Apple Custard Pie

If you’re stuck in a dessert rut and need a new and exciting recipe, you’ll want to check out this apple custard pie recipe. It features a flaky shortbread pie crust that’s incredibly easy to make and adds a fun texture to the pie. The crust perfectly contrasts the sweet, fruity layer of sliced apples and the rich, creamy custard. Put it all together, and this custard apple pie will shine on the dessert table! It might even top the list of your best pie recipes.

Apple Custard Pie Ingredients

• Pie crust: Instead of a typical pie crust, we make an easy shortbread crust by combining all-purpose flour, sugar, salt and butter.
• Apple pie filling: We create a jammy filling by stewing apples with butter, brown sugar and ground cinnamon. You can choose from any of the best apples for apple pie, like Honeycrisp or tart Granny Smith apples. Just make sure to slice them thinly so the pie has the right texture.
• Custard: To make the creamy custard, we mix heavy whipping cream, room-temperature eggs, sugar and vanilla extract.

Directions   

Step 1: Assemble the pie crust

Sonia Bozzo for Taste Recipes

Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a small bowl, combine the flour, sugar and salt. Then, cut in the butter pieces until crumbly. Press the dough into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie plate. Refrigerate until firm, about 30 minutes.

Step 2: Make the apple pie filling

Sonia Bozzo for Taste Recipes

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the apples, brown sugar and cinnamon, and cook until the apples are slightly soft, five to six minutes, stirring occasionally. Let the mixture cool for 5 to 10 minutes. Arrange the apples into the bottom of the pie crust in even layers.

Step 3: Add the custard

Sonia Bozzo for Taste Recipes

In a small bowl, whisk the heavy cream, egg, sugar and vanilla until smooth. Slowly pour the custard over the apples.

Step 4: Bake the pie

Sonia Bozzo for Taste Recipes

Place the pie plate on a rimmed cookie sheet. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Cover the pie with foil if the crust begins to get too dark.

Step 5: Chill the pie before serving

Sonia Bozzo for Taste Recipes

Remove the pie from the oven and cool it on a wire rack for one hour. Refrigerate for at least two hours before serving.

Sonia Bozzo for Taste Recipes

Apple Custard Pie Variations 

• Use another fruit: Instead of apples, swap in peaches to turn the pie into a recipe with fresh peaches.
• Spice up the crust: Add cinnamon to the pie crust to infuse it with warm flavors.

How to Store Apple Custard Pie

Let the pie cool completely, then cover it and store it in the refrigerator. Alternatively, you can transfer the pie to an airtight container.

How long does apple custard pie last? 

Apple custard pie will last in the refrigerator for up to three days or in the freezer for up to two months.

Can you make apple custard pie ahead of time? 

You can prepare this apple custard pie in advance for a holiday party or special dinner. Follow the recipe, and store the pie in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. You can serve the pie cold straight from the fridge or let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.

Can you freeze apple custard pie?

You can freeze apple custard pie for up to two months. Tightly wrap the pie in a layer of storage wrap and aluminum foil before stashing it in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the pie in the refrigerator overnight.

Apple Custard Pie Tips

Sonia Bozzo for Taste Recipes

Can you make a gluten-free version of this apple custard pie recipe?

Use a gluten-free crust to turn this apple custard pie into a gluten-free dessert recipe. Use a store-bought crust, or make your own with this gluten-free pie crust recipe.

Can you make custard apple pie with a graham cracker crust?

The sweet apples and creamy custard would taste fantastic with a graham cracker crust. To make a homemade graham cracker crust, combine 1-1/2 cups of crushed graham crackers with 1/4 cup of sugar and 1/3 cup of melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom and up the side of an ungreased 9-inch pie plate and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Then, follow the recipe as directed.

How do you know when this apple custard pie is finished baking?

To know when this pie is finished baking, look for the crust to turn a golden brown color. Then, observe the custard. Like custard pie, the edges should be firm and set, and the top should be lightly browned. However, the center should still quiver and have a little jiggle. Don’t worry if the middle seems underset; it will continue to firm up once it chills in the refrigerator.