Dreamy Christmas Eve Custard Pie Recipe

Festive desserts hold a special magic during holiday celebrations, and this christmas eve cinnamon-vanilla creamy custard pie brings pure comfort to the table.

Rich, velvety custard nestles between flaky pastry layers, promising delightful indulgence.

Warm spices dance through each silky bite, creating memories that linger long after dinner.

Generations of bakers have perfected this classic recipe, passing down secrets from kitchen to kitchen.

The delicate balance of cinnamon and vanilla transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary treat.

Smooth, luxurious custard promises to become the star of your holiday spread.

Your guests will swoon over every decadent slice of this irresistible pie.

Tools Needed For Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie

• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining dry ingredients and creating pie dough.
• Pastry cutter or fingers: Perfect for cutting cold butter into flour for a flaky crust.
• Plastic wrap: Helps chill and protect pie dough while resting.
• Rolling pin: Crucial for rolling out pie crust evenly.
• 9-inch pie pan: Standard size for baking this delicious custard pie.
• Parchment paper: Prevents crust from sticking and helps with blind baking.
• Pie weights or dried beans: Keeps crust flat during initial baking.
• Medium saucepan: Used for gently heating milk and cream.
• Whisk: Necessary for mixing eggs, sugars, and creating smooth custard.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.

Steps To Make Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie

• Pie Crust Creation

Dive into the heart of holiday baking by crafting a buttery, flaky foundation. Mix flour and salt, then work cold butter into the mixture until it looks like coarse sandy crumbs. Splash in icy water, just enough to bind the dough together. Shape into a smooth disc and let it chill in the refrigerator, allowing the magic to happen.

• Crust Preparation

Warm up the oven to a toasty 375F. Roll out the chilled dough on a flour-dusted surface, draping it gently into a pie pan. Trim the edges with care, creating a beautiful crimped border. Shield the crust with parchment and weight it down, then bake until golden and crisp. Let it cool and breathe.

• Custard Magic

Gently heat milk and cream in a saucepan until warm and inviting. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs with sugars, vanilla, cinnamon, and a whisper of nutmeg. Slowly marry the warm cream into the egg mixture, stirring continuously to create a silky smooth custard that promises pure comfort.

• Pie Assembly

Pour the luxurious custard into the waiting pie shell, watching it settle into every delicate crevice. Slide the pie into the oven with anticipation.

• Baking Perfection

Reduce the oven temperature to 325F and bake until the custard sets with a gentle wobble in the center. The pie should look like a creamy dream, promising holiday delight.

• Festive Finale

Once cooled, dust the pie with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar or crown it with billowy whipped cream. Slice and serve, spreading Christmas joy with every bite.

Helpful Tips For Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie

• Texture Perfection: Gently tap the pie dish on the counter before baking to release any air bubbles, ensuring a smooth, silky custard texture without cracks or uneven surfaces.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Swap whole milk and cream with coconut milk or almond milk for a lactose-free version. Use coconut cream to maintain the rich, creamy consistency while adding a subtle tropical twist.
• Gluten-Free Option: Replace traditional flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour for the pie crust. Add a pinch of xanthan gum to help bind the crust and prevent crumbling.
• Flavor Adventure: Experiment with spice variations by adding ground cardamom, ginger, or orange zest to the custard mixture. These unexpected flavor boosters will transform the classic recipe into a unique holiday dessert that surprises and delights guests.
• Make-Ahead Magic: This pie can be prepared up to two days in advance, making holiday meal planning stress-free. Store covered in the refrigerator and add fresh garnishes just before serving to maintain the perfect texture and freshness.

How To Serve Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie Nicely

• Cozy Companion Pairings: Serve this creamy custard pie alongside a steaming mug of spiced apple cider or hot cocoa for ultimate holiday comfort.
• Festive Flavor Booster: Dust the pie with extra ground cinnamon and add a dollop of freshly whipped cream just before serving to enhance the dessert's warm, inviting aroma.
• Elegant Presentation Trick: Garnish individual slices with candied pecans or a light sprinkle of powdered sugar to create a restaurant-quality dessert that looks as delightful as it tastes.
• Texture Contrast Delight: Add a crisp ginger snap cookie or small shortbread on the side to provide a delightful crunch that complements the smooth, silky custard texture.

Storage Tips For Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie

• Fridge Fresh Storage: Keep the custard pie covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The cool temperature helps maintain the smooth, creamy texture and prevents bacterial growth.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the pie crust and custard filling a day before baking. Store the raw crust wrapped tightly in the refrigerator and keep the custard mixture in a sealed container. This strategy saves time during busy holiday preparations.
• Freezing Friendly: Slice and wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen custard pie stays delicious for 2-3 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results and minimal texture changes.
• Temperature Tricks: Always let the pie cool completely before refrigerating to prevent condensation and soggy crust. Room temperature resting allows the custard to set properly and enhances the rich, smooth flavor profile of this festive dessert.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes

Calories: 305 kcal

Servings: 7

What’s In Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of your flaky, tender crust, choose unbleached flour for the best texture and flavor.
• Salt: Enhances the overall taste and helps control gluten development in the dough.
• Unsalted Butter: Provides rich, buttery flavor and creates those delightful flaky layers; use cold butter straight from the refrigerator.
• Ice Water: Helps bind the dough without developing tough gluten; use the coldest water possible.

• Whole Milk: Creates a silky, luxurious base with creamy richness.
• Heavy Cream: Adds extra smoothness and depth to the custard's texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps stabilize the custard's structure.
• Brown Sugar: Introduces a deeper, caramel-like sweetness with subtle molasses notes.
• Eggs: Act as the primary thickening agent, giving the custard its signature creamy consistency.

• Vanilla Extract: Brings warm, comforting aromatics that complement the holiday spirit.
• Ground Cinnamon: Offers a classic, warming spice that defines the pie's festive character.
• Nutmeg: Provides an optional but traditional background note of warm, slightly sweet complexity.
• Cinnamon Sugar: A delightful finishing touch that adds both visual appeal and extra warmth.

Festive Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie

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4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Magical Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie merges classic holiday flavors with elegant dessert traditions. Warm spices and silky custard create a memorable finale you will savor with family and friends.

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Ingredients

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• 3 large eggs
• 2 ½ cups (600 mL/20.29 fl oz) whole milk
• ½ cup (120 mL/4.06 fl oz) heavy cream
• 1 ¼ cups (160 g/5.64 oz) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (100 g/3.53 oz) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (115 g/4.06 oz) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• ½ cup (50 g/1.76 oz) light brown sugar
• 4 tbsps ice water
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• Cinnamon sugar (optional)
• Whipped cream (optional)

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Instructions

1. Pastry Preparation: Blend flour and salt in a mixing bowl. Cut chilled butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Add ice water gradually, forming a cohesive dough. Shape into a disc, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
2. Crust Formation: Preheat oven to 375F (190C). Roll out chilled dough on a floured surface and drape into a 9-inch pie pan. Trim edges and create decorative crimped borders. Line with parchment paper, fill with ceramic weights, and blind bake for 15 minutes. Remove weights and continue baking for 5 more minutes until golden. Cool completely.
3. Custard Creation: Gently heat milk and cream until steaming. Whisk eggs, sugars, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth. Gradually temper the hot dairy into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent curdling and create a silky custard base.
4. Baking Process: Pour custard into the pre-baked pie shell with precision. Reduce oven temperature to 325F (165C). Bake for 40-50 minutes, watching for a set edge with a slight center jiggle. Remove from oven and cool to room temperature.
5. Finishing Touch: Refrigerate pie for at least two hours to set completely. Before serving, optionally dust with cinnamon sugar or top with whipped cream for a festive presentation.

Notes

• Prevent Crust Shrinkage: Chill the pie dough thoroughly and avoid stretching when transferring to the pan to maintain its shape during baking.
• Avoid Custard Curdling: Temper eggs slowly by adding hot milk in a thin stream while whisking constantly to create a smooth, silky texture without scrambling.
• Master Custard Doneness: Watch for subtle jiggle in the center – the custard should wobble slightly when gently shaken, indicating perfect baking without overcooking.
• Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap regular milk with almond or coconut milk for lactose-free version; use gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly pie crust.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 305
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 90 mg
• Fat: 19 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg