Description
Make a classic, creamy egg custard pie that sets perfectly every time. This old fashioned recipe uses simple ingredients and a smooth custard technique for a comforting, traditional dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2-2/3 cups milk (whole milk works best)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
- Pinch of ground nutmeg for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place an unbaked 9-inch pie crust into a pie plate.
- In a medium bowl, lightly whisk the 3 large eggs just until the yolks and whites are combined. Do not over-beat to avoid incorporating too much air, which can cause cracks.
- Whisk in the sugar and salt until the sugar begins to dissolve.
- Slowly whisk in the milk and vanilla extract until everything is just combined. You want a smooth mixture.
- Pour the custard mixture into the unbaked pie crust.
- Sprinkle a light, even layer of ground nutmeg over the top of the liquid filling.
- Bake for 40 to 50 minutes. For the smoothest custard technique, place the pie dish in a shallow roasting pan and add about 1 inch of hot water to the pan to create a water bath (bain-marie). This helps prevent the edges from setting too fast.
- The custard is done when the edges are set, but the center still jiggles slightly when gently nudged.
- Carefully remove the pie from the water bath (if used) and let it cool completely on a wire rack. The center will finish setting as it cools.
- Chill the pie for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, before slicing and serving this homemade egg custard.
Notes
- For a truly fail-proof result, avoid whipping the eggs vigorously; gentle mixing keeps the custard silky.
- If you skip the water bath, watch the pie closely after 35 minutes to prevent overbaking, which leads to a rubbery texture.
- This classic baked custard tastes best when served cold.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 50 min
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Unsaturated Fat: 5
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 11
- Cholesterol: 105