Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie

The Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie is a warm and comforting dessert perfect for the holiday season. With its rich and creamy custard filling, subtly flavored with vanilla and cinnamon, this pie is an ideal addition to your festive dessert table. The smooth custard paired with a flaky pie crust creates a deliciously indulgent treat that everyone will love. It’s simple to make yet impressively decadent.

Ingredients

• 1 9-inch pie crust
• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a saucepan, heat the milk until steaming, but not boiling.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, cornstarch, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.
4. Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent curdling.
5. Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the custard thickens.
6. Pour the thickened custard into the prepared pie crust.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is lightly golden.
8. Let the pie cool completely before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8 slices
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Spices: Experiment with other spices like nutmeg or cardamom for a different flavor profile.
• Crust Options: You can use a pre-made graham cracker crust or a shortbread crust for a twist on the traditional pie.
• Top with Whipped Cream or Fruit: Garnish the pie with whipped cream, caramel sauce, or fresh berries for added texture and flavor.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use a dairy-free milk alternative like almond or oat milk to make this recipe dairy-free.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover pie in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cover it tightly to maintain freshness.
• Reheating: If you prefer your pie warm, you can reheat it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes. However, it is also delicious served chilled.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use a store-bought pie crust? Yes, using a store-bought pie crust is a convenient option and works perfectly with this recipe.
2. Can I make the custard ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the custard ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and then assemble the pie when ready to bake.
3. How do I know when the custard is set? The custard should be firm to the touch and lightly golden around the edges. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
4. Can I use a different sweetener instead of sugar? Yes, you can substitute sugar with honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute, but this may alter the texture and flavor slightly.
5. What if my custard doesn’t thicken? If your custard isn’t thickening, make sure to continue cooking and stirring until it reaches the desired consistency. You can also add a little extra cornstarch if necessary.
6. Can I freeze this pie? While it’s best served fresh, you can freeze the pie for up to a month. Make sure to wrap it tightly and allow it to cool before freezing. Thaw it in the refrigerator before serving.
7. Can I use egg substitutes? If you’re avoiding eggs, you can use egg replacers, though this might slightly change the consistency of the custard.
8. What should I do if my pie crust gets too brown? If the crust is browning too quickly, cover the edges with aluminum foil during baking to prevent overbaking.
9. Can I make this pie without cornstarch? Yes, you can use flour or arrowroot powder as a substitute for cornstarch, though it may slightly alter the texture.
10. How long should I let the pie cool? Allow the pie to cool for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the custard to fully set and ensures a clean slice.

Conclusion

The Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie is a simple yet elegant dessert that’s sure to delight your family and guests. With its creamy filling, aromatic cinnamon, and smooth vanilla flavor, it’s perfect for any holiday celebration. Whether served as a sweet finale to your Christmas dinner or as a festive treat during the season, this pie brings warmth and comfort to your table.

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