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Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie

Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie
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Indulge in a rich, creamy Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie that combines smooth custard with warm cinnamon and fragrant vanilla. This classic holiday dessert is easy to make with simple pantry staples, perfect for festive gatherings and sure to be a cherished family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Pie Crust

  • 1 pre-made or homemade buttery pie crust (for a 9-inch pie)

Custard Filling

  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 4 large fresh eggs
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or 1 vanilla bean (split and seeds scraped)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pie Crust: Roll out your pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to prevent shrinking during baking. Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Blind bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes until golden and firm.
  2. Make the Custard Filling: In a saucepan, gently warm the milk and heavy cream until hot but not boiling. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, salt, ground cinnamon, and vanilla until fully blended. Slowly add the warm milk mixture into the egg mixture, whisking continuously to temper the eggs and avoid curdling.
  3. Combine and Bake: Pour the custard mixture into the pre-baked pie crust. Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C) and bake for 40-50 minutes. The custard should be just set in the middle with a slight wobble when gently shaken. Avoid overbaking to keep the custard silky smooth.
  4. Cool and Chill: Let the pie cool to room temperature on a wire rack. Then refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight to let the custard fully set and enhance its rich texture.

Notes

  • Use fresh eggs to ensure the custard sets properly and tastes best.
  • Tempering the eggs by gradually adding warm milk prevents scrambling and creates a smooth custard.
  • Do not rush chilling; the custard firms and flavors meld beautifully after refrigeration.
  • Use pure vanilla extract or real vanilla bean for the richest aroma and flavor.
  • Check doneness by a slight wobble in the center, signaling perfect custard without overcooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: custard pie, cinnamon pie, vanilla custard, Christmas dessert, holiday pie, easy custard pie, festive pie

Find it online: https://withnora.com/christmas-eve-cinnamon-vanilla-custard-pie/