Custard Pie with Praline Sauce: A Slice of Sanity for Busy Moms

Okay, fellow busy moms, let’s chat about something that feels like a warm hug on a plate: Custard Pie with Praline Sauce. This isn’t just dessert; it’s a little slice of sanity in our crazy, wonderful lives. I remember the first time I attempted this. The kids were clamoring for something sweet, and I was determined to make it slightly healthier. It wasn’t easy. I burnt the first batch of praline, my son declared it “too nutty,” and my daughter just wanted sprinkles.

But you know what? We got there. This Custard Pie with Praline Sauce became a dinnertime win, a treat we all look forward to. What started as a baking experiment turned into a family nutrition staple. I never imagined Custard Pie with Praline Sauce could offer so much goodness. It’s proof that even desserts can contribute to our family’s overall wellness.

I’m here to tell you that even with the school runs, the soccer practices, and the mountains of laundry, you can create simple, nourishing goodness. This Custard Pie with Praline Sauce recipe is about to become your new best friend. So grab a cup of coffee, and let’s get started, fellow nutrition-seekers!

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

Here’s a list of ingredients that makes the magic happen. Don’t worry; I’ve included some simple swaps for when you are in a pinch. This Custard Pie with Praline Sauce ingredient list is simple because busy moms need nutrition without complexity!

1 (9-inch) pie crust, pre-made or homemade: Because sometimes, pre-made is the sanity-saver we need.
1 cup heavy cream: Adds richness and that classic custard texture. If you don’t have this you can also use whole milk, just know the Custard Pie with Praline Sauce will be a bit thinner.
½ cup whole milk: For that perfect creamy consistency. My family gets extra nutrition when I add whole milk to the Custard Pie with Praline Sauce
4 large eggs: The binding agent that makes it all work.
⅔ cup granulated sugar: For sweetness, of course! I prefer brown sugar and a bit of honey in my Custard Pie with Praline Sauce.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A touch of warmth.
¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness.
1 cup pecan halves: The star of our praline sauce. Pecans provide healthy fats and fiber, contributing to the nutritional value of this Custard Pie with Praline Sauce.
½ cup packed light brown sugar: Adds depth of flavor to the praline.
¼ cup butter: Because everything is better with butter!
2 tablespoons heavy cream: To make that praline sauce extra luscious.

Trust me, this Custard Pie with Praline Sauce proves nutritious doesn’t mean expensive. You can find these wholesome ingredients at your regular grocery store, making it a convenient choice for busy families.

Let’s Make it Happen!

Alright, here’s how we bring this Custard Pie with Praline Sauce to life! The steps are easy, I promise! This will become a dinnertime nutrition win!

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, let’s move on to the next step!
Prepare the custard filling: In a saucepan, combine heavy cream, milk, and salt. Heat over medium heat until just simmering. Don’t let it boil! This step is crucial for the creamy texture of the Custard Pie with Praline Sauce.
In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This ensures your custard is smooth and not eggy.
Slowly pour the warm cream mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly. This is important to temper the eggs and prevent them from scrambling.
Stir in the vanilla extract. This adds a lovely aroma and flavor.
Pour the custard filling into your prepared pie crust. In my busy kitchen, this nutritious Custard Pie with Praline Sauce usually takes about 45-50 minutes to bake. It’s the perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch!
Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the center is just set. It should still have a slight jiggle. Here’s where I used to struggle with my Custard Pie with Praline Sauce – learn from my experience! Don’t overbake it, or it will crack.
While the pie is baking, prepare the praline sauce: In a saucepan, combine pecan halves, brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the butter is melted and the mixture is bubbling. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Your Custard Pie with Praline Sauce should smell nourishing by now!
Once the pie is done, let it cool slightly. I know, waiting is hard!
Pour the praline sauce over the warm pie. Make sure it’s evenly distributed.
Let the pie cool completely before serving. This allows the custard to set and the flavors to meld.

This Custard Pie with Praline Sauce is a labor of love. While your Custard Pie with Praline Sauce is cooking, take a moment to appreciate nourishing your family!

How We Love to Eat This!

Okay, let’s talk about how we devour this delicious pie! This nutritious Custard Pie with Praline Sauce is a hit any time of the year.

My kids devour this nutritious Custard Pie with Praline Sauce when I serve it with a dollop of whipped cream and a side of fresh berries. The berries add a burst of freshness that cuts through the richness of the pie, making it a balanced and satisfying treat. Plus, berries are packed with antioxidants, adding extra nutrition! I love making this for holidays or birthday celebrations.

For a simple weeknight treat, I sometimes serve a smaller slice with a glass of milk. It’s the perfect way to end a busy day on a sweet note. This Custard Pie with Praline Sauce is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need good nutrition fast! You can even get creative with toppings. A sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of honey adds a fun twist.

Presentation is key when it comes to getting my kids excited about food. I like to arrange the pie slices artfully on a plate with a sprig of mint. It makes it feel extra special. This Custard Pie with Praline Sauce reminds me of another family-healthy favorite. Check out this recipe for Sweet Potato Praline Bread Pudding with Praline Sauce.

Leftovers (if there are any!) are fantastic the next day. I often pack a small slice in my kids’ lunchboxes as a special treat. I’ve even been known to enjoy a slice for breakfast with my coffee. Don’t judge!

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

I know what you’re thinking, fellow nutrition-seekers. Here are some common questions I get about this Custard Pie with Praline Sauce. I hope this helps!

Is this Custard Pie with Praline Sauce really nutritious enough for growing kids?

That’s a great question! While it is dessert, the ingredients offer some nutritional benefits. The pecans provide healthy fats and fiber, and the dairy contributes calcium. Plus, you can always make it healthier by using whole wheat crust and reducing the sugar.

What if my picky eater won’t try this healthy Custard Pie with Praline Sauce?

Ah, picky eaters! I get it. Try serving a tiny slice with something they already love, like a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a side of strawberries. Sometimes, just a little taste is all it takes.

Can I meal prep this Custard Pie with Praline Sauce for busy weeks ahead?

Absolutely! You can bake the pie ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add the praline sauce just before serving to prevent it from getting soggy. If your kids love this wholesome recipe, they’ll go crazy for classic pumpkin pie with pecan praline sauce.

Can I make this Custard Pie with Praline Sauce gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use a gluten-free pie crust. There are many great options available at most grocery stores.

Can I reduce the sugar in this Custard Pie with Praline Sauce?

Definitely! You can reduce the sugar by up to 25% without significantly affecting the taste or texture. You can also use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.

What’s the best way to store leftover Custard Pie with Praline Sauce?

Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze this Custard Pie with Praline Sauce?

While you can freeze it, the texture of the custard may change slightly. If you do freeze it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving. For more simple nutrition ideas for busy families, check out my recipe for potato soup with crispy bacon bits.

Final Thoughts:

This Custard Pie with Praline Sauce is more than just a dessert; it’s a way to bring joy and a little bit of nutrition to our families. It’s about creating memories and enjoying the simple moments together. This Custard Pie with Praline Sauce is an example of sanity-saving nutrition.

My Custard Pie with Praline Sauce Nutrition Hacks:

Use whole wheat pie crust for added fiber.
Reduce the sugar by 25% and use honey or maple syrup.
Serve with fresh berries for added vitamins and antioxidants.

Here are a few family-tested healthy variations of the Custard Pie with Praline Sauce:

Chocolate Custard Pie with Praline Sauce: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the custard filling for a chocolate twist.
Coconut Custard Pie with Praline Sauce: Add ½ cup of shredded coconut to the custard filling.
Maple Custard Pie with Praline Sauce: Substitute maple syrup for the granulated sugar in the custard filling.

My son loves the chocolate version, while my daughter prefers the coconut. I personally love the maple!

Remember, you’re the expert on your family’s tastes and health needs. Make this recipe your own, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Join the conversation about family favorite recipes and share your creations on What are your favorite recipes to share?

I hope this recipe brings as much joy and nourishment to your family as it has to mine. You’ve got this, fellow nutrition-seekers! And if you’re looking for something more substantial but still easy to make, try my maple glazed chicken with sweet potatoes, it’s a weeknight favorite!

Go ahead and try it. You and your family will love this nourishing Custard Pie with Praline Sauce. And be sure to share this simple nutrition tip with all the busy mom’s you know.

Custard Pie with Praline Sauce

Print Recipe

This classic Custard Pie is elevated with a decadent homemade Praline Sauce. The creamy, smooth custard is perfectly balanced by the rich, nutty sweetness of the praline.

Author: Juliette
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Category: Dessert
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust:
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
3-5 tablespoons ice water
For the Custard:
3 cups whole milk
1 vanilla bean, split and scraped
6 large egg yolks
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup heavy cream
For the Praline Sauce:
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
1/2 cup pecans, toasted and chopped
1/4 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

Make the Crust: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough just comes together. Form the dough into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer to a 9-inch pie plate. Trim and crimp the edges.
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line the pie crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes. Remove the parchment paper and pie weights and bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until lightly golden.
Make the Custard: In a saucepan, combine milk and vanilla bean (both pod and scrapings). Heat over medium heat until simmering. Remove from heat and let steep for 15 minutes. Remove the vanilla bean pod.
In a bowl, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, and salt until pale and slightly thickened. Gradually whisk in the warm milk mixture.
Strain the custard mixture through a fine-mesh sieve back into the saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (about 5-7 minutes). Do not boil.
Remove from heat and stir in heavy cream. Pour the custard into the pre-baked pie crust.
Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 30-40 minutes, or until the custard is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. Let cool completely.
Make the Praline Sauce: In a saucepan, combine sugar and 1/4 cup water over medium heat. Cook, without stirring, until the sugar dissolves and turns a deep amber color.
Remove from heat and carefully whisk in the heavy cream and butter. Stir until smooth. Stir in the pecans and salt.
Let the sauce cool slightly before serving.
Slice the pie and drizzle generously with praline sauce.

Notes

Serve chilled with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence.