Classic French Custard Pie Recipe

Looking for a smooth, elegant dessert that’s both simple and refined? This French Custard Pie is a timeless treat made with a buttery pie crust and a silky, vanilla-infused custard filling. Whether served warm or chilled, it’s the perfect balance of creamy, delicate texture and subtle sweetness — a true French patisserie classic.

What Is a French Custard Pie?

French Custard Pie, also known as “Flan Parisien” or “Tarte au Flan”, is a traditional French dessert featuring a rich, egg-based custard baked into a flaky pastry shell. It’s often flavored with real vanilla, and it bakes into a smooth, slightly firm filling that melts in your mouth. Think of it as a cross between a custard tart and a classic crème brûlée — without the sugar topping.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to make one 9-inch French Custard Pie:

For the Pastry:

1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought)

For the Custard Filling:

2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp cornstarch
3 large eggs
2 tsp pure vanilla extract (or 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped)
Pinch of salt

‍ Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Roll out and fit your pie crust into a 9-inch pie plate. Trim and crimp edges.
Blind-bake the crust for 10 minutes (optional but helps prevent sogginess). Set aside to cool.

Step 2: Make the Custard

In a medium saucepan, heat the milk and cream over medium heat until just steaming (do not boil).
In a bowl, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, salt, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Slowly pour the warm milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
Return the entire mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring continuously, until the custard slightly thickens (about 5–7 minutes). It should coat the back of a spoon.

Step 3: Bake the Pie

Pour the warm custard into the prepared pie crust.
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the center is just set (it may have a slight jiggle).
If browning too quickly, cover edges with foil.

Step 4: Cool & Serve

Let cool at room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
Serve plain, or dust with powdered sugar or fresh fruit for an elegant touch.

Tips for Perfect French Custard Pie

Use high-quality vanilla for the best flavor — pure extract or real vanilla bean.
Don’t overbake — the custard should still have a slight wobble when you remove it.
Add a dash of nutmeg or lemon zest for a subtle twist.
You can make it a day ahead — it tastes even better the next day.

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