Enchanting Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie Recipe

Sweet aromas of warm cinnamon-vanilla custard pie drift through holiday kitchens, promising comfort and joy.

Generations have cherished this delectable dessert that blends creamy richness with nostalgic spices.

Each golden slice carries whispers of festive memories, making gatherings more special and heartwarming.

Our treasured recipe captures the essence of Christmas Eve celebrations with its silky smooth texture and inviting warmth.

Delicate notes of vanilla and robust cinnamon dance together, creating a sensory experience that delights every palate.

The golden-brown crust cradles a luxurious custard that melts effortlessly on your tongue.

Prepare to savor a slice of pure holiday magic that will become your new favorite seasonal tradition.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 290 kcal

Servings: 8

Ingredients for Christmas Eve Custard Pie

• Pie Crust: Select a buttery, flaky base that provides a delicate foundation for the creamy filling, using either store-bought or homemade varieties for convenience and authentic flavor.
• Pie Dish: Choose a sturdy ceramic or glass dish that distributes heat evenly and helps create a perfect golden crust.

• Eggs: Serve as the critical binding agent that creates the silky smooth texture and provides rich protein structure for the custard.
• Sugar: Delivers balanced sweetness and helps create a luxurious caramelized top layer during baking.
• Heavy Cream: Ensures an ultra-rich, velvety consistency that makes the custard exceptionally creamy and indulgent.

• Cinnamon: Brings warm, festive holiday notes with its aromatic and slightly spicy character that complements the sweet custard.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds deep, comforting undertones that elevate the overall complexity of the dessert's flavor profile.
• Nutmeg: Introduces a subtle, nutty warmth that deepens the holiday spirit of the pie.
• Salt: Balances and intensifies the other ingredients, preventing the custard from becoming overly sweet.

Tools That Help Bake Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie

• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for whisking eggs, sugar, and creating smooth custard mixture.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending ingredients thoroughly and eliminating lumps.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient proportions.
• Pie Dish: Needed to hold and bake the custard pie.
• Oven: Required for baking the pie at 350F.
• Knife: Used to test custard doneness and slice pie.
• Optional Rolling Pin: Helpful if making homemade pie crust.

How to Bake Christmas Eve Creamy Custard Pie Just Right

• Craft the Pie Shell

Warm your oven to 350F. Gently press pie dough into the dish, creating smooth edges. Lightly toast the shell for about 10 minutes to ensure a crispy foundation.

• Blend the Creamy Mixture

Whisk eggs and sugar until silky smooth. Pour in cream, sprinkle cinnamon, and splash vanilla. Stir everything together with a gentle hand, creating a luxurious blend that promises deliciousness.

• Bake with Love

Carefully pour the luscious mixture into your prepared shell. Slide the pie into the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. Watch for a soft center that jiggles slightly when nudged – this means perfection is near.

• Chill and Garnish

Allow the pie to cool completely at room temperature. Refrigerate for a couple of hours to let flavors dance and texture settle. Before serving, dust with a delicate layer of cinnamon or powdered sugar for a festive finale.

Tips for Smooth and Silky Custard Texture

• Strain the custard mixture through a fine-mesh sieve before pouring into the pie crust to remove any egg lumps and ensure an ultra-smooth filling.
• This pie can be prepared up to 2 days in advance, making it a stress-free holiday dessert that actually tastes better as the flavors develop.
• Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk for a lactose-free version that still delivers rich, creamy deliciousness.
• Use a gluten-free pie crust or replace traditional crust with a nut-based crust made from ground almonds and butter for a low-carb alternative.
• Experiment with additional warm spices like cardamom or ginger to create a more complex flavor profile that'll wow your holiday guests.

Serve Cinnamon Custard Pie Warm or Chilled

• Festive Family Gathering: Serve this creamy custard pie as the grand finale to your Christmas Eve dinner, gathering loved ones around the table for a sweet, comforting dessert that sparks joy and creates lasting memories.
• Elegant Dessert Pairing: Complement the pie with a warm mug of spiced apple cider or a smooth vanilla-infused coffee, enhancing the cinnamon and vanilla notes while creating a cozy holiday atmosphere.
• Decorative Holiday Presentation: Garnish each slice with a delicate dollop of whipped cream, a light sprinkle of crushed candied pecans, or a few fresh cranberries to add a pop of color and festive elegance to the dessert plate.
• Thoughtful Gift Idea: Wrap individual slices in festive parchment paper with a ribbon, making perfect take-home treats for guests or a heartwarming edible gift for neighbors and friends during the holiday season.

Store Christmas Pie in the Fridge Overnight

• Store the custard pie in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the pie away from strong-smelling foods to maintain its delicate flavor profile.
• Slice the pie into individual portions before freezing. Wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen slices will stay delicious for 2-3 weeks, perfect for future sweet cravings.
• Allow the pie to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance the creamy texture. This brief resting period helps release the full depth of cinnamon and vanilla flavors.
• Prepare the entire pie up to 2 days before your event. Keep it refrigerated and covered, ensuring the crust stays crisp and the custard maintains its smooth, silky consistency. The flavors actually improve with a short resting period in the refrigerator.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients that give this custard pie its unique flavor?

The key ingredients are heavy cream, cinnamon, and vanilla extract, which create a rich, warm, and aromatic holiday dessert that captures the essence of Christmas flavors.

• Is this custard pie suitable for people with dietary restrictions?

The traditional recipe contains eggs, cream, and sugar, which may not be suitable for vegans, those with dairy allergies, or people following strict dietary plans. Consider ingredient substitutions if needed.

• Can I make this pie ahead of time for a holiday gathering?

Yes, this pie is perfect for preparing in advance. You can make it a day or two before serving, as it actually tastes better after chilling and allowing the flavors to develop fully in the refrigerator.

• How can I tell if the custard pie is properly baked?

The custard is done when the center is set and a knife inserted comes out clean. It will continue to firm up as it cools, so don’t worry if it looks slightly soft when first removed from the oven.

Magical Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

This Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie brings festive comfort to holiday tables with rich, silky layers of pure indulgence. Warm spices and delicate vanilla create a memorable dessert that celebrates seasonal traditions.

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Ingredients

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• 3 large eggs
• 2 ½ cups (600 ml) whole milk
• ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (50 g) light brown sugar
• 1 ¼ cups (160 g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 3 tbsps ice water
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• ½ tsp salt
• Pinch of salt
• Cinnamon sugar (optional)
• Whipped cream (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Calibrate oven to 350°F (175°C) and arrange pie crust in dish, ensuring neat edges and optional pre-baking for moisture prevention.
2. Custard Base Formation: Whisk eggs and sugar until pale and smooth, creating a uniform foundation for the creamy dessert.
3. Flavor Integration: Blend heavy cream, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt into egg mixture, whisking continuously to develop a rich, aromatic custard with harmonious flavor layers.
4. Pie Assembly: Pour custard into prepared crust, distributing evenly and eliminating potential air pockets for a silky, consistent texture.
5. Baking Process: Bake for 40-45 minutes until custard sets completely, verified by clean knife test and stable center appearance.
6. Cooling and Flavor Development: Allow pie to cool at room temperature, enabling custard to stabilize and flavor profiles to intensify.
7. Chilling and Serving: Refrigerate for minimum 2 hours to enhance flavor melding, then garnish with optional dusting of cinnamon or powdered sugar for elegant presentation.

Notes

• Whisk with Precision: Thoroughly blend eggs and sugar until pale and smooth to create a uniform, silky custard base that ensures a creamy texture.
• Temperature Control: Allow pie to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set properly and develop rich flavor depth.
• Prevent Soggy Crust: Pre-bake pie crust briefly or use a pie shield to maintain a crisp bottom and prevent moisture absorption from the creamy filling.
• Avoid Overbaking: Watch custard carefully during the final 10 minutes of baking; a clean knife inserted near the center should come out clean but not completely dry to maintain a delicate, creamy consistency.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 372
• Sugar: 21 g
• Sodium: 160 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 104 mg