Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
1 ¼ cups (160g) all-purpose flour
½ cup (1 stick / 113g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
2-3 tablespoons ice water
For the Filling:
3 large eggs
¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 ½ cups (600ml) whole milk, warmed
¼ teaspoon salt
For Topping (Optional):
Whipped cream
Ground cinnamon for dusting
Directions:
1. Prepare the Crust:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch pie dish or line it with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and cold cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Gradually add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface, then press it into the prepared pie dish. Trim and crimp the edges.
Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork and pre-bake for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside.
2. Make the Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
Gradually add the warmed milk while whisking continuously to ensure a smooth custard mixture.
3. Assemble and Bake:
Pour the custard mixture into the pre-baked crust.
Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the center is set and a knife inserted into the middle comes out clean.
4. Cool and Serve:
Allow the pie to cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set completely.
Before serving, top with whipped cream and a dusting of ground cinnamon for extra holiday flair.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Cooling Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
Tips:
For a richer flavor, substitute half of the milk with heavy cream.
Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the filling for a spiced twist.
Serve with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of toasted nuts for added decadence.
This Cinnamon-Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie is a cozy and indulgent treat that’s perfect for Christmas Eve or any holiday celebration. Its smooth, velvety filling and buttery crust will make it a family favorite! Enjoy!