Christmas Eve Cinnamon Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie

When the air grows crisp, the streets twinkle with lights, and the scent of pine fills every corner, you know Christmas is just around the corner. In our family, Christmas Eve is not just about exchanging gifts—it’s about gathering together around a table filled with comforting, soul-warming treats. One recipe that has become a treasured tradition is the Christmas Eve Cinnamon Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie.

This pie is pure nostalgia baked into a buttery crust. Imagine a silky, vanilla-infused custard, kissed with the warmth of cinnamon, nestled inside a flaky golden shell. Every bite feels like a hug, a little moment of peace before the joyful chaos of Christmas morning.

Custard pies like this have deep roots in many cultures, often served during celebrations because of their rich yet delicate flavors. Vanilla and cinnamon, staples in holiday kitchens worldwide, make this pie feel instantly familiar and beloved. Whether it’s your first time making a custard pie or it’s a part of your family’s Christmas story too, this recipe will bring that extra sparkle to your holiday table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: You likely already have everything you need right in your pantry.
• Perfectly Sweet: It’s not overly sugary—just the right balance for a holiday treat.
• Comforting and Nostalgic: The classic flavors of vanilla and cinnamon feel like home.
• Easy to Make Ahead: Perfect for when you’re juggling a million Christmas Eve tasks.
• A Showstopper: Beautifully rustic, it will steal the show on your dessert table.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

• 1 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
• 2 cups whole milk
• 4 large eggs
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Freshly grated nutmeg for topping (optional)

HOW TO MAKE Christmas Eve Cinnamon Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie:

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat and Prep:
   Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place your pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish. If you’re using store-bought, let it come to room temperature first—it’s easier to handle and less likely to crack.
2. Warm the Milk:
   In a small saucepan, gently heat the milk over medium-low heat until it’s warm but not boiling. You want it steamy, like the kind of milk you’d cozy up with before bed, not scalding.
3. Whisk the Eggs and Sugar:
   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until light and creamy. This step is key—it creates that tender, melt-in-your-mouth custard texture.
4. Add Flavors:
   Stir in the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. You’ll start to catch little whiffs of vanilla and spice—exactly the scent that feels like Christmas Eve.

1. Temper and Combine:
   Slowly pour the warm milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly. Take your time here—you’re blending everything gently so you don’t scramble the eggs.
2. Fill the Pie Shell:
   Carefully pour the custard mixture into your prepared pie shell. It’ll look simple now, but magic is happening.
3. Bake:
   Place the pie on the middle rack of your oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. The edges should be set, and the center should still have a slight wobble when you gently shake the pan.
4. Cool Down:
   Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely. The custard will continue to set as it cools. If you can resist, letting it chill in the fridge for a few hours will give the best texture.
5. Sprinkle and Serve:
   Right before serving, sprinkle freshly grated nutmeg over the top for that final festive touch.

HELPFUL TIPS:

• Prevent Overbaking: Keep an eye on the pie toward the end of baking. Custard pies can go from perfect to overbaked quickly.
• Crust Shield: If the crust is browning too fast, loosely cover the edges with foil.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Having your eggs and milk at room temp helps the custard bake evenly.
• Cool Completely: It might be tempting to dig right in, but letting the pie cool completely ensures a silky, sliceable custard.

DETAILS:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

NOTES:

• This pie tastes even better after resting overnight—perfect for prepping ahead.
• You can add a touch more cinnamon if you love a spicier note.
• Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar if you’re feeling extra festive.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:

(Approximate per slice)

• Calories: 260
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 110mg
• Sodium: 200mg
• Sugar: 20g

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Can I use almond milk or another non-dairy milk?
You can, but the custard will be less rich and creamy. Whole milk really gives it the best texture.

Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! It actually tastes better after resting. Make it the night before and store it in the fridge.

My custard cracked—what happened?
This usually means it was overbaked. Next time, pull it out when the center is just slightly wobbly.

Can I freeze custard pie?
It’s not recommended—custards can turn watery when thawed.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:

• Store the pie in the refrigerator, loosely covered, for up to 3 days.
• Best enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
• Do not freeze, as the custard may separate when thawed.

Related Recipes

If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other cozy delights:

• Creamy Lime Bars
• Apple Custard Impossible Pie
• Homemade Banana Cream Pie
• Biscoff Truffles

CONCLUSION

The Christmas Eve Cinnamon Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie is more than just a dessert; it’s a memory in the making. With its silky texture, gentle vanilla warmth, and a whisper of cinnamon, it captures everything we love about the holiday season: comfort, sweetness, and the joy of gathering. Whether you’re sharing it with family by the fireplace or sneaking a quiet slice after the festivities wind down, this pie is pure Christmas magic on a plate.

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