Heavenly Custard Pie
This Heavenly Custard Pie, a beloved family recipe passed down through generations, boasts a creamy, rich filling that perfectly balances sweetness and flavor. With its silky texture and tips from Grandma, it's no surprise this pie secured the top spot at the 1999 American Pie Council's Pie Championship in the Custard Pie Category. Perfect for special occasions or a comforting dessert at home, this pie is sure to delight everyone at your table.
8
Servings
263
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Unbaked deep-dish pie shell
1 (9-inch) (Use a pre-made or homemade pie crust, unbaked.)
Eggs
3 (Beaten.)
White sugar
3/4 cup (Granulated.)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (Table salt.)
Vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (Pure vanilla extract.)
Egg white
1 (Separated from yolk for brushing the crust.)
Whole milk
2 1/2 cups (Scalded and cooled slightly.)
Ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon (Freshly ground for best flavor.)
Yellow food coloring
3 drops (Optional, for color enhancement.)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, white sugar, salt, and vanilla extract until well combined.
3
Slowly incorporate the scalded whole milk into the egg mixture, stirring gently to maintain the creaminess. If you desire a richer color, add a few drops of yellow food coloring and mix until even.
4
Take the unbaked deep-dish pie crust and lightly brush the inside bottom and sides with the egg white to create a barrier against moisture, which helps prevent a soggy crust.
5
Pour the custard filling into the prepared pie crust, ensuring an even distribution. Sprinkle the top with ground nutmeg for an aromatic finish.
6
Carefully transfer the pie to the preheated oven. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the center is set and a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Oven times may vary, so keep an eye on it as it bakes.
7
Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack before serving. This allows the custard to set fully and enhances the flavors.
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
36g
Carbs
5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Heavenly Custard Pie?
Heavenly Custard Pie is a creamy, rich dessert known for its silky texture and award-winning flavor profile, featuring a balance of sweetness and aromatic nutmeg.
Has this recipe won any awards?
Yes, this recipe secured the top spot at the 1999 American Pie Council's Pie Championship in the Custard Pie Category.
How many servings does this pie provide?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
The oven should be preheated to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
What type of pie crust is needed?
The recipe requires one 9-inch unbaked deep-dish pie shell, which can be store-bought or homemade.
How can I prevent the pie crust from getting soggy?
Lightly brush the inside bottom and sides of the unbaked crust with egg white to create a moisture barrier.
How many eggs are used in the custard filling?
The filling uses 3 beaten eggs, plus an additional egg white for brushing the crust.
What kind of milk is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 1/2 cups of whole milk that has been scalded and cooled slightly.
Why is the milk scalded?
Scalding the milk helps it incorporate smoothly into the egg mixture and aids in achieving the desired creamy consistency.
Is there a specific way to mix the milk and eggs?
Yes, you should slowly incorporate the scalded milk into the egg mixture while stirring gently to maintain the custard's creaminess.
Is yellow food coloring required for this pie?
No, adding 3 drops of yellow food coloring is optional and intended for color enhancement to give the pie a richer look.
What spice is sprinkled on top of the custard?
Ground nutmeg (preferably freshly ground) is sprinkled on top for an aromatic finish.
How long does the pie need to bake?
The pie should bake for 40 to 50 minutes.
How do I know when the custard pie is finished baking?
The pie is done when the center is set and a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.
Why do I need to cool the pie completely before serving?
Cooling allows the custard to set fully and ensures the flavors are properly enhanced.
What are the calories per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 263 calories.
How much fat is in one slice of this pie?
There are 10g of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content?
One serving contains 36g of carbohydrates.
How much protein does a slice provide?
Each slice provides 5g of protein.
What type of sugar is used?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of granulated white sugar.
Does the recipe use vanilla?
Yes, it uses 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract.
What amount of salt is added to the filling?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of table salt.
Can I use a shallow pie shell?
It is recommended to use a deep-dish shell to accommodate the volume of the custard filling.
Is this a traditional family recipe?
Yes, it is described as a beloved family recipe passed down through generations, featuring tips from Grandma.
Is this considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as both a comfort food and a classic dessert.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients in total, including the optional food coloring.
Can I use a wire rack for cooling?
Yes, the instructions specifically recommend cooling the pie on a wire rack.
What is the primary category of this dessert?
It falls under the Custard Pie category.
What texture should the filling have?
The filling should have a silky, creamy, and rich texture.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe suitable for home bakers.