Yellow Summer Squash Custard Pie

By
Diana Rattray
Diana Rattray
Diana Rattray
Southern-cuisine expert and cookbook author Diana Rattray has created more than 5,000 recipes and articles in her 20 years as a food writer.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 05/4/21
Summer squash custard pie
Diana Rattray
Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 25 mins
Total: 40 mins
Servings: 8 servings
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
435 Calories
24g Fat
49g Carbs
8g Protein
Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label
×
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8
Amount per serving
Calories 435
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 24g 31%
Saturated Fat 13g 63%
Cholesterol 135mg 45%
Sodium 322mg 14%
Total Carbohydrate 49g 18%
Dietary Fiber 4g 13%
Total Sugars 26g
Protein 8g
Vitamin C 12mg 59%
Calcium 84mg 6%
Iron 2mg 13%
Potassium 478mg 10%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

This uncommon squash pie is a custard-like dessert pie made with cooked summer squash, eggs, and butter. It's a sweet pie with an unexpected main ingredient.

Make the homemade crust or use a frozen or purchased refrigerated pie crust for the recipe to save time. If you use a purchased crust, partially bake the crust following the package directions.

Ingredients

For the Pastry:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 1/4 cup well-chilled shortening

  • 3 to 4 tablespoons ice water

For the Squash Filling:

  • 5 medium summer squash

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, more to taste

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1 large egg yolk

  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar

  • 1/4 cup heavy cream

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

  • 1 teaspoon grated nutmeg, optional

Steps to Make It

Homemade Pie Crust

  1. Gather the ingredients.

  2. In a food processor, pulse the 1 1/2 cups of flour, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 1 tablespoon of sugar to blend. Add the pieces of cold butter and shortening and pulse in four 2-second bursts, or until the mixture is blended but there are still pieces of fat the size of small peas.

  3. Add 3 tablespoons of ice water in a steady stream while the processor runs. Turn it off and continue adding small amounts of ice water while pulsing, until the dough forms large clumps and holds together when squeezed.

  4. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and lightly work it to make a cohesive dough. Don't overwork the dough. Pat it into a disk and wrap it in plastic wrap. Refrigerate the disk for about 30 minutes. 

  5. Heat the oven to 400 F.

  6. On a floured surface, roll the chilled dough out to a circle about 2 inches larger in diameter than the pie plate. Fit the dough into the pie plate. Trim and flute as desired.

  7. Fit a sheet of foil over the bottom and sides of the crust and fill it with pie weights or dry beans. 

  8. Bake the lined crust with the weights for 15 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 375 F.

  9. Remove the weights and foil and return the crust to the oven. Bake for about 8 minutes longer. Remove the crust to a rack and set aside.

Squash Filling

  1. Gather the ingredients.

  2. Rinse the squash; pat dry. Slice the squash into 1/4-inch slices.

  3. Fill a large saucepan with about 2 inches of water; bring the water to a boil over medium heat. Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt to the water along with the sliced squash. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pan; cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until the squash is tender. Drain the squash.

  4. Transfer the drained squash to the empty saucepan or to a bowl and mash. Carefully drain off any excess water. For a very smooth filling, process the squash in a blender or food processor.

  5. In a large bowl, whisk the two eggs and egg yolk. Whisk in the 3/4 cup of sugar, heavy cream, melted butter, vanilla, 2 tablespoons of flour, and the nutmeg, if using. Add the mashed squash and blend thoroughly.

  6. Pour the squash mixture into the baked pie shell and place it on a baking sheet. (If you happen to have some leftover filling, put it in buttered ramekins and bake it alongside the pie. If desired, lightly sprinkle grated nutmeg over the filling.

  7. Bake the pie at 375 F for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the filling is set and firm. When the crust is browned, place a pie shield over the edge to avoid over-browning. 

Tip

  • For lemon flavor, omit the vanilla extract and add 1 tablespoon of lemon extract along with the finely grated zest of a lemon.

Recipe Tags: