There’s something utterly enchanting about French Custard Pie with Apples (Flan Parisien), a dessert that weaves together the ease of rustic baking with an air of Parisian elegance. Picture a flaky, buttery crust layered with tender cinnamon-scented apples, all nestled beneath a silky, creamy custard that bakes up golden and sumptuous. Each bite folds together subtle sweetness, a whisper of vanilla, and the comforting tartness of fresh apples. Whether you’re sharing it with friends over coffee or indulging in a quiet moment for yourself, this French classic brings just enough magic to make any day feel a little more special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of French Custard Pie with Apples (Flan Parisien) is that it relies on everyday staples, each playing a vital role in creating its signature texture and flavor. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll transform your kitchen into a little corner of France.
- Pie Crust: A ready-made or homemade crust forms the buttery, flaky base that supports the custard and apples.
- Apples (3 large): Go for a mix of tart and sweet varieties for depth of flavor and a pleasing texture after baking.
- Whole Milk (2 cups): Provides the creamy foundation that’s essential for a smooth, velvety custard.
- Heavy Cream (1 cup): Adds an unctuous richness that sets this custard apart from lighter versions.
- Granulated Sugar (1 cup): Lends just the right amount of sweetness, balancing the tartness of the apples.
- Eggs (5 large): Eggs give the custard its structure while keeping it tender and sliceable.
- Unsalted Butter (1 tablespoon): Sautéing apples in butter amplifies their sweetness and infuses them with warmth.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Just a dash brings out classic French custard flavors and deepens the aroma.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): A little boost for a set, creamy custard that still melts in your mouth.
- All-Purpose Flour (1 tablespoon): Helps stabilize the filling without making it dense.
- Ground Cinnamon (1/4 teaspoon): Plays up the apples and adds a cozy note.
- Salt (1/8 teaspoon): Just enough to enhance the sweetness and complexity of every bite.
- Powdered Sugar (optional, for dusting): A final flourish for a touch of sweetness and a hint of café-style charm.
How to Make French Custard Pie with Apples (Flan Parisien)
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll the ready-made pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish, gently pressing it into the corners. Prick the bottom with a fork a few times to prevent puffing. Blind baking the crust for 10 minutes ensures it stays crisp and golden, ready to cradle the creamy custard and apples.
Step 2: Sauté the Apples
In a medium skillet, melt the tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add your peeled, cored, and thinly sliced apples with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the apples are just softened and lightly fragrant. This step infuses them with flavor and ensures they bake up perfectly tender in your French Custard Pie with Apples (Flan Parisien).
Step 3: Arrange the Apples
Take those warm, buttery apple slices and spread them evenly over the pre-baked crust. Arranging them in a neat layer ensures each slice of pie gets a generous portion of fruit, and helps the custard bake up beautifully all around it.
Step 4: Prepare the Custard
In a medium saucepan, gently heat the whole milk and heavy cream over medium heat. Watch closely, letting the mixture get steamy but never boiling—this preserves the delicate texture that defines a great custard.
Step 5: Whisk and Combine
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, granulated sugar, cornstarch, flour, salt, and vanilla extract until smooth and pale. With a steady hand, slowly pour the hot milk-cream mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly. This step, called tempering, cooks the eggs gently without curdling, forming a perfect custard base for your French Custard Pie with Apples (Flan Parisien).
Step 6: Thicken the Custard
Return this custard mixture to the saucepan and set it over low heat. Stir continuously for 3 to 4 minutes, until it’s just slightly thickened—think the consistency of heavy cream. This helps the pie set up neatly once baked.
Step 7: Assemble and Bake
Pour the custard carefully over the apples in the crust, allowing it to fill every nook and cranny. Slide the pie into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. The top should be golden with just a hint of jiggle at the center. Resist the urge to slice right away!
Step 8: Cool and Chill
This French Custard Pie with Apples (Flan Parisien) is best enjoyed chilled. Let it cool completely on a wire rack, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours so the custard can set to sliceable perfection. Dust generously with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.
How to Serve French Custard Pie with Apples (Flan Parisien)
Garnishes
Finish your pie with a snowfall of powdered sugar right before serving. For extra flair, add a few apple slices or a subtle sprinkle of cinnamon over the top. A dollop of whipped cream on each slice feels wonderfully indulgent and complements the custard’s richness.
Side Dishes
Pair your French Custard Pie with Apples (Flan Parisien) with a steaming cup of coffee or a pot of black tea. Lightly sweetened crème fraîche or a simple vanilla ice cream scoop can create a delightful contrast, making each forkful feel even more luxurious.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant twist, bake mini custard pies in tartlet pans for individual servings at a brunch or party. A drizzle of salted caramel or a scattering of toasted almonds can elevate presentation and add texture. Serving the pie on vintage plates or with gold flatware adds a touch of French bistro drama to your table spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover any remaining French Custard Pie with Apples (Flan Parisien) tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. It keeps well for up to three days, maintaining its creamy texture and satisfying apple layers. Refrigeration also keeps the crust from getting soggy.
Freezing
While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze slices of French Custard Pie with Apples (Flan Parisien) for up to one month. Wrap each slice well in plastic wrap and foil to preserve freshness, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating
To serve leftovers slightly warm, place individual slices in a low oven (about 300°F) for 10 minutes. The pie is also delicious straight from the fridge, as the custard remains creamy and the flavors more pronounced when cold.
FAQs
Can I use a homemade pie crust instead of ready-made?
Absolutely! A homemade crust adds a truly personal touch, and flaky, buttery results make the pie even more special. Just be sure to blind bake it as you would with a store-bought crust for best results.
What are the best apples to use for this recipe?
Tart varieties like Granny Smith balance the richness of the custard beautifully, but mixing in something sweeter, like Honeycrisp, creates deeper flavor and texture. Going for a blend of apples gives both bite and natural apple sweetness in every forkful.
How do I know when the custard is set?
Look for a golden top with just a slight jiggle at the center when you gently shake the pan. The custard will continue to set as it cools and chills, so don’t worry if it looks a bit soft when you first pull it from the oven.
Can I make French Custard Pie with Apples (Flan Parisien) a day in advance?
Definitely! In fact, this pie is even better after several hours or overnight in the fridge. The flavors meld and the custard slices neatly, making it ideal for entertaining or prepping ahead.
Does this dessert work with other fruits?
It certainly does! While apples are classic, you could swap in thinly sliced pears, stone fruits, or even berries for a seasonal twist. Just adjust the sautéing time to match the fruit; softer fruits need less time on the stove.
Final Thoughts
French Custard Pie with Apples (Flan Parisien) is a dessert that never fails to impress, yet is simple enough for any day of the week. The cozy apples and smooth, creamy custard are sure to make their way into your list of favorites. Try it once, and you’ll find yourself craving it again and again!
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French Custard Pie with Apples (Flan Parisien) Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of this French Custard Pie with Apples, also known as Flan Parisien. This creamy and luscious dessert features a buttery crust filled with tender cinnamon-spiced apples and a silky custard filling. Perfect for any occasion, this pie is a true showstopper.
Ingredients
Pie Crust:
- 1 ready-made pie crust (9-inch)
Apple Filling:
- 3 large apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Custard:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 5 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Additional:
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Roll out pie crust and blind bake for 10 minutes.
- Sauté apples: Sauté apple slices with butter and cinnamon until softened.
- Prepare custard: Heat milk and cream, then mix with egg, sugar, cornstarch, flour, salt, and vanilla. Cook until thickened.
- Assemble and bake: Spread apples on crust, pour custard over apples, and bake for 35–40 minutes.
- Chill and serve: Cool, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- For a deeper flavor, mix tart and sweet apples.
- Best served chilled but also delicious at room temperature.
- To make ahead, prepare a day in advance and refrigerate.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 95 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
