If you’re looking for a dessert that feels like a warm hug around the holidays, the Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie Recipe is an absolute must-try. This pie combines the gentle sweetness of vanilla with cozy cinnamon in a silky-smooth custard that rests perfectly in a tender, buttery crust. Each bite melts in your mouth, making it the ideal centerpiece for your festive celebration or a comforting treat to share with loved ones on a chilly winter night.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but come together to bring magic to your custard pie. Each element plays a crucial role, from the flaky crust to the creamy, spiced filling that gives every slice that perfect texture and flavor.
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The base for a flaky, tender pie crust that holds everything together beautifully.
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed: Adds richness and creates those coveted flaky layers in the crust.
- 2-3 tablespoons ice water: Helps bind the crust dough without warming the butter, keeping it flaky.
- 3 large eggs: The key ingredient for that creamy custard texture, offering body and richness.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling just right without overpowering the delicate custard flavors.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, comforting aroma that perfectly complements the cinnamon.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a subtle spicy warmth, evoking cozy holiday vibes.
- 2 1/2 cups whole milk, warmed: Creates the smooth, creamy texture essential for the custard.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavors of the pie.
- Whipped cream: Optional, but a fluffy topping that adds a light, airy contrast to the dense custard.
- Ground cinnamon for dusting: A finishing touch that visually evokes the holiday spirit and amplifies the cinnamon notes.
How to Make Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9-inch pie dish or lining it with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Combine the flour and cold, cubed butter in a bowl. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step is essential to creating a flaky crust that is light yet sturdy. Gradually add 2 to 3 tablespoons of ice water and mix gently until the dough just comes together—be careful not to overwork it or the crust will become tough.
Step 2: Shape and Pre-Bake the Crust
Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to fit your pie dish. Gently press it into the dish, trim the edges, and crimp for a decorative finish. Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork to prevent it from puffing up. Pop it into the oven and pre-bake for 10 minutes. This pre-baking sets the crust and stops it from getting soggy when the custard hits the pan.
Step 3: Make the Custard Filling
While the crust bakes, whisk the eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt in a mixing bowl until everything is well combined and slightly frothy. Slowly pour in the warm milk while continuously whisking to ensure a smooth mixture without lumps. This custard base is the heart of the Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie Recipe, delivering that luxuriously creamy texture and unmistakable holiday flavor.
Step 4: Bake the Pie
Pour the custard mixture into your warm pie crust and transfer the pie to the oven. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes or until the center is set—check by inserting a knife into the middle; it should come out clean or with a slight wobble like soft jelly. This careful baking prevents the custard from curdling or cracking while ensuring a silky finish.
Step 5: Cool and Chill
Once baked, let the pie cool to room temperature on a wire rack, then refrigerate it for at least two hours. This chilling step helps the custard firm up so it slices beautifully and enhances the flavors as they meld together. Patience here will reward you with a pie that’s nothing short of extraordinary!
Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches
Just before serving, top the pie with dollops of fluffy whipped cream and a light dusting of ground cinnamon. This final flourish not only looks festive but adds an unforgettable creaminess and spice that elevate the Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie Recipe to pure holiday bliss.
How to Serve Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie Recipe
Garnishes
While whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon are classic, you can get creative with toasted pecans or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra texture and sweetness. Fresh berries offer a refreshing burst of color and tang, brightening the mellow custard and creating an eye-catching presentation.
Side Dishes
This custard pie pairs wonderfully with a simple cup of spiced tea or freshly brewed coffee, balancing the richness of the pie with hot, fragrant sips. For an extra indulgent holiday meal, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a small glass of dessert wine that complements the vanilla and cinnamon flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting a holiday gathering, consider serving the pie on a rustic wooden board with festive decorations around, like cinnamon sticks and pine branches. Individual servings in clear dessert glasses layered with whipped cream and crumbled crust make for lovely mini trifle-style treats that impress and satisfy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers from your Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie Recipe can be stored in the refrigerator covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. It will stay fresh and creamy for up to three days—perfect if you want to enjoy a little more holiday magic throughout the week.
Freezing
Freezing custard pie is a bit tricky since the texture can change after thawing. If you must freeze it, wrap the pie very well in plastic and aluminum foil. Thaw it overnight in the fridge and expect a slight difference in texture, though the flavor will still be delicious.
Reheating
For the best eating experience, enjoy this custard pie chilled. However, if you prefer it warm, gently reheat individual slices in a low-temperature oven (around 300°F/150°C) for 10 minutes, keeping an eye on it to avoid overcooking the custard.
FAQs
Can I use a store-bought pie crust for this recipe?
Absolutely! While homemade crust adds a personal touch and flakiness, a good-quality store-bought crust can save time and still provide a delicious base for this custard pie.
What kind of milk is best for this custard?
Whole milk is recommended for its creamy richness, which contributes to that silky custard texture intrinsic to the Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie Recipe. You can experiment with half-and-half for an even richer pie.
How can I tell when the custard is fully baked?
The custard is ready when the edges are set and the center jiggles slightly like soft jelly when you gently shake the pie. A clean knife inserted into the center is another good indicator.
Is there a way to make this pie vegan or dairy-free?
You can experiment using plant-based milks such as almond or oat milk and egg substitutes, but keep in mind the texture and flavor will differ from the traditional Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie Recipe.
Can I prepare this pie ahead of time for a holiday party?
Yes! This pie can be made up to two days in advance. Just keep it refrigerated, and add whipped cream and cinnamon dusting right before serving for maximum freshness.
Final Thoughts
The Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie Recipe is truly a treasure to keep in your holiday recipe collection. It’s simple enough for a home baker yet indulgent enough to impress your family and friends. The harmonious blend of cinnamon and vanilla in a luscious custard nestled in a buttery crust creates a dessert you’ll want to make again and again. Give this recipe a try and let it bring comfort, joy, and that unmistakable holiday sparkle to your celebrations!
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Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes plus 2 hours chilling
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie is a delightful holiday dessert featuring a buttery homemade pie crust filled with a silky custard infused with warm cinnamon and vanilla flavors. Baked to perfection and topped with whipped cream and a cinnamon dusting, this pie is perfect for festive gatherings and cozy winter nights.
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 2–3 tablespoons ice water
For the Filling
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 1/2 cups whole milk, warmed
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For Serving
- Whipped cream
- Ground cinnamon for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch pie dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Make the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and cold, cubed unsalted butter. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, blend the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add 2 to 3 tablespoons of ice water, mixing gently until the dough comes together into a ball.
- Prepare the Crust: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to fit your 9-inch pie dish. Press the dough into the dish, trim any excess, and crimp the edges for a decorative finish. Prick the bottom of the crust several times with a fork to prevent bubbling during baking. Pre-bake the crust in the oven for 10 minutes to set.
- Make the Custard Filling: In a separate bowl, whisk together the 3 large eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined. Slowly pour in the warmed whole milk while whisking continuously to create a smooth custard mixture.
- Fill and Bake: Pour the custard filling into the pre-baked pie crust. Bake in the oven for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the custard is set and a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Chill: Allow the pie to cool to room temperature on a wire rack. Once cooled, refrigerate the pie for at least 2 hours to let the custard fully set and flavors meld.
- Serve: Before serving, top the chilled pie with a generous amount of whipped cream and lightly dust with ground cinnamon for a festive touch.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is very cold to achieve a flaky pie crust.
- Warming the milk slightly helps to blend the custard ingredients smoothly without cooking the eggs prematurely.
- Do not overbake the custard to prevent it from curdling; it should be just set.
- The pie is best served chilled to enhance its creamy texture.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute whole milk with coconut or almond milk and use a dairy-free butter alternative.
