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French Custard Pie with Apples Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 61 reviews

This French Custard Pie with Apples is a delicate dessert featuring a flaky puff pastry crust filled with a creamy, vanilla-infused custard and topped with thinly sliced tender apples. Baked to golden perfection, it combines the richness of custard with the natural sweetness of apples for a comforting and elegant treat perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Pastry

  • 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed if frozen
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for greasing)

Fruit

  • 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced

Custard

  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 4 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Finishing

  • Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and grease: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch tart or pie pan with the unsalted butter to prevent sticking.
  2. Prepare the pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet to fit your tart or pie pan. Line the pan carefully with the pastry, pressing it gently into the edges to create an even base. Place the lined pan in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the custard.
  3. Make the custard base: In a saucepan, heat the whole milk and heavy cream just until warm but not boiling. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
  4. Combine and thicken custard: Gradually pour the warm milk and cream mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent curdling. Return the combined mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring continuously until it thickens into a smooth custard consistency.
  5. Assemble the pie: Arrange the thinly sliced apples evenly over the chilled puff pastry base. Pour the warm custard gently over the apple slices, ensuring an even layer.
  6. Bake: Place the pie on the middle rack of the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the custard is fully set and the pastry is golden and crisp.
  7. Cool and chill: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let the custard firm up further.
  8. Serve: Before serving, optionally dust the pie with powdered sugar for a beautiful finishing touch. Slice and enjoy chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Make sure not to boil the milk and cream mixture to avoid curdling when combining with eggs.
  • Use tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.
  • Chilling the pastry before filling helps it stay crisp during baking.
  • The custard thickens more as it cools, so do not overcook in the pan.
  • Optional powdered sugar adds a pretty finish and slight sweetness.

Keywords: French custard pie, apple custard tart, puff pastry dessert, baked custard pie, classic French dessert

Find it online: https://tastewithamy.com/french-custard-pie-with-apples-recipe/