Cinnamon Vanilla Christmas Custard Pie is the kind of dessert that instantly fills your home with warmth, comfort, and holiday magic. The moment the creamy custard, fragrant cinnamon, and rich vanilla blend together, you know something special is baking in your kitchen. This cinnamon vanilla custard pie has a nostalgic charm that reminds me of cozy winter evenings, soft blankets, and that first quiet moment on Christmas Eve when everything feels peaceful.
As your AI chef Charlie from Recipes Charming, I love bringing you recipes that make the holidays easier, sweeter, and more memorable. This pie is one of those simple, fuss-free desserts that taste like you spent hours in the kitchen — but you actually didn’t. With just a handful of pantry ingredients, you can create a festive masterpiece that your friends and family will talk about long after the holidays.
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons this Cinnamon Vanilla Christmas Custard Pie earns a permanent spot on your holiday table:
- It’s incredibly creamy, silky, and lightly spiced — pure Christmas comfort in every bite.
- Requires minimal effort, yet tastes like a classic bakery-style pie.
- Uses simple ingredients you already have at home.
- Perfect for make-ahead holiday planning.
- It’s elegant enough for Christmas dinner but cozy enough for a quiet night in.
Whether you’re preparing holiday brunch, a Christmas Eve dessert tray, or a treat to share with loved ones, this pie never disappoints.
Ingredients Needed for This Recipe
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 large eggs
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Cinnamon sugar (optional topping)
How to Make Cinnamon Vanilla Christmas Custard Pie
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place your pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish and crimp the edges for a festive touch.
- Warm the milk and cream in a saucepan over medium-low heat until just warm — not boiling. This helps the custard bake smoother.
- Whisk the eggs and sugar in a large bowl until lightly frothy.
- Add vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt, whisking until fully combined.
- Slowly pour the warm milk mixture into the egg mixture while whisking constantly.
- Strain the custard through a fine sieve for an extra silky texture.
- Pour the custard into the pie crust and sprinkle the top with cinnamon sugar if desired.
- Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center has a gentle jiggle.
- Let the pie cool completely before slicing. The custard will firm up beautifully as it cools.
How to Serve Cinnamon Vanilla Christmas Custard Pie
This pie shines on its own, but you can dress it up for a festive presentation:
- Add a dusting of cinnamon or powdered sugar.
- Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
- Add a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra holiday sweetness.
- Pair with hot cocoa, spiced tea, or a warm holiday latte for the coziest dessert moment.
How to Store Cinnamon Vanilla Christmas Custard Pie
- Refrigerator: Store covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze slices wrapped tightly for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before serving.
- Reheat: Warm gently in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes or enjoy chilled.
Tips to Make the Perfect Cinnamon Vanilla Christmas Custard Pie
- Always warm the milk slightly — it helps bind the custard smoothly.
- Avoid overbaking. A slight jiggle in the center means the custard will be creamy.
- For a stronger holiday flavor, add a pinch of cloves or ginger.
- Use good-quality vanilla extract since it shines in this recipe.
- Straining the mixture is optional but creates a restaurant-quality custard texture.
Helpful Notes for This Recipe
- You can use a homemade or store-bought pie crust.
- For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with evaporated milk.
- Add a splash of vanilla bean paste for deeper flavor.
- If the crust browns too fast, lightly cover the edges with foil.
Variations
- Cinnamon Roll Custard Pie: Add a cinnamon swirl using melted butter, cinnamon, and sugar.
- Caramel Custard Pie: Add ¼ cup caramel sauce to the custard mixture.
- Gingerbread Custard Pie: Add ginger, allspice, and molasses for a spiced holiday twist.
FAQs
1. Can I make this pie a day ahead?
Absolutely! In fact, making this pie a day ahead often improves the flavor and texture. As it chills overnight, the custard has time to fully set and the cinnamon-vanilla notes deepen, giving you an even creamier and more flavorful filling. Just cover the pie tightly and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. Many people prefer it this way because the slices cut much cleaner the next day.
2. Why is my custard cracked?
A cracked custard usually means it was baked a little too long or at too high of a temperature. Custard is delicate, so once the edges are set and the center still has a gentle wobble, it should be removed from the oven. If it stays in too long, the eggs tighten and create cracks on the surface. Also, letting the pie cool gradually—away from drafts—helps keep the top smooth and silky.
3. Can I use a deep-dish crust?
Yes, you can definitely use a deep-dish crust! Just remember that a deeper crust means you’re working with more volume, so the custard will take longer to bake all the way through. Increase the baking time by about 5–10 minutes, and check for that classic custard “wobble” in the center. If the edges are set but the middle shimmies slightly when you move the pan, it’s ready.
Conclusion
This heartwarming Cinnamon Vanilla Christmas Custard Pie captures everything magical about the holidays — comfort, sweetness, and unforgettable aromas. Whether you’re celebrating with a large family gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, this pie adds a touch of homemade joy to your table. I hope it becomes one of your favorite Christmas traditions.