Description
This Creamy Christmas Eve Cinnamon Vanilla Custard Pie Delight features a smooth and velvety custard infused with warm cinnamon and aromatic vanilla, nestled in a perfectly pre-baked flaky pie crust. A comforting dessert that’s ideal for holiday gatherings, offering a delightful balance of creamy richness and subtle spice.
Ingredients
Scale
Pie Crust
- 1 pre-made pie crust
Custard Filling
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 large eggs
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
- Prepare the Pie Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pre-made pie crust in your pie dish, gently pressing it into the bottom and up the sides. Poke a few holes in the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbling. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
- Heat Milk and Cream: In a medium saucepan, combine the whole milk and heavy cream. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is hot but not boiling. You want small bubbles to form around the edges. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Mix Eggs and Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Milk Mixture and Egg Mixture: Slowly pour the hot milk and cream mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from scrambling. Whisk until everything is well combined and creamy.
- Fill Pie Crust: Carefully pour the custard mixture into the pre-baked pie crust. Give it a gentle shake to ensure the mixture settles evenly.
- Bake the Custard Pie: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until the custard is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. The top should be slightly golden and fragrant.
- Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before serving. This helps the custard to set fully for clean slices and optimal texture.
Notes
- Use room temperature eggs for a smoother custard mixture.
- Do not overbake; the center should jiggle slightly to ensure a creamy texture after chilling.
- For an extra festive touch, sprinkle a little cinnamon or powdered sugar on top before serving.
- Cover loosely with foil if the crust edges brown too quickly during baking.
- Chilling the pie overnight enhances the flavors and texture.
