Prepare to embrace a slice of comfort with this French Custard Pie with Apples. This is one of those magical desserts that feels like a hug from your grandmother—rich, creamy, and laced with just the right amount of sweetness. Lush vanilla custard envelopes tender, golden apple slices inside a buttery crust, making it a treat that bridges the gap between classic pie and elegant French pâtisserie. Whether you’re serving it warm on a chilly evening or bringing it to a summer picnic, this is the dessert your friends and family will remember.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of French Custard Pie with Apples lies in its simplicity; each ingredient, though humble, is essential to creating that luscious custard and perfectly tender apples. These are staples you may already have at home, but together they create something truly special.
- 9-inch pie crust: Use store-bought for ease, or make it homemade for extra flakiness and flavor.
- 3 medium apples: Golden Delicious or Honeycrisp bring the perfect balance of tart and sweet, and their texture shines through baking.
- 3 large eggs: These are the backbone of your custard, delivering that silky, rich texture with every bite.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps to caramelize the apples slightly during baking.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The key to a decadent, velvety custard.
- ½ cup whole milk: Lightens the custard for a perfect, pourable consistency.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a warming aroma and classic custard flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Just enough spice to make the apples sing—don’t leave this out!
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps the custard set for sliceable wedges.
- Pinch of salt: Balances and enhances the sweetness, a must in any dessert.
- Powdered sugar (optional): For that quintessential, elegant finishing touch.
How to Make French Custard Pie with Apples
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Gently fit your pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish, letting it settle naturally into the corners. Crimp the edges for a homemade look—no need for perfection; a little rusticity makes it all the more inviting. Set aside while you turn your attention to the filling.
Step 2: Slice and Arrange the Apples
Peel, core, and thinly slice your apples, aiming for even pieces so every bite is tender. For a touch extra flavor, you could quickly sauté them in a dab of butter for a few minutes, coaxing out their sweetness. Arrange the apples in an even layer in the base of your prepared crust, ensuring each slice is nestled comfortably.
Step 3: Whisk the Custard Filling
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar until smooth and a little paler in color—this is when the magic starts! Add in the heavy cream, milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, flour, and a pinch of salt. Whisk well so there are no lumps and the mixture is slightly frothy. This will be the luscious base that brings the French Custard Pie with Apples to life.
Step 4: Pour and Bake
Gently pour the custard mixture over the apples in the pie shell. Pour slowly and evenly so the apples stay in place and the custard seeps into every crevice. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is a delicate golden shade. You’ll know it’s done when you give it a gentle jiggle and it barely moves in the center.
Step 5: Cool and Finish
Let the pie cool completely—this helps the custard firm up, making for neater slices. Just before serving, dust the top with powdered sugar for that classic French flair. The aroma alone will have everyone gathering around the table in anticipation.
How to Serve French Custard Pie with Apples
Garnishes
A light snowfall of powdered sugar is both beautiful and traditional—simple, yet stunning. For a little extra sparkle, a handful of toasted sliced almonds or a drizzle of caramel sauce brings out the apple’s sweet notes. If serving for a special occasion, a dollop of softly whipped cream on each slice is always a hit.
Side Dishes
This pie shines alongside a hot cup of coffee or your favorite tea, especially on cooler days. For a more decadent dessert, pair each serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon. A few fresh berries or a crisp green salad with citrus vinaigrette can also provide a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform this French Custard Pie with Apples into mini tarts for a party, or bake it in a rectangular tart pan for elegant slices at a brunch. If you’d like, serve it slightly warm with a hard cider reduction or spiced apple compote for a bolder twist. For a rustic picnic, let it cool completely and wrap individual slices in parchment for easy, delightful transport.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover the French Custard Pie with Apples with plastic wrap or foil, and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for up to three days, and its flavors often deepen overnight, making that second slice even more irresistible.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze your French Custard Pie with Apples! Wrap slices or the whole cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving; just note that the custard’s texture may be a little more delicate after freezing.
Reheating
To enjoy warm, reheat individual slices in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or until just heated through. If you’re short on time, a quick 15-second zap in the microwave will work, but keep an eye out so the custard doesn’t overcook.
FAQs
What kind of apples work best in this French Custard Pie with Apples?
Firmer apples with a sweet-tart balance, like Golden Delicious or Honeycrisp, are ideal for this pie. They hold their shape during baking and create a lovely, tender texture without getting mushy.
Can I use a store-bought pie crust?
Absolutely! A good-quality store-bought crust saves time and delivers delicious results. If you have a favorite homemade crust recipe, feel free to use it for an even more personal touch.
Do I need to peel the apples?
Yes, peeling the apples is recommended for the smoothest custard texture and a prettier slice. Apple skins can become chewy and separate from the flesh during baking, so removing them makes each bite melt-in-your-mouth.
Can I make this French Custard Pie with Apples ahead of time?
Definitely! In fact, letting the pie chill for a few hours or overnight can help the flavors mingle and makes for cleaner slices. Just dust with powdered sugar right before serving to keep it looking its best.
Why is it important to let the pie cool before slicing?
Allowing the pie to cool completely ensures that the custard sets firmly. If you slice in too soon, the filling might be a bit runny, so patience pays off here with gorgeous, picture-perfect slices.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something cozy, elegant, and utterly memorable, this French Custard Pie with Apples deserves a place at your table. Try it at your next family gathering, brunch, or just as a sweet treat for yourself—you’ll quickly see why it’s a beloved classic. Enjoy every beautiful, custardy forkful!
Print
French Custard Pie with Apples Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delicious flavors of this French Custard Pie with Apples. A rich custard filling paired with sweet apples, all baked in a flaky pie crust, makes for a delightful dessert.
Ingredients
Pie Crust:
- 1 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
Filling:
- 3 medium apples (such as Golden Delicious or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 3 large eggs
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Pinch of salt
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Crust: Fit the pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish and crimp the edges as desired.
- Arrange Apples: Arrange the thinly sliced apples evenly in the bottom of the pie crust.
- Make Custard: Whisk together eggs and sugar, then add cream, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, flour, and salt. Whisk until frothy.
- Fill the Pie: Pour the custard mixture over the apples in the pie shell.
- Bake: Bake for 45–50 minutes until set and golden.
- Cool and Serve: Let the pie cool completely before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
- For a deeper flavor, sauté the apple slices in butter before placing them in the pie crust.
- This pie is delicious served warm or chilled and pairs well with coffee or vanilla ice cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
