Old Fashioned Cream

Timeless Elegance: Old Fashioned Cream Custard Pie

Step into the realm of classic desserts with our Old Fashioned Cream Custard Pie recipe. This timeless delight encapsulates the essence of tradition, offering a rich and velvety custard filling embraced by a flaky, golden crust. Whether you’re yearning for a taste of nostalgia or introducing a new generation to the charm of vintage recipes, this pie is a testament to the simple yet exquisite pleasures of homemade baking. Join us as we guide you through the steps of crafting this culinary masterpiece, complete with cook notes, variations, and keto and low-carb adaptations for a dessert that stands the test of time.

Ingredients

For the Pie Crust:

  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and diced
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3-4 tablespoons ice water

For the Custard Filling:

  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 4 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Freshly grated nutmeg for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Pie Crust:

  1. Combine Dry Ingredients:
    • In a food processor, pulse together the flour, sugar, and salt until well combined.
  2. Add Butter:
    • Add the cold, diced butter to the dry ingredients and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Add Ice Water:
    • With the processor running, add ice water one tablespoon at a time until the dough comes together.
  4. Form Dough:
    • Turn the dough out onto a floured surface, gather it into a ball, and flatten into a disk. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  5. Roll Out Crust:
    • Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Transfer the crust to the dish, trim the excess, and crimp the edges. Refrigerate while preparing the filling.

Make the Custard Filling:

  1. Preheat Oven:
    • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Heat Milk and Cream:
    • In a saucepan, heat the whole milk and heavy cream until just simmering. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
  3. Whisk Eggs and Sugar:
    • In a bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
  4. Temper Eggs:
    • Slowly pour the warm milk and cream mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
  5. Strain the Custard:
  • Strain the custard mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl to ensure a silky texture.
  1. Fill the Pie Crust:
  • Pour the custard into the prepared pie crust. Grate fresh nutmeg over the top for an authentic touch.
  1. Bake:
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until the custard is set around the edges but slightly jiggly in the center.
  1. Cool and Chill:
  • Allow the pie to cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set completely.

Cook Notes

  • Perfect Pie Crust:
    • Keep the ingredients and equipment cold for a flaky crust. Don’t overwork the dough to ensure tenderness.
  • Nutmeg Enhancement:
    • Freshly grated nutmeg adds a fragrant and nuanced flavor to the custard. Use it sparingly for the best results.
  • Custard Consistency:
    • The custard should have a smooth, creamy consistency when baked. A slight jiggle in the center indicates it’s ready to come out of the oven.
  • Avoid Overbaking:
    • Overbaking can result in a curdled texture. Keep a close eye on the pie during the last few minutes of baking.

Variations

Citrus Infusion:

  • Add a burst of citrus by incorporating grated orange or lemon zest into the custard for a refreshing twist.

Caramel Drizzle:

  • Drizzle caramel sauce over individual slices for a decadent touch that complements the creamy custard.

Coconut Dream:

  • Sprinkle toasted coconut on top of the custard before baking for a tropical flavor profile.

Keto Versions

Almond Flour Crust:

  • Replace the traditional pie crust with an almond flour crust for a keto-friendly option.

Sugar-Free Sweetener:

  • Substitute granulated sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol or stevia in the custard filling.

Low-Carb Crust Options:

  • Explore low-carb crust alternatives using almond flour, coconut flour, or a combination of both.

Low-Carb Versions

Pecan Crust Delight:

  • Craft a pecan crust by combining ground pecans, melted butter, and a low-carb sweetener for a crunchy, low-carb base.

Stevia Sweetening:

  • Use liquid stevia or another low-carb sweetener to sweeten the custard without adding extra carbs.

Cinnamon Almond Garnish:

  • Garnish the pie with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon and crushed almonds for a low-carb, flavorful twist.

A Slice of Elegance

In conclusion, the Old Fashioned Cream Custard Pie transcends time with its simplicity and unmatched elegance. Each velvety bite is a tribute to the artistry of homemade desserts, where a handful of quality ingredients come together to create a masterpiece.

As you savor this timeless treat, relish in the memories it evokes and the joy it brings to those who gather around your table. The Old Fashioned Cream Custard Pie is not merely a dessert; it’s a celebration of culinary craftsmanship, a slice of history that continues to delight generation after generation.

So, immerse yourself in the art of baking, experiment with variations to make it your own, and revel in the pleasure of sharing this classic creation with loved ones. May your kitchen be filled with the warmth of tradition, and may every bite carry you to a place where the essence of time-honored recipes lingers. Here’s to the enduring charm of the Old Fashioned Cream Custard Pie!