Dreamy Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie Recipe

Warm memories of holiday magic swirl through this cinnamon-vanilla creamy custard pie that captures the essence of festive comfort.

Each delicate slice whispers stories of cherished family traditions and cozy kitchen moments.

A dreamy dessert like this brings instant joy to your celebration table.

Delicate vanilla notes dance with rich cinnamon, creating a symphony of seasonal flavors.

Soft, silky custard nestles beneath a golden, flaky crust that promises pure indulgence.

Delightful aromas will beckon everyone to gather and savor this irresistible treat.

The first bite promises to become an instant holiday memory you’ll treasure forever.

Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie for Christmas Eve

• Perfect creamy treat that transforms simple ingredients into a spectacular dessert experience.
• Simple mixing technique requires minimal baking skills, making this pie accessible for novice and experienced bakers alike.
• Delightful dessert that brings everyone together with its warm cinnamon-vanilla aroma and comforting custard texture.
• Ideal for Christmas Eve celebrations, winter gatherings, or any special occasion that calls for a luxurious sweet finale.

What You’ll Need for Creamy Custard Pie Magic

• Pie Crust, Pie Dough: Base for the custard, provides a crisp and buttery foundation. Store-bought or homemade works well, with flaky texture being key.

• Eggs, Sugar: Crucial for creating smooth, rich custard texture. Fresh eggs ensure better binding and creamy consistency.
• Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious richness and silky mouthfeel to the custard. Full-fat cream recommended for best results.

• Cinnamon, Vanilla Extract: Provide warm, comforting holiday flavors. Ground cinnamon works best, with pure vanilla extract preferred over imitation.
• Nutmeg, Salt: Optional spice that adds depth, while salt balances and highlights sweet notes. Freshly ground nutmeg offers more intense flavor.

Instructions for Baking Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie

Step 1: Prepare Pie Crust

Preheat the oven to 350°F. If using store-bought crust, place in pie dish. For homemade crust, roll out and carefully fit into dish, trimming edges. Optional: Blind bake crust for 10 minutes to prevent sogginess.

Step 2: Create Silky Custard Base

• Eggs
• Sugar

• Heavy cream
• Ground cinnamon
• Vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• Optional: Nutmeg

Blend ingredients thoroughly until mixture becomes uniformly mixed.

Step 3: Bake Delightful Pie

Pour custard mixture into prepared pie crust. Slide pie into preheated oven. Bake for 40-45 minutes until center sets firmly. Test doneness by inserting knife- it should come out clean.

Step 4: Chill and Garnish

Allow pie to cool completely at room temperature. Refrigerate for minimum 2 hours to enhance flavor and texture. Before serving, sprinkle light dusting of cinnamon or powdered sugar for festive presentation.

Tips to Help Your Custard Set Smoothly

• Customize Crust Quickly: Use graham cracker or shortbread crusts for a different texture and flavor profile that complements the creamy custard perfectly.
• Prevent Cracking Expertly: Bake the custard pie in a water bath to ensure even, gentle heating and avoid unsightly surface cracks that can ruin the smooth appearance.
• Enhance Flavor Smartly: Swap vanilla extract with vanilla bean paste for a more intense, authentic vanilla flavor that elevates the entire dessert experience.
• Dietary Modification Hack: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk for a delicious dairy-free version that maintains the rich, creamy texture of the original recipe.
• Storage Success Tip: Cover the cooled pie loosely with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing the flavors to develop and intensify over time.

How to Keep Custard Pie Tasting Just-Baked

• Store the pie in an airtight container or cover tightly with plastic wrap for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Protect the delicate custard from absorbing other food odors by keeping it on a separate shelf.
• Wrap the cooled pie securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to maintain the custard's smooth texture.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds on low power. Alternatively, place the slice in a preheated oven at 325F for 5-7 minutes to restore the pie's original creamy consistency without overcooking.
• Consume the pie within 3 days for the best flavor and texture. Avoid repeated reheating, which can cause the custard to become watery or separate.

Items to Pair with Creamy Custard Pie

• Savor a rich mulled wine alongside this creamy custard pie, letting the spicy notes complement the cinnamon and vanilla flavors.
• Create a smooth whiskey-based hot toddy with honey and cloves that echoes the pie's warm holiday spices and provides a cozy drinking experience.
• Select a sweet Pedro Ximénez sherry or a late harvest Riesling that harmonizes with the custard's creamy texture and subtle cinnamon undertones.
• Brew a robust coffee infused with cardamom and nutmeg, garnished with a cinnamon stick to mirror the pie's festive holiday essence and provide a delightful aromatic companion.

Flavor Additions for Your Holiday Custard Pie

• Gluten-Free Delight: Replace traditional pie crust with almond flour or gluten-free graham cracker crust. Use certified gluten-free vanilla extract and ensure all ingredients are gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk. Use coconut cream for a richer texture. Replace eggs with silken tofu or commercial egg replacer for a vegan-friendly version.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of sugar. Reduce overall sweetness while maintaining the creamy custard consistency. Consider using a sugar-free vanilla extract for added flavor.
• Spiced Holiday Remix: Enhance the cinnamon profile by adding ground cardamom or ginger. Include a splash of rum or bourbon for depth. Sprinkle crushed pecans or almonds on top for extra crunch and festive flair.

Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Sweet holiday magic meets comfort in this Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie, a festive dessert that whispers memories of family gatherings. Warm spices and silky custard invite you to savor each heavenly slice, making seasonal celebrations deliciously unforgettable.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients (Dairy and Eggs):

• 2 ½ cups (600 ml) whole milk
• ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
• 3 large eggs

Sweeteners:

• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (50 g) light brown sugar

Pie Crust Ingredients:

• 1 ¼ cups (160 g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 34 tablespoons ice water

Flavoring and Seasoning:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Pinch of salt

Optional Toppings:

• Cinnamon sugar
• Whipped cream

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare the pie dish with either a store-bought or homemade crust, ensuring edges are neatly trimmed and optional pre-baking occurs to prevent moisture absorption.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, vigorously whisk eggs and sugar until achieving a smooth, pale consistency that indicates thorough integration.
3. Gradually incorporate heavy cream, ground cinnamon, pure vanilla extract, and a delicate pinch of salt into the egg mixture, whisking continuously to create a harmonious, fragrant custard base.
4. Gently transfer the silky custard mixture into the prepared pie crust, ensuring an even distribution and minimizing potential air bubbles.
5. Carefully slide the pie into the preheated oven, allowing it to bake for 40-45 minutes until the center appears set and a clean knife insertion reveals a pristine, firm texture.
6. Remove the pie from the oven and permit it to cool completely at room temperature, which allows the custard to stabilize and develop deeper flavor profiles.
7. Refrigerate the pie for a minimum of 2 hours to enhance flavor melding and achieve optimal custard consistency.
8. Before serving, optionally dust the surface with a delicate sprinkle of ground cinnamon or powdered sugar to create an elegant, festive presentation.

Notes

• Keep crust edges protected with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning during extended baking time.
• Choose full-fat heavy cream for richer, silkier custard texture that maintains smooth consistency.
• Temper eggs gently by slowly adding hot cream to prevent scrambling and ensure ultra-creamy filling.
• For gluten-free adaptation, replace traditional pie crust with almond flour or gluten-free graham cracker crust alternative.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 16 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 19 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg