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 part of my family’s Christmas traditions. With its velvety custard and buttery crust, it’s sure to bring smiles around the table. Whether it’s for a cozy evening with family or an elegant holiday gathering, this pie fits perfectly into any occasion.

What makes this recipe truly special is how simple it is to whip up. You can prepare it ahead of time, so when guests arrive, you’ll have more time to enjoy their company rather than being stuck in the kitchen. Plus, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of cinnamon and vanilla wafting through your home during the festive season!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: Even if you’re new to baking, this custard pie is straightforward and fun!
• Delicious flavor: The combination of cinnamon and vanilla creates a comforting taste that everyone will love.
• Make-ahead option: Prepare it a day in advance for stress-free holiday entertaining.
• Impressive presentation: Serve it topped with whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon for that wow factor!
• Family-friendly: This pie is perfect for both kids and adults, making it a hit at any gathering.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering ingredients for this pie is part of the fun! You’ll find these are simple, wholesome items that you probably already have in your kitchen. Let’s take a look at what you need:

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

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with these variations:

• Add fruit: Incorporate fresh berries or sliced apples for a fruity twist.
• Change up the spices: Experiment with nutmeg or allspice for different flavor profiles.
• Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
• Try different extracts: Almond extract can add an interesting depth to the flavor.

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

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Start by making your pie crust. In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Add in the cold butter cubes and mix until crumbly. Gradually add ice water while mixing until the dough comes together. Chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes before rolling out. This step is important as chilling helps create that flaky texture we all love!

Step 2: Roll Out the Dough

Once chilled, roll out your dough on a lightly floured surface until it’s about an inch larger than your pie pan. Carefully transfer it to your pan and trim any excess dough hanging over the edges. Don’t worry about perfection; those rustic edges add charm!

Step 3: Pre-bake the Crust

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place parchment paper over your crust and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for about 15 minutes until lightly golden, then remove from oven and let cool slightly. Pre-baking helps prevent a soggy bottom—nobody wants that!

Step 4: Make the Custard Filling

In another bowl, whisk together eggs, granulated sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until smooth. This mixture is where all that deliciousness comes from! The creamy custard will set beautifully while baking.

Step 5: Fill and Bake

Pour the custard filling into your pre-baked crust. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-35 minutes or until just set in the center. Keep an eye on it; you want that perfect jiggle!

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Allow your pie to cool completely before slicing. It’s best served chilled or at room temperature. Top with whipped cream or extra cinnamon if you like! Your friends and family will be impressed with this delightful holiday treat.

Now you’re ready to enjoy this festive dessert! Happy baking!

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

Creating a stunning custard pie is easier than you might think, and with these pro tips, you’ll be well on your way to impressing your guests!

• Chill the Dough: After mixing your pie crust ingredients, let the dough chill for at least 30 minutes. This helps to solidify the butter, resulting in a flakier crust that holds its shape during baking.

• Blind Bake for Perfection: If you want a perfectly baked crust that doesn’t become soggy, consider blind baking it for 10-15 minutes before adding the custard filling. This means pre-baking the crust without the filling, ensuring it stays crisp and delicious.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For a smoother custard, use room temperature eggs and cream when mixing. This ensures they blend together seamlessly, contributing to a rich and creamy texture.

• Don’t Overmix the Custard: When combining your ingredients for the custard filling, mix just until blended. Overmixing can incorporate too much air, which may lead to bubbles forming during baking.

• Check for Doneness: The pie is done when the center is set but still slightly jiggly. It will firm up as it cools. Avoid overbaking to ensure a creamy texture that melts in your mouth!

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

Presenting your Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie beautifully will make it even more tempting! Here are some delightful ideas to enhance your serving experience.

Garnishes

• Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light and airy contrast to the rich custard.
• Cinnamon Dusting: A sprinkle of ground cinnamon on top not only looks festive but also enhances the cinnamon flavor throughout the pie.
• Chocolate Shavings: For an elegant touch, add chocolate shavings or curls on top for an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

• Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad with seasonal fruits like pomegranates, apples, and oranges provides a vibrant contrast that balances the richness of the pie.
• Spiced Apple Compote: Warm spiced apple compote complements the flavors of your custard pie while offering a delightful warmth that’s perfect for winter gatherings.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat that enhances each slice with creamy goodness.
• Gingerbread Cookies: These festive cookies bring additional holiday spirit to your dessert table and are perfect for dunking in any leftover custard!

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, your Christmas Eve gathering will be complete with this show-stopping dessert that everyone will adore! Enjoy every bite of this festive treat!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie is perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while making your holiday preparations a breeze.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the pie to cool completely before storing.
• Cover the pie with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• To freeze, slice the pie into individual servings.
• Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag.
• The pie can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Thaw slices in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can use the microwave, reheating in short intervals until just warm.

FAQs

Here are some common questions that might help you as you prepare this delightful dessert!

Can I make this Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie recipe without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute eggs with a mixture of cornstarch and non-dairy milk for a vegan option. Use about ¼ cup of cornstarch mixed with ¾ cup of non-dairy milk for each egg.

How does the Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie taste?

This creamy custard pie is rich and velvety, offering a delightful combination of sweet vanilla and warming cinnamon spice that embodies the festive spirit of Christmas.

How long can I store leftovers from this Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie recipe?

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when properly covered. For longer storage, consider freezing individual slices.

Can I use a different crust for my Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with a graham cracker crust or even a gluten-free crust if needed. Just ensure it’s baked beforehand to hold the custard filling well.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited about making this Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie as I am! It’s not just a dessert; it’s a wonderful way to bring warmth and joy to your holiday gatherings. Enjoy every moment spent creating this delicious treat, and don’t hesitate to share it with loved ones. Happy baking, and may your holidays be filled with sweetness!