The Festive Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie Recipe

Tucked away in grandma’s cherished cookbook, this christmas eve cinnamon-vanilla creamy custard pie whispers nostalgic memories of holiday gatherings.

Sweet aromas from her kitchen would drift through cold winter rooms.

Soft pillowy layers promise comfort and warmth on chilly nights.

Delicate spices intermingle, creating a dessert that feels like a tender embrace.

Fragrant vanilla and gentle cinnamon dance across smooth custard surfaces.

Generations have savored each creamy bite, passing down this treasured recipe.

You’ll find pure magic waiting in every delectable slice.

What Makes Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie Special

• Craft Holiday Magic: This creamy custard pie transforms ordinary ingredients into a festive dessert that captures the warmth of Christmas Eve celebrations.
• Beginner-Friendly Baking: The straightforward recipe welcomes home cooks of all skill levels, with simple steps that guarantee a delicious result without complicated techniques.
• Comfort in Every Slice: Cinnamon and vanilla create a nostalgic flavor profile that wraps guests in cozy, sweet memories perfect for family gatherings and seasonal get-togethers.
• Quick Festive Dessert: Minimal ingredients and simple preparation make this pie an ideal last-minute addition to holiday meal plans, requiring just basic pantry staples and minimal kitchen skills.

Ingredients for Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie

• Pie Crust: A traditional pastry shell that holds the creamy custard filling.

• Milk, Heavy Cream: Provides rich, smooth base for the creamy custard texture.

• Sugar, Vanilla Extract, Cinnamon: Adds warm, sweet flavor and aromatic depth to the custard.

• Eggs, Cornstarch: Helps thicken and set the custard, creating a silky smooth consistency.

• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall flavor profile of the pie.

How to Make Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350F (175C), creating the perfect toasty environment for your delightful pie.

Step 2: Heat the Milk

Pour milk into a saucepan and gently warm it until steamy wisps dance above the surface, stopping just before it starts to boil.

Step 3: Blend the Creamy Base

• Sugar
• Eggs
• Cornstarch
• Vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon
• Salt

Blend until the mixture looks smooth and inviting.

Step 4: Combine Milk and Egg Mixture

Slowly stream the hot milk into the egg blend, whisking continuously to create a silky-smooth custard base.

Step 5: Cook the Custard

Transfer the mixture back to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly. Watch as the liquid transforms into a thick, luxurious custard.

Step 6: Fill the Pie Crust

Carefully pour the creamy custard into your prepared pie crust, ensuring an even distribution.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pie into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the custard sets with a gentle, confident jiggle.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Allow the pie to cool completely, letting the flavors meld and settle. Slice and serve this festive treat to your delighted guests.

Pro Tips for Creamy Custard Pie

• Temper eggs gently by slowly adding hot milk to prevent scrambling, creating a silky smooth custard texture.
• Select a high-quality pure vanilla extract for deeper, richer flavor that enhances the cinnamon notes.
• Allow pie to cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating to prevent condensation and maintain the perfect custard consistency.
• Dust the top with ground cinnamon or add fresh whipped cream just before serving for an elegant holiday presentation.
• Replace cornstarch with arrowroot powder for a gluten-free version that delivers the same creamy, luxurious result.

Variations to Personalize Custard Pie

• Holiday Spice Lovers Pie: Add extra ground nutmeg and cloves to enhance the warm Christmas flavor profile, creating a more intense seasonal spice experience.
• Chocolate Swirl Custard Pie: Drizzle melted dark chocolate across the custard surface before baking, creating beautiful chocolate ribbons throughout the creamy texture.
• Caramel Pecan Holiday Pie: Sprinkle chopped pecans on top and drizzle caramel sauce over the custard before serving, adding rich nutty crunch and sweet complexity.
• Orange Zest Winter Pie: Incorporate fresh orange zest into the custard mixture, brightening the dessert with subtle citrus notes that complement the cinnamon warmth.

Pairing Ideas for Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie

• Pair Spiced Wine with Warm Comfort: Mulled red wine with cinnamon and orange zest perfectly complements the creamy custard's warm spices, creating a cozy Christmas Eve flavor harmony.
• Serve with Vanilla Bean Whipped Cream: Top the pie with freshly whipped cream infused with vanilla bean seeds, enhancing the existing vanilla notes and adding luxurious texture.
• Match with Caramelized Almond Crunch: Sprinkle toasted, caramelized almonds on top or alongside the pie for a delightful textural contrast and nutty undertone that elevates the custard's richness.
• Select Cinnamon-Spiced Coffee Companion: Brew a robust coffee with a dash of cinnamon to serve alongside the pie, providing a warming beverage that echoes the dessert's aromatic profile.

Storage Recommendations for Custard Pie

• Store the custard pie in an airtight container or cover tightly with plastic wrap. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap the cooled pie carefully in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1-2 months. Place in the refrigerator overnight to thaw before serving.
• Warm the pie at 325F for 10-15 minutes, covering loosely with foil to prevent over-browning. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the crust.
• Serve chilled or at room temperature. Cut clean slices using a knife dipped in hot water for smooth, precise portions.

FAQs on Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie

• What ingredients make this custard pie unique?

The combination of cinnamon and vanilla creates a warm, festive flavor profile that’s perfect for Christmas, while the cornstarch ensures a smooth, creamy texture that sets perfectly.

• Is this pie difficult to make for beginners?

No, this recipe is relatively simple and straightforward. The key is to whisk constantly when combining hot milk with egg mixture and when cooking the custard to prevent lumps and ensure a silky consistency.

• Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the pie a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator, which actually allows the flavors to meld together even more beautifully.

Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie Recipe

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4.9 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Festive holiday magic fills each slice of Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie, promising delightful comfort for family gatherings. Warm spices and silky custard invite you to savor sweet memories of seasonal celebration.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Filling Ingredients:

• 2 cups milk
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

Crust Ingredient:

• 1 9-inch pie crust

Garnish/Topping Ingredients:

(None specified in original recipe)

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Instructions

1. Warm milk in a saucepan until it releases aromatic steam, avoiding a rolling boil.
2. Combine sugar, eggs, cornstarch, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt in a mixing bowl, whisking until smooth and fully integrated.
3. Gradually stream the heated milk into the egg mixture, continuously whisking to prevent curdling and create a silky consistency.
4. Transfer the blended liquid back to the saucepan, cooking over medium heat while stirring persistently until the custard thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
5. Carefully pour the creamy custard into the prepared pie crust, ensuring an even distribution.
6. Place the pie in a preheated 350F (175C) oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, watching for a gentle set with a slight wobble in the center.
7. Remove from the oven and allow the custard pie to cool completely at room temperature, enabling the filling to stabilize and develop a perfect texture.
8. Slice and serve the chilled Christmas Eve cinnamon-vanilla custard pie, revealing its luxurious, smooth interior.

Notes

• Use room temperature eggs to prevent lumps and ensure smooth custard texture.
• Temper eggs carefully by gradually adding hot milk to prevent scrambling, creating silky consistency.
• Consider using pre-baked pie crust to maintain crisp bottom and prevent soggy foundation.
• Replace dairy milk with almond or coconut milk for lactose-free or vegan alternative, adjusting sweetness accordingly.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 176 kcal
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 75 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg