Festive Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie Recipe

Creamy desserts always steal the spotlight during holiday gatherings, and this Christmas Eve cinnamon-vanilla custard pie delivers pure magic on a plate.

Warm spices swirl through each silky bite, promising comfort and joy.

The delicate balance of cinnamon and vanilla creates a dreamy texture that melts in your mouth.

Rich, smooth custard nestles perfectly inside a golden, flaky crust that crackles with each forkful.

Family traditions come alive with this stunning dessert that whispers nostalgic memories.

Generations will savor every decadent spoonful of this timeless holiday treat.

One slice will transport you to the most cherished moments of the season.

Why Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie Is a Holiday Treat

• Savor Holiday Comfort: A delightful dessert that captures the warm, cozy essence of Christmas celebrations, perfect for bringing families together around the table.
• Master Baking with Ease: Beginner-friendly recipe that requires basic baking skills, making it accessible for home cooks of all experience levels.
• Create Memorable Moments: An impressive pie that looks and tastes like a professional bakery creation, sure to wow guests and become a cherished family tradition.
• Customize with Creativity: Flexible recipe that allows personal touches like extra cinnamon, different toppings, or a creative whipped cream garnish to make it uniquely yours.

Everything for Christmas Custard Pie Perfection

• All-Purpose Flour: The base for creating a delicate and flaky pie crust.
• Unsalted Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create a tender pastry texture.
• Ice Water: Helps bind the dough together without making it tough.

• Large Eggs: Create the creamy and smooth base of the custard.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps stabilize the custard texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, classic flavor to the custard.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds a festive and aromatic spice to the pie.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall flavor of the custard.

• Whole Milk: Forms the liquid base of the creamy custard and provides richness.
• Whipped Cream, Ground Cinnamon: Optional toppings for extra decoration and flavor.

Steps for Baking Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie

Step 1: Prepare Pie Crust Dough

Create a delectable pie crust by mixing flour and butter in a mixing bowl. Use your fingertips or a pastry cutter to blend until the mixture looks like rough, crumbly sand.

Slowly add ice-cold water, mixing gently until the dough forms a cohesive ball.

Step 2: Shape and Pre-Bake Crust

Sprinkle a work surface with flour and roll out the dough.

Carefully transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie dish, pressing it into the corners and edges. Trim any excess dough and create a decorative crimp around the rim.

Poke small holes in the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbling. Pre-bake the crust in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes.

Step 3: Whip Up Creamy Custard Filling

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

Whisk these ingredients until they’re perfectly blended and smooth. Gently warm the milk and slowly pour it into the mixture, whisking continuously to create a silky custard base.

Step 4: Bake the Pie

Pour the creamy custard mixture into the pre-baked pie crust. Slide the pie into the preheated oven and bake for 40-50 minutes.

The pie is ready when the center is set and a knife inserted comes out clean without any liquid custard.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Allow the pie to cool completely at room temperature.

Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to help the custard set firmly. Before serving, optionally garnish with a dollop of whipped cream and a light sprinkle of ground cinnamon for an extra festive touch.

Notes for Creamy and Spiced Pie Fans

• Refrigerate the pie dough for 30 minutes before rolling to prevent shrinking and ensure a flaky texture.
• Gradually add warm milk to eggs to prevent scrambling, creating a smooth, silky custard.
• Gently shake the pie – it should wobble slightly in the center but not be liquid when fully baked.
• Pre-bake the crust and use a glass or ceramic pie dish to help crisp the bottom layer.
• Add a splash of bourbon or rum to the custard for a rich, complex holiday taste.

Twists for Christmas Custard Pie Fillings

• Dairy-Free Dream: Replace milk with coconut milk and use dairy-free butter alternative for a vegan-friendly version that maintains the creamy texture.
• Gluten-Free Holiday Treat: Swap regular flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend to create a celiac-friendly pie without compromising taste.
• Maple Magic Custard: Substitute sugar with pure maple syrup for a richer, more complex sweetness and add a subtle Canadian-inspired flavor profile.
• Spiced Nutmeg Variation: Add ground nutmeg alongside cinnamon for a warmer, more aromatic holiday dessert that brings extra depth to the classic recipe.

Pairings for Cinnamon-Vanilla Pie Plates

• Savor Perfectly Paired Delights
• Elevate Dessert Wine Match: Choose a sweet Moscato d'Asti or late-harvest Riesling to complement the creamy cinnamon-vanilla notes, enhancing the pie's delicate flavors with their subtle sweetness.
• Create Coffee Companion: Brew a smooth medium-roast Colombian coffee with hints of caramel and nuts, which will beautifully echo the pie's warm spices and creamy texture.
• Boost Festive Garnish Experience: Serve alongside candied pecans or almond brittle to add a delightful crunch and nutty contrast that highlights the custard's silky smoothness.
• Enhance Cream Topping Pairing: Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes over the whipped cream to introduce a tropical twist that balances the traditional holiday pie flavors.

Storing Custard Pie for Holiday Tables

• Store the pie covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep it away from strong-smelling foods to preserve the delicate cinnamon-vanilla flavor.
• Wrap the cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds on low power. Alternatively, place the slice in a preheated oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes to maintain the custard's creamy texture.
• Allow chilled pie to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors and soften the texture slightly.

FAQs

• Is this pie suitable for people with dietary restrictions?

The pie contains eggs, milk, and wheat flour, making it unsuitable for vegans, lactose-intolerant individuals, or those with gluten sensitivities.

• Can I make the pie crust from scratch?

Yes, the recipe provides a simple homemade pie crust method using flour, butter, and ice water that you can easily prepare.

• How do I know when the custard pie is fully baked?

The custard is done when the center is set and a knife inserted into the middle comes out clean, typically after 40-50 minutes of baking.

• Can I prepare this pie in advance?

Absolutely! You can make the pie a day ahead and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours before serving, which helps the custard set perfectly.

Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie Recipe

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4.8 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Delightful Christmas eve cinnamon-vanilla custard pie brings festive warmth to holiday tables with its silky smooth filling and buttery crust. Sweet memories bloom as family gathers, savoring each creamy spoonful of seasonal comfort.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients (Pie Crust):

• 1 1/4 cups (156 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (113 grams) cold unsalted butter, cubed

Liquid Ingredients:

• 2–3 tablespoons (30–45 milliliters) ice water

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Instructions

1. Prepare the pie crust by combining flour and butter, working the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Incorporate ice water gradually to form a cohesive dough.
2. Roll out the dough on a floured surface and carefully transfer to a 9-inch pie dish, trimming and crimping the edges. Pierce the bottom with a fork and pre-bake at 350F for 10 minutes.
3. Create the custard base by whisking eggs, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until thoroughly blended. Gradually introduce warm milk while continuously whisking to ensure a smooth consistency.
4. Transfer the custard mixture into the pre-baked pie shell, ensuring an even distribution.
5. Bake the pie for 40-50 minutes at 350F, monitoring until the center sets firmly and a knife inserted comes out clean without liquid residue.
6. Allow the pie to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours to achieve optimal texture and flavor melding.
7. When ready to serve, garnish with a delicate layer of whipped cream and a light sprinkle of ground cinnamon for an elegant finishing touch.

Notes

• Freeze butter for 15 minutes before cutting into flour for extra flaky, tender pastry that crumbles beautifully.
• Strain the egg mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any lumps, ensuring a silky-smooth texture.
• Let the pie cool gradually to prevent cracking, avoiding sudden temperature changes that can damage the delicate custard structure.
• Swap regular milk with almond or coconut milk for a dairy-free version, and use gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly alternative.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 130
• Sugar: 0.2 g
• Sodium: 45 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 1.5 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg