If you have a soft spot for elegant yet simple desserts, this French Custard Pie with Apples (Flan Parisien) Recipe is bound to become one of your favorites. Imagine a silky, creamy custard gently hugging tender slices of apple, baked to golden perfection inside a delicate cake pan lining. This dish perfectly balances a smooth, velvety texture with subtle fruit sweetness, making it ideal for everything from casual afternoon treats to impressive dinner party finales. Trust me, once you savor this classic French custard pie with a touch of apple, you’ll be hooked on making it again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating this French Custard Pie with Apples (Flan Parisien) Recipe requires a handful of straightforward ingredients, each playing a starring role in building its luscious flavor and silky consistency. These simple staples come together harmoniously to form a custard that is rich, smooth, and subtly sweet, while the apples add a lovely texture and natural brightness.
- All-purpose flour: A small amount for structure, ensuring the custard sets just right without being cakey.
- White granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps achieve that classic custard smoothness.
- Salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors beautifully without overpowering.
- Large eggs: Five eggs provide richness and help the custard bake to a silky firmness.
- Whole milk: For creaminess and moisture — the base of the custard’s silky texture.
- Heavy cream: Boosts richness and makes every bite velvety and indulgent.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses the custard with a warm, inviting aroma and subtle sweetness.
- Medium apples: Thinly sliced apples bring a natural fruity brightness and slight crispness that complements the custard beautifully.
How to Make French Custard Pie with Apples (Flan Parisien) Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 325°F (170°C). This relatively low temperature allows the custard to cook gently and evenly without cracking or drying out. Meanwhile, prepare a 7.5-inch round cake pan by lining it with parchment paper; this makes lifting the pie out later a breeze.
Step 2: Whisk the Batter
In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar, mixing well to distribute everything evenly. Next, add the eggs, milk, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Whisk thoroughly until you achieve a smooth, silky batter with no lumps — this is key for that signature creamy texture in the finished pie.
Step 3: Chill the Batter
Place the batter in the refrigerator for at least one hour. Chilling helps the flour absorb the liquid better and gives the custard a chance to develop a more cohesive texture. It also makes the pie easier to handle when baking.
Step 4: Assemble with Apple Slices
Once chilled, pour the custard mixture into the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly. Gently arrange the thin slices of apple on top in an even layer. These apple slices will soften but retain a bit of bite, providing wonderful bursts of flavor and texture in every forkful.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the pie for 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a skewer inserted through the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The top should develop a subtle golden sheen, and the custard beneath will be set but still supple and creamy.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Allow the pie to cool in the pan for 15 to 20 minutes. Then, using the parchment paper, carefully lift it out onto a plate for slicing. This French Custard Pie with Apples (Flan Parisien) Recipe tastes wonderful served warm, but you can also refrigerate it until ready to enjoy. The cold version is just as delightful and refreshing.
How to Serve French Custard Pie with Apples (Flan Parisien) Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar on top adds a delicate sweetness and a pretty finishing touch. For an extra layer of flavor, try a drizzle of warm honey or a sprinkle of cinnamon, which complements the gentle apple notes beautifully. Fresh mint leaves can also bring a pop of color and freshness to the presentation.
Side Dishes
This custard pie shines wonderfully alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For a lighter option, serve it with a crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the dessert’s creamy richness. A cup of black tea or freshly brewed coffee also makes a perfect pairing.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the pie into small squares or rustic wedges and serving it on individual dessert plates with apple compote or caramel sauce drizzled on the side. You can also garnish each portion with thin apple curls or toasted almond slivers for added texture and elegance. This French Custard Pie with Apples (Flan Parisien) Recipe lends itself beautifully to both casual and refined settings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover pie in an airtight container or cover tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and maintain its texture beautifully for up to three days, making it perfect for enjoying as a quick afternoon treat or light dessert after dinner.
Freezing
If you want to keep the pie longer, freezing is an option. Wrap it carefully in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When properly stored, it can last for up to one month in the freezer. To enjoy, thaw the pie overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
For warm, comforting bites, reheat slices gently in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 to 15 minutes. Avoid microwaving, which can alter the smooth custard texture. Reheating brings back a fresh-baked feel and intensifies the fragrant aromas of vanilla and apple.
FAQs
Can I use other types of fruit instead of apples in this recipe?
Absolutely! Pears, peaches, or even berries can be great alternatives. Just keep in mind that the cooking time and texture may vary slightly depending on the fruit’s water content and firmness.
Is it necessary to chill the batter before baking?
Chilling the batter helps the custard set more evenly and improves its texture, so it’s highly recommended. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, but the pie may be less velvety and slightly looser.
What’s the best way to slice this custard pie?
Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between slices to get neat, beautiful pieces. Serving the pie slightly warm makes slicing easier and helps prevent cracking.
Can I make this pie gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures equally. Just ensure the blend contains a binding agent like xanthan gum for best texture results.
How long does this French Custard Pie with Apples (Flan Parisien) Recipe take to prepare and bake?
The total time is about two hours, including an hour for chilling the batter. The baking itself takes around 45 to 50 minutes, so it’s a perfect recipe to make in advance or for a leisurely baking day.
Final Thoughts
This French Custard Pie with Apples (Flan Parisien) Recipe is truly a treasure from the heart of French baking, easy enough to prepare but elegant enough to impress anyone you serve it to. Its silky custard paired with tender apples is pure comfort in every bite. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and enjoy not only the delicious results but also the joy of creating a classic dessert that brings warmth and sweetness to any occasion.
Print
French Custard Pie with Apples (Flan Parisien) Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Description
French Custard Pie with Apples, also known as Flan Parisien, is a creamy, smooth custard baked to perfection with a delicate layer of thinly sliced apples on top. This elegant dessert features a rich blend of eggs, milk, cream, and vanilla, chilled before baking to achieve a silky texture. Perfectly balanced in sweetness and subtly fragrant with vanilla and tender apples, this pie is a classic French treat ideal for serving warm or chilled.
Ingredients
Custard Mixture
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- â…” cup white granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 5 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Topping
- 2 medium apples (thinly sliced)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 325°F (170°C) to ensure it’s at the perfect temperature for baking the custard pie evenly.
- Prepare Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar until combined. Add the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, and vanilla extract, then whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
- Chill Batter: Cover the batter and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This helps the ingredients meld, improving texture and baking results.
- Prepare Pan: Line a 7.5-inch round cake pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the pie after baking.
- Assemble Pie: Pour the chilled batter into the prepared pan evenly. Arrange the thinly sliced apple pieces over the top, slightly pressing them into the custard for stability.
- Bake: Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a skewer into the center; it should come out clean, indicating the custard is set.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the pie to cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes. Lift it out using the parchment paper, slice, and serve either warm or chilled according to preference.
Notes
- Ensure apples are thinly sliced for even cooking and a pleasing texture.
- Chilling the batter is critical for a smooth, creamy custard.
- Use a cake pan lined with parchment paper for easy removal.
- You can substitute the apples with pears or stone fruits for a seasonal variation.
- Serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
- Store leftovers refrigerated and consume within 3 days for best freshness.
