If you’ve never had a French custard pie before, this one’s a beautiful place to start. It’s soft, creamy, and just sweet enough—with a texture that lands somewhere between a flan and a baked pudding. Add thin slices of apple, and you’ve got a comforting, old-world dessert that’s simple but impressive in that understated, “how is this so good?” kind of way.
It’s the kind of pie you don’t see every day, but once you try it, it sticks with you.
What Makes This Pie Special?
French custard pie, also known as Flan Parisien, is traditionally baked in a pastry shell. But in this version, we keep it crustless. That means fewer steps, fewer ingredients, and a lighter feel. The apples on top soften as they bake, adding just enough fruitiness to balance the silky custard.
It’s rustic and elegant at the same time—perfect with a cup of tea or coffee in the afternoon, or as a light dessert after dinner.
This pie is also a make-ahead dream. It slices clean once chilled, travels well, and the flavor gets even better the next day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a crust if I want to?
Absolutely. You can line the pan with a pre-baked tart crust or shortcrust pastry if you want more structure. Just make sure it’s baked and cooled before you pour in the custard.
Do I have to chill the batter?
It’s highly recommended. Chilling helps the flour fully absorb the liquid and makes the texture smoother when baked. You’ll get a more even, set custard with fewer air bubbles.
What kind of apples should I use?
Any variety that holds up to baking will work well—Gala, Honeycrisp, Golden Delicious, or Fuji are all good choices. Slice them thin so they soften nicely in the oven.
Can I skip the apples?
Sure! If you’re after the traditional French custard pie experience, you can leave the apples out completely and just bake the custard on its own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a few basics to make this dessert:
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 5 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 medium apples, thinly sliced
How to Make French Custard Pie with Apples
Step 1: Make the batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Crack in the eggs and whisk until smooth. Add the milk, cream, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until well combined and the mixture looks creamy and lump-free.
Step 2: Chill
Cover the batter and place it in the fridge for at least 1 hour. This helps the custard set properly during baking and gives the flour time to hydrate.
Step 3: Prep your pan
Preheat your oven to 325°F (170°C). Line a round 7.5-inch cake pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides to help lift the pie out later.
Step 4: Assemble the pie
Give your chilled batter a quick stir, then pour it into the prepared pan. Gently layer the apple slices on top of the batter. You can arrange them in a pattern if you’d like, or just scatter them for a rustic look.
Step 5: Bake
Place the pan in the oven and bake for about 45–50 minutes. The top should turn lightly golden, and the center should be set with just a slight wobble. If it browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil during the last 10 minutes.
Step 6: Cool and chill
Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 15–20 minutes. Then, lift it out using the parchment and transfer to a rack to cool completely. For the cleanest slices, chill the pie in the fridge for at least an hour before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Make it gluten-free: Swap in a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour.
- Add some spice: A light sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg over the apples adds a warm, cozy flavor.
- Want it sweeter? This pie is lightly sweet as written. Feel free to increase the sugar to ¾ cup if you prefer a sweeter custard.
How to Store
Store leftovers in the fridge, covered, for up to 4 days. The texture stays nice and creamy, and the flavor even deepens a bit with time. This makes it a great dessert to make ahead for gatherings or holidays.
Final Thoughts
This French Custard Pie with Apples is one of those quiet desserts that doesn’t need a lot of flair to impress. It’s simple, a little old-fashioned, and beautifully balanced. Whether you serve it warm out of the oven or chilled the next day, it’s the kind of recipe that makes you want to slow down and savor every bite.
French Custard Pie Recipe
Ingredients
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 5 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 medium apples thinly sliced
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
- Add eggs and whisk until smooth. Pour in milk, cream, and vanilla. Mix until fully combined.
- Cover and chill the batter for 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 325°F. Line a 7.5-inch round pan with parchment paper.
- Stir the batter and pour into the pan. Top with sliced apples.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes or until custard is set.
- Let cool in pan for 15–20 minutes, then remove and cool completely. Chill before slicing for best results.
