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
Scale
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.
