Name: Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie for Cozy Holidays
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 100 min
Ingredients: 1 whole Pie Crust (homemade or store-bought); 4 large Eggs (fresh, room-temperature); 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar; 2 cups Whole Milk; 1 cup Heavy Cream; 1 tablespoon Ground Cinnamon (or 1 cinnamon stick); 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract (high-quality); 1 pinch Salt; 1/4 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg; 1 tablespoon Orange Zest

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The aroma of cinnamon and vanilla wafts through the air, instantly transporting me to cozy holiday gatherings of my childhood. This Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie embodies everything I love about the season—comforting, nostalgic flavors wrapped in a golden, flaky crust. Not only is this recipe a stunning centerpiece for your festive table, but its straightforward steps mean that even novice bakers can impress their friends and family with their culinary skills. Another bonus? It’s a delightful make-ahead dessert that allows you to savor the moments with loved ones without the stress of last-minute preparation. So, are you ready to whip up this cozy holiday delight and create your own delicious memories?

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Why Is This Pie a Holiday Must?

Comforting flavors of cinnamon and vanilla create a nostalgic dessert that feels like a warm hug. Versatile enough to customize with different crusts or spices, this pie invites creativity in the kitchen. New baker-friendly, it’s simple enough for anyone to master, making it perfect for festive gatherings. Plus, make-ahead convenience lets you enjoy moments with loved ones without last-minute stress. Pair it with a dollop of cream or consider serving it alongside Butter Cornbread Poppers for a delightful holiday spread!

Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie Ingredients

• Get ready to indulge in a holiday classic!

For the Pie Crust

Pie Crust – A flaky base is essential; you can use homemade or store-bought for convenience.

For the Custard Filling

Eggs – Fresh, room-temperature eggs provide the creamy structure and richness you crave.
Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the custard without overpowering the warm spices that shine through.
Whole Milk – Contributes moisture and lightness to the custard, making it oh-so-smooth.
Heavy Cream – Adds an irresistible richness to create that velvety texture in every bite.
Ground Cinnamon – The star of the show! It gives the pie its signature warmth; consider using a cinnamon stick for even more depth.
Pure Vanilla Extract – A high-quality extract infuses the custard with its floral sweetness, perfectly balancing the spices.
Pinch of Salt – Just a bit enhances the overall flavor and rounds out the sweetness.

Optional Flavor Boosters

Ground Nutmeg – A touch of nutmeg enriches the custard with extra warmth.
Orange Zest – Adds a delightful burst of citrus that brightens the overall flavor profile.

This delightful Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie combines classic flavors with a hint of creativity, perfect for your holiday celebrations!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out your pie crust to fit a 9-inch pie dish, ensuring it’s about ¼ inch thick. Carefully place the crust in the dish, pressing it gently against the sides. To blind bake, line the crust with parchment paper, fill with pie weights, and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the weights and parchment, then bake for an additional 5 minutes until the crust is lightly golden. Allow it to cool slightly.

Step 2: Infuse Cream
While the crust is cooling, prepare your custard filling for the Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie. In a medium saucepan, combine whole milk and heavy cream with ground cinnamon and pure vanilla extract. Heat the mixture over medium heat until steaming, but do not let it boil. If using a cinnamon stick, let it steep in the warm mixture for about 10 minutes for maximum flavor, then remove it before proceeding.

Step 3: Whisk Eggs & Sugar
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the fresh room-temperature eggs, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is pale and slightly thickened, which should take about 2-3 minutes. The eggs are the key to a creamy custard texture for your Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie, so make sure to whisk them well to incorporate air and help with the setting later.

Step 4: Temper Eggs
Next, it’s time to combine the warm cream mixture with the egg mixture carefully. Slowly pour a small amount of the hot cream into the eggs while whisking continuously to temper them, ensuring you avoid scrambling the eggs. Gradually add the rest of the hot cream to the egg mixture and whisk until combined. For a silky smooth filling, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl.

Step 5: Bake the Custard
Lower your oven temperature to 325°F (160°C). Carefully pour the custard filling into your pre-baked crust, filling it nearly to the top. Bake the Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie for about 35–40 minutes. The pie is done when the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle. Keep an eye on it to prevent overbaking, as the center should still be somewhat wobbly.

Step 6: Cool & Chill
Once finished baking, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This cooling process helps the custard firms up. After it’s slightly cooled, cover the pie and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing. This chilling time will enhance the flavors of the Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie and ensures a refreshing texture for serving.

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How to Store and Freeze Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie

Fridge: Store the pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ensuring it’s well-wrapped to prevent drying out or absorbing odors.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze slices of the Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie tightly wrapped in plastic wrap, then in foil for up to 1 month.

Thawing: To enjoy your frozen pie, transfer it to the fridge to thaw overnight before serving. This helps maintain the creamy texture without compromising flavor.

Reheating: If you’d like to serve it warm, gently reheat individual slices in the microwave at medium power or place the whole pie in a preheated oven at 250°F (120°C) for about 10-15 minutes.

Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie Variations

Feel free to get creative and make this festive pie your own with these fun variations!

Alternative Crust: Swap the traditional pie crust for a graham cracker or gingerbread crust for added holiday flair. The sweetness beautifully complements the custard!
Spice It Up: Replace the ground cinnamon with a blend of nutmeg, cardamom, or cloves for an aromatic explosion. Each spice brings its unique warmth and character, elevating the classic flavor profile.
Boozy Boost: Add 1–2 tablespoons of dark rum or bourbon to the filling for a delightful adult twist. The richness mingles wonderfully with the vanilla and cinnamon, creating a cozy dessert that warms the heart.
Mini Pies: Make cute mini custard pies using tart pans or ramekins. They’re perfect for individual servings and charming for gatherings—everyone gets their own slice of joy!
Nutty Does It: Fold in some finely chopped pecans or walnuts into the custard before baking. It adds a satisfying crunch that pairs beautifully with the silky smooth filling.
Seasonal Citrus: Incorporate a teaspoon of orange zest into the mixture to add a refreshing twist. The citrus notes cut through the richness of the custard, adding brightness to every bite.
Choco-Swirled: Drizzle melted chocolate over the custard before serving for a decadent, elegant touch. The chocolate enhances the overall flavor and provides a stunning visual appeal, making your pie a showstopper.
Whipped Cream Deluxe: Top with flavored whipped cream, such as maple or cinnamon, to elevate the dessert even further. This adds an extra layer of sweetness and can be the perfect finishing touch alongside a slice of Crock Pot Chicken for a festive meal!

Make Ahead Options

These Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pies are a fantastic option for meal prep! You can prepare the custard filling and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking to save precious time on holiday festivities. To do this, simply follow the steps up to tempering the eggs, then store the mixture in an airtight container to keep it fresh. For the crust, feel free to pre-bake it a day in advance—just make sure it’s completely cooled before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap. On the day you’re ready to serve, pour the chilled custard into the pre-baked crust and bake as directed. This will ensure your pie comes out just as delicious, allowing you to enjoy more time with loved ones!

Expert Tips for Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie

Perfectly Baked Crust: Ensure your crust is blind-baked well; underbaking may lead to a soggy bottom, ruining your Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie.
Egg Tempering Trick: Slowly mix hot cream into the eggs to avoid scrambling. This step is crucial for a silky custard texture.
Watch the Timing: Avoid overbaking your pie; it should be just set with a slightly jiggly center. This will help prevent unsightly cracks on the surface.
Cool Gradually: Let the pie cool at room temperature before refrigerating. This helps the custard firm up properly without cracking.
Strain for Smoothness: Always strain your filling through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any lumps. This ensures a melt-in-your-mouth custard experience!

What to Serve with Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie

The sweet aroma of cinnamon and vanilla fills the air, beckoning you to create a complete holiday feast that captivates both the eyes and the palate.

Lightly Sweetened Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream balances the warmth of spices with airy sweetness, elevating every slice.
Brandied Cream: For a touch of indulgence, mix whipped cream with a splash of brandy, adding richness and a hint of sophistication.
Spiced Apple Cider: Serve warm spiced apple cider alongside to enhance the cozy flavors of the custard pie, creating a comforting seasonal drink.
Sugar Cookies: Festively decorated sugar cookies add a fun crunch and sweetness, perfect for a holiday dessert spread that delights all ages.
Hot Cocoa: Pair with a mug of creamy hot cocoa topped with marshmallows for a nostalgic touch that complements the pie beautifully.
Mulled Wine: A warm glass of mulled wine infused with spices offers a cozy drink option that echoes the pie’s flavors, making it the perfect pairing for holiday gatherings.
Chocolate Ganache: Drizzle silky chocolate ganache over slices for a decadent contrast that melds perfectly with the pie’s custardy richness.
Fruit Salad: A vibrant, fresh fruit salad adds a refreshing element, balancing the pie’s richness and bringing a burst of color to the table.
Pecan Pie Bites: Serve bite-sized pecan pies as a fun mini dessert, providing a contrasting texture that pairs well with the smooth custard.

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Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie Recipe FAQs

What type of eggs should I use for the custard?
I recommend using fresh, room-temperature eggs for the best results. They help create that silky smooth custard texture you crave and will set more effectively when mixed with the warm cream.

How should I store the pie after baking?
Store your Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s well-wrapped to prevent it from drying out or absorbing any refrigerator odors, ensuring it stays fresh and delicious.

Can I freeze the custard pie?
Absolutely! To freeze, slice the pie and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. This will keep it safe from freezer burn for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight to maintain that creamy texture.

What should I do if my custard cracks while baking?
If you notice cracks forming, it’s often due to overbaking. Keep an eye on the pie as it bakes, and remember that the center should jiggle slightly when you remove it from the oven. To prevent cracks in the future, consider using a water bath, which helps regulate the temperature while baking for a smoother texture.

Can I modify the spices or flavors in this recipe?
Very! Feel free to get creative! You can add a touch of nutmeg for extra warmth, or even orange zest for a citrusy lift. If you want to kick it up a notch for adult gatherings, incorporating 1-2 tablespoons of dark rum or bourbon into the custard can add a wonderful depth of flavor.

Is this pie suitable for those with allergies?
Since the Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie contains eggs and dairy, it is not suitable for individuals with egg or dairy allergies. For a dairy-free option, consider experimenting with substitutes like coconut milk and a dairy-free cream alternative, although results may vary. Always consult your guests for their dietary needs before serving!