See how you can tell the custard is set when the knife pushes it? It will finish setting as it cools, too. As always, taking the temperature of your pie to make sure you have passed the 165 degree danger zone is the only way to be sure your pie is considered “safe to eat” by the health department.
This is what a custard pie looks like when it’s done.
Keep in mind, custard pies need to breathe in order to bake. They are typically topped with meringue which allows them to bake uncovered, uses up the egg whites leftover from the custard, and gives them a decorative finish. If you do put crust on top, make sure it doesn’t cover the entire top and allow for extra baking time. You might want to bake the top crust separately and just place in one after the pie is baked as the top crust won’t brown as well, either.
Still not done - could need up to fifteen minutes more.
Baking custard pies can strike fear in the heart of an inexperienced and even an experienced baker. When are they done? Will they be runny? Are they taking too long? This is a berry custard pie, but a pie whose filling includes milk and eggs would be considered custard to a certain degree. This one is NOT done yet.
It’s bubbling still which means the chemical reaction necessary to thicken the juices is still happening. Cutting into your pie now will result in a dry and runny pie. Give it an hour to set before cutting and you’ll have a moist, slightly runny pie that holds together when you pull your slices out. I know it’s hard but even tomorrow’s breakfast pie will be tastier if you can just restrain yourself for 60 minutes. My strategy? Take a walk to burn some calories in advance.
See how those bubbles are thick, and the apples are soft? Now it’s done!
Almost done: Crust is looking good and apples are almost soft, but that juice is too thin. Spin your pie so that that hot spot is where your juicy part sits and check it every 3 minutes. A pie should always bake in the lower third of the oven.
There you go. It will not crack. It will be smooth and silky. It’s done; I promise. Of course, to be perfectly safe it should reach an internal temp of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Still not done yet. Check again in five minutes.
This pumpkin pie isn’t quite done, but it’s time to check it about every 5 minutes. It’ll probably take 15 more minutes.