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French Custard Pie with Apples

French Custard Pie with Apples – A Creamy French Classic

This French Custard Pie with Apples is a delightful dessert featuring a creamy custard and tender apples, perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Cooling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: French
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Crust
  • 1 sheet Puff Pastry Provides a flaky and buttery crust; traditional pie crust can be used for a different texture.
For the Custard
  • 2 cups Whole Milk Adds creaminess and richness to the custard base; no substitutions recommended for best results.
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream Enhances the custard’s velvety texture; can use half-and-half for a lighter option.
  • 3 Eggs Essential for structure and richness; whisk until smooth to avoid lumps.
  • 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar Sweetens the custard; coconut sugar can replace for deeper flavor but alters color and texture.
  • 3 tablespoons Cornstarch Thickens the custard gently; arrowroot powder can be a gluten-free substitute.
  • 1 tablespoon Vanilla Extract Provides aromatic flavor; fresh vanilla beans elevates custard taste.
For the Apples
  • 3 Apples (e.g., Honeycrisp, Golden Delicious) Adds sweetness and texture; any crisp apple variety is suitable.
For Garnish
  • 1 tablespoon Powdered Sugar For dusting before serving; optional—consider apricot jam or lemon zest.

Equipment

  • 9-inch tart pan
  • Medium saucepan
  • large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Spatula

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a 9-inch tart pan by buttering it.
  2. Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface until 1/8 inch thick and transfer it to the prepared tart pan.
  3. Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork and chill in the fridge for about 15 minutes.
Custard Preparation
  1. In a medium saucepan, combine whole milk and heavy cream over medium heat and bring to a steaming point.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  3. Slowly drizzle the warm milk and cream mixture into the egg mixture while whisking constantly.
  4. Return the mixture to the saucepan over low heat and stir continuously for about 5–7 minutes until thickened.
Assembly and Baking
  1. Arrange sliced apples evenly over the bottom of the chilled crust.
  2. Pour the warm custard mixture over the apples and smooth the top.
  3. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the center has a slight jiggle and the top is golden brown.
Cooling and Serving
  1. Allow the pie to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes before refrigerating it for at least 2 hours.
  2. Dust with powdered sugar before serving and enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 6gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 110mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Serve the pie warm or chilled, and optionally add ice cream for extra indulgence.

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