Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie

The Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie is a decadent and comforting dessert perfect for holiday celebrations. With its creamy custard filling flavored with warm cinnamon and vanilla, this pie captures the essence of the holiday season in every bite. It’s simple to make yet incredibly indulgent, making it a great addition to any festive table.

Ingredients

• 1 9-inch pie crust
• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a saucepan, heat the milk until steaming, but not boiling.
3. In a bowl, whisk together sugar, eggs, cornstarch, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.
4. Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to avoid curdling.
5. Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the custard thickens.
6. Pour the custard mixture into the prepared pie crust.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the custard is set and the pie is golden on top.
8. Let the pie cool completely before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8 slices
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Spiced version: Add a pinch of ground nutmeg along with the cinnamon for an extra layer of spice.
• Nutty crust: Use a crushed graham cracker or pecan crust for added texture and flavor.
• Whipped topping: For a festive touch, serve the pie with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: This pie is best served cold, but if you’d like to reheat it, gently warm individual slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use a store-bought pie crust? Yes, a pre-made pie crust works perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure to bake it according to package instructions before filling.
2. Can I make this pie ahead of time? Yes, this pie can be made a day or two ahead. Just store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
3. Can I use a dairy-free milk substitute? Yes, you can use almond milk or oat milk as a substitute for regular milk to make the pie dairy-free.
4. Can I use a different spice instead of cinnamon? Yes, you can substitute cinnamon with nutmeg, ginger, or allspice for a different flavor profile.
5. What can I do if the custard is too runny? If the custard is too runny, cook it for a little longer on medium heat until it thickens. Make sure to stir constantly to prevent it from burning.
6. Can I freeze this pie? Yes, you can freeze the pie. Allow it to cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
7. How can I make this pie extra creamy? For a richer filling, you can add a little heavy cream to the milk.
8. Can I make this pie without cornstarch? You can substitute cornstarch with an equal amount of all-purpose flour, though the texture might be slightly different.
9. Can I add chocolate to this custard pie? Yes, you can stir in a little melted chocolate to the custard mixture for a chocolate custard pie variation.
10. Can I add fruit to this pie? Yes, you can top the pie with fresh fruit, such as berries or sliced apples, before serving for added freshness and flavor.

Conclusion

Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie is the perfect dessert to bring a sweet, festive end to your holiday meals. The smooth, cinnamon-infused custard in a flaky pie crust is a crowd-pleasing treat that will delight guests at any Christmas gathering. Easy to prepare and full of comforting flavors, this pie will soon become a favorite holiday tradition.

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