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Fail-Proof Old Fashioned Egg Custard Pie

A slice of rich, golden baked egg custard pie served on a white plate with the rest of the pie in the background.

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Bake a perfectly smooth, classic egg custard pie using this easy, fail-proof recipe. This traditional dessert is comforting and simple to make from scratch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (9-inch) unbaked pie crust
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Dash of ground nutmeg (for topping)
  • 2 2/3 cups whole milk, warmed slightly

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Place the unbaked pie crust into a 9-inch pie plate.
  2. In a large bowl, lightly whisk the 3 large eggs until the yolks and whites are just combined. Do not over-beat the eggs; this helps prevent cracking.
  3. Add the sugar and salt to the eggs. Whisk gently until the sugar dissolves slightly.
  4. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. Slowly pour the slightly warmed milk into the egg mixture while stirring constantly. Mix until just combined.
  6. Pour the custard filling into the unbaked pie crust.
  7. Sprinkle a light dash of ground nutmeg over the top of the filling.
  8. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes. For a fail-proof result, watch for the edges to set firmly and the center to still have a slight jiggle (like gelatin).
  9. Remove the pie from the oven. Let it cool completely on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before slicing. The center will finish setting as it cools.
  10. Chill the pie for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, before serving for the creamiest texture.

Notes

  • To achieve a smooth custard, warm your milk slightly before adding it to the eggs, and avoid incorporating too much air when mixing.
  • For an extra layer of protection against cracking, you can bake the pie in a water bath (bain-marie). Place the pie dish inside a larger roasting pan and fill the roasting pan with hot water halfway up the side of the pie dish before placing it in the oven.
  • This recipe makes a traditional, simple custard filling. For a richer flavor, you can substitute 1/2 cup of the milk with heavy cream.

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