If you’re looking to bring a warm, cozy, and utterly delightful dessert to your holiday table, this Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie Recipe is an absolute must-try. Combining the comforting flavors of cinnamon and vanilla with a luscious, silky custard filling nestled in a flaky pie crust, it’s the kind of treat that makes the season feel extra special. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or someone who loves simple but elegant desserts, this pie will fill your kitchen with inviting aromas and your guests with smiles from the very first bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses a handful of simple, everyday ingredients that come together beautifully to create a rich and flavorful pie. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the creamy dairy that adds velvety smoothness to the warm spices that inject festive cheer with every mouthful.
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust: Whether store-bought or homemade, this forms the crisp and buttery base that holds all the creamy goodness.
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk: Adds body and smoothness to the custard filling while keeping it light.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Brings decadence and richness that makes the custard dreamy and indulgent.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the pie to just the right level without overpowering the gentle spice.
- 3 large eggs: Provide structure and help the custard set perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: A little thickener that ensures the custard holds its creamy texture.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Works alongside the flour to give the filling a smooth, custardy consistency.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (melted): Adds a touch of richness and enhances the pie’s silky mouthfeel.
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract: Infuses the custard with warm, aromatic notes that harmonize beautifully with cinnamon.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The star spice that lends a festive, comforting warmth to every bite.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle layer of earthiness and complexity.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Whipped cream and ground cinnamon (optional): Perfect garnishes to crown your pie with extra indulgence and a pretty finish.
How to Make Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Dairy
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium saucepan, gently warm the milk and heavy cream over medium heat until it’s warm but not boiling. This warming step is essential—it helps temper the eggs and ensures your custard will be silky smooth without any lumps.
Step 2: Mix the Custard Base
While the dairy warms, whisk together the sugar, eggs, flour, cornstarch, melted butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt in a large bowl. This blend of ingredients creates the flavorful, thickened base for your custard, so it’s important to whisk thoroughly until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Temper the Eggs
Slowly pour the warm milk and cream mixture into your egg mixture, adding just a little at a time while whisking constantly—this tempering prevents the eggs from scrambling and helps create that perfect, creamy texture.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
Pour the custard filling into your unbaked pie crust, then set the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips. This step ensures easy cleanup and helps keep your oven tidy during baking.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the pie for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the center just sets and a knife inserted near the center comes out mostly clean. Keep an eye on the crust edges: if they start to brown too quickly, protect them with foil to ensure a perfectly baked pie without burnt edges.
Step 6: Cool and Chill
Once baked, let your pie cool to room temperature. Then, pop it into the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours. This chilling step helps the custard fully set and enhances the flavors, making each slice rich and satisfying.
How to Serve Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie Recipe
Garnishes
For a festive finishing touch, top your pie slices with a generous dollop of whipped cream and a light sprinkle of ground cinnamon. The whipped cream adds a luscious creaminess that pairs beautifully with the spicy custard, while the cinnamon enhances the pie’s warm flavors and adds a pretty, inviting look.
Side Dishes
This custard pie is wonderfully versatile. Serve it alongside a cup of hot coffee, a glass of eggnog, or a warm spiced cider to create a cozy holiday pairing. Light fruit salads or citrus segments also complement the sweet, creamy custard by adding freshness and a burst of brightness.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the slice! Consider cutting your pie into mini tartlets for individual servings at parties, or drizzle a caramel or maple glaze over the top just before serving to add an extra layer of indulgence. For a beautiful holiday centerpiece, garnish with fresh cranberries or pomegranate seeds for a pop of color and texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover custard pie keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container to maintain its creamy texture and prevent it from absorbing any fridge odors.
Freezing
While this pie is best enjoyed fresh or chilled, you can freeze it for up to 1 month. Wrap the entire pie or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil. To thaw, let it sit in the refrigerator overnight. Note that freezing may slightly alter the custard’s texture but the flavors remain delicious.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, serve the pie chilled or warm it gently in a low oven (about 300°F/150°C) for 10 to 15 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make the custard grainy. Warming brings new life to the spices and gives a comforting, cozy feel that’s perfect for winter evenings.
FAQs
Can I make the crust from scratch for the Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie Recipe?
Absolutely! A homemade pie crust adds a lovely personal touch and buttery flavor. Just be sure it’s well-chilled before baking to achieve a crisp texture that complements the creamy filling perfectly.
Is it possible to make this pie dairy-free?
You can try substituting the whole milk and heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or almond cream alternatives. Keep in mind this will subtly change the flavor and texture, but the spices and overall experience will still shine.
Why do we need to temper the eggs in this recipe?
Tempering gently warms the eggs by slowly adding warm liquid, preventing them from cooking too quickly and curdling. This ensures a smooth, silky custard without lumps, making the pie flawless in texture.
Can I add alcohol for extra flavor in the Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie Recipe?
Definitely! A splash of rum extract, bourbon, or even brandy added to the custard mixture will add depth and warmth, heightening the festive spirit of this delightful dessert.
How do I know when the custard pie is perfectly baked?
The center should be just set but still slightly jiggly when you gently shake the pan. A knife inserted near the center should come out mostly clean but may have just a hint of custard. This ensures the filling is creamy, not overcooked or dry.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie Recipe that makes it a standout holiday dessert. It’s comforting, elegant, and surprisingly simple to make, bringing festive warmth to any gathering. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give it a whirl this season—your family and friends will thank you for every single decadent, cinnamon-kissed bite.
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Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie is a festive and comforting dessert featuring a smooth cinnamon and vanilla custard filling baked to perfection in a buttery pie crust. The creamy texture combined with warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg makes it an ideal centerpiece for holiday celebrations, served chilled and optionally topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra indulgence.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
Custard Filling
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
Topping (optional)
- Whipped cream
- Ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the custard pie evenly.
- Warm the milk and cream: In a medium saucepan, heat the whole milk and heavy cream over medium heat until just warm without boiling to ensure a smooth custard texture.
- Mix custard base: In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, eggs, all-purpose flour, cornstarch, melted butter, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Temper the eggs: Slowly add the warmed milk and cream mixture into the egg mixture gradually, whisking constantly to temper the eggs and avoid curdling.
- Assemble the pie: Pour the tempered custard filling into the unbaked 9-inch pie crust placed on a baking sheet for easier handling.
- Bake: Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes or until the custard center is just set and a knife inserted near the center comes out mostly clean. If the crust edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil to prevent burning.
- Cool and chill: Let the pie cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the custard to fully set and chill before serving.
- Serve: Optionally top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon for an elegant finishing touch that complements the custard’s warm flavors.
Notes
- For an extra festive twist, add a splash of rum extract or bourbon to the custard mixture before baking.
- This pie is best served chilled, making it perfect as a make-ahead holiday dessert.
