Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie

A Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie sounds like the perfect holiday dessert—rich, comforting, and full of festive spices! It combines the smooth texture of a custard pie with the warm flavors of cinnamon and vanilla, making it an ideal treat for the holiday season. Here’s a recipe you can try!

Ingredients:

For the crust:

• 1 pre-made pie crust (or homemade if preferred)
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional, for added flavor)

For the filling:

• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for extra smoothness)
• Freshly grated nutmeg (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to preheat while you prepare the pie.
2. Prepare the crust: If using a store-bought crust, place it in your pie dish. For added flavor, sprinkle a bit of sugar and cinnamon over the bottom before baking. Bake for about 8-10 minutes, until lightly golden. Let it cool slightly.
3. Make the custard filling:
   • In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until smooth.
   • In a saucepan, combine the milk, cream, cinnamon, and salt. Heat gently over medium heat until warm but not boiling.
   • Slowly pour the warm milk mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to avoid curdling. Once combined, you can return the mixture to the saucepan and heat gently, stirring constantly until it thickens slightly (about 5 minutes). If you want an extra smooth texture, you can add a tablespoon of cornstarch during this step.
   • Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Fill the pie crust: Pour the custard filling into the pre-baked pie crust, smoothing it evenly with a spatula.
5. Bake the pie: Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the custard is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
6. Cool and chill: Allow the pie to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to let the flavors meld together.
7. Serve: Before serving, garnish with a dusting of freshly grated nutmeg or additional cinnamon for a festive touch.

This pie will give you a creamy, flavorful filling with that signature holiday spice. The cinnamon and vanilla make it feel like Christmas in every bite!

Do you think this would be a hit at your Christmas Eve dinner?