Southern Style, Old Fashioned Vanilla Cream Pie Recipe

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This old-fashioned egg custard pie recipe is an absolute favorite of mine and holds some pretty sweet memories from my childhood! A classic in my family for a long time – my mom always paired this recipe with fresh peaches, but it can be paired with just about any fruit, or simply whipped cream – and it’s heavenly! This is such an easy pie recipe, that comes together so quickly, but one everyone will love! A classic custard pie that can be enjoyed in any season!

Why You’ll Love This Cream Pie Recipe

1. Luxuriously Creamy Filling with s Light Texture
   The custard filling is silky smooth with a perfect balance of sweetness and richness. Made with half & half and heavy cream, it’s indulgent without being overly heavy. The butter and vanilla add a warm, comforting flavor that takes this pie to the next level.
2. Gluten-Free, Yet Incredibly Delicious
   You won’t miss the gluten in this flaky crust! The gluten-free crust is buttery and flaky, creating a delightful contrast to the soft, creamy filling. Whether you’re gluten-intolerant or just exploring gluten-free baking, this pie delivers all the flavor and texture you’d expect from a traditional cream pie.
3. Fresh, Juicy Peaches
   The topping of fresh, sugar-kissed peaches adds a burst of natural sweetness and brightness. Their slightly tart juiciness cuts through the rich custard, making every bite perfectly balanced. It’s a refreshing twist on the classic cream pie.
4. Easy Recipe, Yet Elegant
   This pie has the look and taste of a dessert that took hours to make, but it’s surprisingly simple. With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up a show-stopping dessert that’s ideal for summer gatherings, special occasions, or just a sweet treat for yourself.
5. Make-Ahead Friendly
   This cream pie can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for busy schedules. Simply prepare the crust and custard a day in advance, chill overnight, and top with fresh peaches just before serving. It’s a no-fuss dessert that impresses every time.
6. Versatile and Customizable
   While peaches are a delicious topping, you can easily customize this recipe with other fruits, like berries or even tropical options like mango. The base recipe is versatile enough to adapt to your personal taste preferences or whatever fruit is in season.
7. Simple ingredients, Simple DessertMade with just a handful of ingredients – and ingredients you probably have in your refrigerator an pantry, making this recipe a great go-to option!
8. No Bake Pie!While the crust will need to be pre-baked, the pie itself doesn’t require baking – added bonus for a quick dessert! And if you really want to make things easier, pick up a store-bought crust! 

Ingredients:

• Pre-baked pie crust: You can use a store-bought pie crust or make your own homemade pie crust. For a homemade crust, a classic buttery pastry or a graham cracker crust works well. Be sure to pre-bake it until golden and let it cool before adding the filling. Check out my flaky pie crust recipe (gluten-free of course)
• Sugar: Granulated sugar will add the sweetness. You can adjust the amount depending on how sweet you prefer your cream pie. Fine granulated sugar will dissolve more easily into the custard.
• Corn starch: This will help thicken the custard. Be sure to sift it before whisking it into the mixture to prevent lumps.
• Half and half: A mix of whole milk and cream, providing richness without being overly heavy. If you prefer a lighter filling, you can substitute whole milk, though it may alter the consistency slightly.
• Heavy cream: Adds richness and creaminess to the custard filling. Be sure to use heavy cream with at least 36% milk fat to ensure a smooth texture.
• Egg yolks: The egg yolks provide structure, thickness, and a silky texture to the custard. They also contribute to the pale yellow color. Separate the yolks carefully to avoid any egg white getting into the mixture.
• Vanilla: Pure vanilla extract adds a deep, rich flavor. You can also use a vanilla bean for a more intense vanilla taste. If using a vanilla bean paste, scrape the seeds into the mixture.
• Butter: The melted butter adds a glossy finish and a rich, smooth texture to the custard. 

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Crust: Start by baking the gluten-free pie crust according to the recipe in the bread section of this cookbook. Ensure it is completely cool before adding the filling to prevent a soggy bottom. You can pre-bake the crust a few hours in advance or the day before.
2. Whisk the Egg Yolk: In a medium bowl, whisk the egg yolks vigorously until smooth and slightly pale. Set aside. This step ensures the yolks will incorporate smoothly into the custard without scrambling later.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine sugar and cornstarch until well whisked. Ensure there are no lumps, as this will prevent clumping when the liquids are added.
4. Add the Liquids: Gradually whisk in the half & half and heavy cream, making sure the milk mixture stays smooth. The combination of both creams gives the filling a rich texture and balanced flavor.
5. Cook the Custard Base: Place the saucepan over low- medium heat, whisking constantly to prevent sticking or burning. It may take about 7-10 minutes for the mixture to thicken. You’ll know it’s ready when it begins to bubble and the whisk leaves visible trails. Once thickened, reduce the heat to low and cook for another 2-3 minutes to ensure the cornstarch fully activates.
6. Temper the Eggs: Remove the pan from the heat. While whisking the egg yolks constantly, SLOWLY drizzle about half of the hot cream mixture into the yolks. This process, called tempering, prevents the eggs from curdling by gradually bringing them up to temperature. Continue whisking until smooth.
7. Combine and Cook Again: Pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining cream mixture. Return the saucepan to medium-low heat and bring to a gentle boil, stirring constantly. Cook for 2 more minutes to fully thicken the custard. The consistency should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
8. Finish the Custard: Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract to the creamy custard until fully melted and incorporated. The butter adds richness and a silky finish to the custard, while the vanilla enhances the flavor.
9. Assemble the Pie: Pour the warm custard into the prepared and cooled gluten-free pie crust. Use a spatula to spread the custard evenly to the outer edges, making sure it fills the pie shell completely. Let the pie cool to room temperature on the counter, about 30-40 minutes, before refrigerating.
10. Chill: Cover the pie loosely with parchment paper (or plastic wrap) and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until fully set. This chilling time allows the custard to firm up and the flavors to meld.
11. Prepare the Peaches: Just before serving, toss the sliced peaches with a teaspoon of sugar. Let them sit for 5 minutes to draw out their natural juices and enhance their sweetness.
12. Serve: Arrange the peach slices on top of the pie in a decorative pattern. Serve each slice with a generous dollop of whipped cream, or simply serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream! 

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Cream Pie

1. Keep the Pie Crust Cool
   After baking the gluten-free pie crust, let it cool completely before adding the custard. If the crust is warm, it can cause the filling to soften or become runny. For added crispness, you can brush the crust with a thin layer of melted chocolate or egg wash before baking to create a moisture barrier.
2. Prevent Lumps in the Custard
   Whisk constantly when heating the cream mixture to avoid lumps. If your mixture begins to form lumps despite constant whisking, you can pass it through a fine-mesh sieve after cooking to smooth it out. This ensures a silky, lump-free custard.
3. Temper the Eggs Carefully
   When pouring the hot cream into the egg yolks, go slowly and whisk vigorously to avoid scrambling the eggs. A sudden introduction of hot liquid can cook the eggs too quickly, causing curdling. By tempering gradually, you’ll keep the mixture smooth and creamy.
4. Use Room Temperature Ingredients
   Bring your butter and eggs to room temperature before starting. Room temperature butter melts more smoothly into the custard, while room temperature eggs help the custard to set more evenly.
5. Chill the Pie Properly
   For the custard to set fully, let the pie cool at room temperature first, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours. If you’re in a hurry, avoid placing it directly in the freezer, as rapid cooling can cause condensation, which may make the crust soggy. Patience ensures a perfectly firm and sliceable pie.
6. Customize the Flavor
   Experiment with flavoring options in the custard. For a more complex taste, you can infuse the cream with lemon zest, almond extract, or even a splash of bourbon before cooking. Just make sure to strain any zest out before adding it to the eggs.
7. Perfectly Sliced Peaches
   For beautifully arranged peach slices, use a sharp knife and cut thin, even slices. If your peaches are very ripe, you can refrigerate them for about 30 minutes before slicing to firm them up. Toss them with sugar right before placing them on the pie to keep them fresh and vibrant.
8. Serving Tip
   To achieve clean slices when serving, dip your knife into hot water and wipe it clean between each cut. This prevents the custard from sticking to the knife and helps you get neat, attractive slices. Store leftovers in an airtight container!
9. Whipped Cream Freshness
   If you plan to serve the pie with whipped cream, it’s best to whip it fresh right before serving. For a stable whipped cream that holds up longer, add a teaspoon of cornstarch or powdered sugar while whipping. This will keep the cream from deflating or becoming watery.
10. Make It Ahead
    The pie can be made a day or two ahead and stored in the fridge. Just wait to add the peach topping until the day you plan to serve it. The custard actually benefits from an overnight chill, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully! It’s so versatile! An ideal summer dessert or perfect for Thanksgiving dinner!

Perfect Pairings for Your Cream Pie

1. Beverage Pairings
   • Tea: A cup of lightly steeped Earl Grey tea complements the richness of the cream pie. The hint of bergamot from the tea provides a citrusy note that pairs well with the peaches.
   • Coffee: A smooth, lightly roasted latte or cappuccino balances the sweet, creamy texture of the pie with its mild bitterness. The milk in the coffee complements the richness of the cream filling.
   • Wine: A chilled Moscato d’Asti or a Riesling would be perfect choices. These wines have sweet, fruity notes that align beautifully with the peach topping and provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy filling.
   • Sparkling Water: For a non-alcoholic option, try a glass of sparkling water with a wedge of lemon or lime. The carbonation cuts through the richness of the pie and refreshes your palate between bites.
2. Ice Cream Pairing
   • A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or peach sorbet on the side would enhance the creaminess of the pie while adding an extra layer of indulgence. The cold, smooth ice cream contrasts nicely with the custard texture.
3. Topping Alternatives
   • Fresh Berries: If peaches aren’t your favorite, try topping the pie with blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries. These fruits offer a slightly tart contrast to the sweetness of the custard, giving the pie a bright pop of flavor.
   • Coconut Flakes: Lightly toasted coconut flakes add a subtle nutty flavor and a delightful crunch that pairs wonderfully with the creamy filling.
   • Candied Pecans: For a more indulgent twist, scatter candied pecans over the pie. The sweet, crunchy nuts add complexity and contrast to the smooth custard and peaches.
4. Serving Temperature & Setting
   • Serve the cream pie chilled or just slightly below room temperature for the best flavor and texture contrast. This pie shines on a warm summer evening, ideally in an outdoor setting where the sweet peaches and cream can be enjoyed under the stars.
   • Pair with light summery dishes like grilled chicken, quinoa salad, or even a fresh caprese salad. These simple, fresh meals allow the richness of the pie to stand out as the star of the meal.

Check out the recipe card below for the full recipe! This custard pie recipe is sure to become a favorite! Make this creamy treat today!