The Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie is a delightful holiday dessert that blends the rich flavors of cinnamon and vanilla in a silky custard filling. This pie is perfect for festive occasions, offering a warm, comforting treat that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Its creamy texture and festive spice make it a standout dessert for your holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

1 9-inch pie crust
2 cups milk
1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Pinch of salt

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it is steaming but not boiling.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, cornstarch, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.
Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to avoid curdling the eggs.
Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens to a custard-like consistency.
Pour the custard into the prepared pie crust.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the custard is set and the pie has a slight jiggle in the center.
Let the pie cool completely before serving to allow the custard to firm up.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 8 slices

Variations

Spiced Version: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for extra warmth and holiday flavor.
Chocolate Version: For a twist, add a handful of chocolate chips to the custard mixture before baking.
Fruit Topping: Top the cooled pie with fresh berries or caramelized apples for added texture and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the pie in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cover it well to preserve its freshness.
Reheating: Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds if desired, but this pie is best served chilled.

10 FAQs

Can I use a store-bought pie crust? Yes, a pre-made pie crust can be used for convenience, or you can opt for a homemade crust for a more personalized touch.
Can I make this pie ahead of time? Yes, this pie can be made a day ahead. Let it cool completely, then store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Can I use a different type of milk? Yes, you can substitute whole milk with 2% milk or a dairy-free alternative like almond milk, but the texture may be slightly different.
What if my custard doesn’t thicken? If your custard isn’t thickening, make sure you are stirring constantly and cooking it over medium heat. If needed, you can add a little extra cornstarch dissolved in water to thicken it further.
Can I add whipped cream to the pie? Yes, adding a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top of each slice is a great way to enhance the flavor.
Can I use a different spice? Yes, you can experiment with other spices such as ginger, nutmeg, or cardamom for a unique flavor profile.
Can I freeze this pie? This pie does not freeze well due to its creamy texture, but you can store it in the fridge for several days.
How do I know when the pie is done? The pie is done when the custard is set and the top is lightly golden. You can gently shake the pie, and it should have a slight jiggle, but it should not be liquid.
Can I double this recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe to make two pies. Just be sure to adjust the baking time slightly if using larger or multiple pie dishes.
Can I make this without eggs? You can try using egg substitutes like cornstarch or arrowroot powder combined with plant-based milk for a dairy-free, egg-free version of this custard pie.

Conclusion

The Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie is a holiday classic that combines the warmth of cinnamon with the smoothness of creamy custard. This easy-to-make pie is sure to be a favorite at your next festive gathering, offering a rich and comforting dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its delightful flavors and creamy texture, it’s a wonderful addition to your holiday table.