Transport yourself back to the nostalgic flavors of yesteryear with Old School Egg Custard Pie—a timeless dessert that evokes memories of grandma’s kitchen and simpler times. This classic pie features a smooth and creamy custard filling nestled in a flaky, buttery crust, creating a delightful harmony of flavors and textures that’s sure to warm your heart and soul. With just a handful of pantry staples and a touch of love, you can recreate this beloved dessert in your own kitchen and enjoy the comforting taste of tradition with every slice. Let’s journey back in time and rediscover the joy of Old School Egg Custard Pie! 🥧🥚🍮
Ingredients:
For the Pie Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 3-4 tablespoons ice water
For the Custard Filling:
- 4 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups whole milk
- Ground nutmeg, for sprinkling
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pie Crust:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt.
- Add the chilled and cubed unsalted butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
- Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow it to chill and rest.
2. Roll Out the Pie Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly flour a clean work surface and roll out the chilled pie crust into a circle large enough to fit into a 9-inch pie dish.
- Carefully transfer the rolled-out pie crust to the pie dish, gently pressing it into the bottom and up the sides. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges as desired.
3. Prepare the Custard Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the lightly beaten eggs, granulated sugar, salt, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually pour in the whole milk, whisking continuously, until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
4. Assemble and Bake the Pie:
- Pour the custard filling into the prepared pie crust. Sprinkle the top with ground nutmeg for added flavor.
- Carefully transfer the pie to the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the custard is set and the crust is golden brown.
- Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
- Once cooled, slice the Old School Egg Custard Pie into wedges and serve at room temperature or chilled.
- Enjoy each velvety bite of custard nestled within the buttery crust, savoring the comforting flavors of this classic dessert.
Optional Tips:
- For added richness, you can use half-and-half or heavy cream instead of whole milk in the custard filling.
- If desired, you can experiment with different flavorings such as almond extract or lemon zest to customize the custard filling to your taste.
- Leftover pie can be stored in the refrigerator, tightly covered, for up to 3 days. Enjoy it cold or gently reheat individual slices in the microwave before serving.
To summarize, Old School Egg Custard Pie is a classic dessert that captures the essence of traditional baking and homemade goodness. With its creamy custard filling and flaky, buttery crust, this pie provides a taste of nostalgia and comfort that is appropriate for any occasion. Whether served as a sweet ending to a family meal or shared with loved ones over coffee or tea, Old School Egg Custard Pie’s irresistible charm will evoke fond memories and create new ones. Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and embark on a culinary journey back in time by baking and savoring the simple pleasures of this beloved dessert straight from grandma’s kitchen! 🥧🥚🍮