Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie – Creamy Holiday Dessert Magic
This Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie is a delightful holiday dessert that brings warmth and cheer to your celebrations. With rich flavors of cinnamon and vanilla, this creamy pie makes for the perfect sweet ending to your festive dinner. It’s easy to prepare, making it an excellent choice for busy home cooks and Pinterest enthusiasts looking to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. This pie is destined to become a tradition for your holiday gatherings, creating memorable moments with family and friends.
Emma Hale’s Story
Cooking found me unexpectedly. I’m Emma Hale, a 42-year-old chef in Portland, Oregon. My culinary journey began at sixteen in a neighborhood diner, washing dishes for gas money. I quickly discovered my passion for the kitchen—the rhythm of cooking, the sounds of sizzling onions, and the bonds formed in the heat of the line. Each step brought me joy, leading me to create recipes that fill homes with warmth and laughter. Now, I’m excited to share my love for cooking with you through this festive Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie offers a unique blend of flavors that captures the essence of the holiday season. The creamy custard, infused with fragrant cinnamon and vanilla, envelops your palate with warmth and comfort. It’s perfect for family gatherings, holiday parties, or simply a cozy supper at home. Plus, this recipe is flexible and allows for creativity. You can add nutmeg or orange zest for extra holiday flair. The beauty of this Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie lies in its simplicity and indulgent taste, making it a crowd-pleaser. Save it on Pinterest for a go-to recipe that promises to impress everyone around your table!
Ingredients
- Pie crust – use homemade or store-bought for convenience.
- 4 large eggs – essential for the custard foundation.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar – adds sweetness to the custard.
- 1½ cups whole milk – provides creaminess in the filling.
- 1 cup heavy cream – enhances the custard’s rich texture.
- 1½ tsp ground cinnamon – adds holiday warmth (for steeping, use 1 cinnamon stick).
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract – infuses a delightful flavor (or use 1 scraped vanilla bean).
- Pinch of salt – balances the sweetness.
- Optional: ¼ tsp ground nutmeg – adds a spicy kick.
- 1 tsp orange zest – brings a festive citrus note.
How to Make Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie – Creamy Holiday Dessert Magic
1 – Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2 – Roll out the pie crust and place it in a 9-inch pie dish.
3 – Line with parchment paper and fill with baking weights.
4 – Bake for 15 minutes.
5 – Remove the weights and parchment, then bake for another 5 minutes until lightly golden.
6 – Cool the crust slightly.
7 – In a saucepan, heat milk and cream with cinnamon and vanilla until steaming (but do not boil).
8 – If using a cinnamon stick or vanilla bean, steep for 10 minutes, then remove.
9 – In a mixing bowl, whisk eggs, sugar, and a pinch of salt until smooth and pale.
10 – Slowly pour the hot milk mixture into the eggs while whisking constantly to temper.
11 – Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve for extra smoothness.
12 – Lower the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C).
13 – Pour the custard into the pre-baked pie crust.
14 – Bake for 35–40 minutes until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly.
15 – Cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing.
How to Serve Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie – Creamy Holiday Dessert Magic
To serve this Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie, slice it into generous portions and enjoy it chilled or at room temperature. Pair it with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence. Alternatively, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to contrast the creamy custard with a cold treat. For a festive flair, sprinkle a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg on top. This pie is perfect for holiday dinners or cozy family gatherings, where its flavors can shine. The rich texture and delightful taste make the Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie a standout dessert everyone will love.
How to Perfect Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie – Creamy Holiday Dessert Magic
To perfect your Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie, pay attention to oven temperature and timing. Bake at the proper temperature for the recommended time to ensure a creamy, custardy center. If the pie looks too brown on top, cover it lightly with foil during baking. Always taste and adjust seasonings; sometimes, a little more cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg can elevate the flavors. Ensure a smooth custard by straining the mixture to remove any lumps. Cooling the pie at room temperature before refrigerating helps develop the perfect texture. Follow these steps, and your Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie will shine during your holiday celebrations.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
– Overbaking can lead to a dry custard. Bake until the center jiggles slightly.
– Skip the straining step, and you might end up with a lumpy pie. Always strain the custard mixture.
– Not cooling the crust will cause a soggy bottom; ensure it’s slightly cooled before adding the filling.
– Forgetting to temper the eggs can result in scrambled egg bits; pour the hot mixture slowly while whisking continuously.
– Using too much cinnamon or nutmeg can overpower the flavor; stick to the recommended amounts for balance.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store leftovers of the Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh for up to 4 days. If you want to store it longer, consider freezing individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer-safe bag. When reheating, gently warm slices in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. This keeps the pie’s creamy texture while allowing you to enjoy it as if freshly made.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use a gluten-free pie crust?
Yes, substitute a gluten-free pie crust for this recipe without losing flavor or texture. -
Can I make this custard pie in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare this pie a day before your holiday gathering and chill it in the refrigerator. -
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
You can substitute half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream, but keep in mind that the texture may vary. -
How do I know when the custard is fully baked?
The edges should be set, while the center will slightly jiggle. It will continue to set as it cools.
Conclusion
This Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie is a delightful treat that is well worth trying. Its creamy texture and warm flavors make it a perfect dessert for holiday gatherings. Whether you serve it at a festive dinner or enjoy it with family, this recipe will leave everyone wanting more. Make it this season for a taste of creamy holiday dessert magic!
Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the pie crust and place it in a 9-inch pie dish.
- Line with parchment paper and fill with baking weights.
- Bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove the weights and parchment, then bake for another 5 minutes until lightly golden.
- Cool the crust slightly.
- In a saucepan, heat milk and cream with cinnamon and vanilla until steaming (but do not boil).
- If using a cinnamon stick or vanilla bean, steep for 10 minutes, then remove.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk eggs, sugar, and a pinch of salt until smooth and pale.
- Slowly pour the hot milk mixture into the eggs while whisking constantly to temper.
- Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve for extra smoothness.
- Lower the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C).
- Pour the custard into the pre-baked pie crust.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly.
- Cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing.
- To serve, slice into generous portions and enjoy chilled or at room temperature.
- Pair with freshly whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat.