Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie

Introduction

This Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie quickly became a favorite in our home after I first made it last holiday season. The pie was a hit with everyone, from the youngest family members to the adults. The rich, creamy filling paired with the warm spices of cinnamon and vanilla created a festive, comforting dessert perfect for the season. I especially loved how simple yet delicious it was, with its buttery crust and velvety custard filling. When it came time to serve, there was barely a slice left, and we were all asking for seconds! If you want to make a dessert that will impress your guests while being relatively easy to prepare, this pie is the one to try.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie

The combination of cinnamon, vanilla, and custard is a timeless one, and this pie brings all of those flavors together in perfect harmony. The creamy filling is rich yet light, and the cinnamon adds a warm, comforting note that’s ideal for the holiday season. What sets this pie apart is the slightly crispy crust, which holds the custard so well. You get the best of both worlds—comforting, creamy filling and a crisp, flaky crust. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas Eve gathering or just looking for a holiday dessert to enjoy with your family, this pie will certainly be the star of the evening. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, with ingredients that are commonly found in your pantry.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 2-3 tablespoons ice water

For the Filling:

• 3 large eggs
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 1/2 cups whole milk, warmed
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Topping (Optional):

• Whipped cream
• Ground cinnamon for dusting

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch pie dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Make the crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add 2-3 tablespoons of ice water and mix until the dough comes together.
3. Form the crust: Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface. Press the dough into the pie dish, trimming any excess and crimping the edges for a neat finish. Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork to prevent it from puffing up during baking. Pre-bake the crust for 10 minutes to set it.
4. Prepare the filling: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined. Slowly pour in the warmed milk while whisking constantly to prevent curdling.
5. Fill and bake: Pour the custard mixture into the pre-baked crust. Place the pie in the oven and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the center is set and a knife inserted into the middle comes out clean.
6. Cool and refrigerate: Let the pie cool at room temperature before refrigerating for at least 2 hours to allow the custard to fully set.
7. Serve: Before serving, top the pie with a dollop of whipped cream and a light dusting of ground cinnamon, if desired.

Nutrition Facts (Servings and Calories per Serving)

• Servings: 8 slices
• Calories per serving: 310 kcal

Preparation Time

• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cooking time: 50 minutes
• Cooling time: 2 hours
• Total time: 3 hours 10 minutes

How to Serve

This delicious Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie is perfect for a variety of occasions. Here are a few ideas on how to serve it:

• Serve it chilled as a holiday dessert after dinner.
• Top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream for extra creaminess.
• Garnish with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or nutmeg for added flavor and a festive touch.
• Pair it with a warm cup of spiced tea or coffee for a comforting treat.
• Enjoy it as an after-dinner dessert or serve it at a Christmas brunch.

Additional Tips

1. Use cold butter: Cold butter is essential for making a flaky pie crust. It helps create those tender, buttery layers.
2. Don’t skip the pre-baking step: Pre-baking the crust ensures it doesn’t get soggy from the custard filling.
3. Warm the milk: Be sure to warm the milk slightly before adding it to the egg mixture. This prevents curdling and ensures a smooth filling.
4. Chill the pie properly: Allow the pie to chill for at least 2 hours to ensure the custard sets properly. This also enhances the flavor.
5. Customize the topping: You can add some grated chocolate or crushed nuts as an alternative topping for a bit of crunch and flavor.

FAQ Section

1. Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes, this pie is perfect for making ahead. Prepare it the day before and let it chill in the refrigerator overnight.

2. Can I substitute the whole milk?
You can use any milk you prefer, but whole milk will give you the creamiest, richest filling. You can also use a dairy-free milk if needed.

3. Is there a gluten-free option for the crust?
Yes, you can make a gluten-free crust using gluten-free flour. Make sure to follow a recipe for a gluten-free pie crust for the best results.

4. How can I make the crust flakier?
Ensure that your butter is very cold, and avoid overworking the dough. Less handling results in a flakier crust.

5. Can I use a store-bought pie crust?
Certainly! If you’re short on time, a pre-made pie crust will work just fine.

6. Can I make this pie without eggs?
You could try an egg substitute, such as a flax egg or chia seed egg, but the texture may be slightly different.

7. How can I prevent the custard from curdling?
Whisk the eggs and sugar thoroughly before adding the warm milk. Gradually pour in the milk while constantly whisking to prevent the eggs from cooking too quickly.

8. Can I freeze this pie?
Yes, you can freeze the pie before adding the whipped cream topping. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

9. Can I make the filling sweeter?
Feel free to adjust the sugar level to your liking. You can add an extra tablespoon or two of sugar if you prefer a sweeter pie.

10. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Conclusion

The Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie is a delicious and simple dessert that will wow your family and friends this holiday season. Its creamy, cinnamon-spiced filling and buttery crust make it the perfect addition to any holiday meal or gathering. With just a few ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can create a dessert that looks and tastes like it came from a professional bakery. Whether enjoyed on Christmas Eve or any other festive occasion, this pie is sure to become a family favorite. So, grab your ingredients and give this pie a try—you won’t be disappointed!

Print