Christmas is a time for warmth, joy, and sharing delicious treats with loved ones. One dessert that perfectly captures the spirit of the holiday is the Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie. With its creamy texture, rich flavors, and festive spices, this pie is sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering.
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Why make this recipe
Making this Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie is not just about enjoying a tasty dessert; it’s also about creating memories around the table. The blend of cinnamon and vanilla evokes feelings of comfort and nostalgia, making it a perfect choice for Christmas Eve. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, allowing you to spend more time with family and friends.
How to make Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie
Ingredients:
- 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
- 4 large eggs
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1½ cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1½ tsp ground cinnamon (or 1 cinnamon stick, steeped)
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract (or 1 vanilla bean, scraped)
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: ¼ tsp ground nutmeg, 1 tsp orange zest for holiday flair
Directions:
- Pre-bake the Crust: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out your crust and place it in a 9-inch pie dish. Line it with parchment paper, fill it with baking weights, and bake for 15 minutes. After this, remove the weights and parchment, bake for another 5 minutes until the crust is lightly golden. Let it cool slightly.
- Prepare Custard Base: In a saucepan, heat the milk and cream with cinnamon and vanilla until it starts steaming (but do not boil). If using a cinnamon stick or vanilla bean, steep it for 10 minutes before removing.
- Whisk Eggs & Sugar: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and pale.
- Temper & Combine: Slowly pour the hot milk mixture into the eggs while whisking constantly. This is called tempering. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve for a smooth custard.
- Fill & Bake: Lower the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C). Pour the custard into the pie crust. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the edges are set and the center still jiggles slightly.
- Cool & Chill: Let the pie cool at room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing.
Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie
A creamy dessert that captures the spirit of Christmas with its rich flavors of cinnamon and vanilla.
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
- 4 large eggs
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1½ cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1½ tsp ground cinnamon (or 1 cinnamon stick, steeped)
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract (or 1 vanilla bean, scraped)
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: ¼ tsp ground nutmeg, 1 tsp orange zest for holiday flair
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out your crust and place it in a 9-inch pie dish. Line it with parchment paper, fill it with baking weights, and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the weights and parchment, and bake for another 5 minutes until lightly golden. Let it cool slightly.
- In a saucepan, heat the milk and cream with cinnamon and vanilla until it starts steaming (do not boil). Steep if using a cinnamon stick or vanilla bean for 10 minutes before removing.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and a pinch of salt until smooth and pale.
- Slowly pour the hot milk mixture into the eggs while whisking constantly to temper. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve for a smooth custard.
- Lower the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C). Pour the custard into the pie crust. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the edges are set and the center jiggles slightly.
- Cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing.
Notes
Serve cold or warmed with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of nutmeg on top. Can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or frozen for a month.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
How to serve Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie
This pie is delicious served cold but can also be warmed slightly for a comforting treat. Serve it plain or with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of nutmeg on top.
How to store Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie
To store the pie, cover it with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for about 3-4 days. If you want to freeze it, wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and it can last for up to a month.
Tips to make Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie
- For extra flavor, consider adding a hint of nutmeg or orange zest to the custard.
- Make sure to whisk the egg mixture gently but thoroughly to avoid lumps.
- If you like a firmer custard, bake it a few extra minutes, but be careful not to overcook.
Variations
You can customize this pie by adding different spices like cardamom or adding a layer of fruit like apples or pears at the bottom of the pie crust before pouring in the custard.
Hosting Christmas this year and need another festive dessert to pair it with? Check out this Sugar Cookie Cheesecake.
FAQs
1. Can I use a dairy-free milk alternative?
Yes, you can substitute dairy milk and cream with almond milk or coconut cream, but the texture and flavor may vary slightly.
2. Can I make this pie a day in advance?
Absolutely! This pie actually tastes better when made a day ahead, allowing the flavors to meld.
3. How can I tell when the custard is done?
The edges should be set, and the center should jiggle slightly when you gently shake the pie.
Conclusion
The Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie is a delightful and creamy dessert that brings festive cheer to any holiday table. With its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this pie makes for a perfect treat to enjoy with family and friends during the joyful holiday season. Try making this dessert, and it just might become a cherished holiday tradition for years to come!
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