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Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie Recipe

4.8 from 87 reviews

This Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie is a creamy, aromatic dessert that combines the comforting flavors of cinnamon and vanilla in a smooth custard filling. Perfect for holiday celebrations, this pie boasts a tender, flaky crust and a luscious, spiced custard that will delight your family and guests.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pie Crust

  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into pieces
  • 3 to 4 tablespoons ice water

For the Custard Filling

  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

For Garnish

  • Ground cinnamon, for sprinkling
  • Whipped cream (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pie Crust: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter pieces using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, tossing with a fork until the dough begins to hold together. Form the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Roll and Bake the Crust: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough to fit a 9-inch pie plate. Transfer the dough to the plate, trim excess, and flute the edges. Prick the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbling. Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove weights and parchment and bake another 8-10 minutes until lightly golden. Let cool slightly.
  3. Make the Custard Filling: In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, cinnamon, and salt until smooth. Warm the cream and milk in a saucepan over medium heat just until steaming, then slowly pour into the egg mixture while whisking constantly to temper the eggs. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  4. Fill the Pie and Bake: Lower oven temperature to 325°F (163°C). Pour the custard filling into the prebaked pie crust. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the custard is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. Remove from oven and cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
  5. Serve: Before serving, sprinkle a little ground cinnamon on top and add a dollop of whipped cream if desired. Slice and enjoy your creamy, spiced custard pie perfect for Christmas Eve festivities.

Notes

  • Use cold butter and ice water to ensure a flaky pie crust.
  • Temper the eggs carefully to avoid curdling the custard.
  • The custard should wobble slightly when done baking as it will set further while cooling.
  • Refrigerate the pie to enhance flavor and texture before serving.
  • Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

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