Comforting Custard Pie with Praline Sauce
Okay, here we go! Let’s chat about one of my family’s absolute favorite comfort desserts.
From the first time I tasted a creamy, homemade custard pie, I knew I needed to create a version that would bring the same joy to my own family. The rich, sweet custard paired with the crunchy, buttery praline topping is a combination that’s simply irresistible. It all started when I was searching for a dessert that would be both comforting and a little bit special, something to mark a small family celebration.
Baking can be intimidating, right? I remember my hands trembling a little the first time I tried my hand at making a custard pie. Would the custard set properly? Would the praline sauce be too sticky? Luckily, I found the process surprisingly forgiving! It’s become a tradition, and it’s a tradition I want to share with you because this Custard Pie with Praline Sauce is a guaranteed dinnertime win.
The aroma of warm custard and toasted pecans wafting through the house is a sure sign that everyone will be gathering in the kitchen soon. Sharing this Custard Pie with Praline Sauce is all about creating those cozy family moments. Seeing my family’s smiles after a bite is what makes all the effort worthwhile.
My journey with this Custard Pie with Praline Sauce hasn’t always been smooth. One time, I accidentally used salted butter in the praline sauce (oops!), but even that didn’t stop us from devouring it. My family loves that I keep experimenting.
This recipe for Custard Pie with Praline Sauce is born from my desire to feed my family well without spending hours in the kitchen. If you’re a busy mom looking for a sanity-saving comfort food that will bring smiles to your family’s faces, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s get baking!
INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this comforting Custard Pie with Praline Sauce. Trust me, this ingredient list is simple because busy moms need comfort without complexity!

- 1 (9-inch) unbaked pie crust: Store-bought is totally fine, or homemade if you’re feeling ambitious.
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream: For the creamy custard base.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetness is key!
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- 4 large eggs: They are the binder for the creamy custard pie.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a warm, comforting aroma.
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter: The foundation for our rich praline sauce.
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar: For that caramel-like depth.
- 1/4 cup heavy cream: To bring the praline sauce together.
- 1 cup chopped pecans: Toasted pecans add the perfect crunch.
No worries if you don’t have pecans – I’ve used walnuts for extra comfort in my Custard Pie with Praline Sauce. You can find all of these simple ingredients at your regular grocery store, no fancy specialty shops needed. This Custard Pie with Praline Sauce proves delicious doesn’t mean expensive.
Here’s a Custard Pie with Praline Sauce comfort hack that changed our family’s dessert routine – I prepare the ingredients the night before! It means I can throw it all together quickly the next day. My family gets extra comfort when I add a pinch of cinnamon to the custard for extra warmth.
Let’s Make it Happen!
Alright, let’s get our aprons on and bake this glorious Custard Pie with Praline Sauce! These steps are written like we’re cooking together.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature ensures the custard bakes evenly.
- Prepare the custard filling: In a medium bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, granulated sugar, and salt.
- Whisk in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated. The eggs create a creamy custard pie.
- Stir in the vanilla extract. Vanilla is a little bit of magic.
- Pour the custard filling into the unbaked pie crust. Try to pour it evenly.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the custard is set but still slightly wobbly in the center. In my busy kitchen, this comforting Custard Pie with Praline Sauce usually takes about 50 minutes.
- While the pie is baking, prepare the praline sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Stir in the brown sugar and heavy cream. Don’t stop stirring!
- Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened. Perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch!
- Remove from heat and stir in the chopped pecans. Now the sauce smells like comfort.
- Once the pie is out of the oven, carefully pour the praline sauce over the top. Don’t worry if your Custard Pie with Praline Sauce looks a little jiggly at this point; it will set as it cools.
- Let the pie cool completely before serving. I know, it’s hard, but trust me, it’s worth it! Here’s where I used to struggle with my Custard Pie with Praline Sauce – I’d cut into it while it was still warm. Big mistake!
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. The chill helps the custard set and the praline sauce to firm up slightly.
- Slice, serve, and enjoy! While your Custard Pie with Praline Sauce is cooling, take a moment to appreciate creating comfort for your family! You deserve a little treat yourself.
How We Love to Eat This!
This comforting Custard Pie with Praline Sauce is a family favorite, and we have a few fun ways to enjoy it. The kids devour this comforting Custard Pie with Praline Sauce when I serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream and warm pie are a match made in heaven!
The best part is that this Southern custard pie is delicious any time of the year. This Custard Pie with Praline Sauce is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need comfort food fast! This creamy custard pie is also a star at family gatherings. I always get requests for the recipe!
Presentation-wise, a simple dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance. For a seasonal twist, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the custard filling during the fall and winter months. I once tried a classic pumpkin pie with pecan praline sauce – smitten kitchen which gave me inspiration!
Leftovers (if there are any!) can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The secret is a tight cover on top, to keep the praline sauce from drying. It also makes a decadent topping for waffles or pancakes the next morning. Talk about a breakfast win! This Custard Pie with Praline Sauce reminds me of another family favorite, my cheesesteak tortellini with provolone sauce because it’s quick, simple, and satisfying!
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Here are some common questions I get from other busy moms about making this Custard Pie with Praline Sauce. I’m answering them like I’m helping a fellow mom because, well, I am!
- Is this Custard Pie with Praline Sauce really filling enough for growing kids? Absolutely! The creamy custard and rich praline sauce provide a satisfying and comforting dessert that will definitely fill them up.
- What if my picky eater won’t try this Custard Pie with Praline Sauce? I get it. Start with a small sliver and encourage them to try just one bite. The sweet and crunchy praline topping is usually a hit.
- Can I meal prep this Custard Pie with Praline Sauce for busy weeks ahead? Yes! You can bake the pie a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just add the praline sauce right before serving to prevent it from getting soggy.
- Can I use a different type of nut in the praline sauce? Of course! Walnuts or almonds would also be delicious. In fact, Killer Southern Pumpkin Praline Pie. Recipe from Livin’ the Pie Life … uses pumpkin, pecans, and a praline.
- What if my pie crust is browning too quickly? You can use a pie shield or loosely cover the crust with foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking. I am always happy when I have crust shields ready to go.
- Can I freeze this Custard Pie with Praline Sauce? While you can freeze it, the texture of the custard might change slightly. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of baking.
- What’s the best way to reheat leftover Custard Pie with Praline Sauce? Honestly, we usually eat it cold straight from the fridge! But if you prefer it warm, you can gently reheat a slice in the microwave for a few seconds.
Final Thoughts:
This Custard Pie with Praline Sauce has become a staple in our home because it’s more than just a dessert; it’s a symbol of comfort, connection, and those sweet moments we share as a family. It’s something that A Feast of Plenty – Paula Deen knows all about.
My Custard Pie with Praline Sauce Comfort Hacks:
- Use store-bought pie crust: Saves time and tastes just as good!
- Make the praline sauce ahead of time: One less thing to worry about on baking day.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon to the custard: It adds warmth and depth.
Family-Tested Custard Pie with Praline Sauce Variations:
- Chocolate Custard Pie with Praline Sauce: Add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the custard filling.
- Coconut Custard Pie with Praline Sauce: Sprinkle shredded coconut over the pie before baking.
- Bourbon Custard Pie with Praline Sauce: Add a tablespoon of bourbon to the praline sauce for a boozy twist.
My son loves the chocolate version, while my daughter prefers the classic recipe. I encourage you to experiment and make it your own way! If your kids love this hearty recipe, they’ll go crazy for my spanish potato soup with chorizo, another MommiesMore favorite.
I hope this recipe brings as much joy and comfort to your family as it has to mine. Don’t be afraid to get creative and have fun in the kitchen. You’ve got this!
Remember, it’s all about creating those simple, satisfying moments with the people you love. So go ahead, bake this Custard Pie with Praline Sauce and let the deliciousness begin! For more simple comfort food ideas for busy families, check out my maple glazed chicken with sweet potatoes!
Custard Pie with Praline Sauce
This creamy custard pie is elevated by a rich and buttery praline sauce. The perfect decadent dessert for any occasion!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 190 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- For the Custard Pie:
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 pre-made pie crust (9-inch)
- For the Praline Sauce:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Make the Custard: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a saucepan, combine heavy cream, milk, sugar, and salt. Heat over medium heat until simmering, stirring until sugar is dissolved.
- Remove from heat and whisk in vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks. Gradually pour a small amount of the hot cream mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly to temper the eggs. Pour the egg mixture into the remaining cream mixture and whisk to combine.
- Pour the custard into the pre-made pie crust. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the custard is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Let cool completely on a wire rack. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
- Make the Praline Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add brown sugar and cook, stirring constantly, until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
- Stir in heavy cream, pecans, and salt. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Let cool slightly.
- Serve: Slice the custard pie and drizzle with warm praline sauce.
Notes
For an extra nutty flavor, toast the pecans before adding them to the praline sauce. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.


