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Classic Old Fashioned Creamy Egg Custard Pie

A close-up slice of creamy custard pie showing a thick, smooth yellow filling and a golden, slightly torched top crust.

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Make this classic custard pie with a smooth vanilla custard filling and a buttery, flaky crust. This simple recipe delivers a comforting dessert perfect for holidays or everyday enjoyment.

Ingredients

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  • 1 (9-inch) unbaked pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, for topping)
  • 2 2/3 cups whole milk

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Place the unbaked pie crust into a 9-inch pie plate. Do not pre-bake the crust.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and salt until they are well combined. Do not over-beat; you want to avoid incorporating too much air, which can cause cracking.
  3. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  4. Slowly whisk in the whole milk until the mixture is smooth.
  5. Pour the custard filling carefully into the unbaked pie crust.
  6. Sprinkle the top lightly with ground nutmeg, if using.
  7. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes. The pie is done when a knife inserted near the center comes out clean, and the edges of the custard are set. The center should still have a slight jiggle.
  8. Cool the pie completely on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before slicing. This cooling time helps the custard set fully and prevents a runny filling.
  9. Chill the pie for an additional 2 hours before serving for the best texture.

Notes

  • To prevent a cracked top, do not over-whisk the eggs, and bake the pie until just set. A slight wobble in the center is correct.
  • For a flaky pie crust, keep all ingredients cold when preparing it from scratch.
  • If you want a crustless custard pie, pour the filling into a buttered baking dish and bake for about 45 minutes at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Use whole milk for the creamiest texture in your smooth custard filling.

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