Introduction
The Christmas season is all about gathering with loved ones, sharing heartwarming meals, and indulging in comforting treats that evoke nostalgia. One such dessert that shines brightly on the holiday table is the Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie. This luscious dessert, with its silky smooth custard filling and delicate flavors of warm cinnamon and fragrant vanilla, is a showstopper that perfectly captures the magic of the holidays. Nestled in a buttery, flaky pie crust, the creamy custard feels like a cozy hug in dessert form, making it an instant favorite among family and friends.
This pie is a blend of tradition and simplicity, offering a flavor profile that’s both timeless and refined. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply looking to end your Christmas Eve dinner on a sweet note, this recipe guarantees smiles all around. What makes it extra special is how easy it is to prepare with everyday ingredients, yet it delivers a dessert that looks and tastes like it came from a professional bakery. No one will guess that this masterpiece was whipped up in your kitchen!
The beauty of this pie lies in its versatility; serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream, or chill it for a refreshing finish to your meal. Either way, the rich, creamy custard paired with the classic flavors of cinnamon and vanilla makes this pie a winner that will quickly become a beloved Christmas tradition.
Brief Description of the Recipe
This Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie is a dessert dream come true. It features a velvety custard filling that’s infused with aromatic cinnamon and pure vanilla extract. The custard is gently baked until it sets to a soft, creamy texture that’s both luxurious and comforting. Encased in a flaky, golden-brown pie crust, the contrast between the buttery crust and the smooth custard is pure perfection.
The recipe is simple yet sophisticated, making it accessible for both beginner and experienced bakers. The custard filling is made from basic pantry ingredients like eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla, which are combined and poured into the pre-baked crust. A gentle bake in the oven ensures the filling sets without cracking or overcooking. The result is a dessert with a stunningly smooth texture and a rich, spiced flavor that’s perfect for the holiday season.
What sets this recipe apart is its ability to balance simplicity with elegance. It’s easy to make, but the end result is a pie that looks stunning and tastes even better. It’s also versatile—serve it as-is, dust it with powdered sugar, or add a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra festive touch.
Why This Cinnamon Vanilla Pie is a Winner
This recipe is a winner because it captures the essence of holiday baking: warm, comforting, and irresistibly delicious. The combination of cinnamon and vanilla is nostalgic and universally loved, while the creamy custard filling makes every bite a decadent treat. The flaky pie crust provides the perfect base, adding a buttery crunch that complements the custard beautifully.
Unlike store-bought pies, this homemade version gives you full control over the quality of ingredients and flavor intensity. Plus, the simplicity of the recipe means you can whip it up without stress, even during the busy holiday season. It’s a dessert that’s guaranteed to impress guests, yet it doesn’t require hours of effort in the kitchen.
For me, this pie holds a special place in my heart because it reminds me of my grandmother’s holiday baking. Every Christmas Eve, she would prepare a similar custard pie, filling the house with the comforting aroma of cinnamon and vanilla. Recreating this pie brings back those cherished memories, and now I get to pass the tradition on to my own family.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 pre-made or homemade pie crust (9-inch)
- Purpose: Provides a buttery, flaky base for the custard.
For the Custard Filling:
- 4 large eggs
- Purpose: Gives structure and richness to the custard.
- 2 cups whole milk
- Purpose: Adds creaminess to the custard.
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- Purpose: Sweetens the filling to perfection.
- 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- Purpose: Infuses the custard with fragrant vanilla flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Purpose: Adds warmth and holiday spice.
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Purpose: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
Preparation Tips
Prepare the Crust
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- If using a homemade crust, roll it out and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish. Trim and crimp the edges for a decorative finish.
- Blind bake the crust: Line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the weights and bake for an additional 5 minutes until lightly golden. Set aside to cool.
Make the Custard Filling
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually whisk in the milk until fully combined.
- Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any lumps or bubbles, ensuring a silky smooth custard.
Assemble and Bake
- Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (163°C).
- Pour the custard filling into the pre-baked crust, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
- Carefully transfer the pie to the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the custard is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool completely before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a dollop of freshly whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a cozy holiday dessert.
- Chill the pie in the refrigerator and serve cold for a refreshing treat after a heavy meal.
- Pair with a hot cup of coffee or spiced tea to enhance the festive flavors.
Helpful Tips To Make Christmas custard pie :
- For a richer custard, substitute half of the milk with heavy cream.
- If you don’t have ground cinnamon, use freshly grated nutmeg or a pinch of allspice for a similar flavor.
- To avoid a soggy crust, make sure to blind bake the crust before adding the filling.
- Use a water bath during baking to ensure even cooking and prevent cracks in the custard.
Substitutions and Variations
- Dairy-Free Option: Use almond milk or coconut milk in place of whole milk.
- Gluten-Free Crust: Swap the traditional crust with a gluten-free version.
- Spice Variation: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for a unique twist.
- Topping Ideas: Garnish with candied pecans, caramel drizzle, or even a dusting of powdered sugar for extra flair.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes! The pie can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. - Can I freeze custard pie?
It’s not recommended as the custard texture may change after thawing. - Why did my custard crack?
Overbaking can cause cracks. Bake until the center is just slightly jiggly. - Can I use a store-bought crust?
Absolutely! A pre-made crust saves time and works perfectly. - How do I know when the custard is done?
The center should be slightly wobbly but not liquidy. It will firm up as it cools. - Can I use skim milk?
Whole milk is recommended for creaminess, but you can use skim milk in a pinch. - What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. - Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but bake in two separate pie dishes to ensure even cooking. - Do I need to cover the crust while baking?
If the edges start to brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil. - Can I add other flavors to the custard?
Sure! Add a teaspoon of almond extract or a splash of rum for a festive twist.
Ideas for Repurposing Leftovers
- Custard Parfait: Layer leftover custard slices with whipped cream and crushed graham crackers for a quick dessert.
- French Toast Topping: Dice leftover custard pie and use it as a decadent topping for French toast.
- Custard Milkshake: Blend a slice of custard pie with milk and a scoop of ice cream for a holiday milkshake.
Related Recipes
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Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie Recipe
Description
The Christmas season is all about gathering with loved ones, sharing heartwarming meals, and indulging in comforting treats that evoke nostalgia. One such dessert that shines brightly on the holiday table is the Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie. This luscious dessert, with its silky smooth custard filling and delicate flavors of warm cinnamon and fragrant vanilla, is a showstopper that perfectly captures the magic of the holidays. Nestled in a buttery, flaky pie crust, the creamy custard feels like a cozy hug in dessert form, making it an instant favorite among family and friends.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 pre-made or homemade pie crust (9-inch)
- Purpose: Provides a buttery, flaky base for the custard.
For the Custard Filling:
- 4 large eggs
- Purpose: Gives structure and richness to the custard.
- 2 cups whole milk
- Purpose: Adds creaminess to the custard.
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- Purpose: Sweetens the filling to perfection.
- 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- Purpose: Infuses the custard with fragrant vanilla flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Purpose: Adds warmth and holiday spice.
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Purpose: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
Instructions
Preparation Tips
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- If using a homemade crust, roll it out and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish. Trim and crimp the edges for a decorative finish.
- Blind bake the crust: Line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the weights and bake for an additional 5 minutes until lightly golden. Set aside to cool.
Step 2: Make the Custard Filling
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually whisk in the milk until fully combined.
- Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any lumps or bubbles, ensuring a silky smooth custard.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
- Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (163°C).
- Pour the custard filling into the pre-baked crust, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
- Carefully transfer the pie to the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the custard is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
- Keywords: Christmas custard pie, cinnamon vanilla custard, creamy custard pie recipe