Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie Recipe

A silky smooth Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie Recipe awaits you, perfect for holiday gatherings and cozy evenings. This dessert combines the warm flavors of cinnamon and vanilla with a rich custard filling, making it an elegant addition to your festive table. Its buttery crust and delicate topping of cinnamon dust create a delightful experience that will impress your guests and family alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of cinnamon and vanilla creates a warm, comforting taste that’s synonymous with the holiday season.
• Versatile Dessert: Enjoy this pie at Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any special occasion throughout the year.
• Elegant Presentation: The beautiful crust and creamy filling make it a stunning centerpiece for your dessert table.
• Make Ahead Option: You can prepare this pie in advance, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will streamline your baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Pie pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Saucepan
• Fine-mesh sieve
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Pie pan: A sturdy pie pan ensures even baking and helps achieve a perfect crust texture.
• Whisk: Essential for blending ingredients smoothly without lumps, ensuring a silky custard.
• Fine-mesh sieve: This tool removes any lumps from the custard mixture, resulting in a creamy texture that melts in your mouth.

Ingredients

For this delightful Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie Recipe, you will need:

• 1 pre-made 9-inch pie crust
• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 3 tablespoons butter, softened
• Ground cinnamon for dusting
• Whipped cream for serving (optional)

How to Make Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

Step 2: Prepare the Pie Crust

• Press the pre-made pie crust into a 9-inch pie pan. Crimp the edges decoratively.
• Line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans.
• Blind bake for 12 minutes.
• Remove weights and parchment, then bake for an additional 5 minutes until lightly golden. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).

Step 3: Mix Eggs and Sugar

In a large bowl:
1. Whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar until well combined and slightly pale.

Step 4: Heat Milk and Cream

In a saucepan:
1. Heat the whole milk and heavy cream over medium heat until small bubbles form around the edges.

Step 5: Combine Cornstarch Mixture

In another bowl:
1. Whisk the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of the hot milk mixture until smooth.

Step 6: Temper the Eggs

Gradually whisk the hot milk mixture into the egg mixture to temper the eggs.

Step 7: Strain Mixture

Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl to remove any lumps.

Step 8: Add Flavorings

Stir in:
* vanilla extract,
* ground cinnamon,
* salt,
and
softened butter until smooth.

Step 9: Fill the Pie Crust

Pour the custard filling into the pre-baked pie crust.

Step 10: Bake

Bake for 35–40 minutes until the center is just set but still slightly jiggly.

Step 11: Cool Down

Let cool completely on a wire rack, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving.

Step 12: Serve

Dust with ground cinnamon before serving. Optional: Top with whipped cream if desired.

Enjoy your delicious Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie!

How to Serve Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie Recipe

Serving your Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie is just as important as making it. A well-presented pie can elevate your holiday gathering and make the dessert table shine. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your custard pie experience.

Pair with Fresh Fruits

• Berries and Bananas: Fresh strawberries, blueberries, or sliced bananas add a burst of color and freshness that complements the creamy custard.

Add Whipped Cream

• Light and Fluffy: A dollop of whipped cream on top not only enhances the flavor but also adds a lovely texture that contrasts with the smooth pie.

Serve with a Cinnamon Sugar Dusting

• Extra Flavor: A light sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top before serving adds a sweet crunch and intensifies the cinnamon flavor in the pie.

Accompany with Coffee or Tea

• Warm Beverages: Serving your custard pie with a cup of coffee or tea can create a cozy atmosphere, perfect for holiday gatherings.

Use Decorative Plates

• Presentation Matters: Serving on festive plates can enhance the visual appeal of your dessert, making it even more inviting.

Create Individual Servings

• Miniature Pies: For a fun twist, consider making mini custard pies in tart shells for individual servings that guests will love.

How to Perfect Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie Recipe

To ensure your Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie turns out perfectly every time, follow these essential tips. These simple guidelines will help you achieve the best results.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring eggs and cream to room temperature for better mixing and a smoother custard texture.

• Don’t Rush the Baking: Allow enough time for the pie to set properly in the oven. This ensures it has that silky consistency without being overly jiggly.

• Strain Your Mixture: Straining the custard mixture will remove any lumps and create a silky smooth filling.

• Cool Gradually: After baking, let the pie cool slowly at room temperature before refrigerating. This helps prevent cracks on the surface.

• Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving. The chilling time allows flavors to meld and enhances texture.

• Garnish Wisely: A light dusting of ground cinnamon just before serving adds an elegant touch without overwhelming the dessert.

Best Side Dishes for Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie can enhance your meal experience. Here are some delightful options to consider:

1. Roasted Winter Vegetables: A mix of carrots, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes caramelized in olive oil brings earthy flavors that balance sweetness.

2. Cranberry Sauce: The tartness of homemade cranberry sauce provides a refreshing contrast to the rich custard pie.

3. Nutty Green Salad: A salad with mixed greens, walnuts, and a light vinaigrette adds crunch and brightness to your holiday table.

4. Pumpkin Soup: A warm bowl of pumpkin soup spiced with nutmeg pairs beautifully with dessert, creating comforting flavors.

5. Gingerbread Cookies: These spicy treats offer a festive touch that complements the warm spices in the custard pie.

6. Cheese Platter: An assortment of mild cheeses paired with crackers can be an excellent appetizer before diving into dessert.

7. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad provides a light counterpart to the richness of the custard pie, enhancing your overall meal experience.

8. Chocolate Fondue: For those craving something sweet, chocolate fondue served with fruits offers another level of indulgence after enjoying pie.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making the Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie can be a delightful experience, but there are some common pitfalls to avoid for perfect results.

• Skipping the blind baking: Not pre-baking the crust can lead to a soggy bottom. Always blind bake to ensure crispiness.
• Not tempering the eggs: Adding hot milk directly to eggs can scramble them. Gradually mix the hot milk into the egg mixture for smooth custard.
• Ignoring cooling time: Cutting into the pie too soon can result in a runny filling. Allow it to cool and set properly in the fridge.
• Using cold ingredients: Cold eggs and cream can affect texture. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing.
• Overbaking the pie: Baking too long makes the custard rubbery. Check for a slight jiggle in the center when it’s done.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• item Store leftover pie in an airtight container.
• item It will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie Recipe

• item Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• item The pie can be frozen for up to 2 months, but is best enjoyed fresh.

Reheating Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie Recipe

• item Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm slices for about 10-15 minutes.
• item Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until warmed through.
• item Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie Recipe.

How do I make my custard pie firmer?

To achieve a firmer custard, ensure you use enough cornstarch and allow it to cool completely before slicing.

Can I use a different type of milk?

Yes! You can substitute whole milk with almond milk or oat milk for a different flavor profile.

What if I don’t have cornstarch?

You can use equal amounts of all-purpose flour as an alternative thickening agent in this recipe.

How long does the Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie last?

The pie is best eaten within 3 days if stored properly in the refrigerator.

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie is an elegant dessert that perfectly complements festive celebrations. Its smooth texture and delightful flavors make it versatile enough to customize with your favorite spices or toppings. Give it a try this holiday season!