Description
A festive and creamy Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie with warm holiday spices, encased in a buttery, flaky crust. Perfect for holiday gatherings and easy to make.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pie Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 3–4 tablespoons ice water
For the Custard Filling:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.
- Cut in cold, cubed butter with a pastry cutter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough forms.
- Shape into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Roll out dough on a floured surface to a 12-inch circle.
- Transfer to a 9-inch pie pan, trim excess, crimp edges, and refrigerate while making the filling.
Step 2: Make the Custard Filling
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Warm milk and heavy cream in a saucepan over low heat (do not boil).
- In a bowl, whisk sugar, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg until smooth.
- Gradually pour warm milk into egg mixture, whisking continuously.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
- Remove pie crust from refrigerator and place on a baking sheet.
- Pour custard mixture into the crust.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until custard is set but slightly jiggly in the center.
- Cool at room temperature before refrigerating for at least 2 hours.
Notes
- Variations: Add 1 tbsp spiced rum for extra holiday flavor, drizzle with caramel, or use a graham cracker crust.
- Storage: Refrigerate covered for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Serve chilled or warm a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- cooling time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Holiday, Christmas
Keywords: custard pie, Christmas dessert, cinnamon pie, vanilla custard, holiday baking