Festive Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie Recipe
Indulge in the festive flavors of Christmas with this delectable Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie Recipe – Festive & Delicious. There’s something incredibly heartwarming about gathering around the table with family and friends, sharing stories and laughter over a homemade dessert. This creamy custard pie is not only a treat for the taste buds but also brings an air of elegance to your holiday celebrations. Whether it’s for Christmas Eve or any joyful occasion, this pie will surely become a cherished favorite.
What makes this recipe stand out is its simplicity combined with delightful flavors. The buttery, flaky crust serves as the perfect base for a velvety custard infused with cinnamon and vanilla. It’s a delightful way to end your holiday meal, leaving everyone wishing for just one more slice!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– Perfect for gatherings: This pie is ideal for Christmas Eve parties and family dinners, bringing everyone together.
– Simple yet impressive: With straightforward steps, you can create an elegant dessert that looks and tastes gourmet.
– Rich flavors: The combination of cinnamon and vanilla creates a warm, inviting aroma that fills your home during the holidays.
– Customizable toppings: Serve it with whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon for added flair!
– Make-ahead option: You can prepare this pie in advance, allowing you to enjoy more time with loved ones on the big day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to achieving that perfect custard pie. Here’s what you’ll need to bring your Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie to life:
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 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
Feel free to make this recipe your own! There are many ways to add a personal touch to your custard pie:
– Swap the spice: Instead of cinnamon, try nutmeg or pumpkin spice for a different flavor profile.
– Add citrus zest: Grate some lemon or orange zest into the filling for a refreshing twist.
– Use alternative milk: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk for a lighter version.
– Experiment with toppings: Try adding fresh fruit or caramel sauce before serving for an exciting finish.
How to Make Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie Recipe – Festive & Delicious
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Begin by making the crust. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt (and sugar if using). Add in the cold unsalted butter cubes and mix until it resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough holds together without being sticky. This step is crucial as it forms the foundation of our pie.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
Once your dough is ready, shape it into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps relax the gluten in the dough, ensuring that when baked, you achieve that perfect flaky texture.
Step 3: Preheat Oven and Roll Out Dough
While your dough chills, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). After chilling, roll out your dough on a lightly floured surface until it’s about 1/8 inch thick. Transfer it to a pie dish and trim any excess edges. This preparation allows your crust to bake evenly.
Step 4: Blind Bake the Crust
To prevent sogginess from our creamy filling later on, blind bake the crust by placing parchment paper over it and filling it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake in preheated oven for about 15 minutes until lightly golden. Removing moisture now ensures our custard stays rich and creamy.
Step 5: Prepare Filling Mixture
In another bowl, whisk together three large eggs and granulated sugar until smooth. Then gently stir in heavy cream, pure vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined. This mixture is where all those festive flavors come together beautifully.
Step 6: Fill and Bake
Remove your crust from the oven and carefully pour in the filling mixture. Return it to the oven and bake for approximately 35 minutes or until set but still slightly jiggly in the center. This careful baking process allows our custard filling to develop its signature creamy texture.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once baked, let your custard pie cool at room temperature before refrigerating for at least two hours (or overnight if you can wait!). Serve chilled topped with whipped cream or an extra sprinkle of cinnamon for that final festive touch! Enjoy every bite of this delightful dessert during your holiday celebrations!
Pro Tips for Making Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie Recipe – Festive & Delicious
Making a custard pie can be a delightful experience, especially during the holiday season. Here are some pro tips to help you create the perfect Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie:
– Use chilled ingredients: Ensure your butter is cold and your water is icy. This helps achieve that flaky crust we all love.
– Don’t overwork the dough: When mixing your pie crust, handle it gently to keep it tender. Overworking can lead to a tough texture.
– Strain the custard: For an ultra-smooth filling, strain the custard mixture before pouring it into the crust. This removes any lumps and guarantees a creamy consistency.
– Bake with care: Watch your pie as it bakes. If the edges start to brown too quickly, cover them with foil to prevent burning while allowing the center to finish cooking.
– Let it cool completely: Allowing your pie to cool before serving helps set the custard, making slicing easier and preventing it from being too runny.
How to Serve Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie Recipe – Festive & Delicious
Presenting your custard pie beautifully can elevate your holiday gathering. Here are some lovely ways to serve this festive treat:
Garnishes
– Whipped cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a rich creaminess that complements the flavors perfectly.
– Ground cinnamon: A light dusting of ground cinnamon on top not only enhances presentation but also boosts that warm spice aroma.
– Fresh berries: Consider serving with fresh strawberries or raspberries for a pop of color and tartness.
Side Dishes
– Holiday fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad can balance out the richness of the pie.
– Spiced nuts: Roasted spiced nuts can add a crunchy contrast that guests will enjoy.
– Gingerbread cookies: Pairing with these festive cookies creates a delightful dessert platter that feels truly seasonal.
– Hot cocoa or spiced apple cider: These warm beverages make for cozy companions to your delicious pie.
Make Ahead and Storage
Preparing in advance is key during the busy holiday season! Here’s how you can manage storage for leftovers or make this pie ahead of time:
Storing Leftovers
– Refrigerate promptly: After serving, ensure any leftover pie is covered and stored in the refrigerator within two hours.
– Use an airtight container or plastic wrap to keep it fresh for up to 3 days.
Freezing
– Freeze before baking: If you’d like to prepare ahead, freeze the unbaked pie. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for up to 2 months.
– Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual.
Reheating
– Warm gently: To reheat slices, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–15 minutes until warmed through.
– Enjoy at room temperature: This pie is also delightful served at room temperature, so feel free to let it sit out for about 30 minutes before serving.
FAQs
If you have questions about making this delicious custard pie, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries answered:
Can I use a store-bought crust?
Yes! If you’re short on time, feel free to use a store-bought pie crust. Just ensure it’s unbaked when you fill it with the custard mixture.
Can I substitute almond milk for heavy cream?
You can use almond milk or another non-dairy alternative, but be aware that it may alter the creaminess of the final product. Adding a little cornstarch may help thicken it.
How do I know when my custard is done baking?
The custard should be set but still slightly jiggly in the center when you remove it from the oven. It will continue to firm up as it cools.
Final Thoughts
I hope you find joy in making this Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie! It’s a wonderful addition to any holiday table and sure to bring smiles all around. Don’t hesitate to share this recipe with friends and family—it’s meant to be enjoyed together. Happy baking!
Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie
Ingredients
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt (and sugar if using). Add in the cold unsalted butter cubes and mix until it resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough holds together without being sticky.
- Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out your dough on a lightly floured surface until it's about 1/8 inch thick. Transfer it to a pie dish and trim any excess edges.
- Blind bake the crust by placing parchment paper over it and filling it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake in preheated oven for about 15 minutes until lightly golden.
- In another bowl, whisk together three large eggs and granulated sugar until smooth. Then gently stir in heavy cream, pure vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- Remove your crust from the oven and carefully pour in the filling mixture. Return it to the oven and bake for approximately 35 minutes or until set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Let your custard pie cool at room temperature before refrigerating for at least two hours (or overnight if you can wait!). Serve chilled topped with whipped cream or an extra sprinkle of cinnamon.
