Classic Southern Custard Pie (Printable)

Southern custard with golden sugary top and smooth buttery filling infused with vanilla and optional tangy notes.

# What You Need:

→ Crust

01 - 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought)

→ Filling

02 - 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
03 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
04 - 4 large eggs
05 - 1 tablespoon cornmeal
06 - 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
07 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
08 - 1/4 cup whole milk
09 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
10 - 1 tablespoon white vinegar (optional)

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F.
02 - Place the unbaked pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish and crimp the edges as desired.
03 - In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, melted butter, eggs, cornmeal, flour, and salt until smooth.
04 - Add milk, vanilla extract, and white vinegar if using; whisk until fully combined and silky.
05 - Pour the filling evenly into the prepared pie crust.
06 - Bake for 45 to 50 minutes until the center is just set and the top is golden brown, noting the pie will puff and settle as it cools.
07 - Remove from oven and cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It's nearly impossible to mess up, which means you can make it confidently even on your first try.
  • The filling stays creamy inside while the top caramelizes into something almost candy-like, giving you two textures in one bite.
  • It comes together in about 15 minutes of actual work, then the oven does the heavy lifting.
02 -
  • The center will look slightly underbaked when you pull it from the oven, and that's exactly right—it sets perfectly as it cools into that custard texture.
  • If your oven runs hot, your pie might brown too quickly on top; tenting it loosely with foil for the last 15 minutes prevents a burnt sugar crust.
03 -
  • A water bath underneath your pie dish (if your oven has the space) ensures the bottom bakes evenly instead of staying custard-like.
  • Letting your eggs come to room temperature before mixing makes the filling silkier and more uniform in texture.
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