Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie Recipe
This Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie is a comforting holiday dessert featuring a smooth, spiced custard filling in a flaky pie crust. Infused with warm cinnamon and vanilla, this creamy pie is baked to perfection and garnished with a dusting of cinnamon and optional whipped cream, making it an elegant and festive treat for seasonal gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pie Crust:
- 1 pre-made pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
For the Custard Filling:
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thicker custard)
For Garnish:
- Ground cinnamon (for dusting)
- Whipped cream (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pie Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If using a homemade pie crust, roll it out and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish. For store-bought crusts, follow the package instructions for pre-baking if required to prevent a soggy bottom.
- Make the Custard Filling: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and slightly frothy. Gradually add the heavy cream, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. If you want a thicker custard, mix in the cornstarch at this stage. Continue whisking until everything is fully combined and smooth.
- Assemble the Pie: Pour the prepared custard filling into the pie crust, filling it just below the rim to allow for slight expansion during baking.
- Bake the Pie: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. The custard should be set but still have a slight jiggle in the center, and the edges of the crust should be lightly golden.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then transfer it to the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours for the custard to fully set. Before serving, dust the pie with ground cinnamon and top with whipped cream if desired.
Notes
- For a thicker custard, adding cornstarch helps, but it’s optional if you prefer a creamier texture.
- Pre-baking the crust (blind baking) can prevent sogginess, especially with homemade crusts.
- Letting the pie cool completely before refrigerating helps avoid cracking on the custard surface.
- Whipped cream garnish adds a festive touch but can be omitted for a lighter dessert.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: Christmas pie, custard pie, cinnamon pie, vanilla custard, holiday dessert, creamy pie, festive pie recipe
