Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie Recipe – Festive & Delicious

If you’re looking for a dessert that captures the warmth and joy of the holiday season, then this Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie Recipe – Festive & Delicious is just what you need! This pie has become a cherished tradition in my home, bringing smiles to everyone at our Christmas gatherings. The combination of cinnamon and vanilla fills your kitchen with a delightful aroma, making it feel like a cozy winter wonderland.

What I love most about this recipe is its simplicity. Even if you’re busy prepping for the holidays, this custard pie is easy to whip up and can be made ahead of time. Whether it’s a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this creamy delight is sure to impress everyone at the table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a beautiful pie ready to serve.
• Family-friendly: The flavors are perfect for all ages, making it a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Make-ahead convenience: You can prepare this pie in advance, freeing up your time on busy holiday days.
• Deliciously comforting: The warm spices and creamy texture make every bite feel like a hug.
• Impressive presentation: Serve it up with whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon for that wow factor!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients for our delicious custard pie. These items are likely already in your pantry or easy to find at your local store.

For the Crust:

• All-purpose flour – 1 1/4 cups
• Cold unsalted butter – 1/2 cup (cut into small cubes)
• Ice water – 2-3 tablespoons
• Salt – A pinch
• Optional: sugar – 1 tablespoon (if you prefer a slightly sweet crust)

For the Custard Filling:

• Large eggs – 3
• Granulated sugar – 1/2 cup
• Heavy cream – 1 1/4 cups
• Pure vanilla extract – 2 teaspoons
• Ground cinnamon – 1 teaspoon
• Salt – A pinch

Variations

One of the best things about this creamy custard pie is how flexible it can be! Feel free to get creative and make it your own.

• Add some zest: Incorporate lemon or orange zest for a refreshing twist.
• Go nutty: Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavor.
• Swap the spice: Try using nutmeg or ginger instead of cinnamon for a different seasonal taste.
• Fruit infusion: Add fresh fruit such as berries or sliced apples into the custard before baking for a fruity surprise.

How to Make Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie Recipe – Festive & Delicious

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Start by making your crust. In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. If you’re adding sugar for sweetness, mix that in too! Cut in the cold butter until you have small crumbs. Then add ice water gradually until the dough holds together. This step is essential as it gives your crust that flaky texture we all love.

Step 2: Roll Out the Dough

On a floured surface, roll out your dough into a circle about 12 inches wide. Gently transfer it to your pie pan and press it into place. Don’t worry if it cracks; just patch it up with your fingers! Prick the bottom with a fork to allow steam to escape while baking.

Step 3: Blind Bake the Crust

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for about 15 minutes until lightly golden. This blind baking prevents sogginess and gives us that lovely crisp crust.

Step 4: Whisk Together Custard Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, granulated sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until smooth. This step blends all those wonderful flavors together beautifully!

Step 5: Fill and Bake

Pour the custard mixture into your pre-baked crust. Bake in the preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes until just set but still slightly jiggly in the center. It will firm up as it cools.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Once baked, let your pie cool at room temperature before refrigerating it. This allows those creamy flavors to deepen! Serve chilled or at room temperature topped with whipped cream or an extra sprinkle of cinnamon.

And there you have it—a delightful Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie that’s guaranteed to bring warmth and joy to any gathering! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Pro Tips for Making Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie Recipe – Festive & Delicious

Creating a beautiful custard pie can be a breeze with a few handy tips up your sleeve!

• Use cold ingredients: Keeping your butter and cream cold will help achieve a flakier crust and a smooth custard. This ensures that the crust holds its shape while baking and the custard sets perfectly.
• Don’t overmix the dough: When preparing your pie crust, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough texture, which we want to avoid for that delightful flaky bite.
• Pre-bake the crust: Consider blind baking your pie crust for about 10 minutes before adding the custard. This prevents sogginess and helps the crust stay crisp throughout the baking process.
• Check for doneness carefully: The custard should be set but still slightly jiggly in the center when you take it out of the oven. It will continue to set as it cools, giving you that perfect creamy consistency.
• Chill before serving: Allow your pie to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate it for at least two hours before serving. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and makes slicing easier!

How to Serve Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie Recipe – Festive & Delicious

Presenting your delicious custard pie is just as important as making it! Consider these creative ideas to showcase your festive dessert at gatherings.

Garnishes

• Fresh whipped cream: Top each slice with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for an extra touch of decadence.
• Cinnamon dusting: A light sprinkle of ground cinnamon on top adds visual appeal and enhances the warm spice notes in your custard.
• Chopped nuts: For some added crunch, consider sprinkling chopped pecans or walnuts over the top, providing texture and flavor contrast.

Side Dishes

• Spiced apple compote: A warm apple compote made with cinnamon and nutmeg pairs beautifully with the creamy custard, adding fruity warmth to your dessert experience.
• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside your pie offers a delightful temperature contrast, creating a rich and indulgent treat.
• Roasted winter vegetables: Serve roasted carrots, parsnips, or Brussels sprouts as savory side dishes that complement the sweetness of the pie without overpowering it.
• Holiday salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, candied pecans, and cranberries drizzled with a balsamic vinaigrette provides a refreshing balance to your dessert spread.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Christmas Eve gathering is sure to be filled with joy and deliciousness! Enjoy every bite of this festive treat—you’ve earned it!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie is not only a delightful showstopper but also perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully and saving you precious time on the big day.

Storing Leftovers

• Place any leftover pie in an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Cover the pie with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.

Freezing

• Wrap slices of the pie tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.
• For best results, freeze before adding any toppings like whipped cream.

Reheating

• Thaw the pie in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or enjoy chilled!
• If preferred, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until just warmed through.

FAQs

Have questions about this delightful dessert? Here are some common queries that might help you!

Can I make this Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! This pie can be made a day or two in advance. Just store it properly in the fridge, and it will taste even better as the flavors develop!

What can I use instead of heavy cream in this recipe?

If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, consider using a combination of whole milk and coconut cream for a rich texture without the heaviness of regular cream.

How do I know when my custard pie is done baking?

The custard should be set around the edges but slightly jiggly in the center when you take it out of the oven. It will continue to firm up as it cools.

Can I substitute vanilla extract with something else?

While pure vanilla extract enhances flavor beautifully, you can use vanilla bean paste or even almond extract for a different twist!

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie is not just a dessert; it’s a heartfelt addition to your holiday celebrations. Its creamy texture and warm spices make it special, while its ease of preparation allows you to spend more time with loved ones. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this festive treat as much as I do! Happy baking, and may your holiday season be filled with joy and delicious moments!