Description
This Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie is a silky, comforting holiday dessert with a creamy vanilla custard filling warmly spiced with cinnamon, all baked in a buttery pie crust. Elegant, nostalgic, and perfect for Christmas gatherings.
Ingredients
- For the Crust:
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
- For the Custard Filling:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- For Topping:
- Freshly grated nutmeg or cinnamon
- Whipped cream (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish and crimp edges. Blind bake for 10 minutes if desired for a firmer bottom.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs and sugar until smooth.
- Add milk, cream, cornstarch, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk until fully combined with no lumps.
- Pour the custard mixture into the prepared crust.
- Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until the center is set but slightly jiggly. If edges brown too quickly, tent with foil.
- Let cool at room temperature for 1 hour, then refrigerate at least 3 hours for best sliceability.
- Sprinkle with extra cinnamon or nutmeg before serving. Top with whipped cream if desired.
Notes
- Warm spices like cardamom or allspice can be added for extra holiday flavor.
- Blind baking the crust helps prevent sogginess.
- For a deeper vanilla flavor, use vanilla bean paste.
- Tastes even better the next day — perfect for make-ahead holiday prep.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 50 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American