Description
This Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie is a festive and elegant holiday dessert featuring a smooth custard infused with cinnamon and real vanilla, nestled in a flaky crust. It’s the perfect combination of comfort and indulgence, destined to become a beloved Christmas tradition.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 vanilla bean or 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 4 large eggs
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)
- Whipped cream and cinnamon for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare pie crust in a 9-inch dish and crimp edges. Blind bake with weights for 15 minutes, remove weights, and bake 5 more minutes until golden.
- In a saucepan, combine milk, cream, cinnamon, and vanilla. Heat until bubbles form at the edges, then remove from heat and steep for 15 minutes.
- In a bowl, whisk eggs, sugar, and salt until slightly thickened. Slowly temper with warm milk mixture while whisking constantly.
- Strain custard mixture through a sieve into the pre-baked crust. Sprinkle with nutmeg if desired.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes until edges are set and center slightly jiggles. Cool completely for at least 2 hours before serving.
- Top with whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon before serving.
Notes
- Make a day ahead to enhance flavors.
- Do not overbake – center should jiggle slightly when done.
- Strain custard to ensure smooth texture.
- Store in refrigerator up to 3 days; not freezer-friendly.
- Add citrus zest or bourbon for a festive twist.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: custard pie, cinnamon vanilla pie, Christmas custard pie, creamy holiday dessert, festive pie recipe