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

If you’re looking for a showstopper dessert that will warm your heart and fill your home with the sweet aroma of the season, then you’ve stumbled upon the perfect recipe! This Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie Recipe – Festive & Delicious is one of my all-time favorites. It’s rich, creamy, and simply bursting with festive flavor, making it a cherished addition to any holiday gathering.

What I love most about this pie is its versatility; it’s perfect for cozy family dinners or as a delightful treat at larger gatherings. With just the right balance of sweetness and spice, it’s sure to become a beloved tradition in your home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, anyone can whip up this pie without stress!
• Family-Friendly Appeal: The creamy custard and warm cinnamon flavor make it a hit with both kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Get ahead of your holiday preparations by making this pie a day in advance—just store it in the fridge!
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of vanilla and cinnamon creates a warm and inviting taste that evokes holiday cheer.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is part of the fun! This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely have on hand. Here’s what you need to create this festive delight:

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: 1 tablespoon sugar (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

One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it can be! Feel free to get creative with these variation ideas:

• Add a Twist of Citrus: Incorporate some grated lemon or orange zest to brighten up the custard.
• Nutty Delight: Fold in some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavor.
• Fruit Infusion: Layer in some fresh fruit, like sliced apples or pears, before adding the custard for an extra fruity surprise.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with other spices such as nutmeg or ginger to create your own unique version.

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

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Start by mixing the flour and salt in a large bowl. Add in the cold butter cubes and use your fingertips or a pastry cutter to blend until you have crumbly bits. This step is crucial because it helps create that flaky texture we all love. Slowly add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. Chill it for about 30 minutes while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Make the Custard Filling

In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar until smooth. Next, stir in heavy cream, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Whisking these ingredients well ensures that everything blends perfectly for that rich custard flavor.

Step 3: Assemble Your Pie

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out your chilled dough on a floured surface, then fit it into your pie dish. Pour in the custard mixture gently over the crust. It’s okay if it looks a little wobbly—that’s what makes it creamy! Bake for about 50 minutes until set but still slightly jiggly in the center.

Step 4: Cool & Serve

Once baked, let your pie cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating. This allows it to firm up nicely! When you’re ready to serve, slice up this delicious custard pie and enjoy it plain or topped with whipped cream or an extra sprinkle of cinnamon for that festive flair!

Enjoy every bite of this Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie—it’s bound to bring joy to your table!

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

Creating a delicious custard pie can be a breeze with the right techniques! Here are some pro tips to ensure your pie turns out perfectly every time.

• Chill Your Ingredients: Start with cold butter and ice water for your crust. This helps create a flaky texture that’s both tender and crisp, making every bite of your pie delightful.

• Don’t Overmix the Dough: When combining your ingredients for the crust, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough texture instead of the light, flaky crust we’re aiming for.

• Use Fresh Spices: For the best flavor, opt for freshly ground cinnamon rather than pre-ground. Fresh spices bring a vibrant aroma and taste that will elevate your custard to new heights.

• Bake with Precision: Keep an eye on the baking time and use a toothpick or knife test to check doneness. The custard should be set but still slightly jiggly in the center when you pull it from the oven; it will continue to firm up as it cools.

• Let It Cool Completely: Allowing your pie to cool completely before slicing ensures clean cuts and prevents the filling from running out. Plus, it enhances the flavors as they meld together!

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

Serving this delightful custard pie is just as important as making it! With a few thoughtful touches, you can make your dessert presentation truly festive.

Garnishes

• Whipped Coconut Cream: A light and airy topping that adds a touch of sweetness without overpowering the flavors of the pie.
• Cinnamon Dusting: A sprinkle of ground cinnamon on top not only looks beautiful but also accentuates the warm spice notes in the custard.
• Caramel Sauce Drizzle: A rich caramel sauce drizzled over each slice can add an indulgent twist that pairs wonderfully with cinnamon and vanilla.

Side Dishes

• Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits like berries, oranges, and apples provides a burst of color and balances the richness of the pie.
• Spiced Apple Compote: Warm spiced apples cooked down into a sweet compote can be served alongside or on top of each slice, adding warmth and depth to your dessert experience.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that brings a creamy contrast to your custard pie’s texture; choose a dairy-free option if needed!
• Gingerbread Cookies: These festive cookies add a crunchy texture and echo holiday flavors, making them an excellent accompaniment to your custard pie.

With these serving suggestions in mind, you’ll have everything you need to present your Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie beautifully at any holiday gathering! Enjoy every moment spent indulging in this festive delight.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy the festive flavors without last-minute stress. You can prepare it in advance, store it properly, and serve it to your guests with ease.

Storing Leftovers

• Keep any leftover pie wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container.
• Refrigerate the pie and consume it within 3-4 days for the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

• If you want to freeze the pie, ensure it’s completely cooled before wrapping it well in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
• The pie can be frozen for up to 2 months. Label it with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating

• To reheat, thaw the pie in the refrigerator overnight if it’s frozen.
• Warm individual slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through, or microwave for a quick option.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful recipe!

Can I make the Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie ahead of time?

Absolutely! This pie can be made a day or two in advance, making it a great option for holiday gatherings. Just make sure to store it properly in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

How do I store my Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie?

Store leftovers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the fridge. Enjoy them within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Can I use alternative sweeteners in this recipe?

Yes! Feel free to substitute granulated sugar with your favorite sweetener. Adjust quantities based on taste preferences while keeping the balance of ingredients intact.

Is there a dairy-free option for this custard pie?

You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or any non-dairy cream alternative that suits your taste. This will maintain the creamy texture while making it dairy-free!

What can I serve with my custard pie?

Whipped coconut cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top makes a lovely pairing! You could also serve it alongside fresh fruit for added color and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration of warmth, family, and festive joy. I hope you enjoy creating this delicious treat as much as I do! May your holiday season be filled with laughter, love, and plenty of sweet moments. Happy baking!