If you are searching for a dessert that embodies cozy warmth and holiday cheer, this Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie Recipe is an absolute must-try. The luscious custard filling, infused with fragrant vanilla and a sprinkle of cinnamon, bakes into a velvety smooth pie that’s both comforting and festive. It’s simple to prepare yet impressively flavorful, making it the perfect centerpiece for your Christmas Eve celebrations. Rich, creamy, and adorned with just a hint of nutmeg, this pie feels like a warm hug in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beautiful thing about this pie is how straightforward the ingredients are—each one plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect balance of texture, taste, and aroma. From the creamy blend of milk and heavy cream to the gentle spices that elevate the custard, every element is essential.
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust: Provides a crisp, buttery base that holds all the creamy goodness.
- 1 ½ cups whole milk: Adds smoothness and balances richness with lightness.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Boosts the custard’s creaminess for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the custard perfectly without overpowering the warm spices.
- 3 large eggs: The binding agent that gives the custard its structure and silky consistency.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps thicken the filling gently for a custard that holds its shape.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter: Dotted on top for a subtle richness and glossy finish.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Infuses the pie with a fragrant warmth that harmonizes beautifully with cinnamon.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The star spice that brings the holiday spirit alive in every spoonful.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, making each one shine through.
- Ground nutmeg for topping (optional): Adds a sprinkling of aromatic charm right before serving.
How to Make Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Place your unbaked 9-inch pie crust into a pie dish and crimp the edges beautifully to create a lovely border that holds everything in place. This crust will provide the perfect crunchy contrast to the creamy filling later on.
Step 2: Warm the Milk and Cream
In a medium saucepan, combine the whole milk and heavy cream. Heat gently over medium heat until the mixture is warm to the touch but not boiling. This step ensures the custard cooks evenly without curdling the eggs later.
Step 3: Whisk the Custard Base
While the milk and cream warm up, whisk together the sugar, eggs, cornstarch, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl until the mixture is completely smooth. This blend is the heart of the pie, marrying sweetness with spice in an irresistible way.
Step 4: Temper the Eggs
Slowly pour the warm milk mixture into the egg mixture while whisking constantly. This tempering technique prevents the eggs from scrambling, resulting in that signature silky custard texture we all crave in the Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie Recipe.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Pour the custard filling carefully into the prepared pie crust. Then, dot the top with small pieces of unsalted butter, which will melt and add a subtle richness. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly—this ensures the pie doesn’t dry out when chilled.
Step 6: Cool and Chill
If you notice the pie crust edges browning too quickly, cover them with foil halfway through baking to prevent burning. Once baked, let the pie cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least four hours before serving. This resting time lets the custard fully set and flavors meld beautifully.
How to Serve Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of ground nutmeg right before serving adds just the right amount of warmth and a gorgeous touch of festive color. For a truly indulgent finish, a dollop of freshly whipped cream on each slice elevates the creamy custard to heavenly heights.
Side Dishes
This custard pie pairs wonderfully with simple accompaniments like a crisp apple salad or spiced roasted nuts, which offer contrasting textures and flavors. A cup of hot cocoa or freshly brewed coffee also complements the pie and rounds out an inviting holiday dessert course.
Creative Ways to Present
For a whimsical festive touch, serve slices on a dusted plate with tiny sprigs of fresh rosemary or holly nearby to evoke winter charm. You can also drizzle a bit of caramel sauce over the top or serve alongside cinnamon-dusted whipped mascarpone for a playful twist on tradition.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover pie refrigerated, covered tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Stored this way, your Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie Recipe remains fresh and delicious for up to four days, maintaining its creamy texture and inviting flavor.
Freezing
While freezing custard pies isn’t always recommended due to texture changes, you can freeze this pie if wrapped carefully. Use a foil pan and wrap the entire pie securely in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to a month, but be aware the texture may soften slightly upon thawing.
Reheating
This pie is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so gentle reheating is usually unnecessary. If you do prefer it warmed, allow a slice to come to room temperature on the counter or heat briefly in a low oven to avoid disrupting the delicate custard consistency.
FAQs
Can I use a store-bought pie crust for this recipe?
Absolutely! A store-bought crust works perfectly and saves time, while still delivering that buttery, flaky base the pie needs to shine. Just make sure it’s fully thawed before using.
Is it okay to use skim milk instead of whole milk?
Whole milk is best here because it adds necessary fat for richness and creaminess. Using skim milk might yield a thinner filling that lacks the luscious texture that makes this pie so special.
Can I make this pie gluten-free?
Definitely! Simply substitute the regular pie crust for a gluten-free version, and ensure any additional ingredients you use are gluten-free as well. The custard filling itself contains no gluten.
What’s the best way to prevent the crust edges from burning?
Cover the edges with foil halfway through baking. This shields them from direct heat while allowing the custard to finish cooking perfectly without overbrowning the crust.
Can I add other spices besides cinnamon and nutmeg?
Yes, you can experiment with a pinch of ground cardamom or ginger for a unique twist. However, the classic cinnamon and vanilla combination is truly what makes this Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie Recipe so nostalgic and delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie Recipe is one of those special desserts that delivers comfort, tradition, and a touch of elegance all at once. Its simple, rich flavors invite you to slow down and savor the holiday moment. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this recipe for your own celebrations—it’s guaranteed to become a beloved favorite that brings smiles around the table year after year.
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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 rich, velvety dessert featuring a warm blend of cinnamon and vanilla flavors within a luscious custard filling. Baked in a flaky pie crust and lightly dusted with nutmeg, this pie offers a comforting holiday treat perfect for festive gatherings and cozy moments.
Ingredients
Pie
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Topping (optional)
- Ground nutmeg for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the unbaked pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish and crimp the edges to prepare the base for your custard.
- Warm Milk and Cream: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the whole milk and heavy cream. Heat this mixture until it is warm but not boiling, creating the perfect temperature to temper the eggs later.
- Mix Egg Mixture: In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, large eggs, cornstarch, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Temper Eggs: Slowly pour the warm milk and cream mixture into the egg mixture while whisking constantly. This gradual process prevents the eggs from scrambling and ensures a silky custard texture.
- Assemble Pie: Pour the combined custard mixture into the prepared pie crust. Dot the top with small pieces of unsalted butter, which will add richness and a smooth finish to the custard.
- Bake the Pie: Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes. Bake until the edges of the custard are set and the center remains slightly jiggly. To prevent the crust edges from overbrowning, cover them with aluminum foil halfway through baking if necessary.
- Cool and Chill: Allow the pie to cool at room temperature. Then refrigerate it for at least 4 hours to fully set the custard before serving.
- Add Nutmeg and Serve: Just before serving, lightly sprinkle ground nutmeg on top, if desired, to enhance the warm spice notes of the pie. Enjoy chilled or at room temperature, optionally with whipped cream.
Notes
- For a deeper cinnamon flavor, infuse a cinnamon stick in the milk and cream mixture while warming, then remove it before mixing with the eggs.
- This pie can be served chilled or at room temperature, making it versatile for different serving preferences.
- Pair with whipped cream to add an extra layer of creaminess and festive appeal.
