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
Scale
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
