Classic Old-Fashioned Custard Pie: Your Easiest Blender Recipe for a Delicious, Crustless Dessert
This **old-fashioned custard pie recipe** is a true delight – incredibly simple to prepare, yet yielding a wonderfully creamy and satisfying dessert. Its velvety egg custard filling makes it the perfect choice for any occasion, especially holiday gatherings. What truly sets this recipe apart is its minimal effort: it takes less than 10 minutes to assemble, and miraculously, a beautiful, golden crust forms naturally while baking. This “impossible pie” style dessert requires only a few everyday ingredients, which you simply blend, pour into a pie plate, and bake to perfection. The result is a comforting, rich, and utterly delicious treat that tastes like it came straight from grandma’s kitchen.
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This classic silky smooth custard pie is truly a marvel – effortlessly made with a blender and just a handful of everyday ingredients. It’s the ideal dessert to whip up when you have unexpected guests or simply crave something sweet but are short on time. Forget complex, multi-step recipes; this is the one you turn to when you barely have time for dinner, let alone an elaborate dessert.
One of the beauties of this easy custard pie is its versatility in serving. Enjoy it warm straight from the oven, offering a soothing, comforting experience. Or, for a delightful contrast, let it chill on the porch during a cool December evening and savor it cold, allowing the flavors to meld and the custard to firm up to a perfect texture. Both ways are equally delicious and provide a unique sensory experience.
While I appreciate the artistry of complex culinary creations, I often find myself without the luxury of time that such recipes demand. This custard pie stands out as one of the **easiest desserts to make**, hands down. Its simplicity doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture; it delivers all the richness and indulgence you expect from a homemade pie with minimal fuss.
Lately, I’ve been incorporating a lot of egg-rich recipes into my repertoire, and for good reason. Eggs are an incredibly versatile and affordable ingredient, providing a rich, creamy custard flavor that’s hard to beat. In this recipe, the custard is naturally sweetened with honey or maple syrup, ensuring a delicious outcome without the “empty calories” often associated with refined sugars. This approach results in a decadent dessert that you can feel good about enjoying and serving to your loved ones.
To infuse a touch of holiday cheer, I’ve included a splash of rum extract. This addition is entirely optional, but it imparts a unique, warm flavor that instantly evokes a festive mood. If you happen to have a bottle of actual rum on hand, feel free to use it for an even deeper flavor profile. However, rum extract is a convenient alternative that I often keep in my pantry. The taste reminds me fondly of those classic Butter Rum Lifesaver candies I adored as a child – a sweet trip down memory lane with every bite.
So, if your family or friends ask you to bring a dessert to Christmas dinner, New Year’s Eve celebration, or any festive gathering, this is your go-to recipe. It’s incredibly simple, quick to prepare, and undeniably delicious, making you look like a culinary star with minimal effort.
Perhaps the most magical aspect of this recipe is that it’s a delightful spin-off from the popular “Impossible Pie” concept. This means it requires no pre-made crust. That’s right – no fussing with pie dough, no rolling, and no blind baking needed. Instead, as this marvelous pie bakes, the ingenious blend of ingredients will very handily form its own golden, delicate crust. This self-crusting feature saves you precious time, effort, and avoids the sticky mess often associated with traditional pie crust preparation, making it a truly effortless and rewarding baking experience.
Recipe Highlights: A Closer Look at Why You’ll Love This Custard Pie
This old-fashioned custard pie isn’t just a dessert; it’s a testament to how simple ingredients and minimal effort can create something truly extraordinary. Here’s a breakdown of what makes this recipe a standout:
Effortlessly Easy Recipe: This isn’t just “easy”; it’s remarkably simple. The process involves merely tossing all the ingredients into a blender, whisking them until smooth, and then baking. It’s so quick to prepare that you can literally throw it together in under 10 minutes, leaving you ample time to focus on preparing dinner or other tasks while your delicious dessert bakes in the oven. This ease makes it one of my absolute favorite go-to pie recipes, perfect for busy evenings or impromptu gatherings.
Incredibly Delicious Pie: Prepare your taste buds for an unforgettable experience. This recipe delivers an incredible, creamy custard filling that is rich, sweet, and unbelievably yummy. The texture is smooth and luxurious, melting in your mouth with every bite. The subtle hint of rum extract (if used) adds a layer of depth and warmth, making it a truly comforting and satisfying dessert for any time of the year.
Naturally Crustless (The Magic of a Self-Forming Crust): One of the most brilliant aspects of this recipe is its crustless nature. You can completely skip the traditional steps of preparing pie dough, rolling it out, and even blind baking. This saves a significant amount of time and effort, eliminating common pie-making anxieties. But here’s the best part: as the pie bakes, the ingenious combination of ingredients naturally develops its own golden, flaky-like crust right in the pie plate. It’s a delightful culinary trick that ensures a perfect “crust” every single time without any extra work on your part.
Wholesome, Simple Ingredients: This recipe embraces the beauty of real food. It’s made with everyday staples like whole milk, fresh eggs, butter, and naturally sweetened with honey or maple syrup. You’ll find that most, if not all, of these ingredients are likely already stocked in your pantry or refrigerator. This commitment to simple, unrefined ingredients not only makes the pie wholesome but also contributes to its wonderfully authentic and comforting flavor profile.
Perfect for Any Occasion, Especially the Holidays: Whether you’re planning a grand feast for Christmas or Thanksgiving dinner, celebrating New Year’s, or simply looking for a delightful dessert for a casual family meal, this custard pie fits the bill. Its comforting flavors and creamy texture make it a universally loved treat, suitable for any season and any gathering. It’s a wonderful dessert to serve, always impressing guests with its taste and elegance, despite its simple preparation.
Ingredients: What You’ll Need for This Easy Custard Pie
The beauty of this classic custard pie lies in its reliance on simple, quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that signature creamy texture and rich flavor. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:
- Whole Milk: This is a non-negotiable ingredient for achieving the desired creamy, luxurious texture of the custard. The fat content in whole milk is crucial for richness and helps create that smooth, silken consistency. I highly recommend sticking to whole milk for this recipe; lower-fat milk alternatives will likely result in a thinner, less decadent custard that won’t set as beautifully.
- Large Eggs: Eggs are the heart of any custard, providing structure, richness, and that characteristic golden hue. For this recipe, ensure you use large eggs, as their size contributes to the correct balance of liquid and solids needed for a perfect set. They bind the ingredients together, creating the quintessential smooth custard texture.
- Butter: Melted butter is essential for a smooth, silky custard and adds a subtle richness that enhances the overall flavor. It also plays a key role in the self-forming crust. You’ll need a little extra butter to generously prepare (grease) your pie pan, which helps prevent sticking and aids in the crust formation around the edges.
- Honey: This recipe utilizes natural sweeteners for a healthier twist on a classic. Honey provides a warm, floral sweetness that complements the custard beautifully. For an alternative, you can easily substitute an equal amount of pure maple syrup, which will lend a slightly different, but equally delicious, nuanced sweetness.
- Salt: A dash of salt might seem insignificant, but it’s a powerhouse ingredient that balances and enhances all the other flavors. It brightens the sweetness, deepens the eggy richness, and ensures the pie isn’t bland. Don’t skip it!
- Vanilla Extract: Classic vanilla extract adds an essential aromatic foundation to the custard, providing a comforting and familiar flavor. Whether you use your homemade vanilla extract or a good quality store-bought version, ensure it’s pure vanilla for the best taste.
- Rum Extract (Optional): For an added layer of complexity and a touch of holiday warmth, rum extract is a wonderful addition. It brings a distinctive, butter-rum flavor that truly elevates the pie. If you’re not a fan of rum, or simply don’t have it, you can easily use almond extract for a nutty twist, add extra vanilla for a stronger classic flavor, or omit it entirely. However, I highly recommend trying it, as it imparts a really delicious and unique taste.
A full ingredient list with exact amounts can be found in the recipe card below, ensuring you have everything perfectly measured for success.
Tools you may need…
One of the beauties of this recipe is its minimal equipment requirement. You likely already have these essential tools in your kitchen:
- Blender: This is the hero tool for this recipe, making quick work of combining all ingredients into a perfectly smooth batter. If you don’t have a blender, a large mixing bowl and a sturdy whisk will work just as well, though it will require a bit more arm power to ensure everything is thoroughly combined and lump-free. A food processor might also be suitable, providing a similar blending action.
- 9-inch Pie Plate: A standard 9-inch pie plate is ideal for this recipe, allowing the custard to bake evenly and the crust to form perfectly. Glass or ceramic pie plates are excellent choices for even heat distribution.
- Silicone Spatula: Essential for scraping down the sides of the blender (or bowl) to ensure all ingredients are incorporated, and for smoothly transferring the custard mixture into the pie plate without waste.
- Saucepan or Small Skillet: You’ll need this to melt the butter before adding it to the other ingredients. A small microwave-safe bowl can also be used if you prefer to melt the butter in the microwave.
How To Make This Classic Custard Pie: Step-by-Step Guide
Creating this delicious, old-fashioned custard pie is incredibly straightforward, thanks to the blender method. Follow these simple steps for a perfect, creamy dessert every time:
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pie Plate, then Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, generously butter a 9-inch pie plate. Ensure all surfaces, including the sides, are well-coated; this not only prevents sticking but also helps in the formation of that beautiful self-made crust. In a small bowl, thoroughly mix the baking soda with the flour, carefully eliminating any lumps. You can achieve this by whisking vigorously or running the mixture through a sifter. This step is crucial to prevent pockets of baking soda in your baked pie. Once the flour mixture is ready, add all the liquid ingredients and the mixed dry ingredients (except the cinnamon for garnish) into your blender. Make sure the melted butter has cooled slightly before adding it to avoid cooking the eggs prematurely.
Step 2: Blend Until Perfectly Smooth. Secure the lid on your blender and blend the mixture for several minutes. The goal here is to achieve a very smooth, uniform consistency, free of any visible lumps from the flour or baking soda. Blending for an adequate amount of time also ensures the ingredients are well emulsified, contributing to the pie’s creamy texture and even crust formation. A truly smooth mixture is key to that signature silky custard.
Step 3: Pour into the Prepared Pie Plate. Carefully pour the smooth custard mixture into your generously buttered 9-inch pie plate. Take care not to overfill the plate; leave a small margin at the top to account for any slight expansion during baking.
Step 4: Sprinkle Cinnamon and Bake to Perfection. Lightly sprinkle ground cinnamon evenly over the top of the custard mixture. This adds a beautiful aroma and a hint of spice. Place the pie plate in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. The pie is done when the top is golden brown, and the custard is mostly set but still has a slight, delicate “jiggle” in the very center when gently shaken. Overbaking can lead to a dry, cracked custard, so watch it carefully. If you’re using a thermometer, the internal temperature should read between 170º – 200º F (77º – 93º C) for a perfectly baked custard.
Step 5: Cool and Serve with Optional Toppings. Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack for a bit before slicing. This resting period allows the custard to fully set and firm up, ensuring clean slices. While delicious on its own, you can elevate this treat by adding your favorite toppings. A dollop of freshly made whipped cream is always a classic choice. During summer, fresh berries add a delightful tartness, while candied pecans or a sprinkle of extra cinnamon are perfect for colder months. For an extra special holiday indulgence, pair a slice of this pie with a warm mug of gingerbread hot chocolate. Enjoy the rich, comforting flavors!
Tips For Making Custard Pie: Ensuring a Perfect Dessert Every Time
While this custard pie recipe is incredibly forgiving and simple, a few extra tips can help you achieve absolute perfection. Keep these pointers in mind for a consistently delicious result:
- Substituting Real Rum: If you prefer to use real rum instead of rum extract, you absolutely can! For a deeper, more authentic rum flavor, substitute the 2 teaspoons of rum extract with 5-6 tablespoons of your favorite real rum. When doing this, remember to adjust the liquid content of the recipe to maintain the correct consistency. Decrease the amount of whole milk by approximately 5 tablespoons (which is just over 1/4 cup) to account for the added liquid from the rum. This ensures your custard sets properly without becoming too thin.
- Flavor Variations with Other Extracts: Don’t have rum extract, or prefer a different flavor profile? No problem! This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Consider using almond extract for a subtle, nutty undertone, or simply double the amount of vanilla extract for a more pronounced, classic vanilla flavor. Each substitution will give the pie a unique character, allowing you to customize it to your preference.
- Ensuring a Lump-Free Batter: The key to a smooth, silky custard is a lump-free batter. It’s vital to mix the baking soda and flour very thoroughly before adding them to the blender. Whisking them well in a separate bowl or running them through a sifter will prevent any pockets of unmixed baking soda or flour, which can create an unpleasant texture in the finished pie. Take an extra moment for this step – it makes a big difference!
- The Art of Not Overbaking: This is perhaps the most crucial tip for any custard pie. An overbaked custard will be dry, rubbery, and may even crack on top. For a perfectly tender and creamy custard, it should still have a slight, delicate “jiggle” in the center when you gently shake the pie plate. The edges will be set, but the very middle should still move slightly. As mentioned in the instructions, an internal temperature between 170º – 200º F (77º – 93º C) is the ideal range for a perfectly cooked custard. Trust the jiggle and the temperature, and you’ll be rewarded with a silky smooth pie.
Storage: Keeping Your Custard Pie Fresh
Custard pie, with its creamy egg base, needs to be stored properly to maintain its freshness and safety. Once the pie has cooled completely to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container. This helps prevent it from drying out and absorbing odors from other foods in the refrigerator. Store the pie in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. It’s delicious served cold straight from the refrigerator, or you can gently reheat individual slices if you prefer it warm. Just be careful not to overheat, as this can alter the delicate custard texture.
How To Serve: Enjoying Your Custard Pie
One of the many charms of this simple custard pie is its versatility in serving. You can enjoy it warm, fresh from the oven, which brings out its comforting aroma and slightly softer texture. Alternatively, serving it cold allows the custard to firm up beautifully, resulting in a dense, creamy slice that is equally delightful. The best part is that you can serve it exactly however you want – plain for a purist experience, or dressed up with extra toppings for a more indulgent treat. I personally love adapting the toppings to the season; fresh berries during the peak of summer provide a light, tart contrast, while warm sautéed apples, a drizzle of spiced apple syrup, or crunchy candied nuts are perfect for cozy holiday gatherings. Experiment and find your favorite way to savor this classic dessert!
Top with your favorite toppings: Elevate Your Pie Experience
While this old-fashioned custard pie is delicious on its own, adding a topping can elevate it to a gourmet level. Here are some fantastic ideas to crown your creamy creation:
- Homemade Whipped Cream: A cloud of light, airy, and freshly made whipped cream is arguably the most classic and perfect accompaniment to a rich custard pie. Its delicate sweetness and cool temperature provide a beautiful contrast.
- Fresh Berries: For a burst of freshness and color, sprinkle fresh berries like raspberries, blueberries, or sliced strawberries over your pie. Their natural tartness cuts through the richness of the custard beautifully, especially in warmer months.
- Sautéed Apples or a Drizzle of Apple Syrup: During autumn and winter, warm sautéed apples spiced with cinnamon, or a generous drizzle of homemade apple syrup, make for an incredibly comforting and flavorful topping.
- Candied Nuts: Add texture and a caramelized sweetness with a sprinkle of candied pecans, walnuts, or almonds. Their crunch provides a lovely counterpoint to the smooth custard.
- Aromatic Spices: A simple dusting of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves (or a blend of all three) over the top of the pie adds an extra layer of warmth and aromatic complexity, enhancing that “old-fashioned” charm.
Frequently Asked Questions About Custard Pie
Here are some common questions about making and enjoying this delicious old-fashioned custard pie:
No, rum extract is completely optional for this custard pie recipe. While it adds a wonderful, unique depth of flavor, especially fitting for holidays, the pie is equally delicious without it. You can easily substitute it with other extracts like vanilla (adding an extra teaspoon for a stronger vanilla presence) or almond extract for a subtle nutty note. The core creamy custard flavor will still shine through beautifully.
Absolutely not! This custard pie is incredibly versatile and delightful whether served warm or chilled. When warm, it offers a softer, more comforting texture and aroma. When cooled, the custard firms up, providing a denser, creamier slice that many, including myself, actually prefer. It’s a fantastic dessert that can adapt to your preference or the occasion, making it perfect for year-round enjoyment.
The key to a perfectly baked custard pie is knowing when to take it out of the oven. The pie is done when the edges are set and lightly golden, but the very center still has a slight, delicate “jiggle” when you gently shake the pie plate. It should not be liquid, but rather resemble a soft gelatin. For an even more precise measurement, you can insert an instant-read thermometer into the center of the custard; it should read between 170º – 200º F (77º – 93º C). This ensures it’s cooked through without being overbaked, which can lead to a rubbery or cracked custard.
No, this is a wonderfully crustless recipe in the traditional sense! It’s designed as a “magic” or “impossible” pie, meaning the ingredients naturally separate and form their own delicious, golden crust during the baking process. This eliminates the need for preparing and rolling out pie dough, saving you significant time and effort. Could you add a traditional crust if you really wanted to? Probably, though it might change the dynamic of the self-forming crust. If you do try it, I’d love to hear how it turns out!
Find More Delicious Desserts: Expand Your Sweet Repertoire
If you’ve enjoyed this delightful old-fashioned custard pie, you’re in for a treat! Our collection of dessert recipes is brimming with more easy-to-make and incredibly satisfying sweets that are perfect for any occasion. From festive cookies to comforting pancakes and other delicious pies, there’s always something new to discover and savor. Dive into these other culinary gems:
- Spiced Lace Cookies are wonderfully delicate, crisp, and utterly addicting, perfect with a cup of tea or coffee.
- For a truly festive and indulgent treat, try our Peppermint Fudge Shortbread Cookie Bars – a holiday favorite!
- Our Spiced Baked Apple Dutch Baby Pancakes would make the perfect, impressive yet simple, Christmas morning breakfast or a delightful brunch item.
- Explore more of our pie recipes: from a comforting Scratch Pumpkin Pie that’s perfect for fall, a delightful Gluten-Free Blueberry Pie for those with dietary restrictions, or this incredibly simple Crustless Apple Pie, often called warm apple pie filling for two.
- If you’re looking to make your own pie crusts, this is my favorite gluten-free pie crust recipe, yielding a flaky and tender result every time.
- For a rich, decadent, and plant-based option, our Vegan Fudge is an easy and delicious dessert that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
We love hearing from you! If you try this old-fashioned custard pie recipe and fall in love with its simplicity and deliciousness, we would be absolutely thrilled if you could come back to the post, leave a comment, and give it a well-deserved 5 stars! Your feedback helps others discover and enjoy these wonderful recipes too. Thank you so much!
Old Fashioned Custard Pie
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Equipment
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Blender
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups whole milk
- 1/4 cup butter melted & cooled
- 1/3 cup honey
- 4 eggs
- 2/3 cup flour
- 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
- dash salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons rum extract optional
- cinnamon for garnish optional
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and generously butter your 9-inch pie plate. Ensure all interior surfaces are well-coated to prevent sticking and aid in crust formation.
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Melt the butter in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, then set it aside to cool slightly. It’s important that the butter isn’t hot when added to the other ingredients.
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In a small bowl, thoroughly mix the baking soda with the flour, carefully eliminating any lumps by whisking well or sifting. This step is crucial for a smooth custard texture.
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Add all of your prepared ingredients, except the cinnamon for garnish, into a blender. Blend for several minutes, or until the mixture is completely smooth and free of any lumps.
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Pour the smooth custard mixture into the prepared pie plate. Then, lightly and evenly sprinkle cinnamon on top for flavor and a beautiful finish.
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Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown, and the pie is mostly set with a slight jiggle in the center. An internal temperature between 170º – 200º F indicates it’s done.
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Remove from oven and let it cool slightly on a wire rack before slicing. Serve warm for a comforting treat, or allow it to cool completely for a firmer, chilled dessert.
Notes
- For substituting rum extract with real rum: if using 2 teaspoons of rum extract, you can use 5-6 tablespoons of real rum for a more intense flavor. To adjust for this added liquid, decrease the amount of whole milk in the recipe by approximately 5 tablespoons, which is just over 1/4 cup. This ensures the custard maintains its ideal consistency.
- Flavor variations: If rum extract isn’t your preference or isn’t available, you can easily substitute it with other extracts. Almond extract adds a lovely nutty note, or you can simply add an additional teaspoon of vanilla extract for an enhanced classic vanilla flavor.