Pistachio Custard Pie Recipe

Introduction

Pistachio Custard Pie is a rich and creamy dessert that perfectly balances nutty flavors with a smooth custard texture. This elegant pie features a buttery pistachio crust filled with a luscious pistachio-infused custard, making it a delightful treat for any occasion.

A close-up view of a pie in a white pie dish with a crimped, golden-brown crust forming the bottom and sides as the first layer. The second layer is a smooth, finely ground greenish pistachio filling that covers the bottom inside the crust. On top of this is a ring of white whipped cream swirled into rosettes, each topped with a sprinkle of crushed pistachios for a touch of green and yellow color. The pie dish sits on a white marbled surface, and a small bowl with extra crushed pistachios is placed nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 ¼ cups all purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 Tablespoons white granulated sugar
  • 8 Tablespoons cold salted butter, cubed
  • ¼ cup finely chopped pistachios
  • 6-8 Tablespoons ice water
  • 1 cup lightly salted roasted pistachios
  • 1 cup white granulated sugar
  • 8 oz cream cheese
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • Whipped cream for topping

Instructions

  1. Step 1: For the crust, combine flour, salt, and 2 tablespoons sugar in a bowl or food processor. Add cold butter and cut it into the flour mixture using a fork until the butter forms pea-sized chunks. If using a food processor, pulse about 30 seconds.
  2. Step 2: Stir in finely chopped pistachios. Add ice water 1-2 tablespoons at a time, mixing just enough to form a dough ball. Avoid overworking. Shape into a disc, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  4. Step 4: In a blender or food processor, combine lightly salted pistachios with half a cup of sugar and blend until finely ground.
  5. Step 5: In a bowl, beat the remaining half cup of sugar with softened cream cheese until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  6. Step 6: Mix in vanilla and almond extracts along with whole milk, whisking until combined. Stir in the ground pistachio mixture until smooth.
  7. Step 7: Roll out the chilled pie dough and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish. Crimp the edges as desired.
  8. Step 8: Pour the custard filling into the crust. Bake for 45-50 minutes, until the outer 3 inches of the pie are set but the center is still slightly jiggly.
  9. Step 9: Let the pie cool completely for 1-2 hours, then refrigerate for 2-3 hours until fully chilled.
  10. Step 10: Serve cold, topped with whipped cream and sprinkled with chopped pistachios.

Tips & Variations

  • For a gluten-free crust, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
  • Use unsalted pistachios and adjust added salt to control overall saltiness.
  • Toast the chopped pistachios before adding to the crust for extra flavor.
  • Add a splash of coffee or espresso powder to the filling for a subtle mocha note.

Storage

Store leftover pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slightly in a low oven if preferred warm, but this pie is best served cold. Leftovers can also be frozen for up to one month; thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

How to Serve

A close-up of a pie in a white ceramic dish with a golden-brown crust that looks thick and crumbly around the edges. The filling is smooth and light greenish-yellow with a crushed pistachio topping. On top of the filling, there are large swirls of white whipped cream arranged in a ring near the crust, each dollop sprinkled with crushed pistachios. The pie sits on a white marbled surface with a small wooden bowl of ground pistachios and a rolling pin in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use shelled pistachios instead of roasted?

Yes, you can use raw shelled pistachios, but roasting them first enhances their flavor and adds a nice depth to the pie.

Is it necessary to refrigerate the pie before serving?

Yes, chilling the pie allows the custard to fully set and develop its flavors, resulting in a creamier texture and better sliceability.

Print
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Pistachio Custard Pie Recipe


  • Author: Harper
  • Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes plus 2-3 hours refrigeration
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Pistachio Custard Pie features a buttery pistachio-infused crust filled with a creamy, smooth pistachio custard. Blended pistachios give the custard a rich nutty flavor complemented by subtle notes of almond and vanilla. Baked to perfection, this elegant dessert is best served chilled with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of chopped pistachios for added crunch.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust

  • 1 ¼ cups all purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 Tablespoons white granulated sugar
  • 8 Tablespoons cold salted butter, cubed
  • ¼ cup finely chopped pistachios
  • 68 Tablespoons ice water

For the Filling

  • 1 cup lightly salted roasted pistachios
  • 1 cup white granulated sugar, divided
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • Whipped cream for topping

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Crust: In a bowl or food processor, combine flour, salt, and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Add the cold, cubed salted butter and cut it into the flour mixture using a fork until the butter pieces are pea-sized. If using a food processor, pulse for about 30 seconds.
  2. Add Pistachios and Water: Stir in the finely chopped pistachios. Add ice water, 1-2 tablespoons at a time, mixing just until the dough forms a ball. Avoid overworking the dough. Shape the dough into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  3. Preheat the Oven: Set oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the pie.
  4. Grind Pistachios for Filling: In a blender or food processor, combine the whole roasted pistachios with half a cup of sugar to prevent clumping. Blend until the pistachios are finely ground and powdery.
  5. Mix the Filling Base: In a mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese with the remaining half cup of sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each egg.
  6. Add Extracts and Milk: Stir in the vanilla extract, almond extract, and whole milk. Whisk thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
  7. Incorporate Ground Pistachios: Fold the ground pistachio and sugar mixture into the cream cheese mixture, whisking until the custard filling is smooth.
  8. Roll Out the Crust: Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on a floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Transfer dough to the pie dish and crimp the edges neatly.
  9. Assemble and Bake: Pour the pistachio custard filling into the prepared pie crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, until the outer 3 inches of the filling are set but the center may still jiggle slightly.
  10. Cool and Chill: Allow the pie to cool completely at room temperature for 1-2 hours, then refrigerate for an additional 2-3 hours until it is thoroughly chilled and set.
  11. Serve: Serve the cold pistachio custard pie topped with whipped cream and a sprinkling of chopped pistachios for garnish and added texture.

Notes

  • Do not overwork the pie dough to keep the crust tender and flaky.
  • The custard center may look slightly jiggly upon removal from the oven; it will set further as it cools and chills.
  • Using roasted pistachios enhances nuttiness in the filling, but unsalted pistachios can be used for less salt.
  • Ensure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
  • Chilling the pie after baking is essential for proper slicing and flavor development.
  • Prep Time: 35 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: pistachio pie, custard pie, nut dessert, creamy pie, baked pistachio dessert

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