Egg Yolk Pie is an old-fashioned dessert that uses extra egg yolks to create a rich, custardy filling inside a flaky pie crust. It’s ideal if you’ve recently made meringue or macarons and have leftover yolks — and don’t want to waste them!
This pie is creamy, sweet, and similar in texture to a chess pie or custard pie, with a golden, velvety interior.
🥧 Egg Yolk Pie (Rich Custard Pie)
Makes: One 9-inch pie | Prep Time: 15 mins | Bake Time: 45–50 mins
Uses 6–8 egg yolks
🛒 Ingredients:
For the Filling:
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6–8 egg yolks
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1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
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2 tbsp cornstarch
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½ tsp salt
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1 ½ cups whole milk (or evaporated milk for a deeper flavor)
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2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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Optional: ½ tsp lemon zest, nutmeg, or cinnamon for added flavor
For the Crust:
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1 9-inch pie crust, unbaked (store-bought or homemade)
👩🍳 Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven
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Set oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the Pie Shell
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Place the unbaked pie crust into a 9-inch pie plate. Crimp the edges and set aside.
3. Make the Filling
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In a mixing bowl, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and salt until well blended.
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Slowly whisk in milk, followed by melted butter and vanilla extract (plus zest or spices, if using).
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Whisk until smooth.
4. Fill and Bake
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Pour filling into the pie shell.
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Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the center is mostly set and only slightly wobbly in the middle.
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The top may puff slightly and set to a light golden color.
5. Cool and Serve
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Cool completely on a wire rack.
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Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before slicing.
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Serve as-is, or topped with whipped cream, berries, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
🧊 Storage:
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Store covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
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Freezing is not recommended due to texture changes.
🔄 Optional Variations:
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Add coconut for an old-school coconut custard version
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Swap milk for half-and-half or cream for an ultra-rich texture
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Use a graham cracker crust for a no-roll option
Let me know if you’d like to make this into mini tartlets, a lemon version, or if you’re looking for ways to use up the whites too!
