There’s something incredibly comforting about a slice of Old-Fashioned Custard Pie. Smooth, creamy, lightly sweet, and baked in a flaky crust, this timeless dessert has been a staple in family kitchens for generations. With simple ingredients like eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla, custard pie proves that you don’t need complicated recipes to create something truly delicious.

If you love traditional desserts that feel like they came straight from grandma’s kitchen, this classic custard pie recipe is exactly what you need. It’s easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and perfect for holidays, Sunday dinners, or anytime you want a nostalgic homemade treat.

In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know to make the best old-fashioned custard pie, including tips, variations, storage advice, and answers to common questions.

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Why You’ll Love This Old-Fashioned Custard Pie

There are plenty of reasons this pie has remained popular for decades.

Simple ingredients
You only need pantry staples that most people already have at home.

Creamy and silky texture
The custard filling bakes into a soft, smooth consistency that melts in your mouth.

Perfectly sweet and lightly spiced
Hints of vanilla and nutmeg add warmth without overpowering the delicate custard flavor.

Great for holidays or everyday desserts
This pie fits just as well on a Thanksgiving table as it does for a casual weekend dessert.

Easy beginner recipe
Even if you’re new to baking pies, this recipe is forgiving and straightforward.

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What Is Custard Pie?

Custard pie is a classic baked dessert made from eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla, baked inside a pie crust until the filling sets into a creamy custard.

The eggs thicken the mixture as it bakes, creating a smooth texture similar to pudding but firm enough to slice.

This dessert became especially popular in early American cooking because it used simple farm ingredients that were easy to find: eggs, milk, and sugar.

Today, it remains one of the most beloved old-fashioned pie recipes.

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Ingredients for Old-Fashioned Custard Pie

This recipe uses simple, traditional ingredients.

For the pie filling

2 ½ cups whole milk
3 large eggs
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

For the crust

1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)

Extra nutmeg for topping

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How to Make Old-Fashioned Custard Pie

Follow these simple steps to make a perfectly creamy custard pie.

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Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Place the pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish if it isn’t already prepared.

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Step 2: Whisk the Eggs

In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs until they are well blended and slightly frothy.

This helps create the smooth custard texture.

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Step 3: Add Sugar and Flavorings

Add the sugar, salt, vanilla extract, cinnamon (if using), and melted butter.

Whisk until everything is fully combined.

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Step 4: Add the Milk

Slowly pour the milk into the mixture while whisking.

The custard mixture will look thin and liquid — this is normal.

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Step 5: Fill the Pie Crust

Carefully pour the custard mixture into the unbaked pie crust.

Sprinkle a light dusting of nutmeg over the top.

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Step 6: Bake the Pie

Place the pie in the oven and bake for 45–50 minutes.

The custard should be mostly set but still slightly jiggly in the center.

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Step 7: Cool Completely

Allow the pie to cool at room temperature for about 2 hours.

This cooling time allows the custard to fully set.

For best results, chill the pie in the refrigerator for an additional hour before serving.

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Tips for the Best Custard Pie

Making custard pie is easy, but these expert tips will guarantee perfect results.

Use room temperature eggs

Room-temperature eggs blend more smoothly with the milk mixture.

Avoid overbaking

If the pie bakes too long, the custard can become rubbery.

The center should still wobble slightly when removed from the oven.

Bake on the lower oven rack

This helps the bottom crust cook evenly.

Protect the crust edges

If the crust starts browning too quickly, cover the edges with foil.

Let it cool completely

Custard pie needs time to set before slicing.

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Variations of Custard Pie

One of the best things about custard pie is how easily it can be customized.

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Coconut Custard Pie

Add ½ cup shredded coconut to the custard mixture for a tropical flavor.

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Cinnamon Custard Pie

Increase the cinnamon to 1 teaspoon for a warm spiced version.

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Maple Custard Pie

Replace part of the sugar with ¼ cup maple syrup for a deeper flavor.

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Vanilla Bean Custard Pie

Use the seeds from one vanilla bean instead of vanilla extract.

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What to Serve with Custard Pie

Custard pie is delicious on its own, but you can elevate it with simple toppings.

Whipped cream

Fresh berries

Caramel drizzle

Dusting of powdered sugar

Vanilla ice cream

For a classic presentation, serve chilled with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg.

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How to Store Custard Pie

Because custard pie contains eggs and milk, it should always be refrigerated.

Refrigerator

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezer

Custard pies generally do not freeze well, as freezing can change the texture.

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Make-Ahead Tips

Custard pie is actually better when made ahead.

Bake the pie the day before serving and refrigerate overnight.

This allows the custard to fully set and develop flavor.

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Common Custard Pie Problems (and Fixes)

Why is my custard pie watery?

This usually happens if the pie wasn’t baked long enough.

Make sure the center is almost set before removing it from the oven.

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Why did my custard crack?

Overbaking causes cracks.

Remove the pie when the center still jiggles slightly.

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Why is my crust soggy?

Try baking the pie on the lowest oven rack or blind-baking the crust for 5 minutes first.

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Nutritional Information (Approximate)

Per slice (based on 8 slices):

Calories: 240
Carbohydrates: 26g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 11g
Sugar: 20g

Values may vary depending on ingredients used.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use evaporated milk?

Yes! Many traditional custard pie recipes use evaporated milk instead of regular milk for a richer flavor.

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Can I make custard pie without a crust?

Yes. Pour the custard into a buttered pie dish and bake as usual for a crustless custard pie.

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Can I use almond milk?

Yes, but the pie will be slightly less creamy.

Whole milk produces the best traditional texture.

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How do I know when custard pie is done?

The edges should be set and the center should have a gentle wobble when the pie dish is shaken.

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Why This Recipe Works

This recipe follows the traditional custard ratio of eggs, milk, and sugar, which creates the perfect balance between creamy and firm.

The addition of vanilla and nutmeg enhances the natural sweetness without overpowering the custard flavor.

By baking the pie slowly at moderate heat, the custard sets smoothly without curdling.

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Final Thoughts

Old-Fashioned Custard Pie is proof that the simplest recipes are often the most memorable. With its silky filling, warm vanilla flavor, and classic nutmeg topping, this dessert brings comforting nostalgia to every bite.

Whether you’re baking it for a holiday gathering, a weekend dessert, or just because you’re craving something sweet and homemade, this custard pie is guaranteed to impress.

Once you try this recipe, it may quickly become one of your favorite traditional pies.

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