Say bonjour to your new dessert obsession: French Custard Pie with Apples (Flan Parisien)! This stunningly elegant tart boasts a creamy, vanilla-scented custard nestled in flaky puff pastry, layered with slices of tender apple for just the right touch of orchard sweetness. Every bite is pure French comfort with a twist, making this showstopper perfect for impressing guests or simply indulging yourself. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just getting your feet wet, you’ll fall in love with the simplicity and unforgettable flavor of this classic-meets-modern treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of French Custard Pie with Apples (Flan Parisien) lies in its humble pantry ingredients, each one playing a star role in the final masterpiece. Don’t be tempted to substitute—these essentials create that unforgettable texture, golden hue, and luscious flavor.
- Puff pastry sheet: Store-bought or homemade, this forms a golden, flaky base that makes your pie effortless and special.
- Large apples: Firm apples like Honeycrisp or Golden Delicious offer structure and a delicate, juicy bite without turning mushy.
- Whole milk: The primary base for a silky, rich custard while keeping the flavor pure and milky.
- Heavy cream: Adds lushness and mouthfeel, elevating the custard from ordinary to extraordinary.
- Large eggs: These provide structure and help set the custard while imparting richness and color.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the custard just enough to highlight the apples and vanilla.
- Cornstarch: Key for thickening the custard to that perfect, sliceable consistency.
- Vanilla extract: Brings beautiful aroma and classic custard flavor—don’t skimp on quality if you can.
- Unsalted butter: Just a bit for greasing, ensuring your pie releases effortlessly with the most delicate edges.
- Powdered sugar (optional): A dusting for a picture-perfect finish and a whisper of extra sweetness.
How to Make French Custard Pie with Apples (Flan Parisien)
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Pastry
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and giving a 9-inch tart or pie pan a generous buttering. Roll out your puff pastry and gently press it into the pan, making sure it fits snugly all around—trim away any extra overhanging pastry for a neat edge. To prevent a soggy bottom, give the crust a few good pricks with a fork and stash it in the fridge while you move on to the custard.
Step 2: Warm the Milk and Cream
In a medium saucepan, combine the whole milk and heavy cream, heating over medium until you see steam begin to rise and tiny bubbles form at the edges. Don’t let it come to a full boil—just a gentle simmer will help infuse the creamy base and set you up for that velvety French Custard Pie with Apples (Flan Parisien) texture. Remove from the heat once ready.
Step 3: Whisk the Eggs, Sugar, Cornstarch, and Vanilla
While the milk and cream are heating, grab a mixing bowl and whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract until completely smooth. This not only combines the ingredients but ensures your custard will be lump-free and irresistibly creamy.
Step 4: Temper and Combine
With one hand, slowly stream the warm milk mixture into your egg mixture, whisking constantly with the other hand. This steady stirring gently raises the temperature of the eggs without scrambling them, giving you the luscious custard that makes French Custard Pie with Apples (Flan Parisien) truly unforgettable.
Step 5: Thicken the Custard
Pour the whole mixture back into your saucepan and return to low heat. Stir continuously—it can take a few minutes, but once the mixture thickens to a creamy, pudding-like consistency you’ll know it’s ready. Remove it from the heat and give it a few minutes to cool slightly.
Step 6: Assemble the Pie
Take your chilled pastry shell from the fridge and arrange the thinly sliced apples evenly across the base. Pour the warm—never hot—custard over the apples, then use a spatula to smooth the top so the apples are nestled under a smooth, pale blanket.
Step 7: Bake
Bake your masterpiece for about 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the center is set but still has the tiniest jiggle. This ensures a creamy, dreamy interior worthy of a French bakery window. Let the pie cool at room temperature before chilling it in the fridge for at least 2 hours (or overnight, if you have the patience!).
How to Serve French Custard Pie with Apples (Flan Parisien)
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar gives your French Custard Pie with Apples (Flan Parisien) that classic pâtisserie finish. For a touch of sparkle and extra sweetness, try a drizzle of warm apricot jam or a few delicate curls of lemon zest just before serving. These little touches add elegance without overpowering the custard and apples.
Side Dishes
This pie is so luscious it hardly needs anything else, but for a dreamy French-style dessert spread, pair each slice with softly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. If you want something a bit lighter, serve with a handful of fresh berries or a spoonful of tangy crème fraîche to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Give your French Custard Pie with Apples (Flan Parisien) flair by plating each slice with a fan of raw apple slices or edible flowers. Individual tartlets are a fun, fancy option for parties. Or, use a stencil for patterned powdered sugar designs on top—the wow factor is real!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any slices left, simply cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap or foil and keep it refrigerated. French Custard Pie with Apples (Flan Parisien) stays fresh for up to three days, retaining its silky texture and delicate flavor.
Freezing
While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the whole pie or individual slices for up to one month. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and pop into a zip-top bag. Thaw slowly in the refrigerator to keep the custard smooth and the pastry crisp.
Reheating
Enjoy this dessert straight from the fridge, or bring to room temperature before serving for the creamiest bite. If you prefer a warm twist, reheat a slice at low power in the microwave for a few seconds—just enough to take the chill off without melting the custard.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Dessert
Absolutely! While Honeycrisp and Golden Delicious are favorites for their firm shape and sweet flavor, feel free to use whatever crisp apples you love best. Just avoid mealy or overly tart apples, as they can alter both texture and taste.
Do I have to use puff pastry, or can I substitute with pie crust?
Puff pastry gives the pie its signature flaky and buttery lift, but a traditional pie crust can work if that’s what you have on hand. The result will be slightly different but still delicious—and it might remind you more of a classic American custard pie with a French twist.
Can French Custard Pie with Apples (Flan Parisien) be made gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use a high-quality gluten-free puff pastry or pie dough. Double-check all your other ingredients to ensure they’re gluten-free, and you’ll have a safe and scrumptious dessert everyone can enjoy.
How do I know when the custard is perfectly baked?
The custard is ready when it’s set around the edges but still has a gentle wobble in the center—think of how a cheesecake should look. If you like a firmer texture, just leave it in the oven for an extra 5 minutes.
Can I make the custard ahead of time?
Definitely! The custard for French Custard Pie with Apples (Flan Parisien) can be made a day in advance and stored covered in the fridge. This not only saves time on the day you bake, but also helps the flavors come together beautifully.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dessert that’s comforting, beautiful, and just a little bit fancy, French Custard Pie with Apples (Flan Parisien) is the answer. Give this recipe a try and let each creamy, apple-laced bite transport you straight to a sunny Parisian café—you’ll want to make it again and again!
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French Custard Pie with Apples (Flan Parisien) Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and creamy delight of a classic French Custard Pie with a delightful twist of apples. This Flan Parisien is a heavenly dessert that marries the silky smooth custard with the sweet and slightly tart flavor of apples, all nestled in a buttery puff pastry crust.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed if frozen
Apples:
- 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
Custard:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 large eggs
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Additional:
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for greasing)
- powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9-inch tart or pie pan.
- Prepare pastry: Roll out the puff pastry, line the pan, and chill.
- Make custard: Heat milk and cream, mix eggs, sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla. Combine mixtures and cook until thickened.
- Assemble: Arrange apple slices in the pastry, pour custard over, and bake.
- Bake: Bake for 40-45 minutes until set. Cool, then chill before serving.
Notes
- Use firm apples like Honeycrisp or Golden Delicious.
- Custard can be made ahead and refrigerated.
- For firmer texture, bake an additional 5 minutes.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
