YaYa’s Egg Custard Pie
This Egg Custard Pie is an old-fashioned southern classic straight from Bessie Parker’s handwritten card. With its silky smooth filling made from butter, sugar, eggs, evaporated milk, and a hint of vanilla, it bakes up sweet and simple in a flaky crust. Perfect for holidays, Sunday suppers, or anytime you want a taste of comforting nostalgia from mama’s kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup margarine softened
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 eggs
- 3/4 cup evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie shell
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C).
- In a medium bowl, cream margarine and sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in flour until fully incorporated.
- Stir in water, evaporated milk, and vanilla until custard is smooth.
- Pour mixture into the unbaked pie shell.
- Bake for 20 minutes at 400°F, then reduce heat to 300°F (149°C) and bake for another 15 minutes or until the pie is just set in the middle.
- Cool on a wire rack and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Yaya’s Tips for Success
This silky Egg Custard Pie reminds me so much of my mama Shirley’s Sunday desserts, simple yet pure comfort. To make sure yours turns out smooth and tender every single time, follow a few of my favorite little secrets:
- Always cream your butter and sugar thoroughly so the custard has no lumps.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time to keep the texture light.
- Use evaporated milk for that rich old-fashioned taste.
- Place your unbaked pie shell on a baking sheet to catch spills.
- Bake until the center barely jiggles when gently shaken; it’ll finish setting as it cools.
Yaya’s Customization Ideas
Egg Custard Pie is a blank canvas for southern dessert dreams.
- Sometimes I sprinkle a light dusting of nutmeg or cinnamon across the top before baking for a warm spice note.
- If you love coconut, you could stir in a handful of sweetened flake coconut for a twist.
- Serve with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for a pretty presentation.
If you enjoy this, you might also love my Southern Chess Pie or Hillbilly Pie; both just as simple and satisfying.
Yaya’s Original Recipe Card
