Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie

 

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Introduction

Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie: The holiday season is the perfect time to bring family and friends together around a warm and inviting table. One dessert that will surely impress everyone is the Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie. This pie combines the rich flavors of cinnamon and vanilla, creating a delightful treat that captures the essence of the holidays. Making this pie is simple, and it can become a cherished tradition for your Christmas celebrations.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie is not just another dessert; it is a comforting, creamy delight that will fill your home with festive aromas. The pie has a flaky crust that contrasts beautifully with the smooth and rich custard filling. The warmth of cinnamon and the sweet aroma of vanilla will evoke memories of childhood holidays spent with loved ones. Plus, it is an easy recipe that allows you to spend more time with your family instead of being stuck in the kitchen.

How to Prepare Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie

Preparing this custard pie is a straightforward process that anyone can follow. With a few simple steps, you will have a delicious dessert ready to add a special touch to your holiday meal. Let’s dive into the ingredients and instructions to create this delightful pie.

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup ice water

For the Custard Filling:

• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 large egg yolks
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing the pie dish)

Instructions:

1. Make the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, and salt. Add the chilled and diced butter. Use a fork or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. Press the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Prepare the Filling: In a saucepan, heat the whole milk over medium heat until it begins to steam. In a separate bowl, mix the sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Slowly whisk the dry ingredients into the heated milk until combined. In another bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Gradually add a little of the hot milk mixture to the egg yolks to temper them. Then, pour the egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the hot milk. Stir this mixture continuously over medium heat until it thickens. Remove from heat and add the vanilla extract and ground cinnamon. Let it cool slightly.

3. Roll Out the Dough: Take the chilled dough from the refrigerator. On a floured surface, roll it out into a circle large enough to fit your pie dish. Carefully transfer the dough to the pie dish and trim the edges. Prick the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbling.

4. Bake the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the crust for about 15 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove it from the oven and let it cool.

5. Assemble the Pie: Once the crust has cooled, pour the custard filling into the crust. Spread it evenly.

6. Final Bake: Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C) and bake the pie for an additional 25–30 minutes, or until the filling is set.

7. Cool and Serve: Allow the pie to cool at room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

How to Serve Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie

This pie is best served chilled. You can slice it and serve it plain, or you can add some whipped cream on top for an extra treat. A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg can also enhance the presentation while providing some additional flavor.

You might want to pair it with a warm holiday drink like spiced cider or hot chocolate. Gather around the table with your loved ones, and watch as they enjoy a slice of this festive dessert.

How to Store Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie

To keep your pie fresh, store it in the refrigerator. Cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from absorbing any odors from the fridge. The pie can be keep for about 3-4 days. If you want to preserve it longer, consider freezing it. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. This way, you’ll have ready-made dessert for those unexpected guests or when you crave something sweet.

Preparation Tips for Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie

• Chill Ingredients: Ensure that your butter is very cold. This helps create a flaky crust.
• Don’t Rush the Custard: When making the custard, stir consistently and gently to prevent it from burning. A double boiler can be helpful for this step.
• Use a Pie Weighing Tool: If you have pie weights, use them while pre-baking your crust. This prevents it from puffing up during baking.
• Flavor Variations: While this recipe is fantastic on its own, you can experiment by adding lemon zest or nutmeg for a different spice twist.
• Check for Doneness: The custard should be set but still slightly jiggly in the middle when you take it out of the oven.

Variation

If you’d like to try a different flavor, consider substituting the vanilla and cinnamon with chai spice. Chai spice will give your pie an intriguing twist while still producing a warm and inviting flavor. Another option is to add chocolate chips to the custard filling for a chocolate version, which can be a delightful surprise for chocolate lovers.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use pre-made pie crust instead of making my own?

   • Yes, using a pre-made pie crust can save you time. Just follow the instructions on the packaging and then continue with the filling.

2. How do I know when the custard filling is done baking?

   • The filling should be set but slightly jiggly in the center. It will continue to firm up as it cools.

3. Can I make this pie ahead of time?

   • Absolutely! This pie can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. It’s actually better when allowed to chill overnight, allowing the flavors to meld.

4. Is it okay to add fruit to the custard pie?

   • Yes! Fresh berries or sliced bananas can be added to the custard filling before baking for a fruity twist. Make sure to reduce the sugar slightly to accommodate the sweetness of the fruit.

5. What should I do if the crust cracks?

   • If your crust cracks during baking, don’t worry. You can either patch it with some extra dough or simply cover it with whipped cream while serving to hide any imperfections.

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There you have it, a delightful Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie recipe that is perfect for your holiday gatherings! Enjoy making this pie, sharing it with loved ones, and creating lasting memories around your holiday table.