Velvety Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie Recipe

Sweet memories swirl around this Christmas Eve cinnamon-vanilla creamy custard pie that brings comfort to winter gatherings.

A dessert so smooth it melts right into your holiday traditions.

Grandmothers and home bakers have long cherished this delicate treat for its rich, nostalgic flavors.

Delightful vanilla notes dance with warm cinnamon, creating a luxurious texture that feels like an edible embrace.

Soft, silky custard nestles inside a perfectly golden crust, promising pure indulgence with every bite.

Seasonal spices whisper stories of cozy evenings and festive celebrations.

Dive into this magical dessert that turns simple ingredients into something extraordinary – you won’t be able to resist its charm.

Why Christmas Eve Cinnamon Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie Feels Magical

• Savor Holiday Comfort: Dive into a luxurious Christmas Eve pie that wraps you in warm, nostalgic flavors of cinnamon and vanilla, perfect for creating magical family moments.
• Master Simple Baking Magic: This custard pie requires basic techniques anyone can learn, making it an approachable dessert for bakers of all skill levels with minimal complicated steps.
• Creamy Texture Delight: Experience a silky-smooth custard filling that melts perfectly in your mouth, delivering rich layers of sweetness balanced by gentle spice notes that dance across your palate.
• Make-Ahead Holiday Hero: Prepare this pie in advance and refrigerate, allowing stress-free entertaining where you can focus on enjoying time with loved ones instead of last-minute kitchen chaos.

Ingredients For Christmas Eve Cinnamon Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation for a tender and flaky pie crust, best when unbleached and fresh.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and helps control gluten development in the dough.
• Unsalted Butter: Provides rich flavor and creates delicate, layered texture, must be cold for optimal results.
• Ice Water: Helps bind the dough together without developing too much gluten, keeping the crust tender.

• Whole Milk, Heavy Cream: Creates a rich, smooth base for the creamy custard, providing luxurious texture.
• Large Eggs: Act as the primary thickening agent, giving structure to the custard.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and contribute to the caramelized flavor profile.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, comforting flavor, preferably pure extract for best taste.
• Ground Cinnamon: Delivers classic holiday warmth and aromatic depth to the custard.
• Nutmeg: Optional spice that complements cinnamon with a subtle, nutty undertone.
• Salt: Balances and enhances the overall sweetness of the custard.

• Cinnamon Sugar: Provides a decorative and flavorful topping for extra holiday flair.
• Whipped Cream: Offers a light, creamy contrast to the dense custard filling.

How To Make Christmas Eve Cinnamon Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie

Step 1: Craft the Flaky Pastry Base

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and whisk together flour and salt. Slice cold butter into small chunks and work it into the flour using your fingertips until the mixture looks like rough breadcrumbs. Slowly drizzle ice water, mixing gently until the dough starts to form a cohesive ball. Shape the dough into a smooth disc, wrap it in plastic, and let it chill in the refrigerator for a relaxing 30-minute rest.

Step 2: Prepare the Pie Shell

Warm up the oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a flour-dusted surface, creating a perfect circle to nestle into a 9-inch pie pan. Trim the edges with care and create a decorative crimp around the rim. Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the weights and parchment. Give it another 5 minutes in the oven until it turns a light golden color. Let the crust cool completely.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Custard Filling

• Milk
• Heavy cream

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

Slowly stream the warm milk mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to create a smooth, luxurious custard base.

Step 4: Create the Pie Magic

Pour the silky custard mixture into the pre-baked pie shell with a steady hand. Slide the pie carefully into the oven.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (165°C). Bake for 40-50 minutes until the custard sets around the edges but still has a gentle jiggle in the center. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the pie for at least 2 hours to allow the custard to set completely. Before serving, dust with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar or crown with a dollop of fluffy whipped cream for that extra festive touch.

Tips For Christmas Eve Cinnamon Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie

• Chill the Pie Crust Perfectly: Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent shrinking and ensure a flaky, tender crust that holds its shape during baking.
• Temper Eggs Carefully: Slowly add warm milk to eggs while whisking constantly to prevent curdling and create a smooth, silky custard texture without scrambled egg chunks.
• Nail the Custard Doneness: Look for a slightly jiggly center with set edges when baking – the custard will continue firming up as it cools, creating that dreamy creamy consistency.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Use freshly ground nutmeg and high-quality vanilla extract to elevate the warmth and complexity of the Christmas Eve custard pie.
• Make Ahead with Ease: Prepare the pie up to two days in advance and store covered in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to meld and making holiday prep stress-free.

Store Christmas Eve Cinnamon Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie The Right Way

• Refrigerate: Store the creamy custard pie in an airtight container or cover tightly with plastic wrap. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain its fresh flavor and smooth texture.
• Freeze: Wrap the cooled pie securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to preserve its delicate consistency.
• Reheat: Warm individual slices gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds on low power. Alternatively, place the slice in a preheated oven at 300F (150C) for 5-7 minutes to restore its warm, comforting taste.
• Prevent Sogginess: Place a paper towel under the pie slice when storing or reheating to absorb excess moisture and maintain the crust's crisp texture.

What Tastes Great With Christmas Eve Cinnamon Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie

• Elevate Sweet Spice with Nutty Companions: Pair this creamy cinnamon-vanilla custard pie with toasted almonds or pecans for a delightful textural contrast that enhances the pie's rich, smooth profile.
• Sip Warm Comfort Alongside: Serve with a steaming mug of spiced chai tea or a smooth bourbon vanilla latte to complement the pie's warm, festive flavors and create a cozy holiday moment.
• Refresh with Fruity Counterpoint: Add a dollop of fresh raspberry compote or a side of cranberry sorbet to cut through the custard's richness and provide a bright, tangy balance to the sweet, creamy dessert.
• Balance with Chilled Elegance: Accompany the pie with a glass of crisp, slightly sweet Riesling or a smooth cream sherry to enhance the custard's delicate vanilla and cinnamon notes while offering a sophisticated drinking experience.

Try Fun Variations Of Christmas Eve Cinnamon Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie

• Holiday Spice Infusion: Add cardamom and ginger to the custard for a warm, festive flavor profile that enhances the Christmas spirit.
• Chocolate Drizzle Dream: Create a rich chocolate ganache and drizzle it over the cooled custard pie for an indulgent chocolate lover's version.
• Nutty Crunch Upgrade: Sprinkle toasted pecans or sliced almonds on top of the custard before baking to add texture and depth to the traditional recipe.
• Caramel Swirl Special: Incorporate a homemade caramel sauce into the custard mixture or swirl it on top of the pie for a decadent holiday treat.

Christmas Eve Cinnamon Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie FAQs

• What makes this custard pie special for Christmas Eve?

This pie brings cozy holiday warmth with its classic cinnamon-vanilla flavor and creamy texture. The combination of warm spices and rich custard creates a comforting dessert that feels like a traditional Christmas treat.

• Can I make the pie crust ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the pie crust dough up to 2 days in advance and keep it refrigerated. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent drying out. This makes holiday baking much easier and less stressful.

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

The custard is done when the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle – similar to a soft pudding. It will continue to set as it cools, so don’t worry if it looks slightly wobbly when you first remove it from the oven.

• Is this pie suitable for people who don't like super-sweet desserts?

Yes! The recipe balances both granulated and brown sugar, creating a rich but not overpowering sweetness. The warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg add depth without making the pie too sugary.

Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Festive holiday dreams come alive with Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie, a sweet symphony of warmth and comfort. Delicate spices and silky custard invite celebration, promising pure delight for those who savor seasonal magic.

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Ingredients

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Pie Ingredients:

Pie Crust Base:

• 1 ¼ cups (160 grams) all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (115 grams) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 4 tablespoons ice water

Custard Filling Primary Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups (600 milliliters) whole milk
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
• 3 large eggs
• ½ cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (50 grams) light brown sugar

Flavoring and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 pinch of salt

Optional Topping:

• Cinnamon sugar
• Whipped cream

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Instructions

1. Craft the foundational pastry by blending flour and salt in a mixing vessel. Incorporate chilled butter using a pastry cutter, working the mixture until it resembles coarse granules. Introduce ice water incrementally, gently combining until the dough coheres. Form the mixture into a compact disc, encase in plastic film, and chill for a minimum of half an hour.
2. Heat the oven to 375F (190C). Gently roll the chilled dough on a flour-dusted surface, ensuring it fits a 9-inch pie pan. Carefully transfer the dough, trimming excess edges and creating decorative crimped borders. Shield the crust with parchment paper, filling with ceramic weights or dried legumes. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove weights and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes until golden. Allow to cool completely.
3. Warm milk and cream in a saucepan over medium heat until steaming but not boiling. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk eggs with both sugar varieties, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth. Gradually stream the heated dairy into the egg mixture, whisking continuously to prevent curdling and create a silky custard base.
4. Gently pour the luxurious custard into the pre-baked pie shell, ensuring an even distribution. Transfer the filled pie to the preheated oven with careful precision.
5. Reduce oven temperature to 325F (165C). Bake for 40-50 minutes, monitoring until the custard sets around the edges while maintaining a slight wobble in the center. Once perfectly cooked, extract from the oven and allow to cool at room temperature.
6. Refrigerate the pie for a minimum of two hours to achieve optimal setting. Before presenting, dust with a delicate layer of cinnamon sugar or crown with pillowy whipped cream for a festive flourish.

Notes

• Ensure butter is thoroughly chilled when making the pie crust to achieve a flaky, tender texture that melts in your mouth.
• When tempering eggs, pour the warm milk slowly and whisk continuously to prevent scrambling and create a silky smooth custard.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute regular flour with almond or coconut flour in the crust, maintaining the same mixing technique.
• To prevent soggy bottom, pre-bake the crust until golden and let it cool completely before adding the custard filling.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 21 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg