There’s something wonderfully timeless about a slice of French Custard Pie with Apples.

This dessert brings together the soft sweetness of baked apples, the silky richness of vanilla custard, and the buttery tenderness of pie crust.

It’s the kind of pie you’d find cooling by the window of a countryside kitchen in Provence.

Elegant yet simple, this dessert is perfect for brunches, afternoon tea, or whenever you want a show-stopper that doesn’t require hours of work.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

A classic French-inspired dessert with universal appeal

Soft, thinly sliced apples layered over flaky crust

Creamy vanilla custard baked to golden perfection

Less sweet than traditional pies—perfect for refined palates

Beautiful and easy to make ahead

What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)

Apples – tart and firm like Granny Smith or Golden Delicious

Pie crust – homemade or store-bought for convenience

Eggs + egg yolks – for rich, creamy custard

Heavy cream + milk – classic French custard base

Vanilla extract – adds deep aroma and flavor

Granulated sugar – just enough sweetness

Flour or cornstarch – to lightly thicken the custard

Cinnamon or nutmeg (optional) – adds warm spice to the apples

Pro Tips Before You Start

Use a removable-bottom tart pan for the most elegant presentation

Thinly slice the apples for even baking and a soft bite

Blind bake the crust to avoid sogginess

Allow the pie to cool fully before slicing—the custard sets as it chills

Dust with powdered sugar or glaze lightly for a pretty finish

 How to Make French Custard Pie with Apples

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch tart pan.

Trim excess edges. Prick the bottom with a fork.

Line with parchment and add pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 10–12 minutes.

Remove weights and bake another 5 minutes. Set aside.

Step 2: Slice the Apples

Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples.

Arrange them over the partially baked crust in overlapping layers or a circular pattern.

Step 3: Make the Custard

In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, yolks, sugar, vanilla, flour (or cornstarch), milk, and heavy cream until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Pour and Bake

Carefully pour the custard over the arranged apples in the crust.

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35–40 minutes, or until custard is set and the top is lightly golden.

Step 5: Cool and Chill

Let pie cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing.

This helps the custard firm up.

What to Serve It With

A scoop of vanilla ice cream

Lightly whipped cream with cinnamon

Fresh berries on the side

A drizzle of caramel or honey

Black tea or a glass of chilled rosé

Variations / Substitutions

Add a layer of apricot jam to the crust before adding apples

Mix pears with apples for seasonal variety

Use almond extract instead of vanilla for a nutty twist

Add a touch of lemon zest to brighten the custard

Sprinkle the top with brown sugar or turbinado before baking for a caramelized top

Storage & Leftovers

Store pie covered in the fridge for up to 4 days

Best served cold or at room temperature

Reheat slices in a 300°F oven if preferred warm

Not recommended for freezing due to the delicate custard

Garnish just before serving for best appearance

FAQs

What apples work best for this recipe?
Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Braeburn.

They hold their shape well and balance the sweetness of the custard.

Do I need to pre-bake the crust?
Yes, blind baking the crust prevents it from becoming soggy once the custard is added.

Can I make this pie a day ahead?
Absolutely. It’s even better the next day after chilling and setting overnight.

Can I use store-bought pie crust?
Yes. While homemade crust is great, store-bought saves time and works just as well.

Can I skip the flour or cornstarch in the custard?
It’s needed to slightly thicken the custard and keep it from separating during baking.

How do I know when the custard is fully baked?
It should be set in the center with a slight jiggle.

A knife inserted should come out clean or with just a hint of moisture.

Final Thoughts

This French Custard Pie with Apples is delicate, refined, and delicious in the most comforting way.

It brings the charm of French patisserie to your kitchen table, yet it’s easy enough for any home baker.

With its buttery crust, silky custard, and softly baked apples, this dessert is guaranteed to win hearts—bite after bite.