Cinnamon Vanilla Custard Pie (Perfect Christmas Eve Dessert) Recipe

If you’re dreaming of a dessert that captures the warmth of the holidays with every bite, look no further than this Cinnamon Vanilla Custard Pie (Perfect Christmas Eve Dessert) Recipe. It’s a magical combination of silky custard infused with fragrant cinnamon and sweet vanilla, baked into a golden, flaky crust that’s tender yet sturdy enough to hold all that creamy goodness. This dessert is not only comforting and cozy but also impressively elegant, making it a shining star for your Christmas Eve festivities. Whether you’re serving family or guests, this pie promises to be a memorable and heartwarming finish to your holiday meal.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making a stellar Cinnamon Vanilla Custard Pie (Perfect Christmas Eve Dessert) Recipe. Each component is simple but essential, adding layers of flavor, texture, and that beautiful holiday color that makes every slice inviting.

• 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought): Provides the flaky, buttery base that holds the custard beautifully.
• 4 large eggs: The cornerstone of the custard, giving it that rich and silky texture.
• ¾ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the custard perfectly without overpowering the spices.
• 1½ cups whole milk: Adds creaminess and smoothness to the filling.
• 1 cup heavy cream: Boosts the custard’s richness for a truly indulgent mouthfeel.
• 1½ tsp ground cinnamon (or 1 cinnamon stick, steeped): Infuses warm, cozy spice that feels like holiday magic.
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract (or 1 vanilla bean, scraped): Elevates the flavor with sweet, floral vanilla notes.
• Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor complexity.
• Optional: ¼ tsp ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle nutty spice for extra depth.
• Optional: 1 tsp orange zest: Brings a bright, festive twist that pairs wonderfully with cinnamon.

How to Make Cinnamon Vanilla Custard Pie (Perfect Christmas Eve Dessert) Recipe

Step 1: Pre-bake the Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out your pie crust into your 9-inch pie dish, then line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with baking weights or dried beans. This keeps the crust from bubbling as it bakes. Bake for 15 minutes, then carefully remove the weights and parchment and bake for another 5 minutes until the crust is lightly golden. Let it cool slightly before filling.

Step 2: Prepare the Custard Base

In a saucepan, combine the whole milk, heavy cream, cinnamon, and vanilla. Gently heat the mixture until it’s steaming but not boiling—this is crucial to extract the most flavor without curdling the cream. If you’re using a cinnamon stick or vanilla bean, let them steep in the warm mixture for about 10 minutes, then remove them before combining with the eggs.

Step 3: Whisk Eggs & Sugar

While your milk and cream are heating, whisk the eggs, sugar, and a pinch of salt together in a large mixing bowl until the mixture is pale and smooth. This hard work ensures your custard will be silky and well blended, creating that dreamy texture everyone craves.

Step 4: Temper & Combine

Slowly drizzle the hot milk and cream mixture into the eggs while whisking constantly. This tempering process gently warms the eggs and prevents them from scrambling. For the smoothest custard possible, strain the combined mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl—this step is optional but worth the effort if you want truly velvety custard.

Step 5: Fill & Bake

Lower the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C) and carefully pour the custard mixture into your pre-baked pie crust. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the edges are set but the center still jiggles with a gentle nudge. This ensures the custard is perfectly cooked—creamy and tender, not rubbery.

Step 6: Cool & Chill

Allow your pie to cool at room temperature before transferring it to the fridge. Chill it for at least 2 hours to let the custard set fully. This cooling time helps the pie develop its flavor and makes slicing clean and easy. Your Cinnamon Vanilla Custard Pie (Perfect Christmas Eve Dessert) Recipe is now ready to impress!

How to Serve Cinnamon Vanilla Custard Pie (Perfect Christmas Eve Dessert) Recipe

Garnishes

Adding the right garnish can elevate this already stunning custard pie. A light dusting of ground cinnamon or a sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg adds warmth and a beautiful aroma. For extra indulgence, a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream creates a luscious contrast to the spiced custard.

Side Dishes

This pie pairs wonderfully with simple, fresh accompaniments to balance its richness. Consider serving it alongside fresh berries or a citrusy fruit salad to add bright, refreshing notes. A cup of hot spiced tea or rich coffee also complements the flavors perfectly and keeps the holiday spirit cozy.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re looking to wow your guests even more, try serving individual pie slices with a drizzle of caramel sauce and a few toasted pecans on top for crunch. You can also prepare mini versions of this custard pie in tart pans for personalized servings—perfect for holiday parties or a stylish dessert buffet.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cinnamon Vanilla Custard Pie (Perfect Christmas Eve Dessert) Recipe can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping it chilled maintains the custard’s creamy texture, and storing it covered prevents it from absorbing other flavors in the fridge.

Freezing

To freeze, cut the pie into slices and wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to avoid freezer burn. Frozen slices can last for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, thaw slices overnight in the fridge to preserve texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat chilled slices gently at room temperature or warm them briefly in a low oven (around 300°F/150°C) for 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the custard watery or rubbery. Serving chilled is often the best way to enjoy the authentic custard experience.

FAQs

Can I use a store-bought pie crust, or do I need to make one from scratch?

Absolutely, a store-bought crust works perfectly for this recipe and saves you time. Just make sure it’s unbaked so you can pre-bake it for that golden, flaky texture. If you enjoy baking from scratch, a homemade crust adds a lovely personal touch.

What’s the best way to prevent the custard from curdling?

The key is tempering the eggs by slowly whisking the hot milk mixture into them. Also, avoid boiling the milk and cream—heat it until steaming. Baking at a lower oven temperature helps the custard set gently without curdling.

Can I make this pie vegan or dairy-free?

While this recipe depends on dairy and eggs for its signature texture and flavor, you could experiment with non-dairy milk and egg replacers, but the results will differ. For the best experience, this pie shines brightest in its classic form.

How do I know when the pie is done baking?

The edges of the custard should be set and firm, while the center still jiggles slightly when you gently shake the pie dish. This jiggle means the custard is creamy and perfectly cooked through without being overdone.

Can I prepare the custard ahead of time before baking?

It’s best to bake the custard right after mixing to achieve that smooth texture and prevent separation. However, you can prepare the crust in advance and bake it just before filling to streamline your holiday prep.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the comforting, creamy goodness of this Cinnamon Vanilla Custard Pie (Perfect Christmas Eve Dessert) Recipe that makes holiday celebrations feel even warmer. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or simply craving a sweet treat that feels like a hug from the inside, this pie is your go-to. Give it a try this season—you’ll quickly understand why it’s a beloved crowd-pleaser that keeps smiles around the table bright and spirits joyful.

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