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.

A golden brown tart with a flaky crust forms the base layer, holding a thick, creamy pale yellow custard as the second layer. The top layer is a browned, crumbly nut and sugar mix, providing a textured surface with a slightly caramelized look. A slice is being lifted with a fork, showing the smooth custard and crunchy topping in cross-section. Creamy sauce speckled with small dark bits is being poured from a small white jug onto the tart's center, adding a glossy and rich touch. The tart sits on a white plate, placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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

A close-up of a tart with a golden brown crust that is thick and crimped around the edges. The tart has two main layers: a creamy pale yellow filling that looks smooth and soft, and a top layer sprinkled with darker brown, crispy nuts and sugar bits. A slice is being lifted by a fork on the right side, showing the creamy inside clearly. A rich, thick light cream sauce with black specks is being poured gently from a small white creamer onto the tart, pooling on the surface. The tart sits on a white plate, all placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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.

Print
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Custard Pie with Praline Sauce Recipe


  • Author: Lila
  • 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

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

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