Name: Almond Custard Pie
Prep time: 1 h 30 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 2 h 25 min
Cuisine: French-Inspired
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed; 1 tsp Diamond Crystal or 1/2 tsp Morton kosher salt; 4 tsp gin, vodka, or ice water (as needed); 2 1/2 cups almond flour or finely ground almond meal; 9 large egg yolks; 2 large eggs; 1 1/8 cups granulated sugar; 1/4 tsp almond extract

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Almond Custard Pie is a rich and elegant dessert that marries the silkiness of custard with the nutty depth of ground almonds. Nestled in a buttery, flaky crust, this pie bakes to a golden finish with a deeply caramelized top and a tender, luxurious center. It’s a refined, subtly sweet offering perfect for special occasions, holiday tables, or simply when you crave a classic dessert with a twist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pie is a showcase of balance and simplicity—rich but not heavy, sweet but not overpowering. The almond custard delivers a warm, nutty flavor enhanced by a touch of almond extract, while the silky texture is contrasted beautifully by the flaky, buttery pastry crust. With minimal ingredients and maximum impact, it’s the kind of bake that feels timeless and indulgent. Plus, the beautifully caramelized surface gives each slice a rustic, golden charm that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Crust
all-purpose flour
unsalted butter, cold and cubed
kosher salt (Diamond Crystal or Morton)
gin, vodka, or ice water (for moisture and flakiness)

For the Almond Custard Filling
almond flour or finely ground almond meal
egg yolks
large eggs
almond extract
granulated sugar

Directions

Prepare the Crust:

In a food processor, pulse the flour and salt to combine.
Add the cubed cold butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add the gin, vodka, or ice water one teaspoon at a time, pulsing gently after each addition, until the dough just begins to hold together.
Form the dough into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for 1 hour.
Roll the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface into a circle large enough for a 9-inch deep pie dish.
Gently press into the dish, trim any excess, and chill again while you prepare the filling.

Make the Almond Custard Filling:

In a large bowl, whisk together the almond flour, granulated sugar, egg yolks, whole eggs, and almond extract until smooth and well combined.
Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes to slightly thicken.

Assemble & Bake:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Pour the almond custard filling into the chilled pie crust and smooth the surface.
Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and slightly caramelized, and the center has just a subtle jiggle when gently shaken.
Remove from oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature before slicing.

Serve:
Serve at room temperature or chilled. Enjoy on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream or crème fraîche for added richness.

Servings and timing

Servings: 10 slices
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Cooking Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
Calories per serving: 420 kcal

Variations

Citrus Note: Add the zest of an orange or lemon to the custard for a bright, aromatic twist.
Frangipane Finish: Swirl in a bit of apricot or raspberry jam just before baking for a layered flavor.
Almond Topping: Sprinkle sliced almonds on top before baking for extra texture and visual appeal.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the crust with a gluten-free flour blend or almond-based crust.
Spiced Version: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the custard for warmth and complexity.

storage/reheating

Store the pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For best texture, bring to room temperature before serving. This pie is not recommended for freezing due to the custard’s delicate structure. Reheating is not necessary and may affect texture; serve cold or gently warmed if desired.

FAQs

Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes, the pie can be made up to one day in advance. Chill after cooling and serve at room temperature or cold.

Can I use store-bought pie crust?

Yes, for convenience, you can use a pre-made crust, but the flavor and flakiness of homemade dough are superior.

Is almond flour the same as almond meal?

They are similar, but almond flour is typically finer. Either can be used in this recipe for a smooth custard.

Can I use a different nut flour?

Yes, hazelnut or pistachio flour would work well and offer unique flavor variations.

How do I know when the pie is done?

The center should have a slight jiggle, and the top should be evenly golden and caramelized.

Can I substitute almond extract?

You can omit or replace it with vanilla extract, though almond extract intensifies the nutty flavor.

Why use vodka or gin in the crust?

Alcohol helps hydrate the dough without developing gluten, resulting in a more tender, flaky crust.

Can I freeze the crust dough?

Yes, the dough can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using.

What pairs well with this pie?

It pairs beautifully with whipped cream, coffee, or a glass of dessert wine like Moscato or Amaretto.

How do I get clean slices?

Cool the pie completely before slicing. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts.

Conclusion

Almond Custard Pie is a timeless dessert with a luxurious twist—perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or a quiet indulgence with coffee. Its golden, nutty filling and flaky pastry base come together in harmony, offering rich flavor and satisfying texture in every bite. Whether you enjoy it as a standalone treat or dress it up with cream or fruit, this pie is sure to impress and comfort in equal measure.

Almond Custard Pie

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This Almond Custard Pie is a golden masterpiece—featuring a tender, buttery crust and a rich, nutty filling made with almond flour, egg yolks, and a hint of almond extract. Caramelized on top and luxuriously smooth at the center, it’s an elegant dessert perfect for holidays or any special occasion.

Author: Asma
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
Yield: 10 slices
Category: Pie, Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: French-Inspired, Classic
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust:

In a food processor, pulse together flour and salt. Add cubed butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add gin, vodka, or ice water one teaspoon at a time, pulsing until the dough just comes together.
Shape into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for 1 hour.
Roll out the dough on a floured surface and press into a 9-inch deep pie dish. Chill while preparing the filling.

2. Make the Almond Custard Filling:

In a large bowl, whisk almond flour, sugar, egg yolks, whole eggs, and almond extract until smooth.
Let the mixture rest for 5 minutes to thicken slightly.

3. Assemble & Bake:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Pour the custard filling into the prepared crust.
Bake for 45–55 minutes, until the top is deep golden and the center has a slight jiggle.
Cool completely at room temperature before slicing.

4. Serve:

Serve at room temperature or chilled.
Enjoy as-is or with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.

Notes

Vodka or gin helps create a flakier crust without toughening the dough.
Letting the custard rest helps the almond flour absorb moisture and improve texture.
Can be made a day ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator.