Savory Winter Squash Custard Pie
Embrace the delightful flavors of winter with this Savory Winter Squash Custard Pie. This pie transforms a humble cup of steamed winter squash—whether it's sweet butternut, nutty acorn, or creamy pumpkin—into a deliciously decadent dessert. The natural sweetness of the squash is beautifully enhanced by a rich blend of spices, creating a warm, aromatic filling that perfectly complements the buttery, flaky pie crust. This recipe not only makes great use of leftover squash but also reflects the spirit of resourcefulness in traditional New England cooking. Perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy dinners, or as a comforting treat on chilly evenings, this pie is sure to become a seasonal favorite.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Winter squash, steamed
1 (cooked and strained)
Sugar
1 cup (granulated)
Salt
3/4 teaspoon (fine sea salt)
Ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon (for flavor)
Ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon (for flavor)
Ground ginger
3/4 teaspoon (for flavor)
Mace
1/4 teaspoon (for flavor)
Eggs
3 (large, beaten)
Cream or evaporated milk
1 cup (for richness)
Pie crust
1 (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
1
Line a 9-inch pie plate with your preferred pie crust. Crimp the edges attractively and chill the crust in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
2
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) while the crust chills.
3
In a medium bowl, strain the steamed squash to remove excess moisture, then set aside to cool slightly.
4
In the same bowl, add the sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and mace. Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly with the squash until evenly combined.
5
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until frothy, then incorporate the cream or evaporated milk. Mix well to combine.
6
Gradually fold the egg and cream mixture into the spiced squash mixture until smooth and homogeneous.
7
Pour the vibrant filling into the prepared pie crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
8
Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. After that, reduce the heat to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for an additional 40 minutes, or until the center is set and a knife inserted into the filling comes out clean.
9
Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature, possibly accompanied by whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Winter Squash Custard Pie?
It is a decadent dessert pie made with steamed winter squash, rich spices, and a creamy custard base.
Which squash varieties work best for this recipe?
You can use sweet butternut, nutty acorn, or creamy pumpkin for this custard pie.
Is this pie sweet or savory?
Despite its name, it is a sweet dessert pie that features natural squash sweetness enhanced by sugar and warm spices.
How much winter squash is required?
The recipe requires 1 cup of steamed, cooked, and strained winter squash.
What size pie plate is recommended?
A 9-inch pie plate is the standard size for this recipe.
How long should I chill the pie crust?
The crust should be chilled in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes after being lined and crimped.
What is the initial baking temperature?
The oven should be preheated and the pie initially baked at 450 degrees Fahrenheit (230 degrees Celsius).
Why do I need to strain the squash?
Straining removes excess moisture, ensuring the custard filling remains rich and sets properly without being watery.
What spices give the pie its aromatic flavor?
The filling is spiced with ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and a touch of mace.
How many eggs are needed for the custard?
The recipe calls for 3 large eggs, beaten until frothy.
Can I use evaporated milk instead of cream?
Yes, the recipe allows for either 1 cup of cream or 1 cup of evaporated milk to provide richness.
How should the filling be mixed?
Combine the squash with dry ingredients first, then gradually fold in the beaten eggs and cream mixture until smooth.
How long do I bake the pie at the high temperature?
Bake the pie at 450 degrees Fahrenheit for exactly 10 minutes before reducing the heat.
What is the secondary baking temperature?
After the initial 10 minutes, reduce the oven heat to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long does the pie bake at the lower temperature?
The pie should continue baking at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for an additional 40 minutes.
How can I tell when the custard pie is done?
The pie is finished when the center is set and a knife inserted into the filling comes out clean.
Does the pie need to cool before serving?
Yes, it should cool on a wire rack to allow the custard to firm up before slicing.
What are the best serving suggestions?
This pie is excellent served warm or at room temperature with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Can I use a store-bought pie crust?
Yes, both store-bought and homemade pie crusts work well for this recipe.
Is this recipe traditional to a specific region?
Yes, it reflects the resourcefulness found in traditional New England cooking styles.
What is the role of mace in this recipe?
Mace provides a delicate, warm spice profile that complements the nutmeg and squash.
How much sugar is used in the filling?
The recipe uses 1 cup of granulated sugar.
Can I use leftover roasted squash?
While the recipe specifies steamed squash, roasted squash can be used if it is well-mashed and strained.
Is this pie suitable for Thanksgiving?
Absolutely, its seasonal flavors and squash base make it a perfect holiday dessert.
How do I prepare the eggs?
The eggs should be beaten until frothy before being incorporated with the cream or milk.
What type of salt should I use?
The recipe suggests 3/4 teaspoon of fine sea salt.
Should I crimp the edges of the crust?
Yes, crimping the edges attractively helps hold the filling and improves the pie's appearance.
Can the pie be made ahead of time?
Yes, it can be baked in advance and served at room temperature.
What is the texture of the finished filling?
The filling is a smooth, homogeneous custard that is light yet decadent.
Can I substitute the ginger?
While ginger adds a specific warmth, you can adjust the other spices, though the 3/4 teaspoon of ginger is recommended for best flavor.