delicious without the apples, though they add a nice texture and flavor. Feel free to omit them if you prefer.

9. Can I make this pie without eggs?

For an egg-free version, you could try using egg replacers such as silken tofu or a flaxseed mixture, but the texture may change slightly.

10. How long should I let the pie cool before serving?

Allow the pie to cool for at least 15-20 minutes in the pan, and then chill it for at least 2 hours for the best results.

Conclusion

This French custard pie is a fantastic dessert that's simple to make yet impressively delicious. With its creamy custard filling and sweet apple topping, it’s sure to be a hit with anyone who tries it. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet afternoon treat, this pie is a wonderful way to indulge in a comforting, homemade dessert.

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This French custard pie features a creamy custard filling balanced with fresh apples, offering a deliciously smooth and light dessert. It's simple to prepare and perfect for any occasion.

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 slices
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

¾ cup all-purpose flour

⅔ cup granulated sugar

½ teaspoon salt

5 large eggs

1 cup whole milk

1 cup heavy cream

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 medium apples, thinly sliced

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
2. Add the eggs to the mixture and whisk until smooth.
3. Pour in the whole milk, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Stir until fully combined.
4. Cover the bowl and chill the batter for 1 hour.
5. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
6. Line a 7.5-inch round pan with parchment paper.
7. Stir the batter once more before pouring it into the prepared pan.
8. Arrange the thinly sliced apples on top of the custard mixture.
9. Bake the pie for 45–50 minutes or until the custard is set.
10. Allow the pie to cool in the pan for 15–20 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack.
11. Chill the pie completely before slicing to get the best texture and flavor.

Notes

• If you want to experiment with flavors, try using different apple varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
• You can add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom for a spiced flavor.
• The pie can be made ahead by chilling the batter for up to 24 hours.
• If you prefer, add a shortcrust or puff pastry crust to the pie.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 90mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 90mg