Custard Pie with Praline Sauce Recipe
Introduction
This Custard Pie with Praline Sauce is a delightful dessert combining a smooth, creamy custard filling with a rich, nutty praline topping. Perfect for family gatherings or a special treat, it offers a balance of sweet and buttery flavors in every bite.

Ingredients
- 1 pre-made pie crust (or homemade, 9-inch)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (if making a homemade crust)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (plus 1 teaspoon for sauce)
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If using a homemade crust, roll out the dough and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish. Prick the bottom with a fork and sprinkle with sugar if desired. Pre-bake the crust for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden, then let it cool.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, milk, salt, and cornstarch until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Pour this custard filling into the pre-baked pie crust.
- Step 3: Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the custard is set and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. The edges may puff slightly. Remove from the oven and let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set completely.
- Step 4: To make the praline sauce, combine the brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the mixture reaches a gentle boil.
- Step 5: Reduce the heat and stir in the chopped pecans. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Allow the sauce to cool slightly before serving.
- Step 6: Slice the chilled custard pie into wedges and drizzle each slice generously with the warm praline sauce. Serve and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- Use pecan halves for a more dramatic texture and presentation in the praline sauce.
- For a richer custard, substitute half the milk with cream.
- To enhance the crust flavor, brush it with melted butter before prebaking.
- Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the custard for a warm spice note.
Storage
Store leftover pie tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the praline sauce in a separate airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days; gently warm before serving to restore its pourable consistency.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a store-bought pie crust?
Yes, a store-bought pie crust works perfectly and saves time. Just be sure to prebake it as directed to prevent a soggy bottom.
How do I know when the custard is fully baked?
The custard is ready when it is set at the edges and slightly jiggly in the center, with a knife inserted coming out clean. It will firm up more after chilling.
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Custard Pie with Praline Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This classic Custard Pie with Praline Sauce features a smooth, creamy custard filling baked in a flaky pie crust, complemented by a rich and nutty pecan praline sauce. Perfectly balanced sweetness and texture make it a delightful dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Pie Crust:
- 1 pre-made pie crust (or homemade, 9-inch)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (if making a homemade crust)
For the Custard Filling:
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
For the Praline Sauce:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Pie Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If using a homemade crust, roll it out and fit into a 9-inch pie dish. Prick the bottom with a fork and sprinkle with sugar if desired. Pre-bake the crust for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool.
- Make the Custard Filling: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, whole milk, salt, and cornstarch until smooth and well combined. Pour the mixture into the pre-baked pie crust evenly.
- Bake the Custard Pie: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the custard is set and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. The edges may puff slightly during baking. Remove from oven and allow to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours until fully set.
- Prepare the Praline Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, unsalted butter, and heavy cream. Stir continuously until the mixture comes to a gentle boil. Reduce heat, add chopped pecans, and cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Let cool slightly before serving.
- Serve: Once the custard pie is chilled and set, slice it into wedges. Drizzle each slice generously with the warm praline sauce and enjoy your delicious dessert.
Notes
- Pre-baking the crust prevents sogginess from the custard filling.
- Chilling the pie thoroughly is essential for the custard to set properly.
- The praline sauce can be prepared ahead and reheated gently before serving.
- Use fresh pecans for the best flavor and texture in the praline sauce.
- For a lighter version, substitute whole milk with 2% milk or use a low-fat crust.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Custard Pie, Praline Sauce, Pecan Sauce, Creamy Pie, Southern Dessert, Classic Pie Recipe, Sweet Pie, Holiday Dessert

