A Creamy, Cozy, Holiday Dessert You’ll Want Every Christmas

There’s something deeply comforting about a dessert that tastes like Christmas Eve. This Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie – Creamy Holiday Dessert Magic is a warm, silky, nostalgic treat that brings together the coziness of cinnamon, the sweetness of vanilla, and the creamy richness of old-fashioned custard. With its golden crackled top and buttery homemade crust, it’s the kind of dessert that fills the entire home with holiday joy.

If Christmas had a flavor, this pie would be it.
A creamy vanilla custard filling, a touch of cinnamon warmth, and a buttery crust make this dessert pure holiday perfection.
Every slice of this Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie – Creamy Holiday Dessert Magic delivers nostalgia, comfort, and festive flavor in every creamy bite.

Ingredients for Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie – Creamy Holiday Dessert Magic

Below is the full, detailed list of everything you need to build this silky, spiced Christmas masterpiece.

For the Pie Crust (Homemade or Store-Bought):

• 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (homemade or high-quality store-bought)

• 1 egg white (optional – for brushing to prevent soggy crust)

For the Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Filling:

• 1 cup whole milk

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 4 large eggs

• ¾ cup granulated sugar

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract (or 1 vanilla bean scraped)

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional but wonderful)

• Pinch of salt

• 1 tablespoon melted butter (adds silkiness)

Cinnamon Sugar Topping (Optional but magical):

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• A light dusting of powdered sugar before serving (optional)

Required Kitchen Tools

To ensure your Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie – Creamy Holiday Dessert Magic turns out creamy, smooth, and perfectly baked, here’s what you will need:

• 1 medium saucepan

• Whisk

• Mixing bowls

• Fine mesh strainer (optional but recommended for ultra-smooth custard)

• 9-inch pie dish

• Oven

• Pastry brush (for egg white)

• Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these clear steps to create the creamiest, most festive holiday custard pie.

1: Prepare the Pie Crust

1. Place your unbaked pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish.

2. Press gently along the bottom and sides to remove any air pockets.

3. If using egg white, brush a thin layer over the inside of the crust.

   • This prevents sogginess once the custard is added.

4. Place the crust in the refrigerator while you prepare the filling.

2: Make the Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Filling

1. In a medium saucepan, heat the milk and heavy cream over medium heat until warm (not boiling).

2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together:

   • Eggs

   • Sugar

   • Cornstarch

   • Cinnamon

   • Nutmeg

   • Salt

3. While whisking continuously, slowly pour the warm milk mixture into the egg mixture.

   • This tempers the eggs and prevents curdling.

4. Pour everything back into the saucepan and cook over medium-low heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens slightly (about 4–5 minutes).

5. Remove from heat, whisk in:

   • Vanilla extract

   • Melted butter

6. For extra smoothness, strain the custard through a fine mesh strainer.

3: Fill the Crust

1. Pour the custard mixture into your prepared chilled pie crust.

2. Smooth the surface using a spatula.

3. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar topping evenly across the top (optional but magical).

4: Bake the Pie

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).

2. Bake the pie for 40–50 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly.

   • The jiggle means it will be perfectly creamy when cooled.

3. If the crust browns too quickly, cover the edges with foil.

5: Cool and Serve

1. Let the pie cool at room temperature for at least 1 hour.

2. Then transfer it to the refrigerator for 3–4 hours (or overnight for best texture).

3. Dust with powdered sugar before slicing.

Helpful Tips for Perfect Results

1. Don’t Overbake

A custard pie should wobble slightly in the center when removed from the oven. Overbaking makes it grainy instead of creamy.

2. Use High-Quality Vanilla

Vanilla is the soul of this recipe. Pure vanilla extract or real vanilla beans elevate the flavor.

3. Chill Before Serving

Custard becomes creamier and firmer as it chills.
For the silkiest result: chill overnight.

4. Use a Shielded Crust

If your crust browns too fast, wrap the edges with foil or use a pie shield.

5. Add Holiday Flair

Enhance the holiday magic with:

• A pinch of ginger

• A sprinkle of nutmeg

• Cinnamon sticks as decoration

• A dollop of whipped cream with cinnamon dust

6. Make It Ahead

This pie is perfect for Christmas Eve, because you can make it 24 hours ahead without losing quality.

7. Serve With Warm Beverages

Pairs perfectly with:

• Hot chocolate

• Chai tea

• Spiced latte

• Mulled wine

Approximate Nutritional Value (Per Slice – Based on 8 slices)

Note: Values may vary depending on crust type and toppings.

This dessert is rich, creamy, and indulgent—just like a holiday treat should be!

Why This Pie Is the Perfect Christmas Eve Dessert

This Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie – Creamy Holiday Dessert Magic represents everything beautiful about the holiday season:

• Creamy, silky custard that melts in your mouth

• A warm cinnamon aroma that fills the house

• A gentle vanilla sweetness that feels nostalgic

• A golden crust that looks straight out of a holiday bakery

It’s comforting, elegant, and incredibly easy to make — yet it tastes like a professionally crafted dessert.

Creative Variations

1. Gingerbread Crust

Use crushed gingerbread cookies with melted butter for a spiced holiday base.

2. Caramel Swirl Custard

Drizzle caramel sauce through the custard before baking.

3. Eggnog Custard Upgrade

Replace half the milk with eggnog for more holiday flavor.

4. Cinnamon Whipped Cream

Whip cream with vanilla + cinnamon for topping.

5. Brûléed Top

Use a torch to caramelize the sugar topping for a crème-brûlée effect.

Serving Suggestions

Serve each slice with:

• Powdered sugar dusting

• A sprinkle of cinnamon

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream

• Whipped cream

• Warm spiced caramel drizzle

Presentation matters — especially during the holidays.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Up to 4 days (covered).

• Freezer: Not recommended — custard may separate.

Conclusion: Your New Christmas Eve Tradition

This Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie – Creamy Holiday Dessert Magic isn’t just a dessert — it’s a warm, creamy embrace filled with nostalgia, comfort, and holiday joy. Its silky texture, cozy cinnamon notes, and fragrant vanilla aroma make it unforgettable.

Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie – Creamy Holiday Dessert Magic

Below is the full, detailed list of everything you need to build this silky, spiced Christmas masterpiece.

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Ingredients Notes

Ingredients

  

• Ingredients
• For the Pie Crust Homemade or Store-Bought:
• 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust homemade or high-quality store-bought
• 1 egg white optional – for brushing to prevent soggy crust
• For the Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Filling:
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 large eggs
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract or 1 vanilla bean scraped
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg optional but wonderful
• Pinch of salt
• 1 tablespoon melted butter adds silkiness
• For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping Optional but magical:
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• A light dusting of powdered sugar before serving optional

Notes

🔧 Required Kitchen Tools

To ensure your Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie – Creamy Holiday Dessert Magic turns out creamy, smooth, and perfectly baked, here’s what you will need:

1 medium saucepan

Whisk

Mixing bowls

Fine mesh strainer (optional but recommended for ultra-smooth custard)

9-inch pie dish

Oven

Pastry brush (for egg white)

Cooling rack