Intro and Brief Recap
Have you ever tasted a dessert that instantly transports you to cozy family gatherings? The Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie – Creamy Holiday Dessert Magic is just that. With its silky smooth custard infused with warm cinnamon and rich vanilla, this pie envelops your senses in a delightful embrace of holiday cheer. Imagine cutting into a slice and revealing the golden crust that cradles this creamy filling, sending aromas of spices wafting through your kitchen.
This pie holds a special place in my heart, reminding me of the Christmas Eves spent nestled by the fireplace, surrounded by loved ones. Each bite evokes memories of laughter, storytelling, and the warmth that only the holidays can bring. Ideal for festive gatherings or intimate family dinners, this custard pie is an enchanting centerpiece that promises to impress everyone at your table. Get ready for an unforgettable dessert experience that will leave your guests asking for seconds!
Key Ingredients For Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie – Creamy Holiday Dessert Magic
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Pie Crust: A pre-made or homemade crust serves as the foundation for our custard pie; choose one that is flaky and buttery for best results.
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Whole Milk: Use whole milk for a rich and creamy texture, enhancing the custard’s flavor significantly.
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Heavy Cream: This ingredient adds extra creaminess and richness, making every bite indulgent.
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Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the custard; feel free to adjust according to taste preferences.
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Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon infuses warmth and spice into the custard, embodying holiday flavors.
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Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile; opt for quality extracts whenever possible.
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Eggs: Eggs act as a thickening agent and contribute to the custard’s smooth texture; fresh eggs yield the best results.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Instructions For Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie – Creamy Holiday Dessert Magic
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
First Step : Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your pie bakes evenly and develops a lovely golden crust.
Second Step : Prepare The Pie Crust
Roll out your pie crust into a standard pie dish. If you’re using a store-bought variant, simply fit it into the dish without stretching.
Third Step : Make The Custard Filling
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together whole milk, heavy cream, sugar, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and eggs until fully combined. Ensure there are no lumps remaining in the mixture.
Fourth Step : Pour The Mixture Into The Crust
Carefully pour the custard filling into the prepared pie crust. Take care not to spill any over the edges.
Fifth Step : Bake The Pie
Place your filled pie in the preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
Sixth Step : Cool And Serve
Once out of the oven, allow your pie to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. Serve chilled or at room temperature for a delightful finish!
Expert Tips
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
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Chill Ingredients Before Mixing: Keeping milk and cream cold helps create a smoother custard texture when mixed with other ingredients.
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Monitor Baking Time: Ovens vary; check your pie around the 40-minute mark to avoid overbaking.
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Add Nutmeg For Extra Flavor: A pinch of ground nutmeg enhances holiday spices beautifully; feel free to add it alongside cinnamon.
Presentation Ideas
This Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie – Creamy Holiday Dessert Magic is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:
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Fresh Berries: Top the pie with a mix of fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries to add a burst of color and freshness. The tartness from the berries complements the creamy custard beautifully, creating a delightful contrast.
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Whipped Cream: Serve generous dollops of homemade whipped cream on each slice for an extra layer of richness. You can also flavor the whipped cream with a hint of vanilla or cinnamon to enhance the pie’s flavors.
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Cinnamon Dusting: Lightly dust the top of your pie with ground cinnamon before serving. This small touch not only adds visual appeal but also enhances the warm spices in this creamy dessert.
Storage Tips
To keep your Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie – Creamy Holiday Dessert Magic fresh, store it properly. Allow the pie to cool completely before covering it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place it in the refrigerator if you plan to eat it within three days. For longer storage, consider freezing individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
Serving Suggestions
When it’s time to serve your Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie – Creamy Holiday Dessert Magic, consider pairing it with hot beverages like coffee, spiced tea, or even a festive eggnog. The warmth of these drinks balances the cool creaminess of the pie. Additionally, setting out assorted toppings like toasted nuts or chocolate shavings allows guests to customize their experience.
Nutritional Information
The Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie – Creamy Holiday Dessert Magic is not only delicious but can also fit into a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation. A slice typically contains essential nutrients such as calcium and vitamin A from dairy ingredients. Keep in mind that portion control is key during holiday festivities; savor each bite while being mindful of overall intake.
FAQs
How do I make my custard pie more flavorful?
To amplify the flavors in your Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie – Creamy Holiday Dessert Magic, consider infusing your milk or cream with spices like nutmeg or allspice during heating. Additionally, using high-quality vanilla extract or even vanilla bean pods can significantly enhance its depth of flavor. Adding a tablespoon of bourbon or rum can introduce warmth and complexity to your custard.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare your Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie – Creamy Holiday Dessert Magic up to two days in advance. Make sure to let it cool thoroughly before covering and refrigerating it. This resting period allows the flavors to meld beautifully while ensuring a perfectly set custard texture when you serve it.
What are some variations I can try?
For those looking to experiment, there are many delightful variations for your Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie – Creamy Holiday Dessert Magic. You can incorporate citrus zest for a refreshing twist or substitute part of the milk with coconut milk for a tropical flair. Seasonal spices like ginger or cardamom could also add unique notes that complement traditional holiday flavors.
Is this pie suitable for special diets?
If you’re considering dietary restrictions when preparing your Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie – Creamy Holiday Dessert Magic, there are several modifications you can make. For gluten-free options, use almond flour or gluten-free crust alternatives. If you’re looking for dairy-free choices, substitute traditional dairy products with almond milk and coconut cream while maintaining the rich flavor profile that makes this dessert so beloved.
Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie – A Creamy Holiday Delight
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Experience the magic of the holidays with this Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie. Its silky custard, infused with warm cinnamon and rich vanilla, creates a comforting dessert that evokes cherished family memories. With a flaky crust and aromatic spices, this pie is the perfect centerpiece for festive gatherings. Indulge in each creamy slice and delight your guests with this enchanting holiday treat.
Ingredients
- 1 pre-made pie crust (9 inches)
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Fit the pie crust into a standard pie dish.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together whole milk, heavy cream, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and eggs until smooth.
- Pour the custard filling into the prepared pie crust.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes or until the center is set but slightly jiggly.
- Allow to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (95g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 130mg