Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie

Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie

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Nothing says cozy holiday magic quite like a silky, fragrant custard pie infused with cinnamon and vanilla. This Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie is made for those quiet evenings when the lights are glowing and carols hum softly in the background. With a buttery crust and rich, pudding-like filling, it brings warmth to every bite.

This pie isn’t just a dessert—it’s a mood, a nostalgic throwback to homemade comfort that gathers the whole family around. Whether you’re serving it after a festive feast or savoring it beside a mug of spiced cider, it’s the kind of classic that becomes a yearly tradition.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie

This pie is the perfect balance of creamy and delicate with a gentle spice that doesn’t overwhelm. The vanilla brings a soft sweetness while the cinnamon whispers warmth into every spoonful. It uses simple ingredients but delivers a comforting, elegant finish that feels like it took much more effort than it really does.

It can be served warm or chilled, making it versatile depending on your evening plans. And the aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes? Pure holiday magic.

What Kind of Crust Should I Use?

A traditional buttery pastry crust works beautifully here. You can use a homemade all-butter crust for an extra touch of richness or keep it simple with a quality store-bought pie shell. Blind baking the crust first is key—it ensures you get that perfectly crisp bottom that contrasts so nicely with the creamy custard. If you’re gluten-free, this recipe works well with almond flour or oat-based crusts too.

Ingredients for the Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie

This pie is all about the harmony of cozy spices and silky textures. Here’s what you’ll need to make it happen:

Pie crust: A buttery crust acts as the base, adding texture and richness to the soft custard.

Whole milk: Creates the creamy backbone of the filling, giving it that smooth, luscious texture.

Heavy cream: Adds richness and ensures a velvety finish that feels indulgent.

Granulated sugar: Sweetens the custard just enough without making it cloying.

Eggs: The heart of the custard. They thicken and bind everything into a silky filling.

Vanilla extract: Deepens the sweetness and gives the pie its comforting signature aroma.

Ground cinnamon: Adds that signature warm holiday flavor that pairs so well with vanilla.

Nutmeg (optional): A pinch rounds out the flavor with a hint of winter spice.

Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.

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How To Make the Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie

Step 1: Pre-bake the Crust

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Roll out your pie dough into a 9-inch pie pan. Prick the bottom with a fork, line with parchment, and fill with pie weights. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove weights and bake another 5 minutes until lightly golden. Set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Custard Filling

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the whole milk and heavy cream. Warm until just steaming but not boiling. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg (if using). Slowly pour the warm milk mixture into the egg mixture while whisking constantly to temper the eggs.

Step 3: Fill and Bake

Pour the custard mixture into the pre-baked crust. Carefully place the pie into a 325°F oven and bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the custard is just set in the center with a slight jiggle. Let it cool at room temperature for at least one hour, then refrigerate for another 2 hours to fully set.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Serve chilled or gently warmed, with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dollop of whipped cream for extra coziness.

How to Store and Serve This Creamy Holiday Pie

This pie feeds 6 to 8 people depending on how generously you slice it. Once cooled, store leftovers in the fridge, covered loosely with plastic wrap or foil. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days and tastes just as good on day two—if not better. To reheat, warm slices gently in the microwave or in a low oven.

For holiday hosting, you can easily make this pie a day ahead to save time. Just be sure to give it time to come slightly to room temperature before serving if you prefer it warm.

What to Serve With This Pie?

A Hot Mug of Spiced Apple Cider

The warmth of spiced cider enhances the cinnamon in the pie and makes the whole experience extra comforting.

Whipped Cream or Crème Fraîche

A light dollop brings balance and creaminess to every bite.

Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Cold and creamy ice cream plays beautifully against the silky warm custard.

Salted Caramel Drizzle

Just a light pour of caramel sauce turns this into a gourmet treat.

Candied Pecans

Add crunch and a nutty contrast to the smooth custard texture.

Hot Coffee with Cinnamon

The pie’s sweet, creamy profile pairs beautifully with a strong, spiced brew.

Shortbread Cookies

A couple of buttery cookies on the side adds a nice texture variation.

A Glass of Dessert Wine

For the adults at the table, a sip of something sweet like a late harvest riesling or muscat can elevate the dessert experience.

Want More Pie Ideas with a Twist?

If this Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie brings joy to your table, here are other Luna Meals treats that offer their own cozy spin:

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

Let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use nutmeg or leave it out? Did you go the extra mile with whipped cream or serve it simple and classic?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and seasonal comfort desserts on Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover your next cozy favorite!

Conclusion

Whether you’re baking it for your family gathering or as a quiet solo treat on a winter night, this Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie is the kind of dessert that warms from the inside out. Its smooth texture, gentle spices, and irresistible aroma make it a holiday keeper you’ll return to year after year.

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Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie

Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie


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  • Author: Luna Bailey
  • Total Time: 3 hours
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie recipe blends warm cinnamon spice and smooth vanilla custard in a flaky pie crust. Perfect for cozy holiday gatherings, this creamy dessert is an easy make-ahead favorite for any festive table. Try this comforting custard pie that’s rich, nostalgic, and full of holiday flavor.


Ingredients

1 pie crust

2 cups whole milk

1 cup heavy cream

3/4 cup granulated sugar

4 large eggs

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)

1/4 teaspoon salt


Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Roll out your pie dough into a 9-inch pie pan. Prick the bottom with a fork, line with parchment, and fill with pie weights.

2. Bake the crust for 15 minutes, remove the weights, and bake another 5 minutes until lightly golden. Let it cool slightly.

3. In a saucepan, warm the whole milk and heavy cream over medium heat until just steaming.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk sugar, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg until smooth.

5. Slowly pour the warm milk into the egg mixture while whisking to temper the eggs.

6. Pour the custard into the pre-baked crust.

7. Reduce oven to 325°F. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes until the center is set with a slight jiggle.

8. Cool at room temperature for 1 hour, then chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours before serving.

Notes

This pie can be served warm or cold depending on preference.

It pairs beautifully with whipped cream, caramel, or vanilla ice cream.

Blind baking the crust ensures no soggy bottom and a crisp bite.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 310
  • Sugar: 21g
  • Sodium: 160mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 130mg
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