French Custard Pie with Apples (Flan Parisien): A Deliciously Elegant Dessert
If you’re a fan of classic French desserts, this French Custard Pie with Apples, also known as Flan Parisien, is a must-try. With a silky, smooth custard base and tender apple slices, this dessert is as elegant as it is delicious. The combination of creamy custard and sweet, tart apples creates a dessert that is light yet satisfying, perfect for any occasion—from a cozy family dinner to a special gathering with friends.
Let’s dive into how to make this timeless French dessert!
Ingredients:
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour (or cake flour)
- ⅔ cup white granulated sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- 5 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream (any dairy whipping cream)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 medium apples, thinly sliced (about ⅛ inch thick)
Directions:
1. Prepare the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the eggs, cream, milk, and vanilla extract. Continue whisking until the batter is smooth and lump-free. The mixture will be relatively thin, which is exactly what you want for this delicate custard.
2. Chill the Batter: Refrigerate the batter for at least 1 hour. This resting period allows the flour to fully hydrate, and the flavors meld together, resulting in a smoother, creamier custard once baked.
3. Preheat and Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (170°C) or 150°C if using a fan-assisted oven. Line a 7.5-inch (19 cm) round cake pan with parchment paper, ensuring the paper hangs over the sides for easy removal later. This will help you lift the pie out of the pan without damaging the custard.
4. Assemble the Pie: After the batter has chilled, remove it from the refrigerator and give it a gentle stir to mix in any flour that may have settled at the bottom. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Arrange the thinly sliced apples evenly over the top of the batter. The apples will float slightly but will settle into the custard as it bakes, creating beautiful layers.
5. Bake the Pie: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a skewer into the center of the pie—it should come out clean when the pie is fully baked. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover the pie loosely with foil, ensuring the foil does not touch the custard to avoid sticking.
6. Cool and Serve: Once the custard pie is baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes to set. Use the overhanging parchment paper to carefully lift the pie out of the pan. You can slice and serve it warm, or refrigerate it and serve chilled. Both ways are equally delicious!
Why You’ll Love This French Custard Pie with Apples:
- Light and Elegant: The creamy custard combined with the tender apple slices creates a dessert that’s light yet indulgent, perfect for any occasion.
- Simple to Make: Despite its elegant presentation, this dessert is easy to prepare and requires minimal ingredients.
- Versatile: Serve this flan warm or chilled, and it pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea.
Serving Suggestions:
This French Custard Pie with Apples is delicious on its own, but you can elevate it with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce. For a more decadent presentation, serve each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Recipe Notes:
- Apple Choices: For the best flavor, use tart apples like Granny Smith, which hold their shape and balance out the sweetness of the custard. If you prefer a sweeter apple pie, Honeycrisp or Fuji apples are great options.
- Storing Leftovers: Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pie is delicious both warm and chilled, making it a great make-ahead dessert for entertaining.
- Customizations: You can add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter to complement the apples. Alternatively, try adding a layer of thinly sliced pears or stone fruit for a variation on this classic recipe.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chilling Time: 1 hour
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Calories per Serving: 280 kcal
This French Custard Pie with Apples is the perfect combination of creamy, silky custard and sweet apples. It’s a classic French dessert that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress anyone who tastes it. Whether you’re serving it warm with a drizzle of caramel or chilled on a hot day, this flan is a versatile dessert you’ll want to make again and again.
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French Custard Pie with Apples (Flan Parisien)
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
Description
This French Custard Pie with Apples, known as Flan Parisien, is a classic dessert that beautifully combines silky smooth custard with the sweet and tart flavor of apples. The custard is creamy and rich, perfectly set with a golden top and slices of baked apples peeking through. The result is a dessert that feels both elegant and comforting.
Ingredients
3/4 cup all-purpose flour (or cake flour)
2/3 cup white granulated sugar
1/2 tsp salt
5 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
1 cup heavy cream (any dairy whipping cream)
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 medium apples, thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch thick)
Instructions
Prepare the batter:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the eggs, cream, milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
Chill the batter:
Refrigerate the batter for at least 1 hour to allow the ingredients to meld and the flour to hydrate.
Preheat and prepare the pan:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (170°C) or 150°C if using a fan-assisted oven. Line a 7.5-inch (19 cm) round cake pan with parchment paper, ensuring it hangs over the sides for easy remorval after baking.
Assemble the pie:
Remove the chilled batter from the refrigerator and stir gently to mix any flour that may have settled at the bottom. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Arrange the thinly sliced apples evenly over the top of the batter.
Bake the pie:
Bake for 45-50 minutes, checking for doneness by inserting a skewer into the middle. It should come out clean when the pie is done. If the top starts to brown too quickly, lightly cover with foil, ensuring the foil does not touch the batter.
Cool and serve:
Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes to set. Use the overhanging parchment paper to lift the custard pie out of the pan. Slice and serve warm, or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 280