Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie – Creamy Holiday Dessert Magic
A creamy custard pie infused with cinnamon and vanilla, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingrédients
For the Pie Crust
- 1 pie crust pie crust (homemade or store-bought) Store-bought crust saves time; homemade adds a personal touch.
For the Custard Filling
- 4 large eggs
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1½ cups whole milk Can substitute with almond or coconut milk.
- 1 cup heavy cream Can use coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
- 1½ tsp ground cinnamon Optionally, use one cinnamon stick, steeped.
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract Alternatively, one vanilla bean, scraped.
- 1 pinch salt Enhances flavor.
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg Optional for additional flavor.
- 1 tsp orange zest Optional for added holiday flair.
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather all your ingredients and tools. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out your chosen pie crust and place it in a 9-inch pie dish. Line with parchment paper and fill it with baking weights or dried beans to prevent puffing. Bake for 15 minutes.
- Carefully remove the weights and the parchment, then return the crust to the oven for another 5 minutes until it is lightly golden. Cool slightly on a wire rack.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the whole milk and heavy cream. Add the ground cinnamon or a cinnamon stick for steeping. Heat until steaming but do not boil.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs and granulated sugar until smooth and pale, about 2-3 minutes.
- Slowly pour the hot milk mixture into the egg mixture while constantly whisking to temper the eggs.
- Strain the custard mixture through a fine-mesh sieve for a smoother texture.
- Lower the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C). Pour the custard into your pre-baked pie crust, gently filling to avoid bubbles.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the edges are set but the center jiggles slightly.
- Allow the pie to cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Notes
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Can be frozen for up to a month. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds.