Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie – Creamy Holiday Dessert Magic

December 2, 2025 by Mae

why make this recipe

Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie is a delightful dessert that captures the essence of the holiday season. This creamy pie combines the warmth of cinnamon and the sweet notes of vanilla, making it a comforting treat for gatherings. It’s perfect for celebrating with family and friends, and its rich flavors make it a showstopper on any holiday dessert table.

how to make Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie

Ingredients:

1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
4 large eggs
¾ cup granulated sugar
1½ cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1½ tsp ground cinnamon (or 1 cinnamon stick, steeped)
2 tsp pure vanilla extract (or 1 vanilla bean, scraped)
Pinch of salt
Optional: ¼ tsp ground nutmeg, 1 tsp orange zest for holiday flair

Directions:

Pre-bake the Crust: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the crust and place it in a 9-inch pie dish. Line it with parchment paper, fill it with baking weights, and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the weights and parchment, and bake for another 5 minutes until lightly golden. Let it cool slightly.
Prepare Custard Base: In a saucepan, heat the milk and cream with cinnamon and vanilla until steaming but do not boil. If using a cinnamon stick or vanilla bean, steep for 10 minutes and then remove.
Whisk Eggs & Sugar: In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs, sugar, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and pale.
Temper & Combine: Slowly pour the hot milk mixture into the eggs while whisking constantly to temper the eggs. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve for extra smoothness.
Fill & Bake: Lower the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C). Pour the custard into the prepared pie crust. Bake for 35–40 minutes until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly.
Cool & Chill: Let the pie cool at room temperature, and then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing.

how to serve Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie

Serve the pie chilled, and for an extra festive touch, top it with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg. Fresh fruit or a drizzle of caramel can also add a beautiful finish. This pie is a wonderful centerpiece for your holiday dessert table.

how to store Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie

Cover the pie with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for about 3 to 4 days. Avoid leaving it out at room temperature for too long to maintain its freshness.

tips to make Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie

Ensure that your eggs are at room temperature; this helps them mix better with the other ingredients.
If you want a richer flavor, try using half and half instead of whole milk.
To make slicing easier, let the pie chill thoroughly before cutting into it. A sharp knife will give you cleaner slices.

variation

You can customize this pie by adding chocolate chips for a mocha twist or using different spices like ginger or cardamom to give it a unique flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pie crust?
Yes, you can use a graham cracker crust or a gluten-free crust if you prefer.

2. Is it necessary to strain the custard?
Straining helps remove any bits of cooked egg and gives the custard a smooth texture, but it is optional.

3. Can I freeze the custard pie?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but if necessary, you can freeze the baked pie. Be sure to wrap it tightly. Thaw it in the refrigerator before serving.

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