Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie

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There’s something so magical about a pie that’s both nostalgic and luxurious, and that’s exactly what this Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie delivers. It’s the kind of dessert that whispers comfort with every bite. Think silky custard spiked with warm cinnamon and sweet vanilla, all nestled in a buttery crust that gently cradles the filling like a cozy holiday hug.

Perfect for Christmas Eve gatherings or any winter night when you want a dessert that’s not too heavy yet completely indulgent. This custard pie is light and creamy, with a flavor that brings back memories of snowflakes, candlelight, and the smell of cinnamon drifting from the kitchen. A slice is never enough.

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie

This pie is that perfect balance between old-fashioned and elegant. It’s simple to make, yet it impresses every single time. The vanilla is mellow and floral, while the cinnamon adds just the right amount of spice. And unlike dense holiday desserts, this one feels light as air. You’ll love how it can be made ahead and served chilled, saving you time for enjoying the night.

What Kind of Crust Works Best?

You can go with a classic homemade buttery pie crust, but a store-bought one will do just fine when you’re short on time. For a twist, try a graham cracker crust for a slight crunch and a honeyed flavor. The key is pre-baking the crust before adding the custard so it doesn’t get soggy. Blind baking is your friend here—trust it.

Ingredients for the Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie

Custard pie doesn’t need a mile-long ingredient list to wow your guests. Each component plays a simple yet essential role in achieving that creamy, perfectly spiced finish.

  • Whole Milk
    This forms the creamy foundation of the custard. Whole milk brings the right fat content and consistency without being too rich.
  • Heavy Cream
    Adds a touch of indulgence and helps the custard set with a luxurious mouthfeel.
  • Eggs
    The structure builders. They give the custard its body and silky smoothness.
  • Granulated Sugar
    For just the right amount of sweetness that complements the vanilla and cinnamon.
  • Vanilla Extract
    Adds warmth and depth. Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
  • Ground Cinnamon
    It’s the heart of the holiday vibe in this pie. Warming and fragrant, it pairs beautifully with the vanilla.
  • Salt
    A tiny pinch sharpens all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
  • Pie Crust
    Whether homemade or store-bought, a pre-baked crust is essential to keep everything crisp underneath that silky filling.
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How To Make the Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie

Step 1: Pre-Bake the Crust

Start by blind baking your pie crust. Press it into your pie dish, prick it all over with a fork, and weigh it down with pie weights. Bake until lightly golden and set it aside to cool.

Step 2: Heat the Milk and Cream

In a saucepan, gently heat the whole milk and heavy cream over medium heat. Don’t let it boil—just warm it until it’s steamy and small bubbles appear around the edge.

Step 3: Whisk the Egg Mixture

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.

Step 4: Temper the Eggs

Slowly pour the warm milk mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly. This tempers the eggs so they don’t scramble. Go slowly and keep whisking until smooth.

Step 5: Bake the Custard

Pour the custard filling into your pre-baked crust. Bake at 325°F for about 40–50 minutes. The edges should be set, but the center will jiggle slightly.

Step 6: Cool and Chill

Remove from the oven and cool on a rack. Once it’s room temperature, chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours—or overnight if you can wait.

How to Serve and Store Your Custard Pie

This pie is best served chilled, allowing the flavors to deepen and the custard to fully set. You can top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or even a light dusting of powdered cinnamon. It comfortably feeds 8, making it a wonderful option for small holiday gatherings or intimate Christmas Eve dinners.

To store, keep it in the fridge loosely covered with foil or plastic wrap. It’ll stay fresh for 3 to 4 days, and the flavor continues to develop with time.

What to Serve With This Pie?

Hot Mulled Wine

A warm spiced drink pairs beautifully with the cool creamy custard.

Classic Roast Chicken

Keep the meal comforting and balanced with a savory main like roast chicken.

Herby Chicken Meatball Bowl

If you’re serving a more casual dinner, this bowl keeps things hearty without being too rich. Herby Chicken Meatball Bowl

Crispy Jalapeño Popper Egg Rolls

The heat and crunch of these appetizers contrast delightfully with the pie’s smooth sweetness. Crispy Jalapeño Popper Egg Rolls

Coffee or Espresso

End your meal with a strong espresso—especially if you’re going for a late-night holiday vibe.

Peppermint Hot Chocolate

For a more festive pairing, peppermint and vanilla custard are holiday soulmates.

Butter Pecan Pound Cake

Serve a small slice of each for a duo dessert spread. Butter Pecan Pound Cake

Fruit Compote

Add a fresh fruit element with a warm berry or apple compote spooned beside your slice.

Want More Creamy Dessert Ideas?

If you’re dreaming of more silky, sweet comfort treats, here are a few more favorites to bookmark:

Creamy and Easy Egg Custard Pie if you’re looking for a similar but simpler take.
Ooey Gooey Butter Cake for a rich, melt-in-your-mouth indulgence.
Easter Chocolate Lasagna with layers of creamy chocolate and cookie crunch.
Peanut Butter S’mores Sandwich Cookies when you want custard creaminess in cookie form.
Decadent Pistachio Cream Cake to explore a nutty, dreamy cake version of creamy desserts.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest holiday desserts board and come back to it every Christmas Eve.

And let me know in the comments how it turned out! Did you dust the top with cinnamon sugar? Or maybe add nutmeg for a little twist? I’d love to hear what you tried.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and decadent desserts on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and find your next festive favorite.

Conclusion

The Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie is the dessert you didn’t know you needed for the holidays. Its subtle spice and smooth vanilla notes are warm and familiar, and the silky texture is as comforting as it gets. Whether you’re baking for family or simply treating yourself after a long day of holiday prep, this pie delivers everything we love about Christmas—in one bite.

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Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie


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  • Author: Janet Reynolds
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie is the ultimate holiday dessert. Silky smooth custard infused with warm cinnamon and sweet vanilla rests in a golden, flaky crust. A festive, elegant treat that’s easy to make and perfect for sharing.


Ingredients

1 ½ cups whole milk

1 cup heavy cream

3 large eggs

½ cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

¼ teaspoon salt

1 9-inch pre-baked pie crust


Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F and place your pre-baked crust in a pie dish if not already done.

2. In a saucepan, gently heat the milk and heavy cream over medium heat until warm but not boiling.

3. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until fully combined.

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

5. Strain the custard through a fine mesh sieve into a clean bowl (optional but recommended for smooth texture).

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

7. Bake for 40–50 minutes until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.

8. Cool completely at room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.

Notes

Always pre-bake your crust to avoid a soggy bottom.

Don’t overbake—custard should still jiggle slightly in the center.

Best served chilled with whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 270
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 190mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 26g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 115mg

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