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Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie


  • Total Time: 3 hours
  • Yield: 8-10 slices 1x

Description

A festive and creamy Christmas Eve dessert, this Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie is rich, smooth, and infused with warm spices. Perfect for holiday gatherings with a nostalgic touch.


Ingredients

Scale

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

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

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

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

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

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

Notes

  • 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.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • chill time: 2 hours
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Christmas custard pie, holiday dessert, cinnamon vanilla pie, creamy custard recipe, festive holiday pie