Apple Pecan Custard Dessert

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Apple Pecan Custard Dessert is a showstopper that’s as delicious as it is comforting. The layers of warm, cinnamon-spiced apples mixed with a smooth custard filling create the perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess. The pecan topping adds a satisfying crunch and richness that complements the softer layers below. It’s easy to prepare, yet it looks and tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen, making it perfect for both everyday treats and special occasions. Plus, the combination of apples and pecans is timeless, especially when paired with the luxurious custard base.

Ingredients

For the apple filling:

• 4 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon butter

For the custard:

• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Pinch of salt

For the pecan topping:

• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preparing the apple filling:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
2. In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the sliced apples, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are slightly softened but not mushy. Remove from heat and set aside.

Preparing the custard:

1. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar together until smooth.
2. Add the vanilla extract, milk, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt. Continue whisking until fully combined.
3. Pour the custard mixture over the cooked apples in the prepared baking dish, making sure to cover the apples evenly.

Preparing the pecan topping:

1. In a small bowl, combine the chopped pecans, brown sugar, melted butter, and flour. Stir until the mixture forms a crumbly texture.
2. Sprinkle the pecan mixture evenly over the custard layer in the baking dish.

Baking the dessert:

1. Bake the dessert in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the custard is set and golden brown on top. The center should be firm to the touch, and a toothpick inserted into the custard should come out clean.
2. Let the dessert cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. This will allow the custard to firm up and make it easier to cut into portions.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8-10
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 35 minutes
• Total time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Make it dairy-free: Use coconut milk and coconut cream in place of the heavy cream and milk, and opt for a dairy-free butter alternative.
• Add spices: For a spicier flavor, add a pinch of ground nutmeg or ginger to the apple filling or custard mixture.
• Add caramel: Drizzle caramel sauce over the top of the pecan topping before serving for an extra indulgent touch.
• Different nuts: If you’re not a fan of pecans, you can substitute them with walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts for a different flavor and texture.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this dessert a day in advance. Simply let it cool completely, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat before serving for the best texture.

2. Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes, you can use any apple variety you prefer, but firmer apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn work best because they hold their shape when baked.

3. Can I use pre-made pie crust for this recipe?

While the dessert doesn’t require a crust, you can easily turn it into a pie-like dessert by adding a prepared pie crust on the bottom. Just pre-bake the crust for a few minutes before adding the apple and custard layers.

4. Can I make this dessert gluten-free?

Yes, you can make the pecan topping gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour.

5. How do I know when the custard is set?

The custard should be firm to the touch and golden brown on top. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick or knife into the center; it should come out clean without any wet custard sticking to it.

6. Can I make the topping without butter?

Yes, you can substitute the butter in the topping with coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute to make it dairy-free.

7. Can I add more fruit to this dessert?

Absolutely! You can add pears, peaches, or even berries to the apple filling for a unique twist and more flavor.

8. How can I make this dessert spicier?

For an extra kick, add a pinch of ground ginger, nutmeg, or cloves to the custard or apple filling to deepen the flavor.

9. Can I freeze this dessert?

You can freeze the dessert before baking, but the texture of the custard may change slightly once thawed. To freeze, assemble the dessert, wrap it tightly, and store it in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Bake it directly from the freezer, adding about 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

10. What’s the best way to serve this dessert?

This dessert is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgent treat.

Conclusion

Apple Pecan Custard Dessert is a warm, comforting treat that combines the best of both worlds: the rich creaminess of custard and the sweet, tart flavor of baked apples, all topped with a crunchy, buttery pecan crumble. It’s the perfect dessert to make any occasion feel extra special, and its ease of preparation makes it a great option for both casual and festive meals. Whether served with a scoop of ice cream or on its own, this dessert is guaranteed to delight!

Apple Pecan Custard Dessert

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Apple Pecan Custard Dessert is a rich, indulgent treat that combines the sweet flavor of apples, creamy custard, and a crunchy pecan topping. It’s perfect for cozy gatherings, holidays, or any time you’re craving a comforting and delicious dessert.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8-10 servings
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

1. 4 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
   
   1/4 cup granulated sugar
   
   1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
   
   1 tablespoon lemon juice
   
   1 tablespoon butter
   
   2 large eggs
   
   1/2 cup granulated sugar
   
   1 teaspoon vanilla extract
   
   1 cup whole milk
   
   1/2 cup heavy cream
   
   Pinch of salt
   
   1/2 cup chopped pecans
   
   1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
   
   2 tablespoons butter, melted
   
   1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch baking dish.

1. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add sliced apples, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until apples are softened. Remove from heat.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk eggs and sugar until smooth. Add vanilla, milk, heavy cream, and salt, whisking until combined.
3. Pour custard mixture over apples in the prepared dish.
4. For the topping, combine pecans, brown sugar, melted butter, and flour. Mix until crumbly and sprinkle over the custard.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until custard is set and top is golden brown. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

1. For a dairy-free version, substitute with coconut milk and coconut cream, and use a dairy-free butter alternative.
2. Add caramel sauce on top before serving for extra richness.
3. If you’d like to make it gluten-free, swap the flour with gluten-free flour blend or almond flour.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 30g
• Sodium: 60mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 105mg