Jolly Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie Recipe

Baking a heavenly Christmas Eve cinnamon-vanilla creamy custard pie brings magic to holiday gatherings.

Sweet aromas will dance through your kitchen, promising delightful memories.

Festive gatherings deserve something special that warms hearts and creates connections.

creamy textures meld with rich spices, crafting an experience beyond ordinary desserts.

Nostalgic flavors whisper stories of cherished traditions passed down through generations.

Winter celebrations call for indulgent treats that spark joy and conversation.

Let this delectable creation become your new signature holiday masterpiece.

Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie Overview

Craft Festive Family Dessert: Discover why this Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie will become your new holiday tradition.

• Celebrate Seasonal Comfort: Indulge in a warm, creamy dessert that captures the essence of holiday gatherings with its rich cinnamon and vanilla flavors.
• Master Simple Baking Skills: Perfect for home bakers of all levels, this recipe requires basic ingredients and straightforward techniques that guarantee a delicious result every single time.
• Create Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this stunning pie in advance, allowing you to spend more quality time with loved ones during the holiday season while enjoying a stress-free dessert solution.
• Impress Without Complexity: Wow your guests with a professional-looking dessert that seems sophisticated but actually comes together with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.

Ingredients for Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie

• All-Purpose Flour: A key component that provides the structural base for the pie crust.
• Cold Butter: Creates flaky layers and adds rich flavor to the pie crust.
• Ice Water: Helps bind the dough together without warming the butter.

• Eggs: Provide structure and richness to the creamy custard base.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a smooth custard texture.
• Whole Milk: Forms the creamy liquid foundation of the custard.
• Vanilla Extract: Delivers a warm, classic flavor to the custard.
• Ground Cinnamon: Brings a festive, warming spice to the pie.

• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall flavor of the custard.
• Whipped Cream, Ground Cinnamon: Provide a decorative and flavorful topping for serving.

How to Prepare Christmas Eve Cinnamon Custard Pie

Step 1: Craft the Pie Crust

Mix flour with cold butter using your fingertips until the mixture looks like rough sand. Drizzle ice water and gently combine until the dough holds together.

Roll out the dough on a floured surface and carefully transfer it into a pie dish. Crimp the edges decoratively and poke small holes across the bottom with a fork.

Step 2: Pre-Bake the Crust

Slide the prepared crust into a preheated oven at 350°F. Bake for 10 minutes until it turns light golden.

This initial baking helps create a crispy foundation that won’t get soggy from the creamy filling.

Step 3: Whip Together the Custard Base

• Eggs
• Granulated sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon
• Salt

Pour in warm milk while continuously whisking to create a silky smooth mixture without any lumps.

Step 4: Fill and Bake the Pie

Gently pour the custard mixture into the pre-baked crust. Ensure an even distribution across the entire surface.

Return the pie to the oven and bake for 40-50 minutes. The center should look set and a knife inserted near the middle should come out clean.

Step 5: Cool and Chill

Let the pie rest at room temperature until it reaches a moderate warmth. Transfer to the refrigerator and allow it to chill for at least 2 hours.

This helps the custard firm up and develop a rich, creamy texture.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Just before serving, crown the pie with fluffy whipped cream.

Sprinkle a light dusting of ground cinnamon on top for a festive winter touch. Slice and serve this dreamy holiday dessert that promises to delight everyone at the Christmas table.

Tips for Creamy Custard Pie

• Blind bake the pie crust for 10 minutes to create a barrier that stops custard from making the bottom wet and ensures a crispy texture.
• Whisk eggs and sugar thoroughly, then slowly add warm milk while continuously stirring to prevent lumps and create a silky, creamy consistency.
• Watch the pie carefully during the last 10 minutes of baking. Remove when the center is just set but still slightly jiggly, as it will continue to firm up while cooling.
• Refrigerate the pie for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the custard to set completely and develop a rich, creamy texture.

Variations on Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie

• Dairy-Free Holiday Custard: Replace milk with coconut milk or almond milk for a lactose-free version, maintaining the creamy texture and rich flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Christmas Crust: Swap traditional flour with almond flour or gluten-free baking mix to create a crispy, celiac-friendly pie base that complements the classic custard filling.
• Maple Pecan Winter Variation: Substitute granulated sugar with maple syrup and sprinkle chopped pecans on top for a nutty, caramel-like holiday spin on the original recipe.
• Low-Sugar Festive Option: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar, reducing caloric content while preserving the traditional creamy custard experience.

Pairing Ideas for Christmas Custard Pie

• A spicy-sweet red wine infused with cinnamon, cloves, and orange zest complements the pie's rich vanilla and cinnamon notes perfectly. The warm, aromatic beverage enhances the creamy custard's delicate flavors.
• A shot of robust espresso with a drizzle of caramel sauce creates a delightful contrast to the pie's sweetness. The coffee's intensity cuts through the creamy texture while adding depth to the dessert experience.
• A smooth bourbon cocktail with hints of nutmeg and vanilla echoes the pie's warm spices. The alcohol's slight burn and complex undertones elevate the custard's subtle cinnamon flavor.

Storage Guidelines for Christmas Custard Pie

• Store the custard pie in an airtight container or cover tightly with plastic wrap. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap the cooled pie securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Place in the refrigerator overnight to thaw safely before serving.
• Preheat oven to 325°F, cover pie edges with aluminum foil to prevent burning, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Check temperature to avoid overcooking the delicate custard.
• Cut individual slices and warm briefly in microwave for 20-30 seconds on low power to prevent rubbery texture. Serve immediately with fresh whipped cream for best taste and texture.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients for this Christmas Eve custard pie?

The key ingredients include flour, cold butter, eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, milk, and salt, creating a rich and creamy holiday dessert.

• Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pie a day in advance. After baking and cooling, refrigerate the pie for up to 24 hours before serving, which can actually enhance the flavors.

• How do I know when the custard is properly baked?

The custard is done when the center is set and a knife inserted into the middle comes out clean. The pie will continue to firm up as it cools, so avoid overbaking.

Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie Recipe

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4.9 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Festive Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie delivers holiday comfort with luxurious layers of creamy sweetness. Delicate spices and rich vanilla embrace winter celebrations, promising warmth and joy for family gatherings.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 large eggs
• 2 1/2 cups (591 milliliters) whole milk
• 3/4 cup (150 grams) granulated sugar

Crust Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cups (156 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (113 grams) cold unsalted butter
• 2–3 tablespoons ice water

Flavor and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Optional Topping:

• Whipped cream
• Ground cinnamon for dusting

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Instructions

1. Prepare pie dish by greasing a 9-inch pan or lining with parchment paper, ensuring easy pie removal.
2. Create flaky pie dough by combining flour and cold butter, cutting mixture until crumbly. Incorporate ice water gradually to bind ingredients, forming a cohesive dough.
3. Roll out dough on floured surface, carefully transferring to pie dish. Trim excess edges, creating decorative border using fingertips. Poke bottom with fork to prevent potential air bubbles.
4. Par-bake crust at 350°F for 10 minutes, developing a sturdy foundation for custard filling.
5. Craft silky custard mixture by whisking eggs, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until thoroughly blended. Gradually introduce warm milk while stirring continuously to prevent ingredient separation.
6. Gently pour custard into pre-baked crust, ensuring even distribution across entire surface.
7. Bake pie for 40-50 minutes at 350°F until center stabilizes and knife emerges clean when inserted. Custard will continue setting during cooling process.
8. Allow pie to reach room temperature, then refrigerate for minimum 2 hours to achieve perfect consistency and flavor melding.
9. Garnish chilled pie with dollops of whipped cream and delicate cinnamon sprinkle before serving. Slice and savor this festive holiday dessert.

Notes

• Swap out traditional flour for gluten-free alternatives like almond or coconut flour to make the pie suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Reduce sugar content by using natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit to create a lower-calorie dessert option.
• Enhance the custard’s richness by using full-fat coconut milk instead of regular milk for a dairy-free and more decadent version.
• Prevent crust soggy bottom by sprinkling a thin layer of ground almonds or breadcrumbs before adding the custard, which helps absorb excess moisture.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 200 kcal
• Sugar: 13 g
• Sodium: 100 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg