Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie Recipe
If you’re looking to add a truly heartwarming and indulgent dessert to your holiday table, this Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a silky smooth custard bursting with cozy cinnamon and fragrant vanilla, nestled in a tender, buttery crust that holds every bite together perfectly. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this pie offers a delightful balance of flavor and texture that everyone will adore. Trust me, it’s the kind of dish that brings people together and makes memories sweeter.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is the first step to creating this luscious pie. Each component plays a vital role—flour and butter form the flaky crust, while eggs and milk provide that creamy custard base. The combination of cinnamon and vanilla gives the pie its signature warmth and aromatic charm.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/4 cups): The foundation for a perfectly flaky and tender pie crust.
- Cold unsalted butter, cubed (1/2 cup): Adds richness and flakiness to the crust; keep it chilled for best results.
- Ice water (2-3 tablespoons): Helps bind the dough without melting the butter, preserving crust texture.
- Large eggs (3): Essential for setting the creamy custard filling with just the right firmness.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Sweetens the custard and balances the warm spices.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Elevates flavor with its rich, aromatic depth.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Brings that classic holiday spice kick that’s gently infused throughout.
- Whole milk, warmed (2 1/2 cups): Gives the filling its creamy, smooth texture and richness.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and keeps everything well-rounded.
- Whipped cream (for topping): Adds lightness and a luscious finishing touch once the pie is served.
- Ground cinnamon (for dusting): A sprinkle on top adds visual appeal and an extra hint of spice.
How to Make Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pie Dish
Begin by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when you are. Grease a 9-inch pie dish or line it with parchment paper, which ensures your crust will come out clean and perfect once baked. Starting strong here makes all the difference when it’s time to serve.
Step 2: Make the Crust
Combine the all-purpose flour with the cold, cubed butter in a mixing bowl. Use a pastry cutter or just your fingertips to work the butter into the flour until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. This texture is key to achieving that flaky crust everyone loves. Slowly add the ice water, tablespoon by tablespoon, until the dough just starts to hold together. Remember, don’t overwork it—keeping the dough cold and crumbly is what keeps the crust tender.
Step 3: Shape and Pre-bake the Crust
Roll out your dough on a lightly floured surface into a circle that’s large enough to fit your pie dish. Press it gently into the dish and trim any excess, then crimp the edges to give it that classic pie look. Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork to prevent bubbling, and pop it into the oven for a quick 10-minute pre-bake. This step ensures your crust stays crisp once the custard filling goes in.
Step 4: Mix the Custard Filling
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until smooth and creamy. Slowly pour in the warmed whole milk, whisking continually. This gradual combining prevents curdling and creates the signature silky texture that makes this Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie Recipe so delectable.
Step 5: Bake the Pie
Pour the custard mixture into your pre-baked crust with care so it doesn’t disturb the edges. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes until the custard is set—test by inserting a knife into the center; it should come out clean. The aroma filling your kitchen at this point is pure holiday magic, signaling the dessert is nearly ready to be enjoyed.
Step 6: Cool and Chill
Let the pie cool fully at room temperature, then transfer it to the refrigerator for at least two hours. This chilling is what allows the custard to firm up just right, making every slice clean and creamy. Patience here is the secret to perfect texture and flavor.
Step 7: Add Whipped Cream and Serve
Before serving, top with a generous swirl of whipped cream and a light dusting of ground cinnamon for a festive flair. This finishing touch takes the Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie Recipe from wonderful to unforgettable.
How to Serve Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie Recipe
Garnishes
While the whipped cream and cinnamon dusting are classic and delicious, adding a few extra touches can elevate the experience. Freshly grated nutmeg or a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans lend texture and deepen the flavor. Even a drizzle of caramel sauce can turn this pie into a decadent treat worthy of the holiday season.
Side Dishes
This custard pie pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes that balance its richness. Consider serving alongside freshly brewed coffee or a warm cup of spiced chai to complement the cinnamon notes. For a lighter contrast, a crisp fruit salad with citrus or berries adds a bright freshness that keeps the meal balanced and festive.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping centerpiece, serve your pie on a decorative holiday platter adorned with evergreen sprigs, cranberries, or cinnamon sticks around the edges. Individual servings can be plated with a dollop of whipped cream topped with a cinnamon stick or a star anise pod for a charming, rustic look that guests will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pie can be wrapped tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps wonderfully for up to 3 days, retaining its creamy texture and flavor. Just be sure to keep it chilled to maintain the custard’s perfect consistency.
Freezing
You can freeze this custard pie, though the texture may slightly change upon thawing. Wrap it well in aluminum foil or freezer-safe wrap, and store for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving; reheating isn’t recommended as the custard can curdle or become watery.
Reheating
Since this pie shines best chilled, reheating isn’t usually necessary and can compromise the texture. If you prefer a warm dessert, gently warm individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, but enjoy it mostly cold or at room temperature for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use a store-bought pie crust to save time?
Absolutely! While homemade crust offers the best texture, a good-quality store crust will still work well and save prep time. Just pre-bake it as instructed before adding the custard filling.
What can I substitute for whole milk?
Whole milk provides the richness that makes this pie creamy, but you can use 2% milk in a pinch. Avoid skim or non-dairy milks for the best custard texture and flavor.
Can I make this pie dairy-free?
The classic recipe relies on dairy for creaminess, but you could experiment with coconut milk or almond milk and dairy-free butter substitutes. Keep in mind the texture and flavor will be different but still delicious.
How do I know when the custard is fully cooked?
The custard is done when the edges are set and the center slightly jiggles but does not look liquidy. A clean knife inserted into the center is a reliable test—if it comes out clean, you’re good.
Is it better to serve this pie cold or at room temperature?
This pie is best served chilled to maintain its creamy, custard-like texture. That said, letting it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes can soften it slightly for easier slicing and a little extra comfort warmth.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie Recipe is one of those timeless desserts that feels like a warm holiday hug in every bite. It strikes the perfect balance of cozy spices, creamy custard, and buttery crust that will have your family asking for seconds every time. Don’t hesitate to try it this season; your festive gatherings just got a whole lot sweeter and more memorable.
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Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices 1x
Description
This Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie is a delightful holiday dessert featuring a buttery homemade crust filled with a smooth custard infused with warm cinnamon and aromatic vanilla. Baked to perfection, this pie offers a comforting treat topped with whipped cream and a hint of cinnamon, perfect for festive gatherings.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 2–3 tablespoons ice water
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
Topping
- Whipped cream
- Ground cinnamon for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pie Dish. 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 Dough. In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and cold, cubed unsalted butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add 2-3 tablespoons of ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together.
- Roll and Pre-Bake the Crust. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough and press it evenly into the pie dish. Trim any excess and crimp the edges for a decorative touch. Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork to prevent bubbling, then pre-bake it in the oven for 10 minutes.
- Prepare the Custard Filling. In a separate bowl, whisk together the 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 the Pie. Pour the custard filling into the pre-baked crust. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the custard center is set and a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean.
- Cool and Refrigerate. Allow the pie to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let it fully set and chill.
- Serve with Toppings. Just before serving, top the chilled pie with a generous dollop of whipped cream and a light dusting of ground cinnamon, enhancing its festive flavors.
Notes
- Use cold butter and ice water to ensure a flaky crust.
- Warming the milk prevents curdling when mixing with eggs.
- Pre-baking the crust avoids a soggy bottom.
- Chilling the pie overnight enhances the custard’s texture and flavor.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute whole milk with almond or coconut milk and use a vegan butter alternative.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
