Sink into the comforting warmth of Christmas Eve Cinnamon Vanilla Custard, a dessert that captures the heart of holiday gatherings. This creamy, aromatic pie features a whisper of cinnamon and the richness of vanilla nestled in a flaky, golden crust. Whether you’re celebrating with family or creating a quiet festive moment for yourself, every silky bite is layered with gentle spice and memories in the making. Let this Christmas Eve Cinnamon Vanilla Custard become your new cozy tradition!

Christmas Eve Cinnamon Vanilla Custard Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe shines because of its straightforward, nourishing ingredients. Each one has a special role, from creating that impossibly tender crust to building a custard filling that’s sweet, creamy, and spiced just right. Let’s walk through what you need and why you’ll love it.

All-purpose flour: The foundation for your pie crust, lending it structure and a delicate crumb.
Cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes: Chilly butter is the secret to a flaky texture — don’t let it soften!
Ice water: Helps hold the dough together without making it tough; just enough to bind.
Salt: A pinch in both crust and custard transforms flavors from flat to fabulous.
Optional sugar (for crust): Adds a soft sweetness to the pastry, perfectly complimenting the spiced filling.
Large eggs: Essential for setting the custard, giving it that beautifully creamy finish.
Granulated sugar: For just the right level of sweetness in every bite.
Heavy cream: Brings richness and a luxurious, silky texture to your custard filling.
Pure vanilla extract: The soul of the dessert, infusing each slice with deep, fragrant warmth.
Ground cinnamon: The signature spice; adds subtle heat and irresistible holiday aroma.

How to Make Christmas Eve Cinnamon Vanilla Custard

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

Let’s start with the base! In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and sugar (if you’re going for a hint of sweetness). Add cold butter and blend it in using your fingers or a pastry cutter until it looks like coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, a spoonful at a time, until your dough just starts to hold together. Form it into a disc, give it a snug wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes — patience pays off with a tender crust. Once chilled, roll out your dough to fit a 9-inch pie dish, tuck it in, trim and crimp the edges, and blind-bake with parchment and pie weights at 375°F. After 10-12 minutes, remove weights and bake 5 minutes more. Cool the crust completely before moving on.

Step 2: Prepare the Custard Filling

Now for the soul of your pie. Whisk eggs and sugar until glossy and smooth, then stir in vanilla and cinnamon, making sure the spices are perfectly even. Gradually add the heavy cream, whisking as you go, until you have a silky, unified mixture. Don’t forget a pinch of salt — it balances the flavors and sharpens the sweetness. Breathe in that cozy cinnamon-vanilla scent!

Step 3: Assemble and Bake the Pie

Gently pour your luscious custard into the cooled pie crust. Don’t overfill; you want the filling to sit comfortably without threatening to spill over. Turn the oven down to 350°F and bake for 45-50 minutes. The edges will set, but the center should still wobble just a touch — it will finish setting as it cools. Let your finished pie rest for at least 2 hours on a wire rack. Trust me: the wait is worth it for that dreamy texture.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

A creamy pie this lovely deserves a little flourish! Before serving, top with a generous swirl of whipped cream or a dusting of extra cinnamon for visual and flavor magic. Slice into wedges, serve with coffee or a mug of hot cocoa, and savor the warmth of Christmas Eve Cinnamon Vanilla Custard with your loved ones.

How to Serve Christmas Eve Cinnamon Vanilla Custard

Garnishes

Elevate each slice with a beautiful dollop of billowy whipped cream or a tumble of toasted nuts if you love a bit of crunch. A light dusting of ground cinnamon or a touch of powdered sugar makes every piece feel extra special — it’s those simple “finishing touches” that make the Christmas Eve Cinnamon Vanilla Custard sparkle on the holiday table.

Side Dishes

Balance the pie’s sweetness with a side of fresh berries or sliced pears, which add brightness and color. A hot cup of spiced tea, mulled wine, or your favorite holiday latte rounds out the experience, transforming dessert into something truly celebratory.

Creative Ways to Present

You can bake the Christmas Eve Cinnamon Vanilla Custard as charming individual tartlets for a festive dessert tray, or use decorative pie crust cutters for a little extra flair around the edges. Mini custard cups, topped with tiny cinnamon sticks, create an inviting party treat — perfect for sharing and making memories.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you manage to have any leftovers (which is never a guarantee!), cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap or foil. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days — just be sure to keep it chilled, as the custard is happiest when cool and creamy.

Freezing

Want to get ahead? Once completely cooled, wrap the whole pie (or individual slices) in a double layer of plastic wrap and foil. The Christmas Eve Cinnamon Vanilla Custard freezes beautifully for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving so the texture stays silky and lush.

Reheating

While this custard pie is delightful chilled, you can gently rewarm it in a low oven (about 300°F) for 10-15 minutes if you love a little warmth. Cover loosely with foil to prevent browning, and always let it cool slightly before slicing for the best results.

FAQs

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

While milk will work in a pinch, heavy cream gives the custard its ultra-creamy, luxurious texture. For a lighter alternative, you can try half-and-half, but the custard will be a bit less rich.

How do I know when the custard is perfectly baked?

Look for set edges and a gently wobbly center — tap the pan and if the middle jiggles slightly but doesn’t slosh, it’s ready. The custard continues to set as it cools, so don’t overbake!

Can I make the pie crust ahead of time?

Absolutely! The crust dough can be made and chilled 1-2 days in advance, or even frozen for up to a month. Simply thaw in the fridge before rolling out.

What’s the best way to avoid a soggy crust?

Blind baking is the trick — do not skip the step of baking the crust with parchment and weights before adding the filling. This seals the base and ensures a crisp, golden shell beneath your Christmas Eve Cinnamon Vanilla Custard.

Can I add other spices?

For a personalized twist, try a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom along with the cinnamon. Just be careful not to overpower the star flavors of vanilla and cinnamon!

Final Thoughts

There’s something irresistibly joyful about serving up a homemade Christmas Eve Cinnamon Vanilla Custard. It’s the kind of holiday recipe that feels like a warm hug and fills your kitchen with the sweetest scents of the season. Don’t be surprised when this dessert becomes a new family favorite — give it a try and let the festivities begin!

Christmas Eve Cinnamon Vanilla Custard Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 11 reviews

Author: Sophie
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Yield: 1 9-inch pie 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A delightful Christmas Eve Cinnamon Vanilla Custard pie that combines a flaky crust with a lusciously spiced custard filling, perfect for holiday celebrations.

Instructions

Prepare the Pie Crust – In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar (if using). Add the cold butter cubes and blend it into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, mix until dough forms. Chill, roll, and bake the crust.
Prepare the Custard Filling – Whisk eggs and sugar, add vanilla, cinnamon, and cream. Pour into pre-baked crust.
Assemble and Bake the Pie – Fill crust with custard, bake until set.
Garnish and Serve – Top with whipped cream or cinnamon before serving.