Everyone loves to have a bowl of silky smooth custard that has just the right amount of sweetness one needs after having a meal. To take an ordinary bowl of custard to the next level, you can bake a custard pudding. Custard pie is a timeless classic dessert that has the goodness of custard and the crunchy profile of a pie.
But you would definitely need some practice before you make the perfect custard pudding. Since custard, as is requires a great deal of attention so that it does not have any lumps in the pie, you also have to take care of the fillings you are adding. So, if you’re making custard pie for the first time, here are some tips you should keep handy.
Pre-Bake The Crust
The power of prebaking the crust of a custard pie cannot be overstated. Unlike the usual fruit pies, custard filling is wet, which impacts the crust of the pie. So, ensure that before filling the pie dough with custard, you pre-bake the crust for at least ten minutes. Then, wait for it to cool down before adding the filling to get the crunchiest crust.
Temper The Eggs
While you’re making the custard for a creamy filling to the pie, ensure that the eggs are tempered. Tempering means you’re adding a small amount of a hot liquid like milk or cream to beat the eggs. This process prevents the eggs from curdling when they are suddenly added to a hot liquid. When the eggs are tempered, you get a much creamier and smoother custard with minimal lumps.
Strain The Custard
Another handy tip that you should practice while making a custard pie is to always strain the custard before adding it as a filling. Straining the custard with a fine mesh or a cheesecloth will help you get rid of any lumps that might have formed during cooking to get a smooth filling and, thus, a perfect custard pie.
Don’t Overcook
As a baker, you might be habitual of letting the cookies or cakes bake till they are golden brown in colour. However, that’s not the case with custard pies. Don’t wait for the custard to turn golden brown. Instead, you can check if the pie is done by checking if the texture of the centre is wobbly or not. If the pie is overcooked, the custard will be dry and rubbery.
Be Patient
Lastly, as a baker, you should be patient. Be it while setting the oven to bake the custard pie on low and slow heat or letting the custard cool down, take the time. Note that you should also let the baked custard pie cool down before slicing it for the best taste. So, you should only make a custard pie when you have time in your hands to spend in the kitchen.