Old-Fashioned Custard Pie

Here’s a classic Old-Fashioned Custard Pie recipe, written in clear detail with step-by-step directions. This is the traditional, simple custard pie—smooth, lightly sweet, and baked in a flaky crust.

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Old-Fashioned Custard Pie

🥧 Ingredients

For the pie crust (or use 1 unbaked 9-inch store-bought crust):

• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ cup cold butter (cut into small cubes)

• 3–4 tablespoons ice-cold water

For the custard filling:

• 3 large eggs

• ¾ cup granulated sugar

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• 2 ½ cups whole milk (room temperature is best)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (plus extra for sprinkling)

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🥄 Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

1. In a mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.

2. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.

3. Add ice-cold water one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough just comes together.

4. Form the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

5. Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie plate.

6. Place the dough into the pie plate, trim excess, and crimp the edges.

7. Chill the crust again while you prepare the filling.

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Step 2: Preheat the Oven

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)

• Place the oven rack in the lower third of the oven (helps prevent a soggy crust).

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Step 3: Make the Custard Filling

1. In a large bowl, lightly beat the eggs (do not whip).

2. Add sugar and salt, stirring until dissolved.

3. Slowly stir in the milk.

4. Add vanilla extract and gently mix.

   • Tip: Stir slowly to avoid bubbles—too much air can cause cracks.

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Step 4: Assemble the Pie

1. Place the chilled pie crust on a baking sheet.

2. Carefully pour the custard mixture into the crust.

3. Lightly sprinkle nutmeg over the top.

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Step 5: Bake

1. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45–50 minutes.

2. The pie is done when:

   • The center is just slightly jiggly

   • A knife inserted near the center comes out mostly clean

3. If the crust browns too quickly, loosely cover edges with foil.

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Step 6: Cool and Set

1. Remove pie from oven and place on a wire rack.

2. Let cool at least 2 hours to fully set.

3. Serve warm or chilled.

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🍽 Serving & Storage Tips

• Serve plain or with lightly sweetened whipped cream.

• Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Custard pie tastes even better the next day!

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