Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie

A Festive Treat for a Cozy Holiday Celebration

There’s something magical about Christmas Eve—the warmth of the lights, the joy of togetherness, and the comforting aroma of holiday spices. This Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie is the perfect dessert to complete your holiday feast. With its velvety texture, rich vanilla flavor, and a hint of cinnamon, this pie is a nostalgic nod to classic holiday desserts.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy and Smooth: The custard filling is luscious and silky, melting in your mouth with each bite.
• Warm and Comforting Flavors: The combination of vanilla and cinnamon creates a cozy, festive taste.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and a straightforward baking process, this pie is beginner-friendly.
• Perfect for Christmas Eve: Whether served warm or chilled, it’s a wonderful dessert for family gatherings.

Ingredients

For the crust:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (or crushed digestive biscuits)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the custard filling:

• 3 cups whole milk
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch (for a slightly thicker custard)

For garnish (optional):

• Ground cinnamon, for dusting
• Whipped cream
• Fresh berries

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until the texture resembles wet sand.
3. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie dish.
4. Bake for 8-10 minutes, then let it cool while preparing the filling.

Step 2: Make the Custard

5. In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it is warm but not boiling.
6. In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, salt, and cornstarch until smooth.
7. Slowly add a small amount of warm milk to the egg mixture, whisking continuously (to temper the eggs and prevent curdling).
8. Pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk, stirring constantly.
9. Cook over low heat, stirring until the mixture thickens to a pudding-like consistency (about 5-7 minutes).
10. Remove from heat and let the custard cool slightly.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

11. Pour the custard into the prepared pie crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
12. Bake at 325°F (163°C) for about 30-35 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
13. Let the pie cool completely before refrigerating for at least 2 hours to set.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

14. Dust with extra cinnamon and serve with whipped cream or fresh berries for a festive touch.

Variations and Substitutions

• Crust Options: Swap the graham cracker crust for a traditional flaky pie crust or a chocolate cookie crust.
• Dairy-Free: Use almond milk or coconut milk in place of whole milk.
• Spice It Up: Add nutmeg or cardamom for extra warmth.
• Sweetener Alternatives: Substitute granulated sugar with maple syrup or honey for a deeper flavor.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8-10 slices
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Chilling Time: 2 hours
• Total Time: Approximately 3 hours

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Wrap the pie tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
• Reheat: Enjoy cold or warm slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent my custard from curdling?

Temper the eggs by slowly adding warm milk while whisking constantly. This prevents scrambling.

Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes! This pie can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Why is my custard not thickening?

Ensure you cook it over low heat while stirring constantly. Cornstarch helps thicken the custard, but it needs time to activate.

Can I use a store-bought crust?

Absolutely! A pre-made graham cracker or pie crust can save time without sacrificing flavor.

Should I serve this pie warm or cold?

It’s delicious both ways. Chilling allows the flavors to deepen, while warm custard feels extra comforting.

How do I know when the custard is set?

The center should be slightly wobbly but not liquid. A knife inserted should come out mostly clean.

Can I use cinnamon sticks instead of ground cinnamon?

Yes! Infuse the milk with a cinnamon stick while warming, then remove before mixing with the eggs.

What’s the best way to garnish this pie?

Whipped cream, extra cinnamon, powdered sugar, or even caramel drizzle elevate the presentation.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, simply use two pie dishes and bake them side by side.

Is this pie gluten-free?

The custard itself is gluten-free. Use a gluten-free crust or almond flour crust for a fully gluten-free version.

Conclusion

This Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie is the perfect dessert to bring warmth and nostalgia to your holiday table. With its smooth texture and festive flavors, it’s a holiday tradition waiting to happen. Serve it with a cup of spiced cider or hot cocoa, and enjoy a magical Christmas Eve!

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