Intro and Brief Recap
Have you ever tasted a dessert that captures the essence of the holiday season in every bite? Imagine a slice of Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie—Creamy Holiday Dessert Magic that envelops your senses with the warm aromas of cinnamon and vanilla. This pie is not just a treat; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that can transform your holiday gatherings into unforgettable experiences.
As you prepare to make this delightful custard pie, let memories of cozy nights by the fire and laughter-filled family dinners fill your heart. Each layer of this dessert tells a story, evoking nostalgia with its rich, creamy filling nestled in a perfectly baked crust. Ideal for Christmas Eve celebrations or any festive occasion, this pie promises to be the star of your dessert table, leaving everyone eagerly anticipating their next slice.
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: Use a pre-made or homemade crust for convenience; ensure it’s deep enough to hold all the custard.
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Whole Milk: Fresh whole milk adds richness to the custard, making it creamy and satisfying.
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Heavy Cream: This ingredient enhances the overall creaminess and provides a luxurious texture.
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Granulated Sugar: Sweeten your custard perfectly with regular granulated sugar; adjust according to taste.
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Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon brings warmth and spice to this holiday dessert, so choose fresh spices for maximum flavor.
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Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract is ideal for achieving an authentic flavor profile in your custard.
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Eggs: Large eggs are essential for creating a rich custard that sets beautifully in your pie.
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Nutmeg: A dash of grated nutmeg adds depth and complements the cinnamon perfectly.
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: Prepare the Crust
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out your pie crust into a pie dish, pressing it gently against the sides. Trim any excess dough hanging over the edges. Poke small holes in the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbling during baking. Bake for about 15 minutes until lightly golden.
Second Step: Make the Custard
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine whole milk and heavy cream. Stir continuously until warmed but not boiling. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, granulated sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and nutmeg until smooth. Slowly pour the warm milk mixture into the egg mixture while whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
Third Step: Combine Mixtures
Pour the combined mixture back into the saucepan over low heat. Cook gently while stirring until it thickens slightly—about 5-7 minutes. Do not let it boil! Remove from heat once it’s ready.
Fourth Step: Fill the Pie Crust
Carefully pour the custard into your pre-baked pie crust. Use a spatula to ensure even distribution across the surface.
Fifth Step: Bake Again
Return the filled pie to the oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 35-40 minutes or until set around the edges but still slightly jiggly in the center. Allow it to cool at room temperature before refrigerating for at least two hours.
Serving Suggestion: Slice and serve chilled or at room temperature with whipped cream on top for an extra touch of holiday magic!
Expert Tips
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
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Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh spices and high-quality dairy products for optimal flavor.
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Whisk Constantly: When combining mixtures on heat, whisk continuously to prevent curdling of eggs.
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Chill Before Serving: For best texture and flavor development, chill your pie thoroughly before serving.
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 medley of fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for vibrant color and a refreshing taste. The natural sweetness of the berries will complement the creamy custard beautifully.
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Whipped Cream: Serve slices of the pie with a generous dollop of homemade whipped cream. The light, airy texture adds an extra layer of indulgence, making each bite even more delightful.
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Cinnamon Dusting: A light dusting of cinnamon on top enhances the pie’s flavor and gives it an inviting look. This simple touch not only elevates presentation but also reinforces the warm spices used in the recipe.
Storage Tips
To keep your Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie – Creamy Holiday Dessert Magic fresh, consider these storage methods. First, allow the pie to cool completely after baking. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you need to keep it longer, consider freezing individual slices. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container. Frozen slices can last up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy again, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Serving Suggestions
For a truly festive experience, serve your Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie – Creamy Holiday Dessert Magic alongside warm beverages like spiced cider or rich hot chocolate. Consider creating a dessert platter that features other holiday treats such as gingerbread cookies or peppermint bark for variety. This combination not only satisfies sweet cravings but also delights guests with diverse flavors and textures.
Nutritional Information
Each slice of Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie – Creamy Holiday Dessert Magic provides a comforting treat for your holiday gatherings. While exact nutritional values can vary based on ingredients used, one slice typically contains around 250 calories, including moderate amounts of fat and sugar due to the creamy custard base. It’s important to enjoy this dessert in moderation as part of a balanced holiday feast.
FAQs
What makes Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie special?
The special blend of cinnamon and vanilla creates a unique flavor profile that embodies the warmth of the holiday season. This Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie – Creamy Holiday Dessert Magic stands out because its custard filling is both creamy and comforting, making it ideal for festive celebrations. The combination of spices brings nostalgia while offering a contemporary twist on traditional custard pies.
Can I use alternative sweeteners for this recipe?
Yes! If you’re looking to reduce sugar intake, consider using natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey as substitutes in your Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie – Creamy Holiday Dessert Magic. Just remember that using liquid sweeteners may slightly alter the consistency of your filling, so adjust accordingly by reducing other liquids in your recipe.
How long does it take to prepare this custard pie?
Preparation time for Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie – Creamy Holiday Dessert Magic typically takes around 30 minutes, including mixing ingredients and pouring them into the crust. However, don’t forget about chilling time; allowing the pie to set properly may take an additional few hours or overnight in the fridge before serving.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, making your Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie – Creamy Holiday Dessert Magic a day ahead is recommended for enhanced flavor development. Bake it up to two days before your event and store it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. This way, you can enjoy more time with family and friends during holiday festivities!
Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 slices 1x
Description
Indulge in the festive spirit with this Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie. A harmonious blend of rich custard, warm cinnamon, and aromatic vanilla makes each slice a cozy celebration of holiday flavors. Perfect for gatherings, this pie transforms any dessert table into a cherished experience. Serve it chilled or at room temperature, topped with whipped cream or fresh berries, and let the memories unfold.
Ingredients
- 1 pre-made pie crust (9-inch)
- 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
- 1/4 tsp grated nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the pie crust into a dish, trim excess dough, and poke holes in the bottom. Bake for about 15 minutes until lightly golden.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the whole milk and heavy cream until warmed but not boiling.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and nutmeg until smooth. Gradually add the warm milk mixture while whisking to temper the eggs.
- Pour everything back into the saucepan over low heat and stir gently until thickened (5-7 minutes). Remove from heat.
- Pour the custard into the pre-baked crust and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes until set around edges but slightly jiggly in the center. Cool at room temperature before refrigerating for at least two hours.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Holiday
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 120mg